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Moving On Up..

2009-03-12T14:50:00.002-04:00

...to a website! God is so faithful to move us on up when we take the time to pay attention to His desires for us. I haven't made it easy for Him to get through--what with the self-doubt and all-- but the call to minister keeps coming. This move to a website is in effort to obey and to convey His light on a broader scale. I'm praying for community, but mostly for fruitful interactions, and ultimately for God to be glorified through it all. I hope you'll pray with me and that you'll join me over at the new site!

Let the Son Shine

Lord, take this burden.

2009-03-03T09:41:00.007-05:00

Someone knows your pain.

I can't offer that truth enough to a hurting soul. We are not alone in our struggles, nor in our triumphs; our Heavenly Father rejoices when we rejoice, and the Lamb of God has gone through hell and has risen from its depths to lead us by example. Christ not only lived a life that taught us how to live ours, He not only died a death so that we might overcome the shackles of our sinfully doomed mortality, our sweet Savior also demonstrated how we are to rise above adversity even if it kills us.

As inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote to encourage those facing hardship due to their love for Christ. While we might not be faced with the same threats and obvious hate endured by the earliest followers of Christ, we are undoubtedly hated and burdened all the same and can benefit from taking these words to heart.

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. ~2 Corinthians 4:16-18

So we do not lose heart. What better reason to refill our cup to overflowing with God's goodness and mercy? Even though our outer nature (nothing more than a mere vessel) is wasting away, our inner nature (the precious cargo of that vessel) is being renewed day by day. Our very spirits are being made anew each time we step into the light of God, the path of Christ, and the unfading glory of the Sovereign Lord! That's something to praise aloud, ladies! For this slight (lacking in strength or substance) momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, --carrying the load of life's troubles is building our spiritual muscles in order that we can one day support the massive glory of living in the presence of our King--because we look not at what can be seen (our ever-present burden) but at what cannot be seen (the hand of the Almighty reaching to help with that burden); for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

Please pray with me today.

Oh Father, how we twist and contort our joyful hearts until they can no longer contain joy. We stretch and bend to lift the load that life heaps onto us all, eventually leaving us broken and helpless. Only in your light can we see that we are never more useful than when we give up the useless task of taking on the world. Lord, take this burden. Replace the angst with truth that will set free the weary soul. Father, you know each and every need and you will certainly provide. Help us to know our needs and what you would have us do to meet them. Help us to see the eternal and leave at your feet the fleeting woes that have our attention at the moment. In the name of Jesus Christ, the living example of victory over hardship, we pray these things. Amen.

Open Invitation

2009-02-17T12:06:00.002-05:00

As of late my life has been focused on studying.

Studying with the children as we take this homeschooling journey together, studying how to best pray for my husband as we enjoy life's journey as one, studying to find and share what a godly friendship looks like, studying how God's will is always fulfilled but our destiny requires our presence, studying the Word and how it came to be and how each piece of its wondrous puzzle is straight from the mouth of the Living God, and studying how to study that God-breathed Word.

I can't say where this cram session is heading, but I've never felt more purposeful and present in the life that He has created me for than when I'm actively seeking His will. To know Him is to love Him, so it goes without saying that we must all seek to know the Lord in order to know and love His plans for us. It is an ongoing journey in the streets of ancient times and in the paths that Christ Himself tread, but it can't stop there. Each Truth on the pages of His Word must be brought to life in our lives. I wish I could better describe the ongoing transformation that our Father gives to us through continual study. All I can say is God is good...and He keeps getting better as you grow! There is always something more to know about the King of Kings and that is so exciting to me!

No devotional today, but instead an invitation to study and get to know our Best Friend and Savior better by the minute! Open your Bible today and let Him begin to teach you who He is and who that makes you! I'm praying for your studies!

A Simple Piece of Hope

2009-02-04T12:28:00.004-05:00

It seems like so long since I last wrote to share in the wonderful ways God has been teaching me. Wonderful can be huge, wonderful can so often be unseen, but sometimes it's just the right size for a blog post. That hasn't been the case lately, but let me just say God is good!

His timing perfect, His love unending, His will unfailing...God is so good.

No matter what you're seeing in your life, keeping your focus on the Lord will result in the miraculous. I never thought I could write anything this side of morbid. I never imagined I'd write in an edifying way. Let me tell you sisters...and brothers, too...God will fulfill His destiny for you when you show up to give Him the opportunity! Oh, He's attracted to our weaknesses and oh how He demonstrates His Almighty power when we submit our crumbled little bits unto His ever-capable hands.

I hope to be sharing more with you soon, but for now I share this simple piece of Hope.
God is oh so good at what He does...and at what we never thought we could.

Away for a Bit

2009-01-21T08:20:00.001-05:00

Usually I'm here and there and a little bit of everywhere in my writing. Lately, well, I'm happily stuck in the time before Christ and it's got me thinking how blessed we are to have been placed on this earth after the Messiah's arrival. I can't imagine a day without the Lord, who can only be reached through His Son. I've lived more days without seeking Him than with, but how quickly turning to our King becomes a way of life. How boldly that desire takes over the flesh and how distinctly.

