His Light shines in darkness: photo by Gloria Flores
Whatever you are walking through today, Jesus promises to walk with you. Jesus is in the Sonrise!!! He is the Bright Morning Star! Call on Him for peace, hope, love, and His angel armies are at the ready!
Revelation 22:16-17 AMP "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you and to give you assurance of these things for the churches. I am the Root (the Source, the Life) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and bright Morning Star." [17] The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, believers) say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take and drink the water of life without cost.
So many attempts by the enemy to unsettle our connection to our Savior Jesus. Our individual fears and worries for self, family, health and provision are places the enemy tries to bring doubt and fear of God, His love and His provision!
The enemy tries to enter the door of our mind and heart bringing boatloads of fear and negative thoughts. He can be relentless but Our Creator is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Stand with Jesus!
Silence is a new worship song by JWLKRS worship. It touched my heart deeply the first time I was blessed to see the music video. Such sweet lyrics that encompass any life circumstance, great lyrics bring a reminder to seek the God who promises to be with you and never leave you.
As a Breast Cancer Overcomer who also survived a near death white water rafting experience, I am in awe of the many times looking back over my life of the goodness of God, His Provision and His protection.
May you feel His Peace and Presence today, He is just a Name away, Jesus, You are our only hope.
When our livesor those we love are challenged with a huge obstacle, it could be health or painful circumstances, we must live in gratitude. God is always good! He will walk through youthe challenge. He is just a prayer request away. He is always open.
Besides prayer, worship Him in challenging times. It brings joy over sorrow. It helps refocus your mind on the stability of His goodness.
Psalm 100:2-5 NLT Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. [3] Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. [4] Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. [5] For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Count your blessings! Embrace the journey perhaps with new exercises. Today, start a new tradition of listing 10 blessings in your journal. Gratitude changes a poor attitude. It brings insight into all the good things often overlooked as we walk through our day.
Our mind has the ability to set the course for our day, our career, and our future. The battle for God‘s purpose for our lives and potential is found first in the mind.
Romans 12:1-2 NLT And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. [2] Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Acknowledge Him! Walk with Him! You will never be alone.
What does it mean to“contend”? According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of ‘contend’ states: to maintain, assert, and strive. Synonyms for contend; to battle, to face off. What a thought our God contends, faces off, battles for His children! We do not fight our battles alone (unless we choose not to accept Jesus). In our action step, we must call out to God, believe He is able, and go to Him as the Commander in Chief who directs His Army for His children. Let me say that again, first, we choose Him, we communicate to Him in prayer, then we align with His promises for our lives and our children.
We must put on the Armor of God ( Ephesians 6; 10 -18), and we read about the importance of each piece of the battle armor. Covering our mind is the helmet, covering our chest ( heart) is the breastplate, God’s truth is represented in the belt, walking in the shoes of peace that have spikes on their bottom to secure the soldier on the battlefield. A fellow Sister in Christ shared this truth regarding spikes on the top and bottom of a soldier’s feet in ancient times. Powerful visual that our foundation must be grounded in our God and faith in Him. The shield of faith is our belief that the power of the unseen God covers us with His protection, the Sword of the Spirit is the Bible, and His Word is alive. Prayer is a mighty weapon, when done unceasingly it is solid gold power.We must share this with our family, friends, and whoever God brings to our minds.
Isaiah 49:22-26 NIV
This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips. [23] Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed." [24] Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives be rescued from the fierce? [25] But this is what the LORD says: "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save. [26] I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."
Declare: Father God, we are in awe of you, we are not worthy of Your love, yet you give it freely, You see potential in your children, You are a patient Father God. You provide all we need, we minimize your gifts and promises. Forgive our unbelief, our own self-focus takes us from the Illuminated Beauty of being in Your Presence. You are Elohim, the Almighty One, You are Jehovah Sabaoth, You are Jehovah Shalom, You are El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, the God of the Mountains! You are Adonai, My Great God!
