Prepare

Cascade mountains breathtaking Photo by Mary Mesikapp

Prepare your minds for action! Exercise self-control!

1 Peter 1:13-25 NLT So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

Hiking in the Cascade mountains fills my mind, body, and soul. Exercise for the body brings a healthy physical state, and emotional stability and burns stress. The importance of preparing our minds for action is spiritual health and learning to exercise self-control with a fixed mind in Our Creator is a necessity. Our exercise plan must include seeking Jesus, and gaining spiritual muscle through His Word.

14] So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old living ways to satisfy your desires. You didn’t know any better then. [15] But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. [16] For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

Our whole body and mind will be more content, and able to endure all life’s detours when we care for all parts of our body. Obedience to God and His direction is not punishment, it is a loving direction and at times discipline to be holy as He is holy. For life endurance, we must exercise this priority.

17] And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.”

Reverent fear and awe of Our God will bring rewards. He is a just God and faithful to be trusted with your life. Our pride in following our own trail even when we see obstacles takes us from a peaceful hike. We miss the beauty when we trudge on with impulsive steps. Whether you are single or married, with children or not, it is the same message, preparation is crucial.

18] For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. [19] It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. [20] God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. [21] Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. [22] You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. [23] For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.

In the description above, in 1 Peter, God paid a ransom for you, by sending Jesus to the earth as a bridge for our benefit. This bridge of Jesus’ death on the cross as He accepted all our sins is a fantastic love. Our relationship with Jesus is secure when we take this precious gift and treasure its purpose, we can live in love for each other. You can be born again, meaning, death to your sin and a new life in Christ.

24] As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. [25] But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

The Word of God is provided in the Bible as a passport if you will on the journey to your eternal destination, heaven. His Word is beautiful and remains forever. Your reward awaits!

You are known

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!

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.

Football Play by Play #55

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.

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

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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.