I am sitting in the Volkswagen service department waiting room as I type this. No, nothing’s wrong with my car. I’m here for a check-up. You see, when we bought the Jetta it came with something that Volkswagen calls “Carefree Maintenance.” And, no, I’m not doing a commercial spot for VW, I have a point…so please hang in there with me, okay? With Carefree Maintenance, each big checkup and tune-up is already paid for. Done. My signature is all they need. That seems carefree to me. Volkswagen sends me a little note when the Jetta’s due for its maintenance. I make a call, set up an appointment, and voila! It’s done. Again, fairly carefree. Someone’s looking out for me and my car. I love that.
God got me thinking this morning as I lay in bed about just what He wanted to say in this devotional. I had planned on writing my devotion as I was sitting here in this very service department waiting room. And God…as He so often does…brought to mind the “everyday stuff” and tied it into His kingdom: carefree maintenance.
Wouldn’t it be lovely if someone sent you a note every so often (at just the moment you needed it) that reminded you that you need a check-up of sorts? Perhaps the note would say, “I’ve noticed you’ve been running without a break for several months now. Come on in and take a rest,” or maybe the note would read, “You seem a bit deflated. Stop by for a checkup today…it’s on the house.” Maybe the note would be a bit more urgent, “Are you crazy? You’ve been coasting on fumes far too long. Stop by as soon as possible!” Hmmm…I think I’d like that. It seems to me that we, as God’s kids, already get those little “notes.” It’s easy to miss those maintenance reminders when we’re flying through our days at breakneck speeds, isn’t it? Yep. That’s the case for me, and I’d venture to guess that it’s the same for you.
Stop for a moment and breathe. No, not a teenie little “gotta-keep-breathing-to-keep-going” breath. I’m talking about a good, deep cleansing breath. It’s in these quiet moments that we can sometimes hear the Holy Spirit’s leading more loudly. It would be very easy to race right through December and, thus, through Christmas, wouldn’t it? You and I could even justify our fast pace when we look at our to-do list, couldn’t we? The kids’ concerts, the holiday parties, the big project at work, the anxiety over an impending family gathering…it’s a lot. But when we slow down enough to take a deep breath, I think it’s clear what God’s plan is for us this Christmas. He wants us to savor the moments He places us in. To fully experience where we find ourselves. To dance and sing and smile and laugh. He wants us to grow and be challenged and taste victory. He wants all this and so much more for us this Christmas.
Easier said than done, right? Let’s take a look at a story from the New Testament that rings loudly in my ears, if I have the ears to hear it. It’s the story of the sisters Mary and Martha that we find in Luke 10:38-42. You know it, don’t you? Jesus came to the house of his dear friends Mary and Martha for a visit. Mary stopped and sat and listened to Him. Martha, bless her sweet heart, did not. You see, a guest was in the house, and she had things to do. I bet if an outside observer looked closely into Martha’s eyes, they’d see a squirrely look in them. A crazed “I-have-so-much-to-do-and-not-enough-time-to-do-it!” look. Maybe she was even muttering under her breath about that sister of hers, and how she wished Mary knew all that she did to keep the house running. Perhaps she even slammed a pot or two before she could finally take it no more. She waltzed right out to the front room (with her hands on her hips I’m sure) and declared, “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” Hold on! Time out! Did she just say that? Yep, she did. And how many times have I done the same? Many. Too many, in fact. Stop and hear…savor…Jesus’ response to Martha. “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it - it’s the main course, and it won’t be taken from her.” Mary was doing the right thing by stopping. By listening. By savoring Jesus’ presence. She was squeezing everything she could out of the moment the Father had placed her in, and Jesus used the teachable moment to give Martha a maintenance reminder.
So, about your December calendar and your Christmas to-do list…let’s treat God’s Word as the maintenance reminder that it is. Do you need to stop by and sit at Jesus’ feet for a while? There’s no better check-up than that. Do you need to stop and re-read the Christmas account in Luke chapter 2 and savor in a fresh way the story of The Word made flesh? How about your family’s schedule over the next couple of weeks? Hmm…
The service team should be done soon with the Jetta, and I will be off to run errands…Christmas ones, in fact. This Christmas, in the midst of all the busy-ness, I want to heed God’s reminders…and take advantage of the carefree maintenance He provides me.
Merry Christmas!
~Deni Sunderly
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Ever since I can remember, I have always looked at the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas as something magical. I grew up in Watkins Glen, New York, a small village on the end of Seneca Lake. It was quite common to have snow in December, so it really was my winter wonderland. I loved everything about Christmas. It was so much fun for the whole family to go to the Christmas tree farm and find that “perfect tree.” My very favorite thing about Christmas is the music – I don’t care what it is. I could listen to it year round. There were the concerts at school and programs at church, and it just wasn’t Christmas if we didn’t go caroling and end up back at the church for hot chocolate. I could feel the excitement building inside of me for the “big day.”
