Merry Christmas Beloved!

Merry Christmas! Such precious words. Such a miracle message. Such a joy and delight. Christmas. How very blessed we are to be able to celebrate a holiday with the One who has given us life and breath and opportunities.  This babe in a manger is no fictitious childhood story that must eventually be outgrown and put away.  His glory does not tarnish. His value does not lessen. He remains the same yesterday, today and forever.  While much about the holidays celebrated is so much pomp and circumstance, storybook adventures and wives’ tales, this message is eternal. This King of Kings is faithful and true.

You may be thinking as you rise early this morning that you left something out of your plans. You forgot a gift, you didn’t remember the cranberries, you don’t have enough cola or punch.  You may be wishing you could undo an error, repair a rejection, restore a friendship or regain a trust.  You may be missing a loved one, longing for a kind touch or wishing you could do things differently.  You might wonder if it will ever be perfect, if the gifts will fit or if anyone will care.  Right about now you may be coming face to face with the fact that you’re not perfect, people aren’t perfect and life is not perfect.

Look beyond all that. Look once more at the manger, the cross, the tomb and the sky. The Light of the World has arrived! The Savior of the nations has been here! The tomb where all your mistakes, mishaps and missteps have been laid to rest is empty! And the sky, where your hope of glory awaits is full of promise, full of mercy, full of grace. Keep watching the horizon, keep searching for His return for He is coming again!

Oh beloved, Jesus is the reason for the season to be sure. But it’s more than that!  He’s the reason you live and move and have your being. You are no accident, this day is not an error and your life is no mistake. You are waking up to the most wonderful day of your year. You are alive and you are capable of taking in His Truth and living out His purpose.  Rejoice in all you are In Him! He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Prince of your peace, the Counselor with all your answers and the Majestic One Who is praying for you day and night at the Father’s Right Hand.

Quickly, before others get up and the day gets covered in wrapping paper, ribbons and too much food. Slip into the Father’s waiting arms and read His book of love! Every wonderful Truth is your gift from Him to you.  He is everything He says He is. He does everything He says He will do. Open all the gifts, don’t leave one unopened. Rest in His care, delight in His presence, grow in His grace, feast on His manna and walk in His anointing.

Merry Christmas beloved of God. True happiness is found in Him. Overcoming life is met in Him. Purpose and victory, honor and commitment are abounding through Him. He loves you and He’s for you and those gifts cannot be taken from you  all the days of your life.

Colossians 2:9-10 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Ephesians 1:6-8  So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.  He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

1 Corinthians 1:7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Habakkuk 3:18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and He has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and He is eternal life.

The Game of Life Increases Your Faith Level

People everywhere are playing games on the social media sites. Candy Crush is one of the favorites. Doctors, lawyers, bankers, stay at home moms, secretaries, teachers and athletes all play. I admit it, I play it as well.  I’m on level 125. I should say I’m stuck on level 125.  It’s ridiculous when I think I’ve had to play some of those levels 50 times before I could pass on to the next level.  Why would anyone spend so much time going over and over and over the same thing?  Everyone I know who plays the game keeps playing and playing and playing. 

I’m reminded of the game of life. We are bound at a level of rejection or indifference or heartbreak.  We want to go past it, move on, but we’re stuck. Sometimes we think it’s not worth the effort and we quit altogether. We’re ready to move on to something else.  Find another way to play.

Life is not really a game but we are participants.  We have to be serious about it to get through.  If we’re content to stay at level one we can do that.  But God is always encouraging us to step up, go up, move up.  There are great rewards at the higher levels with Him. 

We see the more difficult times of our lives as game ending events. But the Lord sees them as life enhancing events. As we go through it all our faith level is increased with every level.  God will give us the strength to go on when we lay that rejection at His feet, knowing that He was despised and rejected Himself. He knows how it feels and yet He went on to the cross, stepped into hell, rose again and is sitting at God’s right hand!

Sometimes the levels seem like a breeze, other times they are especially hard. But as long as we keep Jesus with us, helping us every step of the way, we will be victorious over the small things and eventually we will be victorious over it all.

Winners are not those who are better, have it all together or know the cheats. No, winners are those who know their limitations, see their inabilities clearly and call upon the One who knows how to navigate every degree of their lives.  Winners cannot be pointed out for their strength or their charisma or their talents. Real winners are those who have simply kept playing the game of life and never quit, always relying on the Lord Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think.