John 1:1-5 NLT
In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He existed in the beginning with God. [3] God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. [4] The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
YHWH is the symbol for the Hebrew name of God, God you are “I AM”, The Self-Existent One! You never change, save us all! In awe and reverence, the Jewish people whisper His Name.
Father, the nations need Your hand, we wait on Your action, and we hope in You alone, Lord of heaven’s armies ready for battle, Your Word is truth as Isaiah 49 shares, You are our protector, contend for our children and us!
You are amazing God, bring Your Light to this darkness attempting to cover our world. Lord, your children need You, alone!
Reach for the Son — Photo by Andre Furtado (Pexel.com)
Guys and gals, some days you can feel invisible, stepped on, and lonely, I studied specific scriptures that expressed being Known by our Father. I want to encourage you as you put one foot in front of the other. You are known by God and He wants you to know Him more!
God knows you, He created you! Psalm 139 is filled with His thoughts on you before you were born and as you walk this earth.
Psalm 139:1-6 AMP O LORD, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me. [2] You know when I sit down and when I rise up [my entire life, everything I do]; You understand my thought from afar. [3] You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways. [4] Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken], Behold, O LORD, You know it all. [5] You have enclosed me behind and before, And [You have] placed Your hand upon me. [6] Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.
Declare this, O Lord, You know it all, Your hand is upon me! Help me in my unbelief, when I feel alone, remind me, You are with me! Help me to find security in you alone!
Psalm 16:5-10 NIV LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. [6] The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. [7] I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. [8] I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. [9] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, [10] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
Declare, At night when I sleep, fill my heart with your instruction. I want to rest in You! I want to learn to praise you more and fret less.
Psalm 16:11 NIV You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Lord, guide me to the path of life! Fill me with joy over fear, I want to have Your Presence above all things. Materials, money, and the enticements of the world can’t hold a candle to you. They leave me empty, I want my life to be filled with being known by You.
Psalm 86:1-7 MSG Bend an ear, GOD; answer me. I’m one miserable wretch! Keep me safe-haven’t I lived a good life? Help your servant-I’m depending on you! You’re my God; have mercy on me. I count on you from morning to night. Give your servant a happy life; I put myself in your hands! You’re well-known as good and forgiving, bighearted to all who ask for help. Pay attention, GOD, to my prayer; bend down and listen to my cry for help. Every time I’m in trouble I call on you, confident that you’ll answer.
Psalm 86 is even more personal, a one on one conversation with our Father, Savior Jesus and the Holy Spirit! He bends to hear our prayers. We may not believe we are worthy of His attention. Reach out to Him again and again, repent for sins that may be an obstacle in hearing His voice.
Psalm 91:14 ASV Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
His love is upon His children! He wants the best life for you. It begins with believing Jesus is your Savior, saying aloud, I want you Jesus to guide my life, forgive me of my sins, I repent turn away from the things I have done against you, I want you to rule my life, You are my God and guide me to a more abundant life. amen!
Football is a visual of offense and defensive strategy. It can easily be a metaphor for life. Quick responses to offensive and defensive actions can impact the game and our lives. Who is our coach?
During the playoff games, Logan Wilson, number 55, is the Cincinnati Bengals player who knocked down the ball at a crucial time. Wilson loves Jesus (A personal friend shared this truth, she is a relative of Wilson).The final minutes of the game can be exciting and life-changing. This weekend, Wilson’s defensive play caused the opponent to lose the game. One team won and the other team lost.
Our decisions in life can be played in a similar way. Are we receiving the pass of temptation with open hands or deflecting the pass for better things? Are we being led into impulsive sin by pride, anger, or bitterness or are we deflecting those prompts for a better response? Do we allow the audible of the still small voice of God to penetrate the roar of the crowd? It really is a matter of seeking wisdom to direct our steps for a long journey, not just one game.
The future is not in our hands at the end of the game. But where we put our trust matters. Seeking Jesus first, not being afraid to share His love with others matters, and being willing to listen to His instruction takes effort and we can be amazed at the results.
