JOY

"May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him." Psalm 67:4-7

In Luke 2:30-32, a wise man named Simeon rejoiced over the baby Jesus: "My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Simeon recognized in the tiny baby Jesus that God had come to earth to save the whole world from our sins.

Jesus is the light of the world and He has given us the responsibility of sharing His light with the world around us. Let us praise the Lord for His great blessings and mercies, and let us honor Him with all our good deeds in such a way that we share the news of God's love with everyone we meet.

For one of your carols today, you may want to sing, "Joy to the World." With joy in our hearts, let's catch the attention of the nations and bring God worldwide praise.

Dear Jesus, I thank You and praise You for all You bring into my life; help me to be ever mindful of Your daily blessings. In Your name I make this prayer. Amen.

JOY

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

The Bible describes our spiritual journey as a long-distance race, not a short sprint! We've got a long course to run so if we're going to achieve our goal - the joy of being together with Jesus in heaven - we have to focus on Him and keep pressing on.

 

Our faith began with Christ and will be completed in Him. He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. He has already overcome. When we think about these truths, we find new energy to keep going, and we can't help but be joyful.

 

So stand firm, take hold of joy, don't grow weary, remember the "cloud of witnesses" - disciples, the apostles, and the saints who have gone on before us - and finish the journey! Sing a song of praise today, knowing that God has already provided victory for us, and that he continually gives us strength each step of the way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for willing and joyful spirit to sustain me and help me to finish the race and not lose heart. I make this prayer in Christ's name. Amen.

JOY

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

Lots of events in life make us happy; births, graduations, weddings, achieving something we worked hard for. But there are other circumstances - things like sickness, money problems, trouble with our relationships, or the death of someone we love - that bring deep sadness and fear. If bad things are happening around us, how can we be joyful always?

 

The joy deep within our hearts doesn't always show up as laughter and happiness. The joy that comes from what Christ has done for us constantly fills our hearts; it doesn't depend on the circumstances of our lives.

We can choose to be joyful even when life is difficult the same way we choose to love those who are seemingly unlovable: by an act of our will. We do this by focusing on Christ instead of the situation that's going on in our life. This isn't easy, but it's certainly not impossible. The Bible is full of examples of people who found joy in the midst of the worst situations, and if we look around, we'll see other examples all around us.

You have the ability through Christ to choose to fill your heart with joy. Praise and worship Jesus in song as you sing carols today.

 

Today, life up your own personal prayer to God. Speak whatever is on your heart.

JOY

"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands." Psalm 92:1-4

God is continually at work in the world, and everything He does is wonderful. Take time together as a family and marvel at God's amazing creation and all the good things He does. Maybe you live where there is cold and snow at this time of year, but brave the cold and take a walk, play in the snow with your family, or turn off the TV and drink hot cocoa in front of a window while watching the snow as it softly blankets the ground in white. Wherever you live, take time to enjoy nature and appreciate God's wondrous creation.

Most of all, find joy in His salvation. Sing "Silent Night" to reflect on the beauty God has made and all the wonderful things He does in our lives.

Dear Christ Jesus, I thank You for Your wonderful creation and all the great things You have done for me. I praise you and make this prayer in Your Holy Name. Amen

JOY

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

JOY is the fourth topic of our spiritual journey.

"Send me your light and your faithful care,  let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God." Psalm 43:3-4

During the past weeks of Advent, we have read from the Bible and spent time talking with the Lord through prayer. His Word has taught us that He has sent His light and truth into the world to save us from our sins, and that He is faithful to care for His people. What a great God! So come, let us adore Him. Let's praise and worship Him and find great joy in His presence.

Take time each day this week to make a joyful noise! Praise and worship God through the singing of Christmas carols. Let each member of your family pick a favorite carol and sing together to Jesus, our Savior and King.

Dear Lord, I praise and worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! I praise Your holy name! In Jesus' name I  make this prayer. Amen.

LOVE

"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

The Greek word for love means a selfless concern for the needs of others. Real love doesn't depend on whether the person being loved is worthy or not; instead, love is a decision, and act of the will to love - yes, even the unlovable - in obedience to God's command.

We've learned this week that God is love, and love comes from God. That's why His command to love others is so important. It's also why love is the greatest of our spiritual gifts.

