Author: Christine

It is the new year: 2021. You are dutifully making some new year’s resolutions. How to make 2021 a better year for self: exercise more, eat right, make goal oriented decisions for a better you.

I am just kidding when I say I have 12 steps for a brand new you. I do not hold the key to a better life. I do not have the answers to the questions you want answered. But, there is always a but, right? I can point you to the One who does hold the key. To the One who does have the answers to your questions. God. Let us look into our bible and see what God has to say.

1. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. “ The Messiah’s birth you just celebrated 7 days ago, open your heart to receive Him. He was born for you. He died for you. He rose again that you may have life in His name.
2. 1 Peter 2a: “desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow “ Once you have received the gospel of Jesus Christ, now grow in Him.
3. Proverbs 2: 1-2; 5-6: “My son, if you receive my words And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;” As you seek to know God more, pray for wisdom and understanding.
4. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. “ Learning more of God will deepen your faith as you seek Him.
5. John 20:30-31 “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” Believe the inspired, inerrant Word of God. It is the truth we stand on.
6. Matthew 22:37 “Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” Because of your new heart, you now have new desires. You reflect on God’s grace and mercy and desire to love Him more each day.
7. Matthew 22:39 “‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” In turn, as you love God more, you will desire to express that love to others.
8. James 2:14-17 “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Loving others, in turn, leads to having compassion for those in need. Your faith becomes active.
9. 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; and Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”Amen.” You want others to know these truths and you will proclaim them to anyone who will listen.
10. Psalm 143:8 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I entrust my life.” The God in whom you have placed your faith, is the same God you can trust with your life. In all ways, for all of your days.
11. Ephesians 6:10-17 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” As you learn and grow in your faith, you will face challenges, trials. You will encounter nay-sayers.
12. John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Because you believe the Bible, it is the word of God, the words of life. We stand on the promises of God. Knowing we are His children, we live by faith. We seek to know Him more. We strive to be more Christ-like each day for our foundation is Him. Read your bible. Uncover the promises of God. Meditate on His goodness and love. Be strong in our faith and live this new year with a new desire to know God more.

Here is to new beginnings. Happy New Year 2021

Driving. Anticipating. Looking. Seeking. Getting to the destination. Lots of excitement. I can’t wait to…! Once there, things to do, people to see, memories to be made. Then… time to pack up, say good-bye. One last picture. The trip is in the books. Making the way home, looking back, remembering.

So is life. I’m young, on my own. I can’t wait to…! Things to do, places to go, people to meet, goals to achieve. Climbing that mountain.

As I age, I still seek. Still go. Now though, destinations involve points of interest where family is. Connecting. Relating. God wants us to be relational. To engage with people. In fellowship with one another. Let us take time for loved ones on the roads we travel.

The winds are blowing. The leaves on the trees are rustling. The temps are cold. Sitting here, thinking of the magnitude of God’s creation, of God’s sovereign control over it, I sit in wonder. Being Christmas morning, I ponder the fact that “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14a. God did not just sit back after creation. He sent His Son to dwell in His beautiful creation, to dwell among us, as a human, able to relate, to teach, to show us how to live like Him, for Him. He was born so man may live, to enjoy a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior.

As you enjoy this blessed Christmas morning, whether in quiet solitude or in noisy gatherings, may you praise the name of the Lord.

Zechariah was visited by an angel who declared he and his wife would have a son. Luke 1:13-15a: “But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.  For he will be great in the sight of the Lord,” This son was chosen to declare the Lord Jesus and preach the good news. He was bringing joy to a land who was looking for their Messiah. John the Baptist was assigned by God Himself to point them, us to Jesus. Upon receiving this gift, joy indwells every believer and we cannot help but share it with others. Not pointing to ourselves but to Jesus.

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in our church’s first annual “Ring and Sing.” We prepared baskets filled with love, cards, and baked goods. Some of our shut-in knew we were coming, for others, it was a surprise visit. We rang the doorbell and upon answering, we broke into song. “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” The joy on their faces was childlike. The 95 year old was radiant with joy. After singing, we handed them the baskets. They were all very appreciative. We left each house filled with joy and excitement. Visiting each house, sharing in a few minutes of fellowship and praising Jesus’ birth. An evening filled with love, spreading joy.

Is God near or far? Yes. He is near- when we cry out to Him, when we call upon Him, He is near. He hears our prayers. He knows our hearts, our desires. He wants us to have a relationship with Him- personal- between me and God.