My mom had traditions she carried out every year, i.e. baking hundreds of fancy cookies, fruitcakes, making fudge and decorating the house for the “big day” when my Dad’s extended family would gather at Mom and Dad’s house for Christmas dinner and exchange gifts. Later on, my brother had 3 sons, and then I added 2 daughters and 1 son.
I’ll always cherish those memories of Christmas growing up.
Now I’m a grandmother of 3. The oldest is about to turn 13 in a month. Where did all the time go? I’ve always tried to make Christmas special for my children and grandchildren – no matter what circumstances we may have been going through that year. There have been some really difficult times, but we got through it.
I thought last Christmas was difficult, but this year is going to be just as hard to get through. It actually started on Dec. 18, 1992 when my Mom passed away. Tom and I had only been married 3 months, but I couldn’t have asked for someone stronger to support me through that time. Mom had a very rapid progressing case of Alzheimer’s, and even though it was painful to lose her, it was a blessing to not have to see her suffer through that horrible disease anymore. By the time we had gone through the viewing, funeral, and services at the cemetery, there was only a couple of days until Christmas. No one was in the mood to celebrate that year. We were still in shock over Mom’s death.
Last Christmas, my Dad had been in a nursing home for 2 years. We went up the day after Christmas to visit. My brother had arranged for a private room in a restaurant so Dad would be able to see all his family together. Dad had taken a turn for the worse before we got there. He didn’t make it to the party. I watched my Dad die a little more each day, until he took his last breath on January 9th of this year. When he was at the point where he could barely do anything other than hold your hand or say just a couple of words, I was trying to think of things to say to him when it came to me I should sing to him. I started singing “Jesus Loves Me” softly to him. I asked him if he liked that, and he nodded “yes” with his head. I sang a couple more hymns, and then my sister came back from lunch. We would sing a hymn, and he would say, “more”. We did that for over a half hour. That was a very special time for the three of us.
Anyone who is close to me knows that music plays a huge role in my life. I know this is a gift from God. If I’m angry, stressed out, depressed, or upset, I can sit down at the piano, get lost in the notes and words, and go off to another place. Things that seemed so overwhelming begin to be lifted from me, and a peace comes over me. With God, I can handle things just a little bit longer – just like I was able to when I was singing to my Dad.
God, thank you for being with me in both the good times and the times of anguish. Help me to reach for you and cling to you when the pain is overwhelming. Help me to hear your voice in my pain and rest in your arms when I feel like I’m falling apart. I also ask that you be with all the people who, like me, are grieving over the loss of loved ones this Christmas.
~Mary Lou McKinney
Taken from iWorship Daily Devotional Bible (NLT) – March 18
My mom had traditions she carried out every year, i.e. baking hundreds of fancy cookies, fruitcakes, making fudge and decorating the house for the “big day” when my Dad’s extended family would gather at Mom and Dad’s house for Christmas dinner and exchange gifts. Later on, my brother had 3 sons, and then I added 2 daughters and 1 son.
I’ll always cherish those memories of Christmas growing up.
Now I’m a grandmother of 3. The oldest is about to turn 13 in a month. Where did all the time go? I’ve always tried to make Christmas special for my children and grandchildren – no matter what circumstances we may have been going through that year. There have been some really difficult times, but we got through it.
I thought last Christmas was difficult, but this year is going to be just as hard to get through. It actually started on Dec. 18, 1992 when my Mom passed away. Tom and I had only been married 3 months, but I couldn’t have asked for someone stronger to support me through that time. Mom had a very rapid progressing case of Alzheimer’s, and even though it was painful to lose her, it was a blessing to not have to see her suffer through that horrible disease anymore. By the time we had gone through the viewing, funeral, and services at the cemetery, there was only a couple of days until Christmas. No one was in the mood to celebrate that year. We were still in shock over Mom’s death.
Last Christmas, my Dad had been in a nursing home for 2 years. We went up the day after Christmas to visit. My brother had arranged for a private room in a restaurant so Dad would be able to see all his family together. Dad had taken a turn for the worse before we got there. He didn’t make it to the party. I watched my Dad die a little more each day, until he took his last breath on January 9th of this year. When he was at the point where he could barely do anything other than hold your hand or say just a couple of words, I was trying to think of things to say to him when it came to me I should sing to him. I started singing “Jesus Loves Me” softly to him. I asked him if he liked that, and he nodded “yes” with his head. I sang a couple more hymns, and then my sister came back from lunch. We would sing a hymn, and he would say, “more”. We did that for over a half hour. That was a very special time for the three of us.
Anyone who is close to me knows that music plays a huge role in my life. I know this is a gift from God. If I’m angry, stressed out, depressed, or upset, I can sit down at the piano, get lost in the notes and words, and go off to another place. Things that seemed so overwhelming begin to be lifted from me, and a peace comes over me. With God, I can handle things just a little bit longer – just like I was able to when I was singing to my Dad.
