What a time to be alive? So much going on in the lives of Christian friends and those who haven’t found Jesus yet. We can face anything with Jesus.
He tells us to trust Him. In my own human mind, it seems like weakness to need anyone, let alone Jesus, who I can’t see. Yet, faith comes without seeing, it is believing in Jesus even when we do not know the future. Current times make us feel fear yet Jesus calls us to faith in Him.
Faith comes when we choose to trust Jesus over fear. Thomas was the disciple who expressed doubt to Jesus; when Jesus appeared to his disciples after he died on the cross. Jesus reminded Thomas that he knew Jesus before and after His resurrection. Jesus understood Thomas’ doubt as natural for a human. Amazing, He understands our doubt too!!!
I do not know what fires are erupting in your life personally. Globally, we can see increased hopelessness and depravity along with more mental health issues. It breaks my heart to hear of the depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts at epidemic levels in young adults and teens.
John 20: 26-31 is a beautiful reminder of the heart of Jesus. Jesus understood the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of his friends; the disciples. He didn’t judge, He loved them and spoke peace to them.
John 20: 26 - 31
26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas
was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them,
and said, “Peace to you.”
27 Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my
hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”
28 Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”
29 Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even
better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”
30-31 Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down
in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the
Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal
life in the way he personally revealed it.
Jordan St. Cyr, sings a meaningful song about ” Fires”, Jesus wants to walk us through fires and be renewed to His grace, mercy, and love. There is no other place to go, no idol, no addiction no other person can provide. This video reminds me that our instruction to our family, children, even our friends shares timeless wisdom to endure. He wants to walk with you.
What comes to mind when you hear the word, “Squirrel”? Is it a cute, red-furred animal that frustrates your dog by taunting from a tree? Does the word, squirrel, bring up visions of Doug, the awkward, friendly dog from the Disney movie, “UP”?
Perhaps, it’s my recent trip to Disney World? I feel like Doug the distracted dog with multiple voices calling in my head. The voices say, “conflict in relationships, it’s your fault… you are unreasonable, just a judgemental Christian. is that true Lord? If so, I repent. Family is joy and trial but must I be quiet, keep the peace? My thoughts detour to wars waged across the world, sadness, and despair for the family of God in harm’s way. Frustrations for decisions by those you love may cause health issues or even death, do I speak up as a nurse?”
These are just a few thoughts swirling in my mind. Distractions of news, social media, and just plain life make me feel poked to limit time with God, or drop a quick prayer and walk along my way. Do my prayers matter or are they useless? However, prayers do matter.
James 5: 16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Prayer is a way to battle in the heavenly spaces. It matters when I take time to praise the Lord, putting the praise music loud in my home and singing along are action steps of faith even when I feel spent and weary.Can you relate?
Psalm 103 : 1- 5
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
Squirrel!!! There it goes again, the voice in my head, I feel the distraction coming again. Hey, wait a minute, God created that amazing animal, he is shy, yet motivated, he is free to run, and climb trees and fences. He may taunt my pets but He brings joy as he chatters loudly.
God listens to me as I chatter, ah there now I feel better, the same God that made me has made the squirrel. He has a purpose as do I. Let me sing a new song to the Creator God, and let me spend time climbing (in my mind) onto the lap of my Father. Let me imagine the joy of time spent with Himas He renews my strength as a youth.
Breathing deep, I feel calmer and I hope you do too. Blessed when I seek more connection with the Lord. Peace is coming even if temporary.
So the next time you feel the call of the Squirrel, pause, and chatter with the Creator. Find the joy again even in the midst of a chaotic time.
Galatians 6:9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Are you hurting? Are you broken by the trials of life? I know who can change your life, transform your mind, and love you beyond all human understanding. He calls you by name. His name is Jesus.
Psalm 139:1 - 6
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Let your heart believe again or for the first time, He wants to pour out His Love. He is your Savior, He knew you before you were born. He sees the whole painting of your life, not just the broken pieces. He can be the gold thread that ties all things together. Trust Him, Believe He is who He says He is.