In the strength of God, we can knock down the enemy’s attempts to bring loss and an uncertain future. We get the choice of victory in life. This victory isn’t only physical like success on a sports field, it’s emotional in providing a sound mind, peace, and clear direction. It is in a spiritual connection to the Master Quarterback on the field, Jesus! He really has the best insight. It can guide us into eternal peace and relationship.
The Lord has plans, however, we must be discerning in the game of life, to be patient with the plays called. We must be on the offense and the defense with the Word of God as our playbook. We must seek like-minded teammates that hold us accountable to the Word. We want to get to the endzone and celebrate a heavenly touchdown. Think of the family of God all together whooping it up. Think of the roar of the crowd in the heavens, with angels and saints making a joyful sound, it will probably blow our minds.
Just as Logan Wilson had to fix his eyes on the prize at the time, the football, we must fix our eyes on Jesus! No longer do we have to be spectators in life. See an opportunity to receive the pass of salvation. Get real with Jesus!
Colossians 3:1-4 MSG So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ-that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. [3-4] Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life-even though invisible to spectators-is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too-the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
Every day is an opportunity to toss off old habits and begin a new path for a better life.
I used to think our God as a judging punishing unforgiving God. However, my time digging deep into His Word has opened my eyes, heart and soul for amazing wisdom.
We may have had a religious experience from a parent or person in authority that was not following Christ. We must seek God on a one on one personal relationship. He wants to reveal the hidden wisdom.
How do we imitate God when we don’t know what He says? Just as a new sport or hobby requires instruction from someone who excels in its results. It is even more valuable to seek our Father God and His priceless, timeless instruction.
Ephesians 5 has many great nuggets of wisdom. I am breaking it down to show manageable steps. I found it helpful for today. I think you will too.
Ephesians 5:1-20 NLT Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. [2] Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Key warnings from scripture:
3] Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4] Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
If you have past or present sin that feels like a conviction as you read verses 3-4, pause now and talk to Jesus, ask forgiveness, repent (He will help you turn from these habits if you let Him rule in your life). Speak gratitude to Him for this amazing gift and wisdom.
Why do we need conviction for our sins over condemnation? Conviction is a heart poke to insight a reflection of our choices with the purpose of drawing us back to our Savior Jesus and His plans. Condemnation or shame is a tool the enemy uses to keep us afraid to reach out and stuck from a loving God.
5] You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. [6] Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. [7] Don’t participate in the things these people do.
When we worship things or people in this world, it is sin. Our God is a jealous God for a reason. If other things are an idol, He is not first in our life. You may ask, how can I be a child of the Light of Christ? We make the step of faith to Him. Step into His Light of grace, mercy, and truth. We do not have to stay in the dark.
8] For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! [9] For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
Our commitment to walk with Jesus as Lord gives us the tools for a better future and a life walking in life over death (separation from God and limited life). If we are parents, we are called to direct our kids to Jesus. My walk with Him has deepened as I have led and made mistakes in the process but return to the only place for wisdom. Our kids can grow with us.
10] Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. [11] Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. [12] It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. [13] But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,
Our time in His Word, the Bible and with His like minded people can change the trajectory of our life. Individually though, we can find His steps for a growing life with God, awake O sleeper:
14] for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
Alarm sounds! Wake up sleeper
This is a wake up call! Do you hear the alarm? It is for our benefit to heed the advice.
15] So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. [16] Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
17] Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18] Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19] singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. [20] And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Begin today, if for the first time, or return now to the Jesus of your youth, He is the best friend you will ever have. Jesus will not ghost you. He wants to share His best.
Why a spiritual blessing? What does it mean? An Eternal, personal connection with our Creator was the plan from the beginning of humanity. But sin took its place as Eve and Adam ate from the tree of wisdom. God gave them everything but forbid their access to the tree of knowledge. God had solid reasons. He wanted Adam and Eve to seek a relationship full of blessing with the all knowing One.
As my faith in God has grown, I am amazed that our Father, Jesus wants to give us a supernatural gift when we are united ( joined) in Christ. He doesn’t want to hold anything back. It is the full monte for His children.