Love outlasts the gifts of prophesy, tongues, and knowledge. As we mature spiritually, we keep growing in our love relationships with God, all the way until we see Jesus face-to-face in heaven. Growing in His love is how we obey Him when He tells us to love our neighbor, even when our neighbor is hard to love.

May you love others as He has commanded, may you be in step with His love always, and may you seek His love above all else.

Dear Jesus, by the power of Your Spirit within me, enlighten me and empower me to love as You love. In Your name I make this prayer. Amen.

LOVE

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

This week of Advent, we've looked at the sacrificial love of God and how to become part of the holy family. We've learned that the gift of salvation through grace opens our eyes to God's love for the first time, and that as we walk with Him, He fills us with His Spirit. His powerful presence then overflows unto others so they may see God through our acts of love. And then His love is made complete in us. But the journey doesn't end there!

We have to take it a step further and discover that even if we do great things, we accomplish nothing if we are not motivated by love. Love is what makes a difference in the world, and when God does something, His goal is love. Sometimes it's hard to understand what God is doing, and that's why we need to keep asking God to work through us and help us understand His loving ways. The Bible says that if we ask, we will receive, and if we knock, the door will be opened to us (Matthew 7:7). We need to ask, seek, and knock at the door of this divine love, and it will be opened to us. Then His love will fill us so much that we will literally see God's hand at work around us today.

Dear Heavenly Father, I so need to see Your love at work in our world! I humbly pray for this awesome gift. I make this prayer in Christ's name. Amen.

LOVE

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:16-18

There are two things we need to know in order to understand God's love. The first thing is, God is love. It is in His very nature to be loving toward us as His children. And the second, we ourselves only know how to love because He loved us first.

When we understand those two things, we can perform acts of pure kindness, not because we feel we have to, but because we want to from a spirit of God's perfect love. In fact, our love for others is a sign that God lives in us. And when we allow God's love to shine in our lives, people can see the unseen God at work, and that brings Him glory, honor, and praise.

Genuine love is evidence that God is in us and has saved us. And with God's love and salvation comes the confidence that we will live forever with Him for all eternity.

Dear Savior, I thank You for Your perfect love that allows people to see God in me and desire to have a relationship with You. In Your name I pray. Amen.

LOVE

^"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."
1 John 3:16-20

It's not always easy to help the people who need us. Sometimes we don't know what to do, or we don't feel strong enough to provide for others. But in spite our shortcomings, God knows our hearts and our good intentions, and He assures us that He will empower us to help others in need.

Imagine you are decorating your Christmas tree. You wrap the lights around and around, covering the branches. But without plugging the string of lights into the wall outlet, they won't come on, and the tree will be dark. Only when you connect the lights to the source of energy can you light up the tree.

That's how helping others works too. We have to stay connected to Jesus, the source of power and love, and allow that energy to wrap around everyone in our lives, decorating them with the grace of God. God's power enables us to love with more than words. With His help, we are able to follow through with actions and meet the needs of others, putting their needs above our own.

And that's what God's love looks like: selfishly helping others. When we stay connected to Him and His love, we are able to serve and love people the way He loves.

Dear Christ Jesus, I ask You to embrace me with Your powerful love so that I may love others with words and actions. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.

LOVE

^"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."  Ephesians 3:14-21

This beautiful prayer is for all of us. Take time to think about these powerful words. Jesus loves each one of us more than we can understand, more than anyone could ever measure. He loves us more than our family loves us, more than our very closest friend loves us. And not only are we assured of this great love, but Jesus is willing to pour His powerful love into each one of us and fill us up with God's presence and power.

Now imagine this power is at work in you. What will you do for Jesus this Advent season and throughout the year? How will you change the world around you? Whose life will you impact? With God's strength and help and His power working through you, there's no telling what you'll do for Him if you simply accept His love and put Him first in your life.

 

Dear Lord, I ask for the power of God's love to be at work in me so that I can do immeasurably more than I think or imagine. I make this prayer in Your Son's name. Amen.

 

This week on one night grab some Christmas music, a few snacks, and those favorite games - it's game night! On this night, take some time to simply enjoy each other's company as a family. Press "pause" on all of the wrapping, baking, and shopping, and just sit down to be together and have fun. You'll feel less stressed and have a good time - and make a priceless Christmas memory.