Most days I can write about whatever pops into mind, that's how passions work, how gifts flow, and none of my own doing whatsoever. I've hit my head up against some pretty serious writer's block before, but never quite as I am now. It seems that writing with a purpose has changed my ability to bounce from one idea to another and back again on a whim.

Once God placed before me the task of writing about Biblical friendship, all other inspiration began to be withheld. At first I really struggled with the lack of creative juices swimming around in my head, but God is faithful and began replacing them with new creations. Stories and themes and Scriptures and Hope have taken residence in a big way, and all to bring Him the glory that is so rightfully His.

Once I embraced the new way of thinking, God went to work writing this thing. Whatever this thing may be, I'm happy to know it is His and so grateful for His reminders and assurances of that fact.

I would love your prayers as I take up the call to write something bigger than myself and longer than a blog, it's been a bit overwhelming at times. Joyously so. Still, prayers for wisdom, discernment, patience and diligence would be such a blessing to me. Thank you so much!

I'd Love You To Join!

2009-01-14T14:12:00.003-05:00

I've started a group for women to gather in discussion of the book of Esther. More specifically, we're sharing in the study written by Beth Moore, but no matter whether you're using her study or not, you're invited to share in learning through God's wonderful Word! Check it out, join in, invite a friend...just grab a cuppa and come along!

Click Here!

A Few Good Men

2009-01-14T10:05:00.002-05:00

Leigh over at Speaking Thru Me has posted a wonderful call to battle and I hope you'll all go take a look at what she's sharing today. It's relevant, refreshing, and making me all the more ready for the fight! I hope it will spur you in the same way! Enjoy the day!

That's Love

2009-01-13T13:09:00.003-05:00

God has me working on a project right now that is beyond bigger than little ol' me. That fact has been keeping me at a standstill. I've been too afraid to delve into what God has in store, and too engrossed in the concept to write about anything else. The Lord knows just what He's doing, that I don't doubt for a moment. Now, whether I know if something is God's doing or my own, that's what's had me paralyzed.

My life has clearly been leading up to my writing this piece on Biblical friendship, but clearly became seemingly and soon that became possibly. Possibly not. I began to believe it was possible that the project I was working on wasn't God's at all, but my own. That notion choked the life right out of my efforts as I started to question every bit of God's movement in the matter. Eventually I was plagued with self-doubt and worse, self-condemnation. Telling myself that I didn't know enough to teach God's Word eventually dried all creative juices, creating a writer's block like none I've known.

Then God happened.

A fellow blogger in Christ (Dan at Bibledude.net) threw out an open invitation to audit a class he's teaching on Bible Interpretation and there was God's reply to my lack of education. Provision? Yes, but so much more. Also, affirmation that I can do all things in Christ because, afterall, it's He who is working through me. More than that, God gave me peace in knowing that it's not my project but His and He just can't go wrong.

I was excited again, and overwhelmed by God's care instead of my own fear.

Writing about Biblical friendship had an obvious start for me, and that was to begin with that of Ruth and Naomi. I've been learning so much through these women lately. God has been building the first chapter of the study from their stories. I've been stalled and scared, staring at these ladies for what feels like weeks.

Then God happened.

Last week I requested several books from my local library and yesterday they had arrived. With movies to return and books to get, I had hoped to have a kid-free trip. Instead, my husband needed to work on his car and so I took my littlest along for the ride, bribing her with the promise that she could pick a movie and a book. Luckily, my husband reminded me that the library offers movies too, and so we were on our way.

You're allowed 5 movies per household at the library, and we picked Little Miss Sunshine, Goonies, a Snoopy cartoon, a Pluto cartoon, and Godzilla vs King Kong. The library has cards you take to the desk and they retreive the movies from the office. So we took our 5 cards and Ella picked her book and we were ready to check out. Having requested 4 books in addition to all of that, we ended up needing a bag. Once home with all of our library loot, we began to unpack the bag. The boys were excited to see what movies I had picked for them and I read them each aloud as I pulled them from the bag.

Little Miss Sunshine
Goonies
a Snoopy cartoon
a Pluto cartoon
and
The Story of Ruth

That's no coincidence. That's Love.

God is good!

Break It Down Now

2008-12-30T10:45:00.007-05:00

Breaking our sweet Savior's message down helps to build us up in our faith. Finding each nugget of Truth and Love within the words of Jesus is one of my favorite ways to draw nearer to Him. Maybe it's the closeness that comes with each unraveled bit, perhaps it's the thrill of knowing that it will never all be learned, I'm not sure just what it is that makes excavating His Word such a joy to the heart, but it is a joy indeed!

Jesus often spoke in parables as a means of teaching in a tangible way that which cannot be easily grasped. Jesus was telling His dear friends of His impending departure and the hardships this world would thrust on them in His absence. When the figures of speech used led to more questions Christ chose to speak plainly. These men had no need for a parable explaining how lost they would be once Christ wasn't with them. They had lived without Him before and knew all too well how lost they were then. Instead, Jesus prepared them with plain words and they understood. But why was He telling them such disheartening news when there was nothing they could do to stop it?