God, thank you for being with me in both the good times and the times of anguish. Help me to reach for you and cling to you when the pain is overwhelming. Help me to hear your voice in my pain and rest in your arms when I feel like I’m falling apart. I also ask that you be with all the people who, like me, are grieving over the loss of loved ones this Christmas.
~Mary Lou McKinney
Taken from iWorship Daily Devotional Bible (NLT) – March 18
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
“I am the Lords servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38 (NIV)
Throughout the Bible, God chooses and uses the most unlikely people in the most extraordinary ways to fulfill His timing and perfect will…Mary, the mother of Jesus, is no exception.
Mary’s story is well known. I’ve read it many times through past Christmas seasons, but this year God revealed to me “with new freshness” the importance of Mary’s willing spirit and trust in God.
Mary was a humble young woman willing to say yes to God, no matter what the cost, so that HIS plans and purpose could come to pass…
I’m sure Mary didn’t realize what she had signed up for—perceived scandal, ridicule, potential death by stoning, and ultimately a mother’s shattered heart at the loss of her precious child. None the less, she gave God her willing spirit and trust…“one Yes at a time”.
A key lesson we should learn and remember from Mary’s life is that great things always begin with someone saying Yes to God, and then moving along one yes at a time. The road may be bumpy, but we must remember God’s intention is to bless us.
A second lesson is to trust God. Mary trusted God from the start. She simply asked Gabriel, “How will this be?” Her question was an innocent inquiry of how God would make it come to pass. She didn’t doubt or ask for proof like Zachariah did when the angel told him that Elizabeth was to conceive in her old age…
“For nothing is impossible with God.”
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.” Isaiah 1:19
Please Lord; help me to say “Yes” to you without asking why, where, and how. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) …a trusting, obedient, and willing spirit.
Merry Christmas,
~Jeannie Porterfield
This devotion was revealed and adapted from the book: Having a Mary Spirit—Allowing God to Change us from the Inside by Joanna Weaver.
Throughout the Bible, God chooses and uses the most unlikely people in the most extraordinary ways to fulfill His timing and perfect will…Mary, the mother of Jesus, is no exception.
Mary’s story is well known. I’ve read it many times through past Christmas seasons, but this year God revealed to me “with new freshness” the importance of Mary’s willing spirit and trust in God.
Mary was a humble young woman willing to say yes to God, no matter what the cost, so that HIS plans and purpose could come to pass…
I’m sure Mary didn’t realize what she had signed up for—perceived scandal, ridicule, potential death by stoning, and ultimately a mother’s shattered heart at the loss of her precious child. None the less, she gave God her willing spirit and trust…“one Yes at a time”.
A key lesson we should learn and remember from Mary’s life is that great things always begin with someone saying Yes to God, and then moving along one yes at a time. The road may be bumpy, but we must remember God’s intention is to bless us.
A second lesson is to trust God. Mary trusted God from the start. She simply asked Gabriel, “How will this be?” Her question was an innocent inquiry of how God would make it come to pass. She didn’t doubt or ask for proof like Zachariah did when the angel told him that Elizabeth was to conceive in her old age…
“For nothing is impossible with God.”
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.” Isaiah 1:19
Please Lord; help me to say “Yes” to you without asking why, where, and how. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) …a trusting, obedient, and willing spirit.
Merry Christmas,
~Jeannie Porterfield
This devotion was revealed and adapted from the book: Having a Mary Spirit—Allowing God to Change us from the Inside by Joanna Weaver.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The shopping. The parties. The food. The hustle and bustle. It’s a wonder that we are able to keep up with the pace of everything that occurs between Thanksgiving and Christmas. But somewhere in all of that busyness, my heart wonders does any of this really matter? Which activities keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas?
I love the Christmas song – "Give This Christmas Away" by Matthew West and Amy Grant. It may be unfamiliar to you, but it’s a great song that brings home the message that, throughout all of the craziness that the season brings, there are things we can do that can bring hope to those around us.
Christmas is the time of year that we remember the baby that was born in a manger - when God came down in human form to dwell among us. This fact should motivate us to be different - not just at Christmas - but every day of the year. That baby came so that every day of the year could be different for us.
Let us not miss any opportunities to share this baby with those around us. At this time of the year, people seem to be a bit more open to Jesus than at other times of the year. Have you noticed that some people seem a little bit friendlier? And that there seem to be more opportunities at this time of the year to reach out to your coworkers, friends, and neighbors? No other time of the year presents the numerous opportunities that are happening now. Invite someone to the Christmas Eve Service. Invite a teen to the youth lock-in. Take Christmas cookies to your neighbors. Invite a widow for Christmas dinner. Give a grocery gift card to the person on the corner (right down the street from GBC) holding a sign saying he’s lost his job and asking for help. Let’s not waste these opportunities that are all around us.