LOVE

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:1-3

The Christmas season has a way of reminding us of how great family can be. But did you know that one of God's greatest gifts - and it's gift of grace, not something we could achieve on our own - is becoming a member of His own family? And as wonderful as it is is to have an earthly mom and dad and brothers and sisters who care about us, it's an even greater honor and joy to be included in God's holy family.

 

With Him as our heavenly Father, we are united with all our fellow believers. Just imagine all of the Christians in your church being part of your family. Now imagine how many believers there are in your state, your country, the world, and from all generations and all time. The truth is that all of us are one family, connected by the love of God.

 

Jesus is coming back again, and when He appears we shall see Him, we shall be like Him, and we shall worship Him with our brothers and sisters in faith forever. Let's thank God for the gift of an eternal family!

 

Dear Jesus, thank You for making me part of Your family and for teaching me to look forward to Your appearing. In Your name I make this prayer. Amen

LOVE

"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jeremiah 31:3

 

LOVE is the third topic of our spiritual journey.

 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." John 3:16-18

 

God's wonderful plan of salvation was motivated by His great love for us. He desires to have an intimate relationship with us now, and for us to be with Him for all eternity. That's why Jesus was born in a manger and died on the cross; to provide a way for us to reach the Father.

 

To receive this gift of salvation, all we have to do is believe and receive. Now, believing is not based on how we feel. Believing is a response to God's truth. And we act out our belief by making the decision to turn from our sins and receive God's forgiveness.

Believing in Jesus as God's Son, in His sacrificial death on the cross, and in His resurrection promises us something amazing; salvation and eternal life. God's infinite love for us has provided a way for us to be with Him forever. And that's definitely something to celebrate!

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your great love and for making Your salvation available to all of mankind, given to all who believe in and receive it. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.

PEACE

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21

The Christmas season comes and goes so fast - one minute you're eating Thanksgiving dinner, the next you're boxing up the tree. But the peace we have with God isn't just a feeling that will pass in time. Our peace comes from living with God, and Him living in us, all year round. Because Christ came and died to forgive our sins, we get to have a one-on-one relationship with Him. He equips us with everything good, like love, grace, mercy, faith, faithfulness, obedience, and perseverance, and if we keep walking with Him and developing those traits, we'll grow in Him and become more and more able to carry out His will.

May your confidence in the hope of God's glory - and the peace that comes with it - be steadfast and strong. May the purpose for which God created you be fulfilled, and may you grow to be all that He intended.

Dear Savior, I thank You, Lord, for the shedding of Your blood that puts me in a right relationship with the God of peace. I praise You for equipping me with everything good for doing His will and working in me what is pleasing to God. In Your name I make this prayer. Amen.

PEACE

"Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."
1 Thessalonians 5:19-24

The baby in the manger teaches us one very important thing: that God cares about us and wants to change our lives. And when He works in the lives of His people, we see love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace. As you worship this Advent, open your heart, your mind, your body, and your soul, and find calm within. Then, in that quiet moment, the Spirit's fire will fill you. That warm glow of His passion and presence is how you know God is making you into a brand-new person.

Our transformation into godly people depends on who God is and how He works in us. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Let the peace of God's presence transform you today and every day.

Dear Christ Jesus, begin Your transforming work in my life, sanctify me, and carry out Your plans for me until Your return and the arrival of eternal peace. I make this prayer in Your holy name. Amen.

PEACE

^"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you." Romans 8:5-11

We now know we are moved beyond our emotions and seek peace through prayer and meditation; the challenge now is to keep our minds steadfast on what the Spirit desires. Our sinful nature is constantly at war with the Spirit. But Christ living in us gives us victory over that war, enabling us to live in righteousness. Day by day, moment by moment we can choose to live by the Spirit, resulting in the presence of His peace. And just as Christ's body was raised from the dead, our bodies will also rise because of the indwelling presence of the Spirit.

Dear Lord, I pray for the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ that gives life and peace and the promised resurrection. In your Son's name I pray, Amen.

PEACE

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer." 1 Peter 3:8-12

What is the definition of peace? Webster's New World Dictionary defines it as freedom from war; a state of harmony, serenity, or quiet. The Bible says we are to seek the Lord with all our hearts and in return, He will give us peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). The peace we receive from knowing the Lord extends far beyond our outward circumstances - even when we are not in a state of harmony - going directly into our heart, soul, and mind. It is a peace that enables us to live in harmony with one another, to love as brothers, and to be compassionate and humble. And because of this gift, we are able to do good deeds and show sincere love to others from the overflow of this wonderful peace.