He is far- He is high and lifted up. He sits on His throne and watches over all. We reverently bow down, humbling ourselves before Him. “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.” Psalm 96:4

As we prepare for Christmas and are reminded of our Savior’s birth so many years ago, let us prepare our hearts to receive Him, to receive His gift of salvation. As the song, Joy to the World goes, “Let ev’ry heart, prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven and nature sing.” Open your heart today to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. Let this be your joy today. Receive your King.

Feeling blue? Where are your thoughts leading you to? I know decorating for Christmas is supposed to make us feel happy, joyful. But what if I said it makes me feel melancholy. Thoughts of Christmas past flood my mind. The house bursting with noise, laughter, excitement. I get so overhwhelmed with these memories I can hardly breathe.

Our house is quiet now. It is just two of us, decorating, remembering. We talk, reminisce about the homemade ornaments, the Christmas of red. We smile. We laugh. The joy is returning. I am thankful and blessed to have these wonderful memories. Praising God for all His provisions and blessings. Even when Christmas has a new look, it is the same: celebrating the birth of our Savior, Immanuel: God with us.

The first one up… makes the coffee, feeds the dogs. At Christmastime, the first one up… turns on the Christmas lights, plays the Christmas music.

What about that first Christmas morning? Who was the first one up? What did he/she do? I’m thinking it was probably Mary. The first one up… feeds the baby, rocks the baby, changes the baby. But this was no ordinary baby and Mary knew this. She had been told to whom she would give birth. The night He was born, the angels sang, a star appeared, shepherds came and worshipped. So, on that first Christmas morning, Mary took care of her precious baby, held Him, but more that that, she praised God for His sovereignty in using her, a humble servant, a believer in the one true God, to be a vessel for which God’s plan of redemption for all mankind would play out. And “Mary pondered all these things in her heart.”

Luke 2:8-20: “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.  Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.”

Since the fall of Adam and Eve, God has promised a Messiah. The prophets of the Old Testament spoke of the coming Messiah. Isaiah 9:6-7 “For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

The Messiah would save them/us from sin. The Light would enter the dark world of sin and be received by all who put their faith and trust in Jesus, our awaited Messiah. The hope He brings, shining a light into our darkened heart and providing the way to God- His substitutionary death on the cross for me, you, them.

As we begin this Christmas season, let the Light of Jesus shine through us to those without hope, that they may receive, in faith, the hope Jesus brings.

Billy Graham: “For the believer, there is hope beyond the grave, because Jesus Christ has opened the door to heaven for us by His death and resurrection.”

Are you thawing your turkey? Chopping? Cleaning? Shopping? Traveling? The day before Thanksgiving is a busy preparation day ahead of your Thanksgiving gathering. Checking your menu, getting last minute items finished, making sure you are ready.

Preparation Day 2,000 years ago was the day Jesus died on the cross (John 19:31-37). The unlimited grace and mercy poured out at the cross, in anticipation of you and I coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, is the very point of preparation day.

We live our lives, serving self, preparing for our future, providing for our children and grandchildren. These are all good things and God says we should work. Are we also preparing our souls to live beyond this world? Are you securing a place in eternity? Jesus has already prepared a place for us (John 14:1-4). The good news is the work is done. Jesus invites you to come to Him. I pray you would receive this gift today.

John 19:31-37 “Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. ³² Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. ³³ But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. ³⁴ But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. ³⁵ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. ³⁶ For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” ³⁷ And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

John 14:1-4 “ “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

Christmas lights going up. Holiday music on the radio. Looking forward to Christmas earlier than in years past. Why?

Is it the unknown future? Is it a year of upheaval? Is it escaping the present?

Looking for Christmas means looking for the Savior. The hope He brings. The peace He is. The love He bestows. Hearts are tired. Hearts are anxious. The true meaning of Christmas is our Messiah born in a stable, a gift of grace and mercy brought to a world in chaos, then and now. Shepherds came and worshipped Him, kings bowed down before Him.

People today are searching for truth. Truth to believe, truth to follow. Examine your hearts. Remember the teachings of your parents, your grandparents, Sunday school teacher, youth pastor. The love they shared with you is the same love Jesus gives.

Stop looking. The Bible is your source of truth, hope, peace and love that you, me, we, so desperately need.

Merry Christmas.

Luke 2:8-14 “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”