Trimming the Tree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  …for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:6-7, 11b NIV

 

When my children were growing up I think that next to eating Christmas cookies trimming the tree was their favorite part of Christmas preparations. The Children loved decorating the tree. Not only was the tree pretty, the lights seemed magical and they both loved hanging all of their special ornaments on the tree. I believe for them, decorating the tree signaled the beginning of the Christmas holidays. As their excitement peaked, their spirits danced right out of their bodies into a room that was soon to be filled with their hyper activity! On the other hand, my husband put the tree in the stand and then escaped to TV and Christmas cookies. That always made me a little sad because I wanted decorating the tree to be a family activity.

 

The decorating of a beautiful tree and corralling two children high on Christmas cookie sugar (back then, I didn’t know that sugar made children fly off the walls) was my responsibility. The scene went a little like this. Before the tree was secured in the stand they wanted to know, “When can we put the lights on the tree?” Before the lights were completely in place they wanted to know, “When can we hang our ornaments on the branches?” Before all of the ornaments were hung they wanted to know, “When can we string the garland?” Before the garland was finished they wanted to know, “When  can we place the beautiful angel on the top of our tree?

 

In the meantime there was always tears and arguments as to who took whose spot on the tree for hanging their own special ornaments. My frustration always seemed to escalate and my patience wane as the evening progressed. All day long I had dreamed that trimming the tree would be a perfect Christmas card scene. You know those cards where the house is in perfect order, the fireplace is cozy, everyone is dressed in beautiful clothes, and there is a table with candles lit and hot chocolate and cookies waiting to be enjoyed by every member of the family. Can’t you just hear the Christmas carols playing in the background?

 

But in reality, with each impatient question and every tearful argument, my spirit would deflate and sink deeper into the depth of my heart. You might remember me saying before, my husband was watching TV. As a result of what I considered to be his lack of involvement and the children’s bad behavior I become very dissatisfied with the entire situation. On one particular occasion I shot up a prayer to God and said, “God, I can’t believe this, I really can’t believe this special evening has turned out this way!”

 

And then the Holy Spirit whispered the “God Lesson”! Contentment my dear daughter, contentment is what you need. Take joy in the fact that these children are just excited. They are only little once. Enjoy the moment. Paula, you shouldn’t even dream dreams that are reserved only for Christmas cards. Make your own Christmas photos.” As a result of the chiding of the  Holy Spirit I began to look around. Everyone was dressed in comfortable jeans, silly kids danced around to the sound of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, cookie crumbs were falling on the carpet, and hubby was cozy in his chair instead being an absentee father. God then seem to whisper, “Love, don’t forget the love!” Yes, love illuminated this scene into the perfect Christmas snapshot.

 

The Holy Spirit reminded me that Jesus is the reason for the season and that I must not forget to share that with the family. After the tree had been trimmed to semi-perfection, as a family we pulled out our nativity set. After the figures were placed inside the creche and the children had placed the baby Jesus between Joseph and Mary we talked about why we are trimming our tree on this very special holy night.

 

Questions:

 

1. Do you recall any Christmas experiences in the past that have left you feeling frustrated?
2. How did you get past the frustration and disappointment of that experience?
3. Are there any holiday expectations that perhaps you need to rethink?

Prayer:

 

Dear Jesus,

 

Christmas is such a special time of year. Forgive me when I feel frustration. Help me this year to practice contentment in all my holiday preparations. Jesus, when I wrap gifts I want to remember that you are my very special gift from the Father. When I decorate the tree, help me to remember that you became the sacrificial lamb who died on a tree for my sin. As I drive to and from my responsibilities, I want to enjoy the message of the carols that are being sung on my favorite radio station during this beautiful Christmas season. Help me take time to feel your peace every morning as I bow in prayer and reflect on this very special time of year. As I bake cookies for my family help me to remember that I must taste of your goodness everyday because if I do I will see that you are indeed sweet and good. When I write Christmas cards to friends and family I want to whisper a prayer that you will bless them in the coming year and pray for any special needs they may be experiencing. Jesus, help me to love my family and be content with my life stage. Help me to delight in every memory and snap priceless photos to place in the scrapbook of my heart.

 

In your name I pray. Amen.

Less Is More!

“You will keep in perfect peace

him whose mind is steadfast,

because he trusts in you.”

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

 Thanksgiving is over and the last of the leftovers have been enjoyed. My mind now starts racing to all that is to be accomplished in the next thirty-two days. I have begun this day by putting on my armor which consists of my warm bathrobe and fluffy slippers! In addition I have also armed myself for battle with hot coffee, calendar, my Bible, cook books, note book, pen and markers, and now I will begin the task of making lists. I make lists for cleaning, decorating, menus, baking, shopping for gifts, shopping for miscellaneous holiday items, grocery lists, parties, concerts, and activities to attend, and entertaining others. There is also the Christmas card list, and last but not least, a list of things I would like to do for others. Now comes the huge task of scheduling days to shop, decorate, grocery shop, bake, write cards, wrap gifts, attend and host functions, holiday hair cut, housekeeping, and my writing schedule, plus reserving some time to serve others.