Dear Jesus, make my hearts desire to seek You and Your peace, that I may do good and inherit Your blessings. I  make this prayer in Your name. Amen.

PEACE

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:15-17

On any given day, we experience many emotions. And sometimes those emotions will try to rule our hearts. This happens when we spend too much time being anxious, angry, depressed, or fearful. But the good news is, we have the power within us to choose between letting our emotions rule within us, or letting the Prince of Peace flood our soul with tranquility and thankfulness.

When people watch us apply the power we're promised in God's Word, we have a much better chance of reaching them with Christ's love. Your family, friends, and co-workers see what you're going through in your life, sometimes on a daily basis. How you handle yourself and your emotions can make a great impact for Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me emotions. Help me to control them in a way that allows Your peace to rule over them all, so that I might be a light of love to everyone around me. I make this prayer in Christ's name. Amen.

PEACE

"Rejoice in the Lrod always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

Prayer connects us to the Father in an intimate communion of heart, soul and spirit - it is a mysterious dialogue of love and power with a most Holy God. And Jesus is our faithful intercessor - our heavenly ambassador who presents our prayers to God. Through prayer, God's power is released to work in your life and the lives of others, bringing peace and comfort in knowing He has heard you and will answer you in His time.

 

When you present your requests to God, do so in humble submission with thanksgiving in your heart. The Lord will then guard your heart and mind with peace that transcends all understanding.

 

Heavenly Father, I ask you this day that Your hand be upon our nation and all of the nations on earth. Please guide our president, the leaders of our country, and leaders around the world, from the smallest of towns to our global communities. We lift up the wars that are raging now, and we ask for peace for all who are affected by them. We ask that You bless soldiers and their families, our missionaries, our pastors, friends, and our families. Please bless the hungry, the sick, and the lonely. Thank You that Your love, grace, and peace are available to all the people of the world. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 

Hope you are having a great Monday. Stay warm

Blessings,

PEACE

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14

PEACE is the second topic of our spiritual journey.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Peace is one of the greatest gifts the Lord has brought to us. In the verse above, the prophet Isaiah helps us to recognize the peace we will have upon Christ's arrival, and goes on to proclaim the glory and majesty of who He is and His purpose for coming.

Wonderful Counselor points to the Messiah as King - a king who will direct and guide, and carry out a plan of action - but also One the world will know as loving and compassionate; One who cares about each and every one of us and the smallest details of our lives.

Mighty God refers to His divine power. He spoke, and the earth, sun, moon and stars came into being. He parted the seas, stopped the waves, and performed miracles that we talk about to this very day.

Everlasting Father indicates that His grace and mercy are never ending, and that He will never leave us or forsake us. Ever.

Prince of Peace reminds us that only through Jesus Christ we will have true peace of mind and soul. Faith in Christ brings peace with the Father, and it is on believers that God's favor of peace will rest.

Take a moment now to think about these elements of God's nature, and why we have peace in His completeness.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, I praise You for Your glory and majesty this day and always. I thank You for Your comfort, guidance, and provision. May I be ever mindful of who You are. I make this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.

HOPE

"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. Come now; let us leave." John 14:28-31

Jesus has given us tremendous hope in Him, in the Father, and in the Holy Spirit. He has gone away for a time, but He is coming back - He promised! While we are here on this earth and for all eternity, we have fellowship in Christ through the Holy Spirit.

May your spiritual journey lead you to abide in Christ and to obey His teaching. May you spread the hope and love of Christ this Christmas season as you share Him with others. And may you put your faith into action as you give of yourself, your time, and your talents. Finally, we invite you to rejoice and celebrate in the greatest Hope the world has ever been offered.

Dear Savior, live in me and enable me to share the hope of Christ through encouraging words and actions this Advent season and throughout my life. I make this prayer in Your name. Amen.

HOPE

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:25-27

 

As Christians we are not immune to trials and hard times, but when we are burdened and afraid we have hope in the Lord and comfort from the Holy Spirit. When our external lives are full of turmoil, we tend to spend more time on our knees in prayer; this leads to a greater dependence on God. And though God does not cause bad things to happen to us, He sometimes allows them so we will grow closer to Him and learn to trust Him more. Release your troubled heart to the Lord and He will give you peace. He will teach you to abide in Him and share in a peaceful communion that is true and lasting. He has promised and has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" Hebrews 14:5. Hope and know that internally, within our very souls, we can always find peace in the Lord.