As Paul wrote in Ephesians, God loves us and chose us in Christ to be holy before he made the world.
Ephesians 1:3-23 NLT All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. [4] Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
What a mystery and priceless gift, spiritual blessing is a returned connection with God through His Son, Jesus. Despite our stupidity, impulse control issues, sins. His Kindness undeserved is yet given.
5] God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. [6] So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. [7] He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. [8] He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. [9] God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ-which is to fulfill his own good plan.
As a mom of adoption, the verse in 5, “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what God wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure”, He brings tenderness and deep love.
10] And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ-everything in heaven and on earth. [11] Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
God has a plan, He chose me, He chose you in advance. Seek to reconnect to the source of Life, wisdom and His spiritual blessing.
12] God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. [13] And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.
Jesus came to save you! Believe it ! Believe in Jesus Christ, He is the bridge to our Father God. There is no other. The Holy Spirit is the third connection, an internal compass of wisdom.
14] The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. [15] Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere.
Paul explains further in this letter to the people of Ephesus, their faith in the Lord Jesus and love for His people is well known. I am grateful for the people in my life that extended their time, their testimony and the Lords’ wisdom through the Bible.
16] I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, [17] asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. [18] I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
I pray that through my simple blog posts you are lead to the amazing spiritual blessing of our God. Glory to God alone.We can have confident hope and share in His best.
19] I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power [20] that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
His mighty power is attainable when we are connected to His relationship. We must trust Him for life and direction.
21] Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else-not only in this world but also in the world to come.
No power or scheme of man can take us from His hand. It takes faith in an unseen God that has a plan for our lives. It doesn’t mean it is easy. But we are not alone when we actively seek Him.
22] God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. [23] And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
Today was an interesting day. We live in the country with a septic system instead of the standard home plumbing system.
There are times when the frozen winter temperatures cause ice/ paper/toilet garbage to form in the pipes from home to the septic tank buried in our front field. Perhaps, the use of low flow toilets does not always provide enough water to flush contents down and out of the pipes. Maybe it’s the use of too much toilet paper.
Regardless, there are days when the pipes get clogged, the pressure increases and the sinks / toilet overflow into our home.
Are you shoveling manure? photo by Mary Mesikapp
Todays’ septic event provided a disgusting predicament. As I resolved the inner house mess, I pondered our latest relational challenge. It sure does stink. The situation feels a bit much, yet it just needs to be processed and cleaned up. Thank you to my husband the outside septic access was dug up and he cleared the pipes. Glad it was him not me.
Instead of looking at an uncomfortable challenge as a pile of manure, I am seeing an opportunity for a workout. Just as cleaning up the septic mess in my basement was an unplanned detour, I still need to get rid of relational or heart messes.
Slowly but surely, I sopped up the liquids, cleaned up the cement along with the unfinished basement and bathroom area. The sink in the shop was scrubbed. Next, I scrubbed the floors with a bleach cleaner and air dried. The stench disappeared and the area was clean again.
Our hearts can be unclean and filled with bitterness, the stench that can keep people away. The loneliness deepens and love seems an unreachable option.
I can choose pressure and to be filled up with manure or septic garbage, or I can choose to put in the effort necessary to clean up the attitude and my heart mess.
Jesus wants His children to be open to His love, His ways, His plans but we have to clear out the garbage that blocks our hearts and minds.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 AMP
No bleach needed, just an open heart and mind so get ready to shine.
Let’s Pray: Create in me a clean heart, Lord, show me the attitudes, responses and actions that push Jesus, friends or family away. Instead, I want a shiny new heart that is open to blessing, love and filled with encouragement. These character flaws need to go. I want my thoughts to reflect a new life and a greater love that comes from seeking You.
With age comes wisdom and poor eyesight. I didn’t end up needing eyeglasses until I was in my 40s. Turns out that I always had a problem with each of my eyes. Unfortunately, when I was in my 40s, my eyes no longer compensated for each other. One eye had a distance issue and the other had a reading issue, they had worked as a team for 20/20 vision.