God gives us these moments of choice everyday – will we listen to what He’s saying to us in our hearts and obey? OR will we ignore Him by distracting ourselves with the many activities going on or by rationalizing why we can’t do what He’s asking of us?
We mustn’t be too busy that we don’t have time to listen to what God is saying to us. We may think that we’re doing the right things by running around and trying to find that perfect gift for our kids or spouse or by agreeing to host the annual Christmas party for the 10th year in a row, but see what God is saying to you. We need times of quiet and stillness with our Lord during this busy season to know how to spend the hours of our day and how to spend the money in our bank accounts.
Have you asked the Lord that recently? Have you asked Him to give you wisdom about how to spend your time and your money so that the choices you make this Christmas season have eternal significance? Make this Christmas mean something for eternity!!! Don’t miss the opportunities God gives to us every day to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
God bless you as you seek him each day and Merry Christmas!!!
~Angela Sutsakhan
I love the Christmas song – "Give This Christmas Away" by Matthew West and Amy Grant. It may be unfamiliar to you, but it’s a great song that brings home the message that, throughout all of the craziness that the season brings, there are things we can do that can bring hope to those around us.
Christmas is the time of year that we remember the baby that was born in a manger - when God came down in human form to dwell among us. This fact should motivate us to be different - not just at Christmas - but every day of the year. That baby came so that every day of the year could be different for us.
Let us not miss any opportunities to share this baby with those around us. At this time of the year, people seem to be a bit more open to Jesus than at other times of the year. Have you noticed that some people seem a little bit friendlier? And that there seem to be more opportunities at this time of the year to reach out to your coworkers, friends, and neighbors? No other time of the year presents the numerous opportunities that are happening now. Invite someone to the Christmas Eve Service. Invite a teen to the youth lock-in. Take Christmas cookies to your neighbors. Invite a widow for Christmas dinner. Give a grocery gift card to the person on the corner (right down the street from GBC) holding a sign saying he’s lost his job and asking for help. Let’s not waste these opportunities that are all around us.
God gives us these moments of choice everyday – will we listen to what He’s saying to us in our hearts and obey? OR will we ignore Him by distracting ourselves with the many activities going on or by rationalizing why we can’t do what He’s asking of us?
We mustn’t be too busy that we don’t have time to listen to what God is saying to us. We may think that we’re doing the right things by running around and trying to find that perfect gift for our kids or spouse or by agreeing to host the annual Christmas party for the 10th year in a row, but see what God is saying to you. We need times of quiet and stillness with our Lord during this busy season to know how to spend the hours of our day and how to spend the money in our bank accounts.
Have you asked the Lord that recently? Have you asked Him to give you wisdom about how to spend your time and your money so that the choices you make this Christmas season have eternal significance? Make this Christmas mean something for eternity!!! Don’t miss the opportunities God gives to us every day to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
God bless you as you seek him each day and Merry Christmas!!!
~Angela Sutsakhan
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
“…and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:18-20
Do you ever wonder what that night was like? The night Jesus was born? I think it was probably pretty ordinary. Everyone was grumbling because they had traveled a long time to get to their hometowns just so Rome could get more taxes from them. Mary, 9 months pregnant, had traveled about 80 miles on foot (and probably donkey), then found herself with nowhere to stay, alone and in a barn during her labor and delivery. I bet she had questions. Sure, the angel had spoken to her about the big picture, but not the details, and that “angel conversation” had been months ago. I bet she had lots of questions.
“Did I really see an angel? Maybe I was dreaming.”
“What have I gotten myself into?
“Maybe mom was right…”
“Is this baby really who I think he is?”
“Maybe I’m crazy like everyone says!”
But imagine when the shepherds showed up out of nowhere. They claimed they had been invited by angels to one of the biggest days EVER on earth! The day that God came to earth…in a diaper. Wow.
And the text tells us that “Mary treasured these things…and pondered them in her heart.” I’m sure the moment the shepherds showed up telling their stories of a heavenly choir and looking for God-Come-To-Earth (aka her baby Jesus), Mary felt a new kind of peace. I bet she was reminded that she was a child of the God who keeps His promises, even the hard-to-believe ones. I’m sure she thought about all she had been through the past 9 months and was thankful that she hadn’t given up when it got really hard. And I bet she pondered how in the world she became such a huge part of God’s plan. And I bet she smiled at her little baby - God, in a diaper.
So, what do we have to ponder this Christmas? Like Mary, we are children of the God who keeps His promises. We are a part of His big plan. And we can partake in the peace that came down on Christmas night. The peace brought by God came down as a baby. God come down to be a part of our lives, because He doesn’t want to live without us. Wow. What a Christmas present!