 

Dear Jesus, I turn over my troubled heart and burden to You this day and receive Your hope and peace. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

 

Happy Friday

Blessings,

HOPE

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me." John 14:21-24

What an awesome hope; in our time, study, prayer, and obedience to the Word, Jesus will reveal himself to us and lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. We are simply to obey. As parents, we teach our children to obey because we want them to be safe and secure. In the same way, our heavenly Father asks us to follow His will. Obedience is a positive thing. When God prompts us to do or not do something, remember that blessings will surely follow if we're obedient. The quicker we act out His will, the sooner we will be blessed. Obey the Lord's commands and you'll abide in the love of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to know You more and to be obedient to You in all things that I may bring glory to Your name. I make this request in Christ's name. Amen.

Blessings on your Thursday,

HOPE

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." John 14:15-20

Take time to really think about these words: Jesus is in the Father and we are in Jesus and He is in us. How incredible it is that we have the Lord God in us and we are in Him! Acts 17:28 describes this mystery in this way: "For in Him we live and move and have our being."

How often do we really live moment-by-moment in Christ? Imagine how much better our busy days would be if we practiced the presence of Jesus. Each year at Christmastime we say that we are going to slow down, cut back on activities, and enjoy the season, but somehow it never seems to happen. Instead, we need to make a commitment to live daily in Christ. Then, whatever the task, the event, or the circumstance, He will enrich our lives in ways that are beyond imagination. This ultimate relationship with Christ is above all others; it will guide us on our spiritual journey and last through all eternity.

Dear Christ Jesus, Help me to daily abide in You. I want to experience this mystery - living in You, and You in me. Help me to pause and practice the presence of the Lord this Christmas. I make this prayer in Your holy name. Amen.

Have a super Wednesday.
Blessings,

HOPE

Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my  name, and I will do it." John 14:8-14

The New Testament has many examples of Christ's wondrous miracles. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed thousands, yet He tells us that we can go on to do even greater deeds through His Spirit. Ask God how He wants to use you this Christmas. Maybe you will feed the homeless in your community, clothe the poor, or bring comfort to the sick and lonely. If you ask for His guidance, He will work through you and direct your path. Even the smallest act of grace can change a life, a community, and even the world.

The hope we have as Christians is not only that we have Christ living in us, but also that we have Him working through us. Hope teaches us to have faith in Christ and to do the things He leads us to do. Acting under the power of Christ will produce amazing results.

Dear Lord, please show me how You would have me serve others this Christmas season, and empower me as Your vessel that, by serving others, I may bring You glory. I thank You and praise You and ask these things in Your Son's name. Amen.\

Blessings on your day,

HOPE

"You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." John 14:4-7

Our hope for salvation is in Christ Jesus. He and He alone is the way, the truth and the life. Draw into a closer relationship with Him by reflecting on who He is, His perfect love, His wonderful grace, His tender mercy, His almighty power and majesty. Take a moment to think about the blessings in your life for which you are thankful, and praise Jesus for what He has done for you.

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your great sacrifice on the cross and the gift of salvation and eternal life. Create in me a pure heart and a desire to really know You. I make this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.

HOPE

"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations . . . In his name the nations will put their hope." Matthew 12:18,21

HOPE is the first topic to begin our spiritual journey.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:1-3

As Christians we have a great reason to hope! John 1:1 proclaims that, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:14 goes on to say, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." The Word is Jesus, the living God! We know that everything the Scripture tells us is true because it is not only from God, it is God, the Word.

When the prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Christ, a new hope was born into the world; a hope that lives in us today. And after Jesus came in the flesh, He promised to return and take us to be with Him, giving us eternal hope that surpasses the condition of our life on earth.

