Don’t be troubled

C. S. Lewis in his book ” The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, shares an interaction between Mr. Beaver and Susan, a young woman. It is a wonderful example of trusting without knowing the future. Aslan, the Lion, is the character that saves the kids and animals in this mysterious world. He speaks and acts for truth and against evil. He is powerful and gentle just like Jesus. I love the powerful message found in this conversation between Mr. Beaver and Susan, Mr. Beaver shared, “Aslan is a lion, -the lion, the great lion”. “Ooh”, said Susan, “I thought he was a man, Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”… “Safe,” said Mr. Beaver, “… who said anything about safe? ‘Course, He isn’t safe, but he is good. He is the King.”

We must trust our King Jesus. We must discover who He is, He is the Lion of Judah! He is for us not against us. He is safe and good. Jesus is the Lion and the Lamb.

John 14:1-4,6-7,10-11,30-31 NLT
[1] “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. [2] There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? [3] When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.” [6] Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [7] If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” [10] Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. [11] Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. [30] “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, [31] but I will do what the Father requires of me so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is preparing a place for you with our Father God. No matter what your eyes see, no matter what the world tells you, no matter how you feel about the future.

Our mind can not conceive what the future holds, however, we can trust the One who holds the future in His hands.

Even when Jesus walked the earth, there was unbelief. His disciples struggled to understand the wisdom Jesus shared in parables and sermons.

In the midst of trials, it can be hard to trust in something unseen. I have been there, however, I am amazed that I witnessed Jesus move in my detours and He kept me safe even in conflict, or at peace when I felt alone.

Jesus was in the midst of my life. I had to reach for the Lion. I am baffled yet intrigued by awe at the power of my Savior Jesus.

Lion is a powerful battle cry worship song by Chris Brown and Brandon Lake. This live version of “Lion”, is so Holy Spirit driven. I would be surprised if you don’t feel awe as you listen, then a prompting to sing as you join the chorus, Our God is amazing, He is the Lion of Judah. He can break through and save you from unbelief, fear, and your past. Let the Lion Roar and gain a beautiful perspective of hope, breakthrough, and acceptance as a child of God.

Revelation 5 5 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”

13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”

14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Sometimes we have to gain faith in the unseen things, repeat our belief in the Power of God loudly, and hold onto Jesus! I don’t know the future but I know who does, He can be trusted with your life. All Hail the Lion of Judah! He is worthy of all praise, honor, glory, and power, forever!!

Stepping up into your calling

Step into your calling photo by Mary Mesikapp

Do you know God commissions His people to a specific calling? It may take years or a lifetime to discover our purpose. But the same God who set the stars in place, can be trusted to set your life in place.

Psalm 47:1-9 MSG Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs! GOD Most High is stunning, astride land and ocean. He crushes hostile people, puts nations at our feet. He set us at the head of the line, prize-winning Jacob, his favorite. Loud cheers as God climbs the mountain, a ram’s horn blast at the summit. Sing songs to God, sing out! Sing to our King, sing praise! He’s Lord over earth, so sing your best songs to God. God is Lord of godless nations- sovereign, he’s King of the mountain. Princes from all over are gathered, people of Abraham’s God. The powers of earth are God’s- he soars over all.

He set us at the head of the line, sing songs to Him! Seek His plan for your sphere of influence. You may not feel prepared but He will prepare the way if it is His plan.

Comfort zones are okay when you are feeling weary at times, however God wants to give you an opportunity to step up and into your calling. It’s scary to move beyond your safe place. But God is a sanctuary of safety. Praying for revival can be stepping into our calling. Sometimes we called not to wait but to take steps forward in faith. Seeking His direction not knowing the future. It does not mean titles for positions inside a building. It means a supernatural in filling by the Holy Spirit and trusting God to bring awareness, and direction. If He is over all the earth and in authority of all things He will complete the work He starts.

Kim Walker Smith sang Fresh Outpouring years ago, it is a powerful song that reminds followers of Jesus to ask for a fresh outpouring of His Holy Spirit! We can’t do this life alone. He prepares those who humble themselves before Him.

Jesus prepared His disciples, they were a group of men from multiple spheres of impact; fishermen, tax collectors, soldiers, prostitutes, sinners like us who were molded into who Jesus knew they could be. There impact spans for thousands of years and we can make an impact for His Kingdom too.