I am broken, we are all broken and need a Savior, Jesus. This song by Stars Go Dim is so amazing, “Yes He does”. He can turn all things for good. Let Him heal all the broken places.
Ephesians 2: 8 - 10
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Yes, He loves you. Yes, He has plans. Yes, He wants to change the hard places into amazing purposes. He uses everything. Let Him!!
I am in a drought. It may sound crazy but my family just returned from Disney World. Originally, two years ago before Covid, we were supposed to travel to Florida then Covid hit and everything was shut down.
We finally went as a family of four last week. My son watched our house and all of our animals. You would think that I would come back feeling refreshed but, instead, honestly, I felt depleted because it was such a world of materialism and really I missed my Jesus time.
Being still with Jesus is what refreshes me. I realize I’m probably more an introvert but can be an extrovert, especially on thrill rides. Filling up my internal reservoir actually comes from the Word of God and my time spent with my Savior Jesus.
Yes, I went on a bunch of rides and screamed with hysteria. Yes, I was one of many in the crowds, yet I am set apart as a daughter of the King. Yes, Disney World is touted as the happiest place on earth.
When I saw sweet families having a blast and sharing memories, it brought back past memories when our kids were young. I had a great time sharing rides and funny moments with our family of four, however, something was lacking.
I saw stressed-out parents, kids asking for more souvenirs, and mega meltdowns. I pondered if perhaps the parents were using their last dime to provide “a happy experience” for the kids and yet looked stressed because of the bills when they get back home.
I realize my eternal joy cannot be filled at Disney World. My peace and the feeling of the presence of the Holy Spirit cannot be completed at Disney World. But the peace and the love of God can be found when I spend time with my Jesus. And that’s what I missed. Oh yes, I did my devotions in the morning and I didn’t check it off the list. Even if it was two in the morning when I couldn’t sleep, I felt the peace of God.
I feel I was given a window into observing people and at times saw frustration and people cutting off people and an unsettledness in that particular place. I felt drawn to act the same way. It is supposed to be the happiest on earth, is it?
I’m not sure if I’m ranting‘s are making any sense. My point, the happiest place on earth is when we spend time with our Jesus who is not superficial but eternal. That’s where joy and a peace that passes all understanding are found.
Ephesians 3:19 NLT [19] May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Psalm 34:8 NLT [8] Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Psalm 16:9-11 NLT [9] No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. [10] For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. [11] You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
No matter where you travel, seeking the peace of Jesus is just a step away. Seeking Jesus and focused time with His Word is the happiest place to be. As my teen texted, ” Mom, the happiest place is not a place or earth, it’s with God”, from the mouth of Babes.
No matter who we are, or what our life circumstances are, we need oxygen, we need food and drink but more than anything we need love. We need the love of others but more importantly, we need the love of our Savior Jesus.
We need to know that our God will always love us! we don’t need religion we need a relationship with Jesus. We are human and we will make mistakes. We can go to our Jesus and have our minds blown, our hearts filled with the One who loves us most.
We can call on Him, we need only accept His love, believe He is our Savior Jesus, seek His forgiveness for our stupidity and He is faithful to give grace and mercy, even when we feel we don’t deserve it.
Grace and mercy are used interchangeably. It is the unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification. We are blessed when we turn from our sin and reach to Him. Reach to Him, He awaits your hand.
Enjoy this beautiful song, “How You Love Me” by Patrick Mayberry. I was so moved by its lyrics. What amazing love! Throw off the obstacles of the past instead accept his love and grace. It is worth the steps to His peace and, as times get shorter, steps to a new life.
John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Do you know Jesus loves you? I mean really Loves you. He wants to know you in a relationship. Do you want to know a love like this? It is a step of faith with Him. It is a life-changing experience. He wants to know You!!