~Tirzah Turner
Do you ever wonder what that night was like? The night Jesus was born? I think it was probably pretty ordinary. Everyone was grumbling because they had traveled a long time to get to their hometowns just so Rome could get more taxes from them. Mary, 9 months pregnant, had traveled about 80 miles on foot (and probably donkey), then found herself with nowhere to stay, alone and in a barn during her labor and delivery. I bet she had questions. Sure, the angel had spoken to her about the big picture, but not the details, and that “angel conversation” had been months ago. I bet she had lots of questions.
“Did I really see an angel? Maybe I was dreaming.”
“What have I gotten myself into?
“Maybe mom was right…”
“Is this baby really who I think he is?”
“Maybe I’m crazy like everyone says!”
But imagine when the shepherds showed up out of nowhere. They claimed they had been invited by angels to one of the biggest days EVER on earth! The day that God came to earth…in a diaper. Wow.
And the text tells us that “Mary treasured these things…and pondered them in her heart.” I’m sure the moment the shepherds showed up telling their stories of a heavenly choir and looking for God-Come-To-Earth (aka her baby Jesus), Mary felt a new kind of peace. I bet she was reminded that she was a child of the God who keeps His promises, even the hard-to-believe ones. I’m sure she thought about all she had been through the past 9 months and was thankful that she hadn’t given up when it got really hard. And I bet she pondered how in the world she became such a huge part of God’s plan. And I bet she smiled at her little baby - God, in a diaper.
So, what do we have to ponder this Christmas? Like Mary, we are children of the God who keeps His promises. We are a part of His big plan. And we can partake in the peace that came down on Christmas night. The peace brought by God came down as a baby. God come down to be a part of our lives, because He doesn’t want to live without us. Wow. What a Christmas present!
~Tirzah Turner
Saturday, December 19, 2009
As I sit and think of my long past childhood, I remember being surrounded by women most of the time. Now this is not a bad thing at all, but it puzzled me at the time why we had 5 aunts and only one uncle (whom we seldom saw). The imbalance just didn’t make sense to an eight year old.
My Dad had three sisters who lived down in Virginia, so we didn’t see them too often. Mom, however, had two sisters (Lil and Marge) who lived close by. Lil was a nurse and seemed to work all the time. Marge was always available for babysitting and visiting, as her children were grown and gone. So, of course she became the favorite, or “Super Aunt.”
Aunt Marge was a chubby and happy person who always laughed and had time on her hands. She had no problem showing lots of love to her niece and nephews. She always seemed to have candy and cookies. She would take me (siblings were too young) to the beach and sometimes places Mom did not approve of. My mother did not approve of movies in those days… “Devil’s playhouse.”
My favorite time with Marge was always Christmas. She was skilled at always getting the perfect present, just what a kid would want. Very often it was considered the best present we got that year. It never mattered how late it was on Christmas night; no one was going to bed until Aunt Marge arrived. Great anxiety filled the house; Christmas was incomplete without her.
Marge passed away in 1958 and is sorely missed by all of us. My mother spoke of her big sister often and lamented how sorry she was that Marge had such terrible luck and had lived in poverty most of her life. How could this be when she was so kind and generous?
Years later, after Mom passed away, I talked with Dad about this and mentioned that I never knew about Marge’s financial state and recalled all of the wonderful things she had done for me, my brother, and sister. Only then did he tell me that he had secretly provided the money necessary for her to do the things she did.
It was then that I realized how Marge always had the perfect present for Christmas and birthdays. My father had shown his love for her and for us by this act of his grace.
Our Heavenly Father also showed His love and grace through someone else – His only Son. God continues to bless us through others, our families, our Christian friends, our Pastors and leaders, but most of all as Christ lives in our hearts. We must remember that God wants to show His love to our fellow man. He wants to work through us to accomplish that. And you know that He gave us the Perfect Gift to talk about this Christmas!
~Howard Clemons
My Dad had three sisters who lived down in Virginia, so we didn’t see them too often. Mom, however, had two sisters (Lil and Marge) who lived close by. Lil was a nurse and seemed to work all the time. Marge was always available for babysitting and visiting, as her children were grown and gone. So, of course she became the favorite, or “Super Aunt.”
Aunt Marge was a chubby and happy person who always laughed and had time on her hands. She had no problem showing lots of love to her niece and nephews. She always seemed to have candy and cookies. She would take me (siblings were too young) to the beach and sometimes places Mom did not approve of. My mother did not approve of movies in those days… “Devil’s playhouse.”
My favorite time with Marge was always Christmas. She was skilled at always getting the perfect present, just what a kid would want. Very often it was considered the best present we got that year. It never mattered how late it was on Christmas night; no one was going to bed until Aunt Marge arrived. Great anxiety filled the house; Christmas was incomplete without her.
Marge passed away in 1958 and is sorely missed by all of us. My mother spoke of her big sister often and lamented how sorry she was that Marge had such terrible luck and had lived in poverty most of her life. How could this be when she was so kind and generous?