Fresh outpouring Jesus Culture

Let Jesus pour into your life, His wisdom, His power, His authority by His blood. Receiving life purpose through the Holy Spirit will transform not only you but those whose lives you intersect. Glory to God!

Roots go down

What is that old idiom, “Can you- not see the forest through the trees?”

What does this mean? Merriam-Webster describes: not understanding or appreciate a larger situation, problem, etc. because one is considering only a few parts of it.

We may not have a full picture of any situation, but many times we have to make our best guess. Scary proposition!!

Where are you looking for guidance? Is it built on taking steps through the forest without direction? We have to consider where we place our trust. Are our roots of wisdom found in seeking the Living water that provides nourishment to our soul and sustenance to grow our faith?

Photo by Mary Mesikapp

Just as a tree needs a good soil environment, we as humans, and as parents, need solid Godly teaching and love. If you have not had a compassionate, loving Christlike personal experience, I am so sorry. In this day and age, you can access church messages online to consider whether their instruction aligns with the Bible. It can feel like a risk to take a step into a church, I remember the fear after relocating to a different state and feeling uncertain. I asked the Lord to give me peace or show me the next option. He did, and after a few visits to different churches, I was able to choose and was blessed with sisters who were like-minded in Christ. Even though we may feel ill-prepared to parent, if we seek God to give us wisdom, He will share it.

So where do we need to place our minds, and trust to grow into the best wisdom? There is no better place than the Creator of the universe. This is a powerful scripture, Colossians 2, it has been helpful to me as a sister, mom, wife, and friend. Paul was talking to the Laodicean church, he was encouraging them to be strong in love. There are steps to grow roots of wisdom and understand God’s mysterious plan. It is not a quick process but a slow meaningful time well spent.

Colossians 2:1 - 10       I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. 2 I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. 3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.4 I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. 5 For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Just as nature is built by Him, our lives can be molded by Him. Don’t let empty philosophies and loud voices distract you from the still small voice of God. Christ is the head ruler and authority over all things. In the end, what we put into our time with Jesus will be a great reward to our lives and for generations. We can break the generational habits that bind us to unhealthy responses and actions, with God all things are possible. I am more grateful with each passing year, God is good and His treasures are priceless.

Step into a New Life

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.”

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.

Gray hair and toddlers

Proverbs 16:1-3
We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.

Our way may not be the best way, however, being human means to learn the process of seeking wisdom. This is a life long process, to stop being a toddler stamping feet, screaming “No, I can do it myself!” Instead, we must stop and take deep breaths, count to ten as we tell our kids and pause. The Lord will give a better Word and the best directions.

The fruits of the Spirit( Christs’ character traits) are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, and self control. They are found in Galatians 5.

Galatians 5:22-26 AMP
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. [25] If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage-our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]. [26] We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.

Pride, challenging provocation to debate or even fight and jealousy are tools the devil uses to divide us. A Follower of Christ should be able to speak for injustice after they filter their response with Godly wisdom. We are all created in the Image of God. The devil hates us. He will insight us to hate each other. But God is love.

The Holy Spirit and our commitment to walk with Him are the keys to gaining impulse control and showing the character traits of Him to those lives we intersect. Personal integrity and moral courage do not come by our strength. Love isn’t always easy.

As a child of God I am able to see situations where I need extra help to respond as Jesus, He and His warring angels are my rear guard. I don’t have to be led as people pleaser but instead as a child covered by Jesus. New perspectives and responses can abound in better communication.

As we strive to make changes in our responses, words and actions, we can expect plenty of experiences that challenge our success to change and grow more like Jesus.

However, I remind my kids and myself, God is not finished with us yet. Everyday, we get a chance to reconnect to our Savior Jesus and recommit to letting His plan for our life to unfold. Seeking accountability from likeminded women and men can keep us growing in faith and character.

So take a deep breath, say “Jesus I need you, mold me and make me into who and what You know I can be. Thank you for loving me and dying for my sins, forgive me for my sins, and I want Your best for my life. Guide and teach me, in the precious Name above all Names, Jesus,”

Someone asked me once as they observed my increased gray hair, “will you color it or keep it real.” I replied,”Every gray hair is a reminder to me of a life lived and when I found this scripture it confirmed my emotion,” I hope it resonates with you. May we all reflect more Jesus and less of ourselves.