To leave further evidence of His divinity through accurately depicting the days ahead? Maybe.
To prepare them for the hardships that would undoubtedly follow? Perhaps.
Christ explains His reasoning this way,

I have said these things to you that, in me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33(ESV)

What things did He say in order to bring peace in Him? Words of comfort? Affirmation? Well, yes and no. Sometimes hearing the Truth is unsettling and leaves you less certain than before you were enlightened. Only when we look at that Truth through Christ-centered eyes can we find the peace He's talking about.

Just as Christ asked, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to act as an advocate, a counselor, a portable piece of Christ with us in all things. The very Spirit of Truth to convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8 ESV). We can find peace in the fact that Christ is eternal. We can find peace in the fact that He thought enough of us to send the ultimate provision outside of Himself.

As David wrote,

I praise God for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:4(NLT)

I don't know about you, but clinging to little bits of scripture reminding of the fleeting nature of life and the eternal joy of Christ keeps me thinking vertically when there's trouble on the horizon. It also keeps me grounded in appreciation when times are good. It's all about that eternal perspective; looking eternally to our everlasting Savior for our every need and in praise of His loving provision. What a friend we have in Jesus!

Oh Father,
Thank you for the close-knit relationship you offer to each and every one of us. How intimately you provide our every need and lovingly lead us onward and upward through your Son! Thank you for teaching us in advance that the world will surely hate us, but that this world is fleeting! What comfort and assurance we can find in knowing we're going to move on! Please help us to see through the darkness and to allow the Son to shine in and through our lives. In your precious name,
Amen.

Keep it Humble

2008-12-19T09:16:00.012-05:00

While the rest of us were dousing our ornaments with glitter or coating them with paint, my youngest son was looking to Jesus for inspiration. As Maxx lovingly and so delicately created his ornament from scratch, I couldn't help but thank our Lord for growing his love for Christ.

After the cross was painted and the table dusted in glitter, I turned to pass the sparkly stuff to Maxx and his reply was filled with wisdom and a loving sort of appreciation. He said, "I don't need glitter. I want to keep it humble, just like Jesus' birth."

Praise God! Praise Him for touching my little guy's heart, and praise Him for teaching him something so eternally meaningful at such a young age, and praise Him for so beautifully using my child to keep me accountable to Him in this and so many other brilliant ways!

How convicting it is to be pouring on the glitter and be reminded that humble was the start of the most wonderful gift of all. All the gift buying, carol singing, ornament making, cookie baking, present wrapping, tree trimming, hall decking glitter of the Christmas season often detracts from the true celebration. Sure, we think of Christ lying in a manger. Of course we remember to thank the Lord for our blessings more this time of year than any, but is He the focus as He should be or is the glitter catching our eye more than the miracle?

Is your humble homage being muted by the holiday hubbub?

You don't need the glitter. Keep it humble, like Jesus' birth.

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."

~Matthew 18:3-5 (NIV)

God's Produce (revisiting a previous post)

2008-12-16T09:45:00.000-05:00

Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs?

No more can salt water yield fresh.
~James 3:12

When you squeeze a fresh lemon into your water, you expect the sweetly bitter taste to wash over your tongue as you take that first, fresh sip. You expect it because you bought the lemon, you squeezed it with your own hands, and you watched as the drops of juice joined the icy water below.
A lemon produces lemon juice, plain and simple.

Just as that lemon, we are all known by what we produce.
Take a preacher, for example, he's not simply called a preacher because he went to college for the title.
A preacher preaches. A teacher teaches. A mother mothers.

We are what we produce.
Good or bad.
Caring or indifference.
Light or darkness.

We bear the title of Christian not simply because we believe that God is God and Christ is Christ.

To be Christian is to follow Christ.

To be Christian is to produce the fruit of His labor on the cross.

We live out His forgiveness.
We hand out His love.
We call out His name.

We are what we produce because His love makes us fruitful.

Lord, you designed each of us to be your first fruits, and you know just what each of us can best produce in this world. Please guide us to what you desire of us as we take your hand in all things. We praise you for your unending work in us all. In your sweet name we pray, Amen.

Christ is almighty.

2008-12-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

In "Can you hear me now?" I spoke of how sin is able to come between us and our Maker but I failed to mention why God allows the divide.

I think of God's relationship with us as being very much like our relationships with our children. Many, many differences here, I know. Still, the similarities in parenthood stand out to me. God is the Father and we are His children, so why not draw comparisons and take a cue from our founding Father?

The rules He set before us keep things running smoothly. When you think about it, walking a straight path without any major pitfalls does tend to make for a less bumpy ride. This is over simplifying, but I think it's a great mental image of the parenting road map. Parents make rules for their children for several reasons. They want to keep them safe. They want them to be happy. They want them to shine light into this darkened world. All rules should fall into at least one of these categories. Each of God's commandments to us do, in my eyes. Plug and play and see if you feel the same.