 

I don’t mind telling you that the day after Thanksgiving I am a woman on a mission! High gear would be an understatement! Now it begins. The lists are piling up one on top of the other. The very last list on the top of the pile of many lists is “the complete list of all of my other lists”! I know this process is insanity! Truth be told…I just can’t help myself.

 

Oddly enough, the multiple lists have piled up and have completely covered my Bible. I now frantically search for my Bible as I multi task by shooting up a quick prayer to God asking for his help to get through the next thirty-two days. I flip open my Bible hoping that I will quickly land upon some “magical” verse that will put the wind in my sails that will be needed to push me to the front of this holiday marathon! Why wouldn’t God give me a verse above all verses to make it all happen?

 

Glancing down at my Bible I begin to read from Isaiah, “You (God) will keep in perfect peace him (me) whose mind is steadfast, because he (I) trusts in you (God).”  At that point I am stunned by the timeliness of this scripture. It doesn’t take me but a moment to realize that I am being influenced by obligations, traditions, and pressures that will soon send me flying down the dreadful path of stress and insanity. Yes God, that is exactly what I need. Peace! Zap it to me! At that moment, it was as if the Holy Spirit whispered, “Not so fast Paula, this is a two part promise. God will give you peace but you must first keep your mind and heart on him!” Great! One more thing to do!  How can I spend time with God when there is no time? I am now feeling even more stressed as I get up for another cup of hot, flavored, caffeine. Standing in the middle of my kitchen, it was as if a light came on in the very dark tunnel of my brain! Peace is the absence of stress. Huh! Imagine that. This calls for re-evaluation of all that I have put on my many lists. Let the writing of "God’s Priority List" begin. Prayerfully, I bow my head and pray before I attempt to separate the good from the best. My good - God's best. 

 

Questions:

 

Do you relate to over extending yourself as you prepare for the Christmas holiday?

 

Are you longing for peaceful preparations to replace the stress that you are beginning to feel even before you begin your Christmas preparations?

 

What can you eliminate to make “less” Christmas preparations allow for a “more” meaningful time for you and your family?

 

Do you understand that to keep stress under control during this time of preparation it will require you to make time daily for God to refresh you with his peace?

 

Will you pray for God’s guidance and direction as you write out God’s “To Do” list for this Christmas season?

 

As you attempt to simplify your Christmas preparations, are you willing to eliminate things of less importance so that you can pursue the tasks that God considers to be of value?

Returning to God’s Word I turn to Isaiah 9.“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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:7a NIV I again bow my head and begin to pray to the Prince of Peace, asking him for the gift of his inner peace in my life during this time of holiday preparation.

 

Prayer:

 

Dear Jesus,

 

I pray that you will help me to make your work my work. Help me to weed through and re-evaluate all that I have considered doing for this Christmas holiday. Show me what I should cross off my list and what should remain. Help me to see that less is more and that little is much when you are in the plans. Father, give me one list, your list. Jesus, guide me as I rewrite my “To Do” list so that my holiday preparations will be manageable, meaningful and enjoyable. Jesus, as we celebrate your birth I want to plan to do things that will glorify you and bring joy to my family.  I want this list not to be my list but rather Your “To Do” list. Today I ask for your peace. Peace that passes all understanding. Peace from you Lord, the Prince of Peace.

 

It is in your name I pray. Amen.

A Foretaste of Heaven

“However, as it is written:

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived

what God has prepared for those who love him”

I Corinthians 2:9 NIV

 

Of all the holidays, I seem to enjoy Thanksgiving the most because it only lasts for one day. It celebrates faith, family, friends, and food! Thanksgiving is a special day that I focus on my many blessings and offer up my gratitude to God for his provision. Although I enjoy Thanksgiving it is not my favorite holiday. Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but because Christmas seems to last for months it wears me out! The preparation and the clean up just about ruins the meaning of this holy holiday. I find that I must always guard against that scenario. Easter is an amazing holiday because it signals the arrival of spring and the message of our risen Lord. Easter gives eternal hope to all believers! For that reason I would have to say that Easter is my favorite holiday.

 

Thanksgiving is a special American holiday that is set apart from other days. It is a day for all of us to focus on our blessings. Being thankful for the good things in life are always at the top of my list! I am ashamed to say that sometimes I verbalize that I am thankful for family, health, and financial provision before I even think to be thankful for my precious gift of God’s forgiveness and my hope of eternal life. I neglect to express thanks for the graciousness of God as he continues to give me his love, joy, peace, comfort, and guidance. In reality all of the things that I cannot put a price tag on are my most treasured possessions. My faith, family, health, and God's provision for me cannot be purchased and they are my greatest blessings. I must remember that I do not have a single blessing outside of the hand of God. I am so thankful that God loves me so lavishly and extravagantly. I will never understand why God is so incredibly good to me.

 

There is no doubt that sometimes life hits us hard and throws us for a loop! Sickness comes, we experience personal loss, bills pile up, and natural disasters destroy our homes and communities, wars separate us from those we love, and death robs us of someone dear to our heart. Still God is good.

 

God has so much in store for those who love him. A new Heaven and earth, and his Kingdom, will be ours to enjoy for all eternity! It will be a world without end. We will enjoy forever a life void of conflict, tears, pain, abuse, misunderstandings, stress, and struggle. Sickness, suffering, and death will be left behind.