Oh beloved, if you decided it was easier to quit, God is lovingly calling you to get back in the game. It doesn’t matter what someone else has declared about you, you are destined to win. It doesn’t matter what kinds of obstacles to the next level you encounter, God has declared you an overcomer.  Nothing can keep you from winning because God loves you and He’s for you and that’s all you will ever need to be a winner in life.  

2 Kings 3:18 But this is only a simple thing for the Lord, for He will make you victorious over the army of Moab!

James 1:12 Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. (Amplified)

I John 5:4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.

Psalm 44:3 They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was Your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from Your face that helped them, for You loved them.

1 Corinthians 15:57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

God Holds All Your Tomorrows in His Hands

An old friend tried to contact me last night. At first I didn’t realize who it was. Danny and I have had an awesome Christmas holiday, full of family, friends and faith.  It has been wonderful! Even with the poor weather, slick roads and continual dampness, nothing has dampened our time off. Nothing that is until I was reading a friend’s post on the fiscal cliff, the state of our nation and the terrible situation we are in. 

About that time I heard a knock on my heart’s door. It was that old friend that I used to consider quite close.  Something about this old friend used to make me feel cozy. Well, at least cozy as long as I didn’t go anywhere, didn’t share anything and didn’t try to break through to victory.  I thought the two of us had it made – I would keep to myself and with the help of his assistance I’d be safe and comfortable.

But God showed me one day that this was no friend.  Instead of being a friend, he was actually a nemesis from the pit.  You’re probably wondering if you know him. You’re trying to figure it out by now.

My old “friend” was Fear. Regardless of how he tried to speak to me, he will try to pull out the stops on anyone he can in any way he can. Fear will seek to keep you at home, keep you in bondage, keep you worrying about the wrong things. He’ll help you major on the minors and try to keep you completely overlooking the truth about your life. Fear says “you don’t have enough money”, “you won’t make it”, “you’ve done wrong too long”, “you better quit”. Ever hear those phrases?  How about, “God doesn’t care you”, “you’re all alone”, “nobody loves you”. 

Like other old friends, Fear likes to show up after you’ve had a wonderful time in Jesus, after a victorious moment in your faith walk, after you share Jesus, after you forgive the unforgiveable or as you begin leaning on God more than ever.

His desire is the same as His father – to kill, steal and destroy.  He is the king of trouble, the prince of darkness and the jailer of  the dungeons of the heart.

Just about time I felt the old chill of fear settling into my bones, I heard the Savior whisper to my heart. Go get up and write about this. For others are getting the same visit and they need to know not to answer the call. Tell them to let Me answer. And tell them to recall the Truth they have been learning and to act on My Truth instead of Fear’s lies.  

Oh beloved! I cannot tell you all about tomorrow, but I can tell you Who holds all your tomorrows in His hands! The Lord says to you this morning that He loves you! And, because He loves you He makes all things beautiful in His time. He is the repairer of the breech. He is your Alpha and Omega. He is the One Who feeds you, clothes you, keeps you and cares for you all the days of your life. He is the One who forgives you, redeems you, and renews you. He grants you unending hope, everlasting courage and joy beyond measure! Run to Him this morning and watch as Fear walks away, for fear cannot stand when the King of the Universe steps in!  Rejoice for your foes are vanquished when you look into your Savior’s wonderful face!

Revelation 22:13  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end.

Philippians 4:6, 7  Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. AMP

Proverbs 3:5-7 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. AMP

Phippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

1 John 4:18  Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

You are More Precious Than the Gifts Given and Received!

The snowy weather has kept us indoors for several days. While I had a huge to do list to mark off this being kept inside has been nice.  I have discovered that we are very busy most of the time.  Getting up slowly, getting ready at my leisure has made for peace I don’t often get to enjoy.  This morning it’s breakfast quiche with a huge helping of beautiful music. While I probably won’t get everything clicked off my list, I am getting some quality time with my hubby and the Lord.

What is left with all the tinsel and glitter are discarded, when the boxes are burned and the paper is trashed?  What is left when the tree is empty and the gifts are opened? The most important things are not things are they?  It’s the precious memories of little things that mean so much.  The togetherness, even if for you it was only you and the Lord, it’s enough. I find that when it’s just me and Him it’s more than enough. It also makes for more blessings as He allows sweet fellowship with friends and family.