Take a moment and think about the things you want and the things for which you hope. Many of them may be of temporary value, but some will have deep eternal longings as well. Now think about the things you hope for this week, this Christmas season, the new year to come, your lifetime on earth and the next life in heaven. Now ponder in your heart what it will be like to see Jesus face-to-face in all His glory and splendor, and imagine what it will be like to go where He is.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the blessings of Your Word and Your Son in my life. I thank You for the hope of my heavenly home where I can dwell together with You forever. In Christ's name I pray. Amen

Being Grateful

" . . . think about such things." Philippians 4:8

The institution of Thanksgiving Day has a meandering history. In 1777 the Continental Congress declared the first national day of thanksgiving after a victory over the British at Saratoga. By 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill that firmly established the fourth Thursday of November as our national holiday of thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day may have lost some of the national spiritual fervor and intentionality around celebrating a corporate day of thanks to the Almighty, but can be personally useful as a place of spiritual mind-renewal. Along with thankfulness, ("And be thankful," Colossians 3:15), what does God direct us to harbor in our minds?

* " . . . we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Do you monitor what you allow and entertain in your mind?

* "Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song" (Psalm 95:2). Do you spend time regularly expressing thanks and worship - throughout the year - focusing on God's character and lvoing care in your life?

* ". . . a prudent man gives thought to his steps" (Proverbs 14:15). Are you carefully considering, not impulsively or with feelings alone, that next step?

* "I thank my God every time I remember you" (Philippians 1:3). Do you thank God for those dear ones he has placed in your life?

On this day dedicated to gratefulness, take some time to examine the nature of your daily thoughts. How would you characterize them - life-giving or life-defeating? And most importantly, do they follow God's directives?

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Enjoy the day

Thanks . . . Again!

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?"
1 Thessalonians 3:9

Think of the people God has placed in your life - your family members, friends, coworkers, and other loved ones. They bring such joy and happiness to your life, don't they? Now contemplate this . . . what if you'd never met any of them? How different would your life be? These folks are such a gift! God has given them to you as a special present . . . one you need to remember to thank Him for.

Dear Lord, sometimes I walk through seasons of blessing and forget to be grateful. It's easy with the busyness of life, to overlook the fact that You have made provisions to cover my monthly bills. You have graced me with good health. You have given me friends and loved ones to share my joys and sorrows with. Today, I want to thank You for the many gifts You have poured out on me. Thank You Lord, In Your Name, Amen.

Happy Tuesday!

Hope you are feeling thankful for all your blessings this week as you are getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Have a great day

Blessings,

Thankfulness

"Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:57

 

What a wonderful, giving God we serve. He stands with an extended hand, ready to give you the desires of your heart. Take a moment to offer thanks to Him for the greatest gifts, the awesome joys you've experienced, and even the small things that you realize He engineered to bless you in an unexpected way. Share with Him just how much He means to you. Express to Him your thankfulness. He is worthy of your thanks.

 

Dear Lord, as I reflect on this week and thanksgiving, I want to thank you for the blessings you have given to me. Day by day, your grace makes me ready for whatever comes my way. You give me exactly what I need. Thank you for always being there. In Your Name, Amen.

Have a great day.
Blessings,

When you've had one of those weeks

It’s been one of those weeks.

You know the kind that tempt you to pull the covers back over your head?

I’m recovering from too many late nights, family members with colds, and too many things on my to-do list.

It’s the everyday things that throw us off the most sometimes.

They make us forget who we are, who we belong to, where we’re going.

Maybe that sometimes happens to you too.

If so, I want to lean in close in the middle of all those little things and whisper some BIG truth to us…

Yes, you are loved. More than you know. More than you see. Deeper than you’ve dared to dream.

^"16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."{Ephesians 3:16-19}

Yes, you are really part of a good plan and you belong to a God who will make sure it happens.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."{Jeremiah 29:11}.

Yes, you are going to make it through this not just somehow but victoriously.

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."{Philippians 4:13}

When life gets hard the lies get loud.

But in the middle of all the noise, there is still what’s true.

Especially when it been one of those weeks.

Have a super weekend.

Blessings,

Satisfaction

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25

 

Satisfaction is the result of a job well done. Sometimes your expectations for the blessings of God requires you to press a little harder and stretch your faith a little farther to see the results you've asked God for. You can be sure all your effort will be rewarded. God promises to satisfy your soul - a deep satisfaction only He can provide. He's given you the power to reach your destiny. He will not let you fail. Press on! Press on!

 

Dear Lord, I see your blessings everywhere. I know you have many blessings for us as your children. Help to find the way to stretch my faith a little farther to do things that you would have me do. You will not fail me, I am excited to see where you lead me. In Your Name, Amen.

 

Have a great weekend.