 

Even on my worst day, I am still so blessed! It is sometimes hard for me to imagine more blessings. I can always imagine more wealth and happy endings but I cannot imagine more of what God has planned for me! The blessings that God has so richly bestowed upon me now serve only as a foretaste of what God has in store for me in eternity.  My blessings in this life is a little like pinching off a bite of the turkey before mom has placed it on the table. Or a bit like tasting the stuffing before it is served. For sure it is like licking the beaters after the sweet cream is whipped and then sticking my finger in the pumpkin pie! The yummy before dinner bites is just a little foretaste of what is yet to come. Soon most of us will sit down to our traditional family feast. We have waited all year for this meal and anticipated all day actually eating the delicious food that has been tantalizing our nostrils as we have patiently waited to be called to the table of blessing. Finally, the moment is here and it is above and beyond all we could have ever anticipated or hoped for.

 

I can only imagine that heaven will be the same way. We read God’s Word and learn about this wonderful place. We especially tune in to the words of Jesus as he tells us he is going away to prepare a place for us, a place with many rooms; so that where he is we may be also. In the book of Revelation we read John’s description of heaven and the Lamb of God, and we dream, anticipate, and look forward to Jesus coming again. Believers long to be a part of the rapture that will sweep us up to heaven before our death, but even if death takes us first we still are comforted with the blessing of our hope of heaven.

This life offers many tantalizing blessings of many earthly pleasures that come straight from the hand of God. These blessings are but a foretaste of heaven divine! Jesus wants us to experience the love of family in this life so that we can better understand his love. Jesus wants us to plunge deep into our relationship with him now so that when we meet him, our Lord and Savior, we will behold his glory in an even greater capacity. God wants us to experience the beauty of his creation and the bounty of his provision now, so that we can look forward to an even more magnificent perfect creation and his limitless provision forever. God is a God of abundance! As we experience this abundant life now, we still look forward to an even greater abundant life in heaven that will last forever. For all these things we give thanks not only on Thanksgiving but on every other day as well!

 

Question:

 

What are your top three priceless blessings?

Even on your worst day, do you still feel blessed?

 

Have you taken time to tell God how grateful you are? 

 

Prayer:

 

Dear God,

 

I am privileged and blessed to experience amazing blessings from you loving hands every day. I thank you God for your goodness to me. God you are good all the time not just in plenty but also in want. Father, forgive me when I become so self absorbed that I forget that all things are from your hand. God, I thank you for your forgiveness of my sin. I even thank you that you take my misfortune and make it into opportunities to change me and develop godly character within my heart. Heavenly Father, I am so blessed to know that even when the circumstances of life seem to be more than I can bear you are still there. God you come along side of me and weep when I weep. You see my need and always provide more than enough.  You provide for many who are not able to work and also for those who cannot find work. You give strength to the weak and weary when it seems that their strength is almost gone. You give comfort in loss and hope for tomorrow. Today God, I pray for all those who today may be alone, hungry, cold, sick, suffering, and feel they are at the end of their rope. Father, send someone to help them in their darkest hour. I pray Father, that all of us will look to you whose heart is good all the time, and give grateful thanks.

 

In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Arriving Without A Gift

 

“See! I am coming soon!

My reward is with me

 to repay everyone according to his work.”

Revelation 22:12 ISV

 

Sometimes, when I am sitting outside my house, I will look up and see the most magnificent, brilliant blue sky full of large, fluffy, pure white clouds in all shapes and sizes. These puffs of fluff often remind me of cotton candy. A sky like that always sets my mind to thinking about heaven. I am reminded that Jesus left this world in the clouds and he promised that he would return in the same manner in which he was taken away. As I think about heaven I often wonder what it will be like to meet my Savior. I know for certain this is one party I do not want to miss.

 

In my lifetime I have been invited to many parties and events that required that I bring a gift to give to the guest or guests of honor. If I were to arrive at the party without a gift, I would be very embarrassed and I would feel very sad that I had nothing to give to honor the individual or individuals who were being honored.

 

I would likewise be very sad to enter heaven and stand before Jesus empty handed. I am reminded that this life counts! This life is my opportunity to live for Jesus in such a way that I will be rewarded in heaven. The Bible teaches that believers will be awarded crowns for the work they did on earth. These crowns are not for me to enjoy but are to be laid at the feet of Jesus. If I arrive in heaven without having earned any crowns I will have nothing to give to the One who gave his all for me.

 

It is important to know that salvation is free but rewards must be earned and they must be earned in this life. After we become a Believer, the remainder of time that we spend on this earth is a time of preparation for heaven. The days I live on earth will be used by God to refine my character and change me in ways that will bring glory to him. My days on earth are filled with opportunities for me to earn rewards for the work I do for my Heavenly Father.

 

The Bible teaches that all of our works will be judged by God. “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 NIV

 

If I find myself working for rewards for my own personal gain or if I have an attitude of pride as a result of my work, that work will burn up in the fire and will not stand. It will only be the selfless works that will withstand the fire when tried by God. These selfless works are pure and will result in eternal reward. However, if my work proves to be selfish and prideful I will suffer loss of reward. As a forgiven child of God I will be safe, but I may experience sadness at the judgment seat of Christ when I realize that my works have been burned up in the fire because I have served God selfishly and in a spirit of pride. In addition, I will be sad because I have nothing to give to my Savior when I enter heaven.