I like to imagine that I have a better view of the "big picture" than my children do, and that God has the entire picture in His hands. This, demonstrates that I know more about how my children's decisions will affect both them and the world around them, but that God can see even more, in fact, God sees all! He even knows what we truly desire and not just the worldly cravings for false happiness that we entertain. Giving myself a bigger portion of the picture, but giving God all of the picture really helps to show my children why they are to trust in me without always understanding. That same sort of faith that we are to have in our Father should be modeled to our children through our parenting as well as through our living for God. It is an important piece of groundwork that we can lay for our children's spiritual future.

Equipped with this broader view, we are able to use the parenting tools that God demonstrates for us in His word. Protection, direction and correction are necessary tools in raising children. I'm talking truly raising our children to the Lord, not just rearing them on this earth.

Rules protect us from life's many dangers, both fleeting and eternal.
Rules direct us toward God and His healing, His love, His wisdom, His great reward. Rules also direct us away from sin and the nastiness it brings.
That nastiness serves a greater purpose too. The discomfort, the lostness, the anguish, the torment, the suffering, the loneliness, the pain, the hopelessness of sin all serve as aids in correction.

If sin were comfortable we would never turn from sin and toward God, just as our children would never turn from a disobedient life to one of obedience without the rod of correction.

Though sin rips us from our Savior, He remains our Savior indeed. Ready and waiting for us to get back on that straight path to Him, leaving behind the twists and turns of a sin filled life. Waiting for us to ask His forgiveness and take His hand. Waiting, but not idly on the sidelines. He's using each curve that sin throws at us for His glory. To our advantage, no matter how disadvantaged our worldly situation. Waiting to lead us to safety, waiting to direct our lives as only the great Composer can, waiting to help us shine His light into this dark world.

Take some time for prayer right now. Drop everything and get on your knees before the Lord. Feel His presence and share with Him all that is on your heart. I'm going to go do the same!

Do You See What I See?

2008-12-12T08:21:00.004-05:00

Smudged. Messy. Unconventional. Beautiful.

All descriptions of the nativity scene that takes center stage each year in my family's decorating. I can't explain just how much joy it gives this mother's heart to place this masterpiece on my mantel each Christmas season. It's the first piece of holiday cheer that we display and the last thing in storage after the holiday has passed. It's miles from what you'd find in most homes; no sparkle, no shine, no shepherds, no extravagant homage to the birth of our Lord, just a few bits of straw, some toilet paper tubes, and a little wooden ice cream stick like you used to get with your ice cream in grade school. I've got to say, I think all the razzle-dazzle is beautiful in it's own way, but I see so much more meaning in this preschool craft than in any store bought nativity. Each time I see it I am filled with the same joy I felt when Dade brought it home to me from school all those years ago. It's a joy only surpassed by the very gift it embodies; salvation.

When we envision the birth of Christ aren't we supposed to see Him lying in a trough from which the livestock fed and be reminded that we, His sheep, are to feed from the living bread that lie sleeping in that same manger? Somehow I just don't get that message when I look at a polished and perfect manger scene.

When we think of the baby Jesus sleeping softly, shouldn't we find beauty in the simple fact that He is the most uncomplicated and most pure form of joy on Earth? No intricately detailed porcelain infant can depict that joyous feeling quite like the nostalgic reminder of the simple joy of getting ice cream from the school cafeteria.

When we look back on that day, that glorious moment when hope was born, we should be taken back to His word as it was written, not with frills, glitter or even wise men. They weren't manger side, but eventually, the magi visit and the baby grows into the man who will perform miracles and dazzle us all. The scene of Christ's birth need only display the humble and glorious beginning of the end of our hopelessness.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. ~Luke 2:4-7

Lord Jesus,
May we make room for you in the inn of our hearts now and always. Praising you for your sacrifice and the many gifts that salvation brings. Your humble beginning reminds us of our need to humble ourselves unto your able hands. Thank you for that reminder and all of life's blessings that come only through you!
Amen

'Twas the Night Before CHRISTmas

2008-12-10T06:00:00.006-05:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
None of God's creatures were stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In truth, it's Christ's birth that had put them there.

His children were nestled all snug in their beds,
Unlike the baby Jesus, with no place to lay his sweet head;
Mother Mary and Joseph, and some shepherds perhaps
Watched over our Savior as he peacefully napped.

When up in the sky there arose such a clatter,
That three wise men grabbed the best gifts they could gather.
Away to the Messiah they flew like a flash,
To see our redeemer in the flesh at long last.

The star in the sky gave off such a glow
Shining with the luster of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But the stillness of the star showing they must be near,

It's unclear how long they traveled, but it was quite a bit,
Still they knew by the star's pause that this must be it.
Three gifts they brought to little Jesus when they came,
And they rejoiced as the angels had as they praised His name;

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom He favors!
To the top of the mountains! To the bottom of the sea!
Our Savior is born to save both you and me!"

As God's children sleep, safe in their beds,
Both Father and Son watch over their heads,
Loving them enough to number each countless hair,
We've no way to earn their love, but every way to share.