Proverbs 16: 31-33 31] Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. [32] Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. [33] We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.

We need Spiritual blessings

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.

What is the value of truth?

I was mindlessly channel surfing on my car radio this morning, Chuck Swindoll, a well known Christian writer, pastor was discussing the value of truth. I had just discussed this topic with someone I love. I turned up the volume and share this 2023 pearl of wisdom.

We have so many potential sources of truth being thrown at us daily. Whether we listen to liberal or conservative ideas, pop culture, music or the latest trends on YouTube or TikTok. It can feel like a tornado or sound like a freight train with wind blowing smoke into our conscious and unconscious minds.

So what is the value of truth? According to Mr. Swindoll, there are 4 points to consider, they all point to the absolute truth in the Bible:

1. If we’re led by the truth, we don’t let feelings rule us but instead we go to God‘s truth.
2. Absolute truth of the Word stabilizes us in times of testing. No matter the trial when we seek Him first, the wisdom is there.
3. We can handle the Bible correctly because we discover where to look in scripture for the wisdom.
4. Truth of God equips us to detect and confront error. It could be error in the way someone else speaks,it could be just as feeling that we get when we know what someone is saying is not the same as the Word of God. We base our truth on what aligns with God’s Word.

We need truth to live, to survive, to share with those we love.

Truth never changes as the Word is unwavering. When Moses was gathering the tablets of stone to direct the Israelites. God encouraged Moses.

Exodus 34:6 AMP
Then the LORD passed by in front of him, and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth (faithfulness);

We are not passive in our seeking truth, we listen or read truth and then we must obey the commands of our Creator God for our best lives. The Lord shared more directions in the scriptures that follow.

Exodus 34:7-10 AMP
“keeping mercy and lovingkindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; but He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting (avenging) the iniquity (sin, guilt) of the fathers upon the children and the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers].” [8] Moses bowed to the earth immediately and worshiped [the Lord]. [9] And he said, “If now I have found favor and lovingkindness in Your sight, O Lord, let the Lord, please, go in our midst, though it is a stiff-necked (stubborn, rebellious) people, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your possession.” [10] Then God said, “Behold, I am going to make a covenant. Before all your people I will do wondrous works (miracles) such as have not been created or produced in all the earth nor among any of the nations; and all the people among whom you live shall see the working of the LORD, for it is a fearful and awesome thing that I am going to do with you.

If we choose to ignore or blind our eyes, ears and minds from the wisdom of God, we are held accountable even done through our children’s and their children’s generations. God is loving and just.

There have been crazy weather patterns across the country. This past week we had sleet, snow, subzero temperatures, more snow, and fog so thick you couldn’t see far ahead of the car. Trusting God and His wisdom is like continuing to drive through fog so thick you have to trust what is on the other side. It is a straight stable road when your trust is in Him. There is light on the other side and wisdom for the journey.

So where is the value of truth? It is where it has always been with the Lord. We must give all authority to Him, He will never betray or leave us. New year new steps to His truth, one step at a time!

Matthew 6:33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Christmas blessing for all! God honors women!

Do you have a favorite part of the Christmas story? I love the story of women in Jesus’ life. God blesses women too. He loves them and He has plans to use our lives in the tapestry of His love. He just needs our permission to guide our lives.

Luke 1:38-55 NLT – Mary Visits Elizabeth
³⁹ A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town ⁴⁰ where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
⁴² Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. ⁴³ Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? ⁴⁴ When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. ⁴⁵ You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise
⁴⁶ Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
⁴⁷ How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
⁴⁸ For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
⁴⁹ For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
⁵⁰ He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
⁵¹ His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
⁵² He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.
⁵⁵ For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever.”

Amazing to read that God blessed an older woman, Elizabeth with a son later in life, John the Baptist, and Mary, a young teen with the Christ child. God has plans for all women. He loves them. He honors them.

We each have an amazing Creator God that loves us. When we allow ourselves to be used as His instruments even vessels for life, He is there.

Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth and God’s gift in His Son. His life changed the world forever. He is Immanuel (God is with us!). Jesus came as a baby, walked on earth, He understands human weakness yet did not sin, He took on humanness to gain understanding and compassion for our plight.