Years later, after Mom passed away, I talked with Dad about this and mentioned that I never knew about Marge’s financial state and recalled all of the wonderful things she had done for me, my brother, and sister. Only then did he tell me that he had secretly provided the money necessary for her to do the things she did.
It was then that I realized how Marge always had the perfect present for Christmas and birthdays. My father had shown his love for her and for us by this act of his grace.
Our Heavenly Father also showed His love and grace through someone else – His only Son. God continues to bless us through others, our families, our Christian friends, our Pastors and leaders, but most of all as Christ lives in our hearts. We must remember that God wants to show His love to our fellow man. He wants to work through us to accomplish that. And you know that He gave us the Perfect Gift to talk about this Christmas!
~Howard Clemons
Friday, December 18, 2009
It takes faith to be used by God in a mighty way.
There are many examples in the Bible of the great things that God did when people left their fate to their faith in God. Joseph went from being sold into slavery to saving many people (including his family) from starvation. Daniel made it through a night in a den of hungry lions. His friends spent some time in a fiery furnace unharmed. Moses led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt. Peter walked on water and then went on to spread the good news of salvation, and on and on and on. There is one story of faith that is thought about more this time of year.
Mary was, by most accounts, a teenager when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. Gabriel told her that she had found favor with God, that she would conceive a son, and he would be called Jesus. She only had one question, “How can that happen?” When Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and she would conceive a child that would be holy, the Son of God, the Bible doesn’t say she hesitated. She didn’t want to talk it over with her parents or her friends. She didn’t want to know what people would think or how she would explain it. In those days, an unwed mother could be turned away from her people or even stoned, but she had faith that God would work all that out. Mary simply said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Wow! To be that young and have that much faith in God and trust that He has your best interest in mind. God used that small woman of faith to raise His son and be the woman with the most influence in shaping his young life. What an awesome responsibility to entrust to such a young woman, but God knew her heart, just like He knows your heart.
What is God asking you to do for Him? There is no telling what could happen if we only would say with all our heart, “I am the Lord’s servant” and let Him take it from there.
~Linda Colbert
There are many examples in the Bible of the great things that God did when people left their fate to their faith in God. Joseph went from being sold into slavery to saving many people (including his family) from starvation. Daniel made it through a night in a den of hungry lions. His friends spent some time in a fiery furnace unharmed. Moses led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt. Peter walked on water and then went on to spread the good news of salvation, and on and on and on. There is one story of faith that is thought about more this time of year.
Mary was, by most accounts, a teenager when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. Gabriel told her that she had found favor with God, that she would conceive a son, and he would be called Jesus. She only had one question, “How can that happen?” When Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and she would conceive a child that would be holy, the Son of God, the Bible doesn’t say she hesitated. She didn’t want to talk it over with her parents or her friends. She didn’t want to know what people would think or how she would explain it. In those days, an unwed mother could be turned away from her people or even stoned, but she had faith that God would work all that out. Mary simply said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Wow! To be that young and have that much faith in God and trust that He has your best interest in mind. God used that small woman of faith to raise His son and be the woman with the most influence in shaping his young life. What an awesome responsibility to entrust to such a young woman, but God knew her heart, just like He knows your heart.
What is God asking you to do for Him? There is no telling what could happen if we only would say with all our heart, “I am the Lord’s servant” and let Him take it from there.
~Linda Colbert
Thursday, December 17, 2009
One of my favorite movies to watch as Christmas approaches to get my thoughts on the true meaning of the season is the Nativity Story. Personally I think the movie is fantastic and I especially like the way the movie brings insight into each of the Christmas story characters.
Often during the Christmas season we focus on the significance of baby Jesus and Mary’s virgin birth. These are obviously, for good reason, a major focus during this time of year, but how often do we consider the importance and the character of Joseph and his role in the Christmas story. I think the movie does a great job providing us with a model of a Godly man who lived his life with humility, integrity, and obedience.
Humility
I Cor. 1:27 - Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. (NLT)
From the very beginning of the movie you can see Joseph is a hard worker. This was not a man who was born into a wealthy family or a man who things came easily to him. He was a common man who worked hard for a living and found joy in living his life to please God.
Application – Don’t believe for a moment that God can’t use you right now where you are for His honor and glory. If God can use a lowly humble carpenter, he can use a lowly you and me.
Integrity
Matthew 5:8 – God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. (NLT)
When Mary returns from visiting Elizabeth, Joseph is stunned to find that Mary is pregnant. Think about how Joseph must have felt, how his heart must have sunk. There is a great scene in the movie where Joseph explains to Mary why he loves her. You can hear the pain in his voice and how distraught he is over this.
Application – We can take confidence in the fact that God holds us close in His care when we live our lives with integrity and remain faithful to him.