 

At one time in my life this truth left me feeling very uncomfortable. I didn’t feel like I had anything great to offer in service. Others were more gifted, and far more talented than me. I really didn’t think there was much I was qualified to do.  Much of my small work in the church was done for all of the wrong reasons. I did some work well but then I realized that I couldn’t be trusted with a compliment! Compliments made my head swell with pride. Yuck! Other times I had a poor attitude because I felt like I had to do all the work. At times I carried guilt that I must win large numbers of people to Christ because this was the only acceptable pure work. The fact was I wasn’t a preacher or a missionary. I didn’t even have the gift of evangelism, so what was I to do? The answer was clear. Suffer loss and enter heaven empty handed! I was very sad because I so desperately wanted crowns to lay at the feet of Jesus. I no longer was trying to work my way to heaven but now I was trying to chalk up God’s approval by doing works that hopefully he would approve.

 

The Bible teaches that there are four separate crowns for which we as believers should make every effort to win. The good news is that these crowns are not out of reach for any Christian that strives to please God. I would like to suggest that most likely, this side of heaven, I will not even realize that something I have done is worthy of receiving a crown. Isn’t that beautiful?

 

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trails because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NIV The crown of life is given to Christians who endure their trials in this life. God takes note of our faithfulness to him during difficult times. If we leave this world as faithful overcomers of the difficulties we experience in life we will win the crown of life because we have done the selfless work of faithfulness.

 

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even (you) in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” 1 Thessalonians 2:19 KJV When we get to heaven there will be much personal rejoicing over others who are there because of our influence, our testimony, and our invitation to accept Jesus Christ. Some of us are better at this than others. Some have the gift of evangelism and other do not but all of us can choose to exhibit a godly witness that is seen by others as they observe the choices we make and the attitudes we display. When we exhibit peace and joy regardless of our circumstances God is glorified and others are influenced to find and follow Jesus. At the very least if we have children, we have the responsibility to teach them the way to the Father. In this life we may never know the many lives that we have touched but God does. God will not miss a single soul that is in heaven because of our influence and for the work of godly influence the Father will reward us with the crown of rejoicing. Even our silent testimony is of value if a life is changed because of our life.

 

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be, not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 1 Peter 5:2-4 NIV Ministers, Elders and Deacons are most certainly shepherds but that does not leave the rest of us out. Being a care-giver to someone we love, encouraging and praying for our family, training, teaching, and sharing what God has opened our eyes to see, and being an example of faithfulness to God is without a doubt shepherding. In the simplest of terms a shepherd cares for his sheep. Each one of us cannot reach the entire world but God has given each of us a certain number of individuals who fall within our circle of care and influence. These are the sheep that God has given each one of us to care for. For sure it is our immediate family members, then our extended family members. At times that may seem selfish to put those we love first, but in reality what a tragedy it would be to minister to the whole world and loose our own family!

 

We also have opportunity to serve our co-workers, neighbors, and church friends each week. Most of us frequent the same stores and often have contact with the same individuals. Don’t worry about shepherding the people you don’t know simply reach out in love to the people you do know. Also be on the look out daily for new people that God may send your way. There are also many opportunities to give of our resources so that others can go and serve where we cannot. Our ability to shepherd others does not have to be perfect it only has to be sincere. God knows the work we do for others and he knows if it is self-centered or if it is done for the glory of God. If the latter is true then God will award us the crown of glory. God rewards selfless obedience.

 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV The crown of righteousness will be given to believers who seek to live pure lives and are longing for the second coming of Jesus Christ. This life does matter. If we are endeavoring to make good choices in life and if we are longing for our Savior’s return we will be given the crown of righteousness.

 

Our works are not to be burdensome. We should not walk around feeling guilty saying, “I ought to do this or that”. However, we should be intentional about striving to obey God when he entrusts us to even the smallest of tasks. If God puts something or someone on my heart I want to believe that he thinks it is an important assignment. Therefore, I should take seriously his request and carry through for him. Because I am a list maker I often keep a “To Do List for God”. This list serves as a reminder of the things that God is prompting me to do no matter how great or small. When the task is complete I cross it off. This list is different than the other lists I keep. Crossing things off of this list does not signify my accomplishment. It does however signify my obedience. I must admit that there are still many “God Suggestions” on my list that have not been crossed off. It is my goal to cross off each and every God assignment.

 

In a nut shell, God basically calls us to do four things for which we will receive crowns. I am delighted to realize that none of these works are impossible or out of my reach! We must remember that God wants us to succeed.

 

-Persevere and remain faithful to God during our trials.

 

-Invest our life in the lives of non-believers by pointing them to Jesus.

 

-Shepherd, disciple and care for believers.

 

-Seek to live a pure life and long for the return of Jesus Christ.