He allowed Mary a front seat of honor. She pondered things in her heart. She was blessed as a humble personal witness. She was chosen as we are to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

So many sweet stories of Mary and Jesus’ relationship from the first wedding experience miracle of Jesus turning water to wine at Mary’s request. From watching Jesus as a child, at the temple teaching elders from His wisdom to observing Jesus and His disciples build the Kingdom of God and watching their battles with others.

She must have been overwhelmed by worry for her Son Jesus especially as times became harsh and evil, especially at the arrest and crucifixion, yet the Prince of Peace was living at her side. How amazing!

Jesus is present with us when we call on Him to be our Savior! Christmas reminds us to slow down and ponder Jesus. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is joy, love, new beginnings, and hope in a chaotic world. He is the Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords.

Even at His death on the cross, Jesus comforted Mary and directed John, his faithful disciple watch over Mary (at His death on the cross). What a provider and love from Christ from the beginning of life on earth to His resurrection. He is Immanuel! What an amazing gift of love! Open the free gift of love, and open your heart and mind to the Savior.

Be amazed that Jesus came for you and He wants to be your Savior! Our trust in our God will give us the ability to overcome any hurdle. Reread Mary’s song of praise above. You don’t have to be a mother, just be a vessel and let Him mold you into what He already knows and believes you can be! Merry Christmas!

His Words are truth

Youversion scripture photo Bible.com

This is just an add-on to my post, Charisma or truth, there are no other words to say! Let God equip you for every good thing.

Charisma or truth

Matthew 7: 15-16 MSG   “Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character.

Charismatic people can blind us with their antics, boldness and charades. Scam Alert, are you being played?

I have heard the statement regarding truth, “Check anyone who speaks wisdom from the Lord to know if their teachings align with the Bible.” It is even more important today, in Matthew, we are reminded as the second coming of Jesus gets closer, there will be false teachers. Those who speak with a puffed-up stature, bold and prideful, they will be called false prophets. Their purpose is to do the will of the enemy and draw the Lord’s children, created in His Image, from the King, Jesus.

There is NO King but Jesus!

Here’s the question, who will we follow for wisdom? How do we know what is truth?

Proverbs 12:15  Fools are headstrong and do what they like;
   wise people take advice.

The Bible is not just a book of stories. It has stood for 2 thousand years. There are prophecies that were spoken about in the Old Testament that came to pass in the times of the New Testament. The pearls of wisdom can carry from the times of Adam and Eve regarding families, joys, and hardships that show conflicts similar to current times. There are stories of evil and good people who struggled to believe they were called to a purpose, who sinned, yet God still used them for great things.

Abraham was the father of many nations, yet he lied to a King saying his wife was his sister because he worried about her safety. Abraham and Sarah took the process of having a baby into their own hands having Abraham’s slave be a surrogate mom to Ishmael. Hagar was a single mom treated unfairly yet God blessed her with Abrahams’s son, and even came to her at her lowest grieving time in a desert and made Himself known, He is El Roi “the God who sees.” Ishmael, Hagar and Abraham’s son, was blessed and became a nation in conflict, his lineage is in many Arab countries. We may step away from seeking God’s truth and still with our return for His wisdom, God has been known to bless.

Teachers of the Bible are called to a higher standard. Scary proposition.

James 3: 1-2 Don’t be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you’d have a perfect person, in perfect control of life.



3-5 A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!

God uses all people even us sinners as He did Abraham and Sarah, Adam and Eve. However, first, we need to seek wisdom from the only Source of wisdom, The Lord God Himself. Here are other words to describe Him: Elohim, Almighty God, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords!

James 3: 13-16 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish plotting. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

17-18 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

So how do you know a person is honest and of integrity? Check out what Proverbs tells us:

Proverbs 12: 16 - 19,23
16  Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly;

    the prudent quietly shrug off insults.



17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air,

    but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.
18 Rash language cuts and maims,

    but there is healing in the words of the wise.



19 Truth lasts;

    lies are here today, gone tomorrow.

23 Prudent people don’t flaunt their knowledge;

    talkative fools broadcast their silliness.

I may share little nuggets of wisdom that I am learning, however, always seek to know Jesus for yourself. You will not be disappointed by the time you spend soaking up His wisdom. Our Source of Truth is important. Because the wisdom we find can direct our lives not only today but reach into our future. Charisma is overrated but truth is essential.