Oh beloved, you are more precious than the gifts you gave or the gifts you received! Even if you got everything you want, you are more precious than that! You are not the sum of your bank account or the price tag on your gifts.  You are more than! More than loved! More than worth it! More than blessed! More than a conqueror! More than victorious! Someone may have disappointed you, discarded you, demeaned you or disgraced you. But God! He is everything you have ever needed and oh so much more!  Believe Him this morning, spend time talking with Him for you are the Love of His life! Let Him tell you the Truth and go out and shout it on the housetop! Live in the Light of His Word and rejoice as the blessings of Life with Him rain all around you! Now that’s worth singing His praises about!

Psalm 72:14  He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to Him.

Psalm 63:5  You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise You with songs of joy.

Matthew 6:25  “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

Ephesians 3:20  Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, Who loved us.

Romans 10:11  As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced.”

Hebrews 13:6 So we can say with confidence, "The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?"

Psalm 147:11 No, the LORD's delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love.

The Lord of Heaven's Armies is With You!

An odd thing to note about this year’s Veteran’s Day was the absence of the usual run of War movies on many of the stations. Generally we are able to watch such epic stories of heroism and valor as All’s Quiet on the Western Front, A Bridge Too Far, The Guns of Navarone, Midway, and Sands of Iwo Jima, to name a few. Quietly absent from most channels, these movies and others serve as a reminder of who we are, where we’ve come from, what we’ve survived, how we achieved victory and how to tell the enemy from the good guys.

The old movies about wars America fought show a clear line of demarcation between good and evil. They portrayed many hours spent at the strategic table, calculating the arena and making plans to achieve victory. The enemy too plotted to gain the upper hand. It was a real struggle between the two forces.

A long time ago, a war began in the heavenlies. There had been complete peace up until the first strategic missile was launched at the couple who lived in Eden. That one launch and fatality provided the ammunition to continue the conflict. This war had specific names on the manifest: who was slated to be killed, stolen from and destroyed.  Make no mistake; the enemy on the other side has incredible schemes.  His maneuvers, tactics and desires still exist to this day.

Although we know the end of the war is soon to be played out and we know that the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords will come on the scene and wipe out all who oppose Him, until that dying day our adversary will continue his assault. We just have to be armed and ready for any sign of enemy encroachment on our land, for God has promised the believer that everywhere he or she steps is territory given to them by God Himself.  The only way we can make it is to familiarize ourselves with God’s plans for us in the Word of God, so that having done all we can stand. Unlike the enemy’s plans, God’s plans are awesome in power and available to us always!

Oh beloved! Are you tired of the struggle? Are you huddled in a corner with your arms over your head, hoping that the last round of mortar fired will cease? Do you feel shell shocked, worn out, completely ready to give up and give in? Run back to God’s Word and see! You are more than a conqueror, you will be completely victorious, you are walking in the light of His Word and you are able to stand against the enemy of your soul.  The enemy is not the winner, you are. Through Christ’s power and love we can walk in triumph. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies loves you! The Lord of Heaven and Earth is on your side! He will fight for you and He will see you through to complete Victory because of His great love! Shout to the Lord this morning and thank Him for His unspeakable gift!

Psalm 130:6  I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Romans 8:37-39 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.

Psalm 68:35  You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God!

Psalm 66:3 Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power.

Isaiah 40:10  See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and He rules with a mighty arm. See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.

Ephesians 6:13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Keep Asking - He Delights in You!

We will have new neighbors this week. The house across the street has been empty for several months now. It was full of life and fun just a year ago, before the owner’s wife passed away.  Then he moved back home to Tennessee.  It’s going to be nice to have someone in the house.  There’s more to that story…

I got some news recently that did not line up with what I’ve been praying. I was frustrated and hurt.  I thought I had seen signs of the prayers beginning to be answered, but with this recent turn of events I was floored.  In fact I was sure that God just wasn’t going to answer that particular prayer. 