 

Crowns may or may not be literal, I do not know. But at any rate, what they represent is of utmost importance. Those things are so important to God that he is willing to reward us for our obedience. Our works will either be credited to us or taken from us and burned up in the fire. Much of what we do is certainly important, but God seems to indicate that faithfulness, godly influence, shepherding, striving to live a pure life, and longing for Jesus’ return are the things that will withstand the fire. These things in themselves seem to already stand alone in purity because they are void of selfish motive. Selfishness cannot abide in faithfulness, selfishness is not a part of godly influence, and there is no shepherd that thinks of self ahead of others. Pure living is void of self. Although, longing for Jesus’ return may be selfish. I imagine that if we don’t long for his returning it most likely will be because we love the things of this world too much.

 

I can’t help but think that we too will somehow benefit from the significance of the crowns that we lay at Jesus’ feet. Though we will surrender to Jesus the crown of life we will still possess eternal life and perhaps have a greater capacity to enjoy heaven. When the crown of rejoicing is laid at Jesus’ feet our own personal rejoicing will be beyond our imagination and it will last throughout eternity. We will most likely have a greater capacity to comprehend and enjoy the glory of God because of the crown of righteousness.  At long last we will truly see what righteousness really looks like in the eyes of the Father and we will be amazed. When I stand before God at the believer’s judgment my clothing will be the filthy rags of my sin, covered over by the blood of the Righteous One. God will not see my sinful rags because he will only see the blood of Jesus that covers all my sin.

 

Salvation is a free gift but our works will be examined by God to see if they will stand the fire of purification. If God sees that our works are pure they will be stored up for us in heaven for all eternity. Our works are important not in number but rather in purity. God will be looking for our works that involving selfless obedience, our concern and love for those he has given us to care for, and our faithfulness to him.

 

Questions:

 

Are you remaining faithful to Jesus even in the midst of your current trial?

 

Are you being obedient to God’s assignment for today?

 

Are you currently shepherding someone?

 

Do you look forward to Jesus’ return?

Prayer:

Dear God,

 

Today I pray that I will remember every day that this life counts. God, search my heart and reveal to me where my works are impure because they are tainted with selfishness and pride. God, I do long for crowns that I can lay at the feet of your precious Son, Jesus. He alone is worthy to receive glory, power, honor, and dominion. God, I do not want to arrive in heaven without a gift to lay at the feet of my Savior. Father, I thank you that you have loved me enough to entrust me with your holy assignments. Help me to be obedient to you by serving and reaching out to those you have given me. God, I do long for the return of your son, Jesus Christ.

 

It is in his name I pray. Amen

Falling In Love With Jesus

“We love him, because he first loved us.”
1 John 4:19 KJV

 

This past summer I had the wonderful opportunity to invest in the spiritual lives of my two grandchildren, Abigail and Joshua. While they were visiting our North Carolina home we enjoyed five fun filled mornings of walking with Jesus. This crash coarse in discovering new things about Jesus was accomplished each day through a story, a scripture verse, songs, activities, crafts and snacks that all pointed to Jesus and the many things that he did when he lived on this earth. There is so many wonderful things about Jesus, that when examined closely cause us to fall deeply in love with him.

 

It is my desire that my grandchildren will fall in love with Jesus not just because their parents and grandparents teach them about God but because Jesus is an amazing God! I wanted the children to learn about Jesus’ part in creation and I wanted them to experience his miracles. I wanted them to see Jesus’ example of serving others as a model for them to follow. I wanted the children to see Jesus as both God and man. I wanted them to know where Jesus is now, and best of all I wanted them to know that he left us with the wonderful promise that he is coming again. It was my objective for Abigail and Joshua to connect the dots of Jesus’ life in such a way that they would fall in love with him in a way that would make an eternal difference in each of their lives.

 

As I taught the children, a very interesting thing happened in my own life. I fell deeper in love with Jesus in a fresh and new way! How can anyone who believes fail to marvel at the life and ministry of Jesus Christ? How assuring it is for us to know that Jesus has always been in existence even before the foundation of the world and He was with the Father and the Holy Spirit as they spoke the world into existence and breathed life into all living things.

 

Jesus is unique because he was both God and man. As God, Jesus is all-knowing, all-present, and all-powerful God. As man, we know that Jesus felt all of the same emotions and pain that we feel. Jesus knew both the dread of the cross and the joy of doing the will of his Heavenly Father.

 

The baptism of Jesus was a visual sign of Jesus’ obedience to his Father. Jesus understood that this act of baptism was symbolic, indicating his coming death and resurrection.  Jesus’ baptism was also a pattern that we too are to follow. It symbolizes a believer dying to our sinful nature and being raised into eternal life. Jesus taught us so much about what was important in life. When I meditate on his teaching regarding baptism, it is not hard for me to fall deeper in love with him. Jesus came into our world to accomplish the will of his Father and now following his baptism he was about to begin the work of God’s heavenly business. God chose the moment of Jesus’ baptism to send the Holy Spirit to assist Jesus in his ministry on earth. Likewise, baptism is a beautiful public expression of our desire to follow Jesus after we accept his gift of salvation.