Giving gifts as the wise men did is a fun tradition,
As long as the point of Christmas never goes missing.
Deck the halls and trim the tree,
Hang the stockings and dance with glee.

Share the joy of Christmas which no wrapped gift could match,
Tell of the babe wrapped in cloth who brought us freedom at last;
A bundle of joy lying in the manger,
Sent to save us from unspeakable danger.

His life for ours, what an amazing gift!
He was born so that man might no longer perish!
His life was as pure as the day He was born,
As He taught us the greatest lessons we'll learn;

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love,
Don't try to be pleasing to man, but to God above;
Build on the Rock and not the sand,
Keep an open heart and an outstretched hand.

So many people are in need this Christmas,
Let God use you to fulfill their wishes;
Give as you've been given to,
You provide for others and He'll provide for you;

So speak of His word, and get straight to His work,
Always giving Him the glory since it all came from Him first.
Remember, it's God's children in this world that are the light,
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Provoke One Another

2008-12-09T11:21:00.002-05:00

And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds
~Hebrews 10:24(NRSV)

Giving consideration in this way doesn't merely suggest that we brainstorm new ways to encourage people, the deeper meaning is to perceive distinctly, to discern clearly how to provoke one another. You really have to know someone's heart and gifts in order to perceive and discern precisely how to best encourage them in their walk. While that makes it seem that we are quite limited in our ability to inspire, it is really quite the opposite. Our Father knows us each so well that He has numbered each and every hair on our head! Seek His wisdom and direction and He will help you push all the right buttons in order to provoke another to love and good deeds. You might not always know just what those buttons are, but the Lord won't let you miss them when you allow Him to do the pushing. Just keep in mind, sometimes you'll be the one who is encouraged by another to do what is right and good.

You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.
~Proverbs 27:17(MSG)

Let's dig further into Hebrews 10:24, taking a closer look at the word "provoke". Several translations have varying words in its place and this alone sheds some light on the deeper meaning implied. Really reflect on the implication of some of the various synonyms used in other translations.

spur (NIV)
stimulate (NASB
motivate (NLT)
stir (ESV)
encourage (MSG)

When I looked in the Greek text for the original word used and its meaning, I learned that this is the sole scripture in all of the Bible that used this connotation. The word was "paroxusmos", which translates to "contention", meaning a sharpening of the feeling or action, an incitement, and it was only used in this one verse. Doesn't that just speak volumes about the importance placed on this sharpening of one another? It screams of the value in learning that no man is an island and that we all have self-righteous tendencies when left unchecked by other Christ-biased people.

It's easier said than done, understood than executed, and better to give than to receive; but this spurring is a real and necessary part of our Christian lives. We need to seek the Lord's help in embracing and relaying it as such.

Oh Father,
Thank you for the precious gift of each other! Help us to see how to best encourage and sharpen one another while always looking for your direction and not our own. Lord, we are all but fallen little lambs, lost in this world without you. Help us to embrace this fact and allow it to open our eyes to the fact that we are not always in the right, no matter how good we feel we are at heart. The only good in us is you! God, we just ask that you remind us of that time and again. Please work in our lives so that we can incite that good work in the lives of others. In Christ's name we pray for the wisdom to witness and provoke in the ways that will best reach out to one another. Please also instill in us the ability and willingness to receive godly sharpening from the people you place in our lives. Amen.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

2008-12-08T06:00:00.003-05:00

Many prophecies regarding the salvation of man, and how it would come to pass, offer proof that Jesus Christ is Lord. I won't pretend to have all the facts, but I will share some of what I have learned thus far.

Our Messiah was promised to be delivered to us through King David's lineage.
He was to have been proceeded by a messenger, who would prepare the way for His teachings. (see the post Cousins in Life, Brothers in Faith for more on that messenger)
Isaiah told of a servant of God who would be the light of the Gentiles.
The Messiah would suffer and be rejected.
He would be wounded and whipped.
He would be silent before His accusers.
He would be buried in a rich man's tomb.
He would be crucified with common criminals.
He will free the imprisoned, heal the blind, release the oppressed. Some 700 years later, this was even cited by Jesus as being in reference to Him.

Every one was fulfilled.

Perhaps Micah 5:2 holds the most poetic of all the prophecies pertaining to Christ.
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.

Bethlehem was a poor town which had been home to many great people, one of whom was King David. Joseph and Mary, both being descendants of David, were called to their hometown in order to register as Emperor Augustus had decreed. This was to be the first registration of the people, God's perfect timing working to fulfill His promise.

What better place for our Savior to be born than Bethlehem? What more humble beginning for the man who would call us all to humble ourselves unto the Lord? Wrapped in cloth, lying in a manger, of all places, yet just as God had planned long before His conception. Being born in Bethlehem holds more significance than the obvious humble nature of Christ's birthplace.

Bethlehem. The word itself holds more meaning than I ever knew. More confirmation of His truth than I ever imagined. More beauty than the humble start that moves us all when we take the time to ponder what that truly means. Bethlehem, when translated, means House of Bread. House of Bread. Wow. How fitting for the birthplace of our Lord and Savior, our Bread of Life as He, Himself, taught us in John 6:48 when He said, "I am the bread of life." In verse 51 He went on to say, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." Yet another prophecy fulfilled.