Blessings,

One Amazing Girl

I want to share with you what one very special girl shared with me this morning.

I went to visit Hope in the hospital.

For those of you that may not know Hope, she is an 11 year old who has had a lot of health issues in her short life. In the past 11 months she has had a liver transplant and heart surgery. She is currently fighting an infection and looking at another heart surgery very soon.  

It was good to see her and we had a good time. She is probably the most amazing person I have had the privelge to have cross my path and become friends with. Of course I am also amazed with her mom Carrie who is an inspiration to me and watching her go through the things they have, she is truly a strong Christian woman, wife, mom and friend. Of course the whole family is wonderful and I will continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers.

I was trying to find a devotion to share with you all today, and the thing that God keeps pressing into my heart is this song by Josh Wilson, "Before the Morning". While we visited in Hope's hospital room we talked about her favorite songs. Her mom pulled out her phone and this is the song that Hope likes. She sang along with it. I watched her sing, I listened to the words and tears rolled down my cheeks. I guess I want to share this with you because it just moved me so much.

The song says "You have a reason to still sing. Cause the pain that you've been feeling, it can't compare to the joy that's coming. Press on and fight the good fight." If Hope can look me in the eye and sing these words after everything she has gone through and going to go through, I can go through anything that comes my way too.

Hope, I know you will read this and I am truly a better person for knowing you! God has blessed me by putting you in my life. God is using you in mighty ways and I enjoy watching you work and go about God's business. Rest up, get better and know that you are loved.Thank you for sharing this song with me this morning. It touched me very much. Love you!!

Blessings on your Wednesday,

 

 

Sometimes life knocks the wind out of you

You wonder, “Can I get back up?”
Let me lean in close and whisper to your heart…
“You can, my beautiful friend, you can.”
We all have times when discouragement knocks on our door,
when doubt creeps in, when we feel so very small.
But those are the moments when God’s love can be the biggest,

when He’s there with open arms, with truth that reminds us who we are.

 

And who are you?

You are loved.
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him."  {Psalm 103:11}

You have a purpose.
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." {Philippians 1:6}

 

You are not alone. "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand."{Psalm 73:23}

 

Dear Lord, thank You for the reminder that I am loved, I do have a purpose and I am not alone. Help me to do Your work today. Help me to see the ways You take care of me, but also help me to help others I come across. In Your Name, Amen.

 

Blessings on your Tuesday,

If I could whisper in your heart today . . .

This is what I'd say--

You're loved more than you know, more than you see, more than you've even dared to dream.
"As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him."

{Psalm 103:11}

 

No matter how it may feel, you've got a purpose and God's got a plan."I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."
{Jeremiah 29:11}

 

We only get one YOU and what you have to offer the world is good.
"God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good!"

{Genesis 1:31}

 

Whatever will happen this week, it's going to be okay and you are too. Promise.
"That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good."

{Romans 8:28}

 

Then I'd buy you a cup of coffee or tea or a hot fudge sundae with extra cherries on top and listen hard to what your heart has to share back.

 

And what would you say?

 

Dear Lord, help me to start out my week in You. Help me to do what You would have me to do this week. If I need to let something go on my to-do list and do something on Your to-do list, let me do it with joy. In Your Name, Amen.

 

Happy Monday!
Hope your day is great.
Blessings,

Someone Worth Dying For . . .

Happy Friday!!!
Wanted to share something with you today. I have heard this song on the radio and it is one of my favorites right now. I hadn't seen the video for it until today when a friend sent it to me. I just had to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Blessings on your weekend

"Someone Worth Dying For"
by: MikeChair

Whole and Healed

"Pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with." James 5:16

Do you have soul siblings? Brothers and sisters in Christ? Caring people who pray for you and with you about, well, everything? Like a life preserver in a turbulent sea, prayer partners are buoyancy for the soul and security through any storm. Heartbonds, once established, create a trusting environment where we can bare our souls before the Lord in mutual prayer to become whole and healed. Prayer partners are warm hugs from God

Dear Lord, Help me to find sisters in Christ that can be my life preserver here in my life from day to day. For those that I do count on to help me, I thank You for them. I pray that I can be a soul sister to others as well. In Your Name, Amen.


Gotta soul sister? Say a prayer for them today asking God to bless them.
Need a soul sister? Say a prayer and ask God to put one in your life.