 

The temptation of Jesus is especially dear to me because I now know that Jesus completely understands the temptation and the deception of Satan. During his forty days of temptation Jesus experienced Satan’s cunning lies. I love Jesus because when he walked this earth he modeled for me how I am to live. He covered all of the bases! He even taught me how to fight Satan’s deception through the example of quoting scripture to the “deceiver”. I continue to fall in love with Jesus because he is familiar with the pressure I feel during my times of temptation. Because he understands, Jesus has instructed me as to how I am to deal with my temptation! How different would my life be if I didn’t know that Jesus had also been tempted in all ways? Jesus, just like me, has experienced temptations regarding temporal things, temptation for power and control, and temptation to worship things other than God. I have a special bond with those individuals who relate to my situation because they have gone through the same thing that I am going through. It makes perfect sense to me that I will love Jesus more when I remember the bond we share in the realm of temptation.

 

I loved teaching the grandchildren about magic vs. miracles! How wonderful it is that Jesus is not about trickery and deception but he is about holy, unexplainable mysteries that glorify his Father. My heart is stirred when I reflect on the compassion, mercy, love and forgiveness that flowed out of my Savior when faced with the results of sin in this world. Jesus’ heart is moved in compassion when he sees pain, suffering, and death. His empathy for those who are hurting was and still is amazing. Jesus still weeps with us when we weep. His death on the cross allows him to identify with with us in our pain and suffering. No one ever suffered more both physically, mentally, and emotionally. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ willingly laid down his life for us. How can we help but love him?

 

My granddaughter, Abigail was very excited to dress in lace to attend the wedding of Cana and partake in the yummy sweet wedding treats. The reenactment of this event reminded us that Jesus enjoyed relationships and celebrations. Jesus’ first miracle was when he changed water into wine. This miracle occurred at the wedding of Cana. Later Jesus fed the multitudes reminding us that Jesus Christ meets all our needs. Jesus is interested in our relationships, our social needs, and he cares when we are hungry. Jesus is with us when we are sick, and more importantly, he provides the antidote for our sinful hearts. I am comforted to know  that even in death Jesus will be with me until the end, which will actually be the open doorway to the beginning! Why wouldn’t I love this wonderful guy? He is the amazing God-Man.

 

My grandchildren also learned that Jesus was a super hero and so did I. Who else can walk on water and command the winds and the waves to be still. The disciples had witnessed Jesus caring for the needs of others but now it was personal. They were in trouble! Jesus came to their rescue as he calmed the storm. It is wonderful to know that not only will Jesus help my friends but he will help me too! Sometimes I forget that.

 

Feet washing taught me a great deal. As I washed the feet of my grandchildren, little Joshua said, “Oh Mimi, this feels so good.” My heart’s reply was Oh Jesus; I love you because it does feel so good to have you lovingly care for me. My heart was opened up to see the selfless example of humility and serving others modeled by our Lord. When I saw that Jesus took the towel and washed the feet of those who should be washing his, I immediately recognized my need for more humility as I attempt to serve others in the name of Jesus.

 

What a wonderful opportunity it was to teach my grandchildren about the meaning of the bread and the wine used in communion. I loved teaching what the sacraments symbolized and what a special privilege it is to partake in the holy sacrament of communion. Communion is sacred and should not to be entered into lightly. The sacraments should never become an insensitive, thoughtless, religious ritual of habit. Communion is a celebration for all Believers. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior are invited to partake. It is humbling to remember Jesus Christ, became the sacrificial lamb as he took my punishment for my sin. I must never partake of the precious sacraments without allowing God to examine my heart. Before I partake must confess any sinful behavior that God brings to mind. It is a holy sacrament, not be desecrated by sin. Remembering the wine, the shed blood of Jesus Christ and the bread, his body that was broken beyond human imagination, I continue to fall deeper in love with my Jesus. Without accepting the gracious gift of this sacrifice I would remain separated from God and his goodness forever.

 

The prayer of Jesus in John 17 leaves me nearly speechless. It is in that prayer that Jesus prayed for himself, his followers, and for all those who would come to know him through the message of his followers. My heart skips a beat and tears flow when I realize that even before one day of my life began Jesus prayed for me, he prayed for you, and he prayed for my grandchildren. I know this is a bit repetitive but once again, how can I help but fall deeper and deeper in love with Jesus.

 

Wow! Jesus’ death on the cross, his burial in the tomb, and then the glorious resurrection! What a magnificent message of hope. Just when one might be tempted to think it was all over Jesus conquers death for all mankind! Yes, indeed Jesus is our super hero! No one saves like our Jesus. No one gives hope like our Jesus. This reality is a note of joy, a song of hope, and a symphony of praise for both the young and old. I am in love with Jesus because He is risen! He is risen indeed!

 

Now the risen Lord does something amazing as he shows up on the shore of Galilee and cooks breakfast for the eleven. I ask myself, what about that breakfast Jesus cooked on the seashore for his deserting disciples. Even though Peter had denied three times that he knew Jesus, he was included in this early morning breakfast. I love Jesus because he is all about love and reinstatement. This breakfast that was eaten so many years ago, on the shore of Galilee is such an encouraging story about how God takes the messes in my life, forgives them, and then makes something wonderful out of my unfaithfulness to him. Peter the failure became Peter the rock. The disciples, who once scattered in fear, later gave their lives for their Savior. This wide, high, deep loving forgiveness was given by Jesus, the very one who they had offended. This type of forgiveness and love is inconceivable. This is a love that will not let us go. The knowledge of this grace makes me fall love deeper and deeper in love with Jesus.