O little town of Bethlehem, what beauty lies in your name. What a humbling reminder of Christ's gift to us, and of His truth, and of His humanness, and of His love for us. Being able to see that His meager beginning didn't keep Him from accomplishing all that God had planned for Him is the second greatest gift He gave to us. Knowing that our own unworthiness can't keep us from being pleasing to the Lord is a gift only surpassed by the salvation we received as He died for us all.

We celebrate His birth because it connects us to our God in ways unfathomable. We celebrate His birth because He was born to die and never let that keep Him from living the life He was called to live. We celebrate His birth in order to bring Him the honor and the glory that He did not get in life. There are many ways that we can honor Him this Christmas season, and in every season of life. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Jesus shared a list of what He wished for us when He said, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." So, have a little faith, give a little hope, and pour out all the love in your heart, in Christ's name, this day and all days.

I Am Second

2008-12-05T09:52:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful site!

http://www.iamsecond.com/

Cousins in Life, Brothers in Faith

2008-12-04T08:44:00.002-05:00

Elizabeth and Mary. Two amazingly faith-filled women in whom our Father, God, found favor and blessed with children that would save us all. Elizabeth, barren. Mary, a virgin. Both understanding their gifts and both honored by the blessings of being mother to God's chosen child and His only begotten Son.

Zechariah and Joseph. Two men faced with difficult situations. Zechariah finding it hard to believe that in their old age, he and his wife were indeed with child. Joseph, engaged to a woman that is with child though she claims to be a virgin. Joseph knew the truth as it was revealed to him in a dream though Zechariah was filled with doubt after speaking to the angel Gabriel. Certainly the following months of uncontrollable silence led to his ultimate belief, but Zechariah was unable to say as much until the naming of his son. Both men followed God's direction, naming their sons as instructed to them by the angels' visitations.

John, the Baptist and Jesus, the Messiah. Oh what humble beginnings both men had, but oh what righteous lives they led, and oh how gracious the gifts they gave.

One leading the way and the other being the way.

Lord,
You can take the most humble and use them in the most wonderful ways. Your hand reaches out to the lowest depth and makes the lowly exalted. We are all wretched save for the touch of your mighty hand! Thank you for revealing that truth through the birth you chose for your Son. In His name we praise,
Amen.

Christian Being

2008-12-02T13:20:00.000-05:00

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
~James 1:2-3(NIV)

Praise God for grabbing a hold of my heart and my life and for changing me into a new creature. When we accept the gift of salvation and we allow it to take us over, we are no longer a mere human being, we become a Christian being. I like that so much more than the term Christian. BEING implies actively doing, doesn't it ladies? It just speaks to the fact that we are currently existing as a slave to Christ. I don't know if that comes to life for you like it does for me, but man it speaks volumes to me today!

There are countless blessings while being in Christ, but sharing in His infinite wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are so beneficial to daily life and I'm seeing the need for them more and more. Love, patience, and peace are so key to being as Christ like as possible, but I believe they all begin with the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the Lord and His Word.

Today I've been speaking with my son, Maxx, about how every bad situation in life is actually an opportunity to do good. It's a lesson that I learned while in the middle of the most difficult time in my life. Two years ago I wouldn't have been able to help him to understand how he is a vessel of God's light in this way, because I myself was clueless to the fact. It was God's gift of wisdom to share the knowledge gained from understanding His Word that afforded me the opportunity to teach my son the way he should go. Knowing that he is a work in progress in the Father's hands has opened up room for loving him through the trial, being patient as he grows in his understanding of the Lord, and having peace in the face of the adversity that is a natural part of life.

I'll be honest, I don't think I could exemplify God's love, endure with godly patience, or live with His peace if I didn't first reach for His wisdom, dig for Christian knowledge, and cling to the understanding offered through our Savior Jesus Christ!

The best news? All of these gifts are in endless supply!

Father,
You know and fill our every need and you strengthen us for the Good Fight! We praise you daily for your countless provisions as we seek to gain your counsel. Lord, help us to be vessels of your light in all of life's ups and downs and turn our hearts and minds only to you. We ask these things in the name of your precious Son.
Amen

What does it mean to obey?

2008-12-01T11:22:00.004-05:00

As a wife and mother, it seems I'm constantly pulled in different directions. As a believer and follower of Christ, the same is true, only God has a beautiful way of making sure that all of those directions lead to home.

I've been working in two different Bible studies lately, and getting a healthy dose of light over at Leigh Gray's blog as well. One study has me following the lives and times of the Old Testament while the other is an in-depth look at the book of Hebrews. Leigh's blogs are always Biblical, but in a wonderfully in the moment sort of way. So naturally, my lessons are here and there, but praise Jesus that God is everywhere!