In John 4, there’s a story of a woman who had a hard life, had many lovers, Jesus met her at a well. She was seen as less than, yet Jesus loved her. Jesus wanted her to know He came to save her from her sins of the past and He would be water for her thirst. Unquenchable thirst refreshed by the amazing Jesus, the Water of Life.
John 4: 10 – 15
10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
11 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”
13 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
15 “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.”
These are not just words, they are life-giving. It does not matter where you have been women or men. Jesus waits for you to call out to Him, He loves you!!!
Love Like this, a beautiful song by Lauren Daigle came onto my playlist yesterday. It has been a while since I heard this song, powerful lyrics bring hope and a reminder that the love of Jesus! He is the living water in a wasteland. Jesus is a warm morning sunrise after a dark, lonely night.
We may not feel we deserve a love like this but Jesus says we are His! Seek to know Him! Let the whisper of His voice fill your mind with hope. Enjoy basking in Him.
We cannot earn a love like Jesus gives, it is a free gift. Isn’t that amazing?
In the Bible, Chapter 14 of John tells us about a conversation between Jesus and doubting Thomas along with the disciples. I share this chapter to show you Jesus understands our human doubt. He loves us anyway!
John 14: 1 – 14 “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.”
5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
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.[c] From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”
9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 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.
12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!
Jesus told his disciples after he briefly returned from death on the cross, He would send an advocate (the Holy Spirit) to guide them.
Matthew 14: 15 – 21 shares what Jesus said to his best friends, the disciples. We are not alone after we accept Jesus as our Savior, we also have an Advocate (the Holy Spirit) along with Jesus who intercedes for us before God the Father.
Jesus said 15 “If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. 19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. 20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
The Living Water of Jesus is for everyone. We are all sinners who fall short of perfection. Yet Jesus died a sinner’s death on the cross. He rose from the dead and shared the news of the Holy Spirit with his disciples. who in turn shared the story in the Bible.
Did you know Bible Gateway ( BibleGateway.com ) has a website that you can access online for the Bible?I use the New Living translation or the Message versions because I feel they are easier to understand.
The Bible is the most read book of all time according to Business insider, and the best selling book of all time according to Guiness Book of World records.Consider a new year as an opportunity to access the Bible for yourselves.
We can start a new year with a new life in Jesus. We can accept this free gift of love. He gives us a beautiful love like this, reach for it today!
John 3:16-17 NLT [16] “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [17] God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
Our footprints are a metaphor for a step of faith, life, and grief as we journey. We are born for a purpose.As the new year comes, step into the footprints of a God who is merciful and kind. It will transform your life.
Grief and loss can bring our steps in line with our Creator.
Ephesians 2: 4-10 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2: 8 – 10 tells us we are God’s workmanship, created to do amazing things.
We are called to share what we learn as we walk on this planet. Jesus believes in our impact as we walk the path He leads.
You may have lost someone this year: a sudden death, a prolonged illness, a trauma, whatever the cause. We have all lost at least one person we loved. We may have had grief as a result of lost dreams for ourselves or family. Grief is tough, every journey is different, but we can’t sit too long.
We have to be “The Commission”, as the band Cain shares in this song. We must tell others about the hope of eternity found in Jesus. Death, the goodbye is not the end.
May this song, “The Commission” and the coming 2022, be a journey of stepping into faith with Jesus or renewing your walk. You are a Masterpiece.
As you grieve, Jesus grieves with you. Did you know the shortest scripture, John 11:35, in the Bible is, Jesus wept? He grieved for a friend lost too soon. He came to this world to gain knowledge of being human. He knows all our emotions.
Your life story has a purpose and can help others. Go tell someone about Him.
Over 2000 years in the making, an amazing story of love, forgiveness, grace, mercy and joy is the hallmark of Christmas. We can share this gift of the Savior as God’s children, you and me, who breathe in the breath of life and can experience His Light.
It is beyond our human comprehension. What a love Jesus has for each of us. Glory Hallelujah!