 

Last, but not least, is Jesus’ ascension into heaven and his two spoken promises before he left this world. Those promises were for his followers then and they are for us today. One promise is full of hope for tomorrow. “I am coming again!” The second promise came on the heels of Jesus commanding his followers to wait in Jerusalem for the gift. You see, the “seen” Jesus was about to become the “unseen” Jesus. But Jesus, in his “all sufficient” style, informed them that the Father would soon be sending the Holy Spirit. Jesus was leaving their eyes but he was sending his replacement. He assured his followers that this Comforter would be even better. The Holy Spirit would never leave them even for one second. At this point the disciples may have remembered that at times during Jesus’ ministry Jesus had left them  to pray, to rest, to teach, and then to die. Other times Jesus sent them out alone to run errands or to teach, heal, and preach in his name. But now he was promising to send the One who would never leave them or forsake them. The invisible, Holy Spirit was going to dwell inside of each of them and inside every believer who would ever live after them. Needless to say, the hope that is found wrapped up in these two promises is a perfect reason for throwing a “Falling Deeper in Love with Jesus Party”.

 

I believe that falling deeper in love with Jesus is so important because when we love him as we should it is easier to listen to him, trust him, and obey him. I have found in my life that when I fail in any of those areas it is because I have a deep need within my spirit to fall deeper in love with my Savior, Jesus Christ. To continue to mature in our faith we must give up more of ourselves and desire more of Him. When we are full of ourselves, it doesn’t leave much room for Jesus.

 

Questions:

 

1. What part of Jesus’ life causes you to fall deeper in love with him?

 

2.What part of reflecting on Jesus’ life has challenged you to desire to fall deeper in love with him?

 

3.Why do you think that falling deeper in love with Jesus is so important?

 

4.What one thing will you do to make an effort to fall deeper in love with Jesus?

 

5. How would falling deeper in love with Jesus make a difference in your life?

 

 

Prayer:

 

Dear Jesus,

 

Oh how I love you, oh how I adore you! I worship you because you alone are worthy of my worship. I thank you for all of the breadcrumbs you have dropped throughout your Word for me to follow. These are breadcrumbs of love, mercy, and grace that lead me straight into your heart. Help me to desire your Word so I can learn more about you and fall deeper in love with you. Jesus, today I pray that I would open wide my heart to receive more and more of you. I believe with all my heart that the more I love you the easier it will become for me to trust and obey you. Forgive me for the sin of indifference in my life. I know that coldness in my spirit does make a difference. Your Word says that indifference and disobedience grieves the Holy Spirit. Today and everyday I want to choose to fall deeper and deeper in love with you. After all Lord, what’s not to love about you? You are altogether lovely in every way!

 

In your name I pray. Amen

Trusting - My Final Answer

“Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature

of his purpose very clear to the heirs

of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.

God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,

we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us

may be greatly encouraged.”

Hebrews 6:17-18 NIV

My favorite vacations take me to places where nature speaks to my soul. That is why I love the beach; the mighty ocean, the beautiful sky and clouds, the sunrises and the sunsets are refreshing for a weary traveler. During my quiet time this morning I was reflecting on a lesson that God taught me the last time I was at the ocean. I began to realize that not only did God create the heavens and the earth; he continues to create new landscapes every day. During my time at the beach I became conscious that the sky never looks the same. Each and every day the ocean appears to look the same yet everyday it is completely different! It occurred to me that I will never experience the same sunrise. I marveled at the ever changing diversity to be found in each evening sunset. This Divine creativity fills me with wonder! My spirit continues to rejoice in knowing that God is on the job each and every day painting magnificent wonders all over our earth for the enjoyment of those he loves. A God like this can without a doubt be trusted.

It is also God’s faithfulness and his unchanging nature that summons my trust. As I observed the rhythm of the waves as they rolled in and continued to crash within their God given boundaries I began to realize that if I am going to live a victorious life as a believer trusting God must always be my final answer!

Another reason that I can trust God is because God’s Word is unchangeable and true. God’s care for his people and his promise to believers regarding eternal life has been sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ. God paid a huge price for the purchase of all those who will put their trust in his Son, Jesus Christ. We, who are his children, are loved by our Father. We can trust our Father. God confirmed his promise to his heirs in two ways. First God spoke truthful words on the matter of his unchanging purpose of what was promised very clear and then sealed his words with an oath. The Word of God also speaks of God’s character in stating that it is impossible for God to lie. As his children we should be greatly encouraged because God’s Word regarding his purposes and our hope is faithful and true. It is very clear to me that God can be trusted.

Why then is the act of trusting God such a struggle for me? If only I could learn to go straight to trust I would avoid so much of the emotional grief that takes place during the prolonged process of finally arriving at the point of trusting God with my situation. I would spare myself so much stress, worry, and sleepless nights if I could only learn to go immediately to trust. I know in my heart that I must eventually surrender all of my fears and my control if I am ever to arrive at trust and experience God’s peace on every single thing that concerns me. As a believer, I know that trust is not something that can be skipped over or compromised if I am to be an overcommer. My ability to trust God is crucial to me living a victorious Christian life.