I can remember, in a vague sort of way, that I read once that we are to obey with a happy heart. Having read it long before truly giving my life over to Christ, I didn't recall the exact scripture or the subject matter aside from what was convenient to my own situation at the time. I've used the phrase in parenting my boys and left it on the shelf until they were griping and grumbling as they carried out whatever task I had set before them. Today, God brought all three studies and this bit of Biblical parenting together in such a way that I am so excited to share and to live by what I've learned.

In Genesis I've been learning all about how Abram became Abraham as he faithfully followed God's instructions, in Hebrews I've been called out for my sluggishness in heeding the calling of Christ, and God shone further light on the matter of faith and obedience through Leigh's post today. It's so amazing how interested in our lives the Lord is at all times, but when you see His thread running through the supposed coincidences that abound it reveals just how deeply we are loved. Each of us. Even when we can't see that thread in our own lives. Just knowing that our God knows each one of us that intimately is the epitome of feeling loved.

Abraham followed God here and there and even to the point of being prepared to sacrifice his first born to the Lord. Willing and prepared to allow the death of his only Son, no wonder God saw something worthwhile within this man. He made a promise, more than that, He made a covenant with Abraham telling him that his descendants would inherit a great land and all because he faithfully obeyed. God required no sacrifice from Abraham, instead He provided the sacrifice that would allow for this covenant to take place. What awesome parallels we can draw from this covenant story and our own covenant with the Lord through Christ Jesus.

In Hebrews 6:13-15 this common thread is noted as a means of encouragement in our walk with Christ, but it was when Leigh spoke on Hebrews 11:8 that the thread in my circumstance became clear. I thank God for the obedient heart He has made in miss Leigh Gray and the many good things He's working through her!

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

The phrase "obeyed and went" holds so much meaning! Sounds redundant at first, but it begs to be looked into further. What does it mean to obey? As Leigh shared the meaning of the word obey, His truth was so gloriously revealed. To obey is to stop all that you are doing and actively listen to the Lord so that you can answer. Stop all worldly efforts, stop all fleshly thoughts and be still in the Lord. Then you can answer the call to duty. Whether it be a God given task or not, stop all efforts and listen to your Father so that you will know how He would have you to answer. Just going wasn't enough for Abraham and it's not enough for us either. We are to go to the ends of the earth and beyond with a happy heart. That is godly obedience and it can and should be applied in worldly situations as well as spiritual.

God is working in the lives of His children. This is just one example and I hope it has you looking for that thread of LIFE all around!

Oh Heavenly Father,
Your hand in our lives is the very meat of life! To know you and be known by you is the blessing of all blessings! We praise you for your role in our lives and for your provisions! Lord, may we follow you in all things, with obedience!
In Jesus name,
Amen

Happy thanksgiving

2008-11-26T08:01:00.007-05:00

The LORD is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him
~Nahum 1:7(NIV)

So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
~1 Peter 5:6-7(MSG)

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
~Psalm 139:14(NASB)

The words praise and thanksgiving are interchangeable and beautifully so. Our praise of the Lord is like thanking Him for His countless provisions. No matter our living conditions, our Lord has provided. He has provided the life we breathe, the body we dwell in, and a heavenly home for us all. He has given us the very best care and the utmost love. He continually gives guidance and wisdom and patience overflowing. He blesses us with understanding, mercy, and grace that know no bounds. He sacrificed His only Son in order to bring us home again. He is our friend and confidant, our rock in the storm, our compass in the darkness, He is our every need. Our current living conditions on this earth do not change the fact that we are each blessed with these gifts. When we accept the invitation of salvation we are each cared for with the same measure of God's love.

Let us give thanks for the wonderful care the Lord gives His children.

Some of us have more worldly issues blocking our path to salvation. Though God knows no obstacles, some of us find ourselves lost and beaten all the same. Some have heard the Truth and not understood. Some have rejected it. Some have yet to hear. We must share the gifts of God with all the lost lambs and do our part in leading them home. It starts with thanksgiving, but it can't end there! We are to be the hands and feet of the Lord. The Savior needs our actions to bring about change. He is all powerful, but sometimes His might is lost in translation to those who can't yet speak His name. Give thanks, and get to work!

Father,
We can't help but fall on our face in praise of your glory. Nothing is impossible, too wonderful, for you. Thank you for each provision-- material, physical, or spiritual. Lord, as we gather in thanksgiving, we pray that you will stir within us a desire to do your works in this place. God, lead us as we shine your light on the paths of the lost. We pray you'll open doors and open hearts as we follow you. We place this prayer in your strong hands, Lord. Amen.

The Gift of Prayer

2008-11-24T09:15:00.026-05:00

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17(NIV) we are encouraged, if not instructed, to "pray continually". That's the verse in its entirety.

Pray continually

Seems an insurmountable goal, doesn't it? At first glance, perhaps, but dig a little deeper and you'll find it allows for a beautiful freedom in your personal walk with Christ. The word used in the ancient text was adialeiptōs, which translates more accurately to unceasing. Its meaning was more akin to assiduously than to continually. To pray assiduously is to do so with care and persistence. Sounding more attainable already, isn't it?