Obedience
Philipians 2:8 – He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (NLT)
After Joseph is told not to be afraid and take Mary as his wife, Joseph is obedient to do so. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Mary and Joseph are traveling, and Joseph’s feet are bruised and sore from all the walking that the trip has taken on his feet over rough terrain.
Application – Sometimes obedience may require pain and sacrifice.
If you haven’t seen the Nativity Story I highly recommend it. In fact, go out and buy it and make watching it a regular part of your Christmas holiday traditions.
Have a wonderful Christmas,
~Dave Porterfield
Often during the Christmas season we focus on the significance of baby Jesus and Mary’s virgin birth. These are obviously, for good reason, a major focus during this time of year, but how often do we consider the importance and the character of Joseph and his role in the Christmas story. I think the movie does a great job providing us with a model of a Godly man who lived his life with humility, integrity, and obedience.
Humility
I Cor. 1:27 - Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. (NLT)
From the very beginning of the movie you can see Joseph is a hard worker. This was not a man who was born into a wealthy family or a man who things came easily to him. He was a common man who worked hard for a living and found joy in living his life to please God.
Application – Don’t believe for a moment that God can’t use you right now where you are for His honor and glory. If God can use a lowly humble carpenter, he can use a lowly you and me.
Integrity
Matthew 5:8 – God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. (NLT)
When Mary returns from visiting Elizabeth, Joseph is stunned to find that Mary is pregnant. Think about how Joseph must have felt, how his heart must have sunk. There is a great scene in the movie where Joseph explains to Mary why he loves her. You can hear the pain in his voice and how distraught he is over this.
Application – We can take confidence in the fact that God holds us close in His care when we live our lives with integrity and remain faithful to him.
Obedience
Philipians 2:8 – He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (NLT)
After Joseph is told not to be afraid and take Mary as his wife, Joseph is obedient to do so. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Mary and Joseph are traveling, and Joseph’s feet are bruised and sore from all the walking that the trip has taken on his feet over rough terrain.
Application – Sometimes obedience may require pain and sacrifice.
If you haven’t seen the Nativity Story I highly recommend it. In fact, go out and buy it and make watching it a regular part of your Christmas holiday traditions.
Have a wonderful Christmas,
~Dave Porterfield
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The word “Christmas” brings up so many memories…
Anticipation: The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed soooo long.
Visit to Santa: He could be found at Newberry’s on the second floor. He listened to my wishes and gave me a coloring book and a candy cane.
Obedience: My brother and I tried so hard to be “good” but never reached perfection.
Church: A special Christmas program was performed by the combined choirs (adult and children). The nativity story was read from the book of Luke. I can still repeat this story from memory.
Carolers: A group of singers would come through the neighborhood, pausing at each home. When we became old enough, my brother and I joined them.
Christmas Eve: As a young child, I knew the difference between Jesus and Santa. One Christmas Eve, I slipped away from my family, stood at the end of the porch, looking at the stars, and sang softly “Away In A Manger.”
Christmas Morn: As soon as possible, the kids in the neighborhood spilled out onto the sidewalks laughing, showing each other our gifts and enjoying the day.
Purpose of Jesus: “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness… for I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.” John 12:46-47
PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!
~Doris Brannon
Anticipation: The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed soooo long.
Visit to Santa: He could be found at Newberry’s on the second floor. He listened to my wishes and gave me a coloring book and a candy cane.
Obedience: My brother and I tried so hard to be “good” but never reached perfection.
Church: A special Christmas program was performed by the combined choirs (adult and children). The nativity story was read from the book of Luke. I can still repeat this story from memory.
Carolers: A group of singers would come through the neighborhood, pausing at each home. When we became old enough, my brother and I joined them.
Christmas Eve: As a young child, I knew the difference between Jesus and Santa. One Christmas Eve, I slipped away from my family, stood at the end of the porch, looking at the stars, and sang softly “Away In A Manger.”
Christmas Morn: As soon as possible, the kids in the neighborhood spilled out onto the sidewalks laughing, showing each other our gifts and enjoying the day.
Purpose of Jesus: “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness… for I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.” John 12:46-47
PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!
~Doris Brannon
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
In everything I did, I showed that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
What does God want for Christmas?
For those who are seeking to know our Lord and Savior, God wants you to trust Him and open His gift of eternal life. He wants you to come to the saving grace of what was done for us on Calvary two thousand years ago.