I was sharing my dismay with the new neighbor, who just happens to be Stella’s mom and my daughter. She said, “I’ve got a devotional for you.” And this is what she related: “I prayed to get an opportunity to move to Arkadelphia.  All the time I griped daily. I would say to myself you’ll never get to move. Things will never change. Gripe,  complain, etc. But here we are moving into a big house with a great yard and two bathrooms.”  She continued, “God answered my prayers even though I was saying it just won’t happen. Even though I was complaining pretty much every day”.  Well? You guessed it.  I will continue to pray, no matter what my eyes see, no matter what the circumstances are. I know I am praying according to God’s will, so whatever comes I’ll keep praying.

Oh beloved, what have you been praying for? What is that heart’s desire that you just keep hoping for?  I want to encourage you this morning to keep asking, keep knocking, keep seeking! Don’t look to the circumstances or the situation, but look to the Lord! Remember that satan can throw roadblocks at you, things that seem to say there’s no hope, but he can’t stop God’s will.  There’s nothing God loves more than to answer His children with good and wonderful answers!   Press on to the One Who loves you; press in to the One Who delights in answering your prayers; press close to the One Who is for you. How blessed are you who speaks with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord about all your troubles, trials, hopes, fears and desires – knowing He always answers in His time and right on time!

Psalm 6:9  The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will answer my prayer.

Psalm 118:21  I thank You for answering my prayer and giving me victory!

2 Corinthians 10:4  We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

Luke 11:9 And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Running Out of Steam? Let Christ Be Your Strength

I rented a commercial carpet cleaner the other day.  I was skeptical but I thought I’d try it. I have to admit I was pretty amazed at the results - at least with the cleaning of the carpet. What I didn’t like was the weariness from lifting gallons of hot water and pulling a heavy machine along the carpet. Back and forth. Lift and shift.  The commercial says this machine is “screaming mad at dirt”. But I say it was screaming mad at me! 

The next morning I found achy muscles and a sore back. I had to move very slowly! But the carpet looks great! After the wrestling match I may wait until more muscle is around to attempt this. I have to admit though, I am rather proud of the way things turned out.  I was wanting to give up, go to bed and hope for the best but I persevered.  As I pat myself on the back I am reminded that right about midnight I was panting and ready to quit.  And asking God to give me supernatural strength.  So it was the Lord who came through on my behalf.  I asked, He provided and I was able to finish the job.

Oh beloved, you may be running out of steam. Your last ounce of strength may be more empty than full.  The Lord hears your cries and He is answering each call on your behalf. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Let Him take over and pull you through to victory.  Isn’t it wonderful to know that just as we admit we can do no more, He steps in and says, “but you can, through Me!” He loves to reward you through your diligence to seek Him in your trials, efforts and pain. Yay God! Yay you! One day He will put His arm around your shoulder and together you will observe the blessings that come after the work is done! What wondrous love is this to know the Creator of Heaven and Earth has your best in mind.  He loves you and He's there for you always!

Psalm 42:8  But each day the LORD pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life.

Psalm 121:2  My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

Isaiah 40:29  He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Isaiah 59:1 Listen! The LORD’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is His ear too deaf to hear you call.

2 Corinthians 12:9  Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Root or Shoot!

Root or shoot. Last night we went to a grandson's ballgame. Before the game he told me he wanted me to hoop and holler when he hit the ball. So, being the good grandmother I am, I did just that! Once he hit the ball so well that I hollered, Woo Hoo! Way to go Blakely! As he left home plate to run towards 1st base he turned to look at me with such glee in his eyes! He loved being rooted for! I thin...k he grew in stature a couple of inches. He was proud of himself and he knew that we all were proud of him. It can go differently for kids. Sometimes parents major on the minors. They critique to the point that instead of building their kids up they put them down. You see the outcome in various ways. low shoulders, shrugs, head down, and even taunting of other kids, eager to point out their mistakes. Oh beloved, perhaps you've been shot down. Instead of someone rooting for you, you feel you're being shot at! You try to dodge the bullets of anger, animosity, unforgiveness and fault finding. Maybe you've been the brunt of it so long you find yourself doing the same thing to others. Shooting always finds victims, but rooting always brings victory! I promise, on the authority of God's Word that He never shoots, He always roots. Even when His children are having problems, He's there in the stands whooping and waving you on to victory! He's walking with you into the dugout when the world says You're Out! He's holding your hand and telling you to hang in there beloved! He loves you, He has a wonderful plan for your life and He's nicknamed you Winner! Romans 15:4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Philippians 2:1-2 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. Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Psalm 62:7 My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.