Digging deeper into The Word reveals so much about His divine will. As I read Genesis 24:45 (NSRV) today I was brought to an abrupt stop when these words describing the beautiful prayer-filled journey of Abraham's servant leaped from the page.

Before I had finished speaking in my heart...

He referred to his prayer as being simply in his heart. Not spoken aloud. Not on his knees before an altar. Not with the burning of offerings or much ado at all. Simply words spoken from his heart to God's ears. Persistent and with care. He went about the business set before him, but he did so without ceasing in prayer. The world wasn't going to stop for his prayer but the servant knew that the Lord was with him every step of his journey and before he could even finish his heart's prayer the Lord had answered.

Our sweet Savior is with you on your journey as well. Be assiduous in seeking Him!

Lord you are too wonderful! We praise you that no matter the fact that we don't have time to dedicate undivided attention to our every prayer, Our God is still there. In spite of ourselves, you heed and answer in your time all the same. A heart spoken prayer or an audible one, it's all the same to you. What a gift our time in prayer is to our weary hearts! Thanks be to you Jesus, for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Life is a Distraction

2008-11-21T11:13:00.005-05:00

Life has a way of taking us all off the course we've set for ourselves and the path set before us by the Lord. Come to think of it, life is a way of taking us off course. The ultimate tool in the devil's arsenal is life as we know it.

Plans, lists, activities, goals, tasks--all distract from true purpose.

It's amazing how wonderfully clear our purpose in this life becomes when we look through crimson colored lenses. Only through the crimson blood shed on the cross are we given purpose. Only through the life leading up to that moment on the cross can we see that purpose in full.

Our purpose in this life is wonderfully freeing to the body and soul of the one giving the grace and the one receiving it.

It's beautifully stated by the man who reconciled us all to our heavenly Father...

My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
~John 13:33-35

Our purpose is clear.

Father,
You know our deepest need, to be loved. You see the need and you fill it with your love and invite us to help that cup to overflow. May we look to you as we celebrate the gifts of love in freedom and fellowship, blessings and friendships, bringing glory to you all the while. Celebrating Love. Celebrating you. You are love.
Praise your holy name for giving us the perfect example of how to live our purpose.
Amen.

So Close, Yet So Far

2008-11-20T09:24:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I had a visitor. The only kind of visit you get when you've been sick for days and it's starting to show in the form of 24 hour pajamas and greasy hair. A pamphlet-toting Jehovah's Witness was at my door, my glass door, so I answered. Okay, so I never turn anyone away, but the glass door makes it impossible to hide, had I wanted to try. As I opened the door I let her know right away that I wasn't feeling well so she and her daughter shouldn't come in to chat. I'm sure she's heard that before, but seeing as I looked like the living dead, I think she took me at my word.

Let me just tell you the dedication to witnessing that this woman had. It couldn't have been 50 degrees yesterday, and she and her little girl were braving the cold in order to share what they know of God. Her little girl, also named Victoria, couldn't have been more than three years old. She was cute as a button and Ella wanted to play with her so badly. And I wanted to pray for them both so much.

Victoria's mother was sweet and upbeat, telling a story of how her little girls take care of her when she's sick. She even asked if there was anything she could do for me. She has the makings of a wonderful witness and tool for Christ. Yet she doesn't know Him. I wanted so badly to say just the right words to show her Christ's grace is the gift of life, not our works. I wanted to help her see that our works are a byproduct of our faith and it's that faith that promises our salvation.

She's been on my mind since, and I've beaten myself up for not knowing just what to say to open her eyes. Today, as I sat down to study in Genesis, I was lead to Galatians where God gave me His Words to share, and while I might feel it's too late, I know God's timing is always just right.

You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
~Galatians 5:4(NIV)

She mentioned coming back sometime, and I pray she truly will. I'd love to talk with her about my sweet Jesus and the eternal life His Word depicts, and how we're to get there only through Him! Yes, I just said that I actually want another of those horrible-time-right-now sort of visits from a Jehovah's Witness.

I hope you'll pray with me for her and so many other lost souls who are so very close to finding Christ.

Lord,
You know the hearts and minds of us all. No matter how near or far from your Truth the individual may be, they are never out of your reach. Lord, we want to be your hands and feet, and sometimes we're misguided by our own lack of understanding. We pray you'll meet this woman and others like her and take them the rest of the way to knowing who you are. God, please grab onto your children and give us the words to encourage a life in you. In the moments we miss our shot, please give us peace and determination to try again. Seeking you always. Amen.

Faith Lifts...boy does it!

2008-11-20T07:22:00.005-05:00

Today is a day of firsts for me. It is my first time being a guest contributor to another blog that is shining the light of the Lord, and the first time I've woken up with awesome hair. Okay, so one is way more awesome than the other. Sometimes you just don't want to work for beauty. Sharing the freeing message of Christ's love...now that isn't something you can sleep on and expect to handle itself! That's why I'm so excited that God's work in me is growing!

I hope you'll pop over to Faith Lifts and check out not only my devotional, but also their site. They offer so much encouragement in Christ! It's wonderful!

Enjoy the day!