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Bring your gifts, bring your weary lives, bring your selves to the Light of the World. I love this message of hope and new beginnings “ The Light of the World”, sung by Lauren Daigle.
Be humble before the King Jesus. Start a new life in 2022 with the King as your guide. He is the Light of the World. Gratitude for His coming to save us all.
Where are you fixing your eyes? Is it in anticipation of the Bright Morning Star and the remembrance of Jesus at Christmas? Scripture tells us Jesus is the Bright Morning Star.
My fascination with astronomy, NOT astrology has been increased this year. I have been blessed to hear a few sermons on astronomy from our pastor. He has opened my mind to the word of God and the many places scripture supports the specific placement of stars in the sky. However, we are not to worship the stars but the One who made them.
Deuteronomy 4:19
19 And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon, and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.
When I ponder on the true meaning of Christmas, I am amazed to think that God placed the stars in the sky and He named each one of them They worship Him. My small human mind can’t compute this truth. This is another opportunity to dig into the Bible and ask Him to show me and you.
Genesis 14: 14 – 19 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years,15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.
Psalm 147: 4 He (God) determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Psalm 19: 1 – 8
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. 5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The angel spoke to John, the apostle, and showed him things to come. This is a prophecy of Jesus coming to earth.
Revelation 22:16 Jesus said, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give youthis testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
When we consider baby Jesus coming to the world as a baby in a manager, we always remember the Star of Bethlehem that shined. It was a revelation of lighting the way for Jesus coming and drew shepherds, wise men, townspeople, and even Kings to see what was revealed in the darkness.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the Light. He is the Bright Morning Star!
His statutes are trustworthy, right and give joy to the heart. Joy to the World.
Websites for Astronomy and Biblical wisdom: Click the links below. The Home button will get you to Bethlehemstar.com and the second link is to The Gospel in the Stars message by Pastor Matthew. Be amazed at our amazing Creator!
Jesus came for all of us in the most humble way, as a baby in the manger. A gift from God to restore our relationship with our Creator.
We are all worthy of saving broken pieces and all.
Christmas can bring nostalgic feelings of joy or pain, family connections perhaps this time of year brings the opposite isolation with depression. It depends on past experiences. Not all people have been blessed into the traditions depicted in the Hallmark movie reels; continuous smiles, finding love, and family commitment.
For some people poverty, addiction, mental health, and dysfunctional family have brought increased stress and PTSD as the season unfolds. There can be a struggle of comparison traps and (FOMO) Fear of Missing Out leading to more depression, anxiety, isolation with increased substance abuse.
According to the Merriam-Webster definition paradox means something (such as a situation) that is made up of two opposite things and that seems impossible but is actually true or possible. Christmas is relatable to a paradox. We may come from two opposite life experiences and yet what is true and possible is we can find transformation to future generations. We can discover Jesus loves all of His children.
Being an Emergency Department / Trauma Nurse for multiple decades, our patient loads would show the diverse Christmas experiences. It was a challenging time to be a nurse, yet, I tried to treat each patient with compassion, mercy with grace.
Even if patients were in crisis, swearing at me, swinging their fists, suicidal, I had to still believe in Jesus and my ability to care for my patients with Jesus’ love. There were untimely deaths, traumatic accidents with innocent victims, gunshot/stabbing patients, family disturbances. Increased domestic violence occurred, I would love on the patients including kids while they were in my care.
The potential for a tarnished view of life was strong at times, however, I had to dig deep into my relationship with Jesus and lay down, in prayer, my thoughts for the moment. I prayed for patients and families alike. I hoped I reflected Jesus to those who needed Him.
This song by Anne Wilson was released recently, I Still Believe in Christmas really brings a great message of hope and the amazing gift of Jesus. In our lives, we must hold onto hope and grow our faith in the One true King Jesus.
Isaiah 9 :6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
No matter what your past experience has been regarding Christmas, there is a wonderful message from Jesus’ birth that can change your life. This baby came to save you from your sin and bring new life. Maybe this year it is time to discover Him.