Today I experienced what it feels like to be unable to see well. As I rushed out of the house to get my kid to school, I realized while I was driving everything looked a little foggy. And then I remembered the eyeglasses sitting on the counter at home miles away. I squinted along the highway a bit more cautiously.
I was thinking, this is a metaphor for when I take my eyes off my Savior Jesus. It’s an unsettled feeling. My blurred vision can bring a foggy mind. Blindness to the outside world, blindness to God, or today, blindness to my texts.
It is essential to know where to turn and where to keep our focus for the day. So I asked a stranger for assistance and she showed me how to increase the text font and add boldness to my cellphone. I was able to see my texts again.
My distance and reading problem eyes can bring blurry vision without correction.
I feel like my vision in life is the same as my walk in faith. I seek distant answers to circumstances before I can readily see. I need to spend quality time seeking the answers as I read His Word and let outside influence blur.
Proverbs 7 1-5 Dear friend, do what I tell you; treasure my careful instructions. Do what I say and you’ll live well. My teaching is as precious as your eyesight—guard it! Write it out on the back of your hands; etch it on the chambers of your heart. Talk to Wisdom as to a sister. Treat Insight as your companion.
When I adjust my focus on quality time with God reading the Bible and being with others who seek Him, I can see His direction more clearly.
This morning of blindness is resolved. I found my glasses and gained clearer vision. No more squinting for me today. I must walk in the Light of insight.
12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)
What is the emotion that seems to be highlighted at Christmas? Perhaps, happiness, or joy. Either you have it or you feel lost because it seems an unreachable goal.
Being a follower of Jesus, does not mean you will live happy lives daily? Life is not about having happiness and easy joy, it’s about having challenges that we overcome with God/ Jesus. What do I mean ?
Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT [11] For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [12] In those days when you pray, I will listen. [13] If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. [14] I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
Despite the hustle and bustle of Christmas and the voice of “Give me, give me,” stuff in the world: money, Teslas, the perfect makeup application, the newest expensive clothing, or a tech gadget, do not bring happiness. Yes, temporarily, we may feel a rush of dopamine ( the feel good hormone) but the zap of joy is temporary.
How many times do you open a present, smile and then grab for another? These physical boxes can’t fill the spot saved for Jesus especially at Christmas.
The next time you go to your favorite shopping mall, ponder this. The music is loud on purpose, it drowns out your thoughts with Christmas songs. But the songs don’t bring peace,instead you feel rushed to gather more and more materials of the world. The next thing you know, you are at cash register with many more items than you had planned, or budgeted.
Whether you are a parent or not, Christmas gives an opportunity to share the reason for the season, Jesus. Everyone can reflect each year this amazing story of love.
Pause a moment, what is Christmas really about? The awe of a baby in a manger, Jesus. Emmanuel means “God with us”. Our Father in heaven took on the lowly place of humanity when He came to earth bringing the promise of eternal relationship with our Creator.
Jesus loves you, He came to the earth to represent that love. Jesus is the place to find joy! Presents are helpful but His joy and provision over our lives is priceless. Pick His gift that lasts.
We may not believe we deserve the free gift of Jesus. He knows our faults, and still came to bring eternal life. Reflect on your life and meditate on the past choices made for a moment. Then open your heart, mind and soul.
The amazing thing about Jesus and His free gift is He still waits for us to take the leap of faith. He’s waiting for us to choose Him, repent of our pride and self consumed mind and turn to Him with humility.
Reach out to the perfect gift, Jesus. Speak aloud this prayer: I want to receive what you have for me, Lord, Forgive me for pushing you aside while I walked to my life in the past years. But right now I want to return to your plan or know you, Jesus. Help me to receive Your free gift, Help me to walk with You. In the name of Jesus.”
I pray for you realize you are not alone. Don’t be afraid!
Joshua 1:9 says “be strong and courageous do not fear for the Lord your God is with you”. But you have to take His hand with an open mind and heart and be ready to receive what He has for you!
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 