Be a soul sister! We need all the help we can get :O)

Blessings on your Thursday,

Thank You For . . .

grace undeserved and beauty that wraps itself around our messy lives to make us whole again,

joy that arrives like a candle and reminds us brighter days will come,

laughing until we cry and crying until we laugh,

how you hold us close in a way our hearts can feel,

for the glorious, golden leaves outside my window,

and the wind that sounds like a whisper calling my name.

The trees lift their hands as if to answer back.

I close my eyes and listen.

Everything I hear, the high and low, sounds to me like one word repeated...

grace, grace, grace.  

Let's say prayers of thanks this week. What are you grateful to God for?

Dear God, thank You for the many blessings You have given to me. Thank You for your grace. In Your Name, Amen

Blessings on your Wednesday

Sing for Joy

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." Psalm 5:11

There are so many things to rejoice over when you're in love with the Creator of heaven and earth. Rejoicing changes your perspective on everything! Remember that little song you used to sing as a child: "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!" It's true. Love gives birth to joy. And when that joy spills over, watch out! It's contagious!

Dear Lord, help me to find joy today. If I am not feeling joyful today, help me to change my perspective and my attitude. There are many things to be joyful about. In Your Name, Amen.

Have a great day

Joy Amidst Financial Stress

By Mary DeMuth

With banks and insurance companies collapsing, foreclosures and jobless rates rising, how can we keep our joy? Here are five ways:

Live for Real Security.
The blessing of this economy is its frailty. Why is that a blessing? Because it serves as the barometer of our real security. If our security is based on something that can be taken away from us, we are living for the wrong security. Take a deep breath; let it out. In that, breathe in God’s economy, letting out your own reliance on the American economy. Read Matthew 7: 24-27 where Jesus talks about building our houses on sand or the rock. In this time of stress, evaluate which foundation you’ve building on today. Is it a paycheck, or the Giver of all Good Things? Food in the fridge, or the Bread of Life?


Treasure God.
There are so many things to treasure—our homes, our cars, our furniture, our clothing, and especially our relationships. It’s not wrong to be thankful for these things and people, but we will live freer lives if we first see God as our best treasure. Why? Because nothing can take Him away from us. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Securing our hearts to God adds the treasure of His presence to our lives. In the Irish hymn “Be Thou My Vision,” the words capture this principle beautifully: “Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise. Thou mine inheritance now and always. Thou and Thou only, first in my heart. High king of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.”


Give in the opposite spirit.
Are you stressed about money? Give hilariously. 2 Corinthians 9:7b says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” The best way to break the stronghold of money-worry in your life is to do the counterintuitive thing and pray this prayer: “God, show me how I can financially bless someone this week.” Giving away, even when circumstances are difficult, is a faith-filled act. You’ll be surprised how your hilarious giving breaks the cycle of stress in your life.


Practice reality-based spending.
Marketers have a term for it: aspirational marketing. They target people who long for a certain income or status and market to their aspirations. Who cares if you can’t afford that car! If you buy with this easy payment plan, you can look like you afford it. Forget that you will be latched to the payments for years or that the car will depreciate faster than your cash flow. In this economy, it’s important to buy things without tying them to our aspirations. Be realistic instead. Don’t be duped into thinking you’ll feel happier if you have that cool new thing. Instead ask yourself, “Self? Can I afford to pay cash for this thing?” If the answer is no, set your aspirations aside and don’t buy it.


Be blessed to be a blessing.
We Americans truly don’t realize how good we have it. One of the most humbling conversations I had was with my friend Paul in Ghana. He said, “For ten years I never knew when my next meal was coming.” Imagine living for ten years, not knowing when you’d have breakfast or lunch or dinner! We are blessed beyond measure. We live like kings here. Why not shift your contentment meter a bit. Take your eyes off your circumstance and consider the rest of the world. How can you bless someone less fortunate than you? Thinking of your wealth in terms of blessing others will revolutionize your attitude toward money today.


Yes, this economy is strained and scary. Yes, it could get worse before it gets better. But as Christ-followers in the midst of this crisis, we have more. We have the security of knowing God will never leave us. We have the ultimate treasure in Him. We have the ability to give even when we’re worried. We don’t have to be duped by the marketing machine into believing our worth is based on what status symbol we have. And we have been blessed beyond measure, not to hoard, but to give it away. And in all that, we find joy.