When I am at the ocean the birds also help me understand God’s care. The sea gulls, the pelicans, the sandpipers all seem to have their own personal message. The sandpipers run frantically to and fro. If that’s not a picture of me I don’t know what is! Pelicans search for food, yet God provides the fish. The peaceful sea gulls glide through the sky on wings of trust never once fearing that they will fall. Oh, to be a sea gull!

I am reminded of the verse in scripture where the psalmist David, tells me about God’s holy wings. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 NIV I am moved to tears to realize that God tucks me under his wing and covers me with his feathers of love. When I will allow it, God holds me so close to his heart that I can hear his heart beat in love for me. God is my safe house, a place of refuge, my comfort. God has been faithful to me in the past, he will be faithful to me today, and he will be faithful in all of my tomorrows. God is my protection in every circumstance. Of course, if I am to serve this God who cares for me so completely, my final answer must always be trust!

God may not show up the exact day I choose and he may not bring with him the suitcase full of the “goodies” that I ordered, but if I trust him, the bottom line is that he will show up! If I don’t believe that God will show up then I don’t believe the Bible. Could it be that I have forgotten that God cannot lie? Could it be that I have cut out of my Bible all of the verses regarding God’s faithfulness? I must anticipate and look for God’s arrival because the Bible says that if I call he will come to me in my time of need and if I trust him he will provide for my needs.

The Bible is full of God’s promises. However, many of those promises are contingent upon us obeying our part of the promise. God often says, I will do this when you do that. If I am waiting for God to make good on his promise, perhaps I should check myself and see if I have fulfilled my part of the promise.

It is pretty humorous that at times I build walls of protection around myself because I fear that God will disappoint me. This is a very lame attempt on my part for self-protection and maintaining control. It is a bit like going into battle wearing the armor of plastic wrap to ward off the bullets of life and the poisonous arrows of Satan.

As a believer I MUST believe that God will show up! What harm is there in that? What is the harm in trusting God? It seems that the most logical step in attaining God’s peace while I wait for his arrival is simply to climb up on top of the wall of self-protection that I have built around myself and jump straight into the everlasting arms of Jesus.

When I honestly think about it I realize that I will not be one bit better off by choosing not to jump! Would you agree that sometimes it seems that things could not get any worse than they already are? Maybe it is at this point that Satan shows up and says, “Oh yes they can”, and he fills our minds with the unthinkable and we take three steps backwards from the edge of the wall and refuse to jump into the invisible future. We refuse to trust our Savior. But wait a minute, isn’t it a Savior’s job is to get us safely home not to let us be taken captive by the enemy? We are never sure what God is going to do in the here and now, but we always know what lies ahead in the life to come. As believers, our final answer of trust is always based on eternity.

The bottom line is I will not be better off if I refuse to jump; my life will only remain unsettled, stressful, and full of fear. Circumstances do not change because I stay on the wall. I always have a choice to remain on the wall, but it is in my best interest to choose to mentally jump into the capable care of my Heavenly Father. It is at the point of trusting surrender that peace becomes mine. God immediately catches me when I jump, but it may be a while before he shows up with the answer. Now I must wait in peaceful confident anticipation for his arrival. God may not bring exactly what I asked for but he will choose from his abundant riches in glory exactly what it is he knows I need. Only God knows what I will need in the days ahead. I must learn to trust the One who knows my future. God’s answer will always be one of provision that will go way beyond my wildest expectations. The Bible says that God loves to give good gifts to his children. We are his heirs. God’s answer to our need will reflect his goodness and glorify his name. It is our trusting response to his answer that brings him additional glory. In living or in dying we must trust our Lord. We must know beyond a shadow of doubt, God will always be for us and more than enough in every circumstance.

God’s purpose for my life is for me to love and enjoy him forever. Trust is a key issue in this relationship. I cannot love or enjoy someone I do not trust. In the book of Job, Job says, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21b NIV In every adversity trust was Job’s final answer even when he did not understand what was happening to him. Building walls of protection does not keep us safe. It occurs to me that I have never heard a single person say they were sorry they had trusted God or that God had failed to catch them when they jumped into his arms. I know from personal experience that God cannot do his heavenly work in my life unless I choose to trust him.

Questions:

1. Do you find that trusting God is a challenge for you? Why?

2. Does your lack of trust keep you from living a victorious life?

3. How would trusting God benefit you?

4. What problem do you need to trust God with today?

Prayer:

Dear God,

I thank you that your words are trustworthy. God, as you know, I live in a world that lacks honesty, truth, and integrity. I am extremely comforted to know that in my world where I often can’t trust others I can trust you completely. It is a joy to know that you are a God of character and truth and because of this you cannot lie. Help me God not to trust in myself but give me the courage to jump into the air of invisible trust and land safely in your arms of love and care. God I pray that I would not focus on the outcome but rather on you. God, Satan tries to convince me that if I trust you bad things will happen. Protect me from those lies. God you have taught me that perfect love casts out all fear. Father, give me your perfect love so that I will not fear the unknown. Father, I don’t want to be the stumbling block that keeps you from accomplishing your holy work in my life. So today I climb to the top of my wall of self-protection and choose to jump straight into your arms of care. Yes, God today I choose to trust you for _________________ and that is my final answer.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.