I was recently at the Family Christian bookstore with my kids looking over books for my co-workers. Every year I get them a book that encourages them in their life, and this year I wanted to get each of them a book to encourage their faith. Bringing the kids with me was a favor to my wife to give her some free time. I knew it would be challenging - picking up books to read about and having the kids wanting me to buy them something or wanting to leave the moment they get bored. I sent them into the toy section to buy myself some time and went straight to my mission of the day. Before long I had what I needed for gifts, so I went to check on the kids. They had lots of toys they wanted me to buy them, so I began looking through them to narrow it down. As I was looking through what they had picked, I came to a kid’s nativity game. The title was simple but a question that stumped me at first glance. The game was a nativity set that asked this question: What does God want for Christmas? My first thought was naïve in that I thought – what does God not have? As I picked up the nativity for a closer look I found myself looking into a mirror that had me in it. As I looked at this simple game with a tear coming down my cheek, I felt God speaking to me about what I could give Him. I have already asked Jesus into my heart, and I accepted him privately and publicly as my Lord and Savior four years ago. What I felt God saying to me was, what will I give to Him – sacrificially?
So if you are already saved what can you give Him? I think each of us can give to God in ways that are sacrificial towards Him. I love the phrase “being rich towards God.” That doesn’t only mean in our tithes but in our time and service in His kingdom on earth. I know God has been nudging me in many areas of my life since I was saved. I believe He is doing to same for you. Maybe God wants you to forgive someone who has caused you deep pain. Maybe he wants you to adopt a child in a global mission to share the Gospel. Maybe He is asking you to stop working on His Sabbath. Some give-ups are easy for us, while others are sacrifices. Whatever you feel God saying to you, make His gift your most important gift of Christmas. Take time this Christmas season and allow God to speak to you about what you can do to be rich to Him.
Heavenly Father, I pray this Christmas season that we can be rich to You.
~Chris Dyer
What does God want for Christmas?
For those who are seeking to know our Lord and Savior, God wants you to trust Him and open His gift of eternal life. He wants you to come to the saving grace of what was done for us on Calvary two thousand years ago.
I was recently at the Family Christian bookstore with my kids looking over books for my co-workers. Every year I get them a book that encourages them in their life, and this year I wanted to get each of them a book to encourage their faith. Bringing the kids with me was a favor to my wife to give her some free time. I knew it would be challenging - picking up books to read about and having the kids wanting me to buy them something or wanting to leave the moment they get bored. I sent them into the toy section to buy myself some time and went straight to my mission of the day. Before long I had what I needed for gifts, so I went to check on the kids. They had lots of toys they wanted me to buy them, so I began looking through them to narrow it down. As I was looking through what they had picked, I came to a kid’s nativity game. The title was simple but a question that stumped me at first glance. The game was a nativity set that asked this question: What does God want for Christmas? My first thought was naïve in that I thought – what does God not have? As I picked up the nativity for a closer look I found myself looking into a mirror that had me in it. As I looked at this simple game with a tear coming down my cheek, I felt God speaking to me about what I could give Him. I have already asked Jesus into my heart, and I accepted him privately and publicly as my Lord and Savior four years ago. What I felt God saying to me was, what will I give to Him – sacrificially?
So if you are already saved what can you give Him? I think each of us can give to God in ways that are sacrificial towards Him. I love the phrase “being rich towards God.” That doesn’t only mean in our tithes but in our time and service in His kingdom on earth. I know God has been nudging me in many areas of my life since I was saved. I believe He is doing to same for you. Maybe God wants you to forgive someone who has caused you deep pain. Maybe he wants you to adopt a child in a global mission to share the Gospel. Maybe He is asking you to stop working on His Sabbath. Some give-ups are easy for us, while others are sacrifices. Whatever you feel God saying to you, make His gift your most important gift of Christmas. Take time this Christmas season and allow God to speak to you about what you can do to be rich to Him.
Heavenly Father, I pray this Christmas season that we can be rich to You.
~Chris Dyer
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
It tends to be very easy to fall into the commercialism of this time of year. All of the lights, music, decorations, festivities, and presents are almost addicting. Everyone is happy and friendly, buying gifts for loved ones and sharing special memories.
I am one of those people that others tend to consider a “Christmas Freak.” Starting the day after Halloween (and sometimes before) I have the Christmas music playing, and it takes everything in my power not to bust out the decorations before Thanksgiving (I do usually wait for that)! I love how happy everyone is and that it can bring so many families together. Even if it is just this one day a year… families come together to share laughter and fond memories that last a lifetime.
One of my favorite Christmas memories is the year we got my sister a singing farm keyboard. It played this song that I can still sing to this day. My sister was about 3 years old, and she played this song over and over and over and over and over… You get the point. It drove my family absolutely crazy! But everyone tolerated it because it was Christmas, and it meant that we were all together having a great time.
This year is going to be a much different one for me. This is my first year as an official firefighter’s wife, and lucky for me, my husband is on shift. Starting at 6:00am that morning through 6:00am the next, he will be working for Montgomery County, saving the lives of its people. This is one of the most upsetting pieces of news to me. A holiday that I love so dearly, that I love to share with those who are most important to me is going to be missing the main part – my husband.
The more I think about that last part, the more I realize perhaps this is actually a good thing. Over the last few months the Lord has really been tugging on my heart, asking me to get more involved with church and to focus more on my relationship with Him. My husