Last night I walked all over Walmart to see if I could get ideas for my husbands Christmas gift. I saw some things that I would like to give him but not knowing to what he would give preference made me hesitate. I have asked him to at least give me some clue as to what he would want. He asked me to do the same. It seems to me that after 35 years of marriage we could think of something on our own. I guess what we have learned over those years is that it is wise to ask!
Wish lists were the inspiration for the sermon on Sunday too! What do we wish for from God? A burning bush experience? An angel messenger? A meeting on a Damascus road? Oh that we would wish for the word of God to come alive in our lives! WOW!
Sadly most church going people would prefer that God would stay in His heaven rather than to come close and cause them to change their ways. Jesus did enter our space and continues to ask all people to change. He wants us to believe in His goodness and His love. He wants us to change directions. We must turn away from our selfish desires and follow Him.
Your coming into my space, Lord, confronts me just as the burning bush for Moses, the angel for Mary and the vision of You for Paul. Your Christmas coming continues to challenge me! I wish I will always say "Yes!" to You. I wish Your presence would always be very real to me! May I share Christmas with others every day! Thank You for making Your word come alive in me through Your word!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Little Boys
Watching my 7 month old grandboy, Scott, three times a week gives me a new perspective of God coming to earth as a baby.
The beginnings of life must have been restrictive, to say the very least, for the Almighty God of the universe! Within the confines of a tiny body God wondered at His own creation! He admired the workings of a tiny hand and enjoyed playing with his wee little toes. His mouth explored whatever Mary would allow Him to chew and He savored the pleasures of warm milk from her breast to calm the grumblings of His tummy.
Come to think of it, maybe, just maybe, God did not feel restricted at all. Maybe God knew that the universe not only expanded outward from our human bodies but also inward. I imagine God filled with joy and an ever deepening love for us as He lifted His head, rolled over, sat, crawled and walked for the very first time. Yes, He must have admired His own work and was pleased to again call it good! He must have been delighted to be in a temple in which He would one day reside.
God coming as a baby is a powerful reminder that life is precious and glorious.
The beginnings of life must have been restrictive, to say the very least, for the Almighty God of the universe! Within the confines of a tiny body God wondered at His own creation! He admired the workings of a tiny hand and enjoyed playing with his wee little toes. His mouth explored whatever Mary would allow Him to chew and He savored the pleasures of warm milk from her breast to calm the grumblings of His tummy.
Come to think of it, maybe, just maybe, God did not feel restricted at all. Maybe God knew that the universe not only expanded outward from our human bodies but also inward. I imagine God filled with joy and an ever deepening love for us as He lifted His head, rolled over, sat, crawled and walked for the very first time. Yes, He must have admired His own work and was pleased to again call it good! He must have been delighted to be in a temple in which He would one day reside.
God coming as a baby is a powerful reminder that life is precious and glorious.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Moonlight Pearl
Last night as my husband and I left for our weekly date, we were awestruck by the moon. It was a clear night and the moon was full. It was a beautiful sight.
I could not keep my eyes off the moon. It reflected the sun in a way that reminded me of a huge pearl. Its luminousness was breathtaking! We could easily see the shadows of the lunar terrain, but it did not detract from its beauty. The shadows simply added to the mystery of the clarity and perfection of the vision.
A pearl resting in a vast ocean of deep blue was this moon. It was a gift to enjoy, a touch from the Creator. He made it for my pleasure and so I told Him how much I enjoyed it! And then i remembered about the pearl of great price that Jesus told us about. It was bought through the sacrifice of the merchant who sought it for his own.
I am the pearl that was bought with Jesus' sacrifice, but am I willing to sacrifice for Him as well? Can I say "Yes" to Him as Mary did?
Thank You Lord, for reminding me of Your pearl by showing me the moon in all its glory! you have thought of everything that could delight me and make me happy! I say "Yes!" Yes, I will live my life to please You!
I could not keep my eyes off the moon. It reflected the sun in a way that reminded me of a huge pearl. Its luminousness was breathtaking! We could easily see the shadows of the lunar terrain, but it did not detract from its beauty. The shadows simply added to the mystery of the clarity and perfection of the vision.
A pearl resting in a vast ocean of deep blue was this moon. It was a gift to enjoy, a touch from the Creator. He made it for my pleasure and so I told Him how much I enjoyed it! And then i remembered about the pearl of great price that Jesus told us about. It was bought through the sacrifice of the merchant who sought it for his own.
I am the pearl that was bought with Jesus' sacrifice, but am I willing to sacrifice for Him as well? Can I say "Yes" to Him as Mary did?
Thank You Lord, for reminding me of Your pearl by showing me the moon in all its glory! you have thought of everything that could delight me and make me happy! I say "Yes!" Yes, I will live my life to please You!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Decorations of the Heart
Christmas houses are all aglow throughout the neighborhoods. Lights sparkle and Christmas characters shine. Inside trees glimmer with lights and glittering ornaments. We seem to go all out for Christmas.
What decorations can we display throughout the year to tell others that we are Christians and Christ is born in us? I've thought about it, and I think the best ornament on our lives is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. His presence is seen in our love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. It is true that against these there can be no law.
Fighting City Hall that makes laws against the decorated civic buildings for Christmas is fruitless if we do not bear the fruit of the Spirit year round. Oh Christians, let us decorate our lives daily with His presence! He will make us to shine like stars! (Phil. 2:14-16)
What decorations can we display throughout the year to tell others that we are Christians and Christ is born in us? I've thought about it, and I think the best ornament on our lives is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. His presence is seen in our love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. It is true that against these there can be no law.
Fighting City Hall that makes laws against the decorated civic buildings for Christmas is fruitless if we do not bear the fruit of the Spirit year round. Oh Christians, let us decorate our lives daily with His presence! He will make us to shine like stars! (Phil. 2:14-16)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Scrooge
There is a Scrooge for every person every Christmas season. It could be health related, financial, emotional, relational or many other places in our lives.
The question is, can we overcome bad news from Scrooge with the good news of Christ?
According to John 16:33 we can! "I have told you all this so you may have peace in me. (What did He tell us? The Good News!) Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
So there, Scrooge! You cannot take away our Merry Christmas. You cannot spoil our Christmas joy. We will not become like you!
God bless us , every one!
The question is, can we overcome bad news from Scrooge with the good news of Christ?
According to John 16:33 we can! "I have told you all this so you may have peace in me. (What did He tell us? The Good News!) Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
So there, Scrooge! You cannot take away our Merry Christmas. You cannot spoil our Christmas joy. We will not become like you!
God bless us , every one!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Christmas Love
If there is one message that sums up Christmas I think it must be love. Christmas began because God loved us. That is good news!
Love is good news because love seeks the best for us. Yes, love isn't always easy, in fact it can be the most difficult thing we do. When we love someone we look for ways to give them the best of ourselves and we want the best for them. Sometimes that takes mercy and gentleness but other times it takes sacrifice and discipline. God entered the world prepared to give both.
The first Christmas brought to us God wrapped in humanness and filled with love. True love is the good news we receive when we accept the Christmas gift that came as a tiny infant. His true love for us is the best news we will ever receive!
Love is good news because love seeks the best for us. Yes, love isn't always easy, in fact it can be the most difficult thing we do. When we love someone we look for ways to give them the best of ourselves and we want the best for them. Sometimes that takes mercy and gentleness but other times it takes sacrifice and discipline. God entered the world prepared to give both.
The first Christmas brought to us God wrapped in humanness and filled with love. True love is the good news we receive when we accept the Christmas gift that came as a tiny infant. His true love for us is the best news we will ever receive!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Checking the List
Shopping. Wrapping. Baking. Decorating. Partying. What is missing? Checking over my to-do list for a Merry Christmas season I sometimes forget one of the most important items on my list.
Actually that one item includes a list of its own. Visiting with Jesus doesn't mean whispering a prayer on the run out the door. It includes, quieting myself, sharing my heart, listening to His wisdom, enjoying His presence, giving Him first place in my day all through the day.
I have a very good reason to put Jesus on my list, because He has put me on His list! He makes me a priority! He listens to every prayer. He cares about every need. He is always with me. Most importantly He has put my name in the Book of Life through His own sacrifice!
Today I will not only begin my day visiting with Jesus, I'll share my entire day with Him, good and bad. He is the reason for the season, the reason for every season of my life.
Actually that one item includes a list of its own. Visiting with Jesus doesn't mean whispering a prayer on the run out the door. It includes, quieting myself, sharing my heart, listening to His wisdom, enjoying His presence, giving Him first place in my day all through the day.
I have a very good reason to put Jesus on my list, because He has put me on His list! He makes me a priority! He listens to every prayer. He cares about every need. He is always with me. Most importantly He has put my name in the Book of Life through His own sacrifice!
Today I will not only begin my day visiting with Jesus, I'll share my entire day with Him, good and bad. He is the reason for the season, the reason for every season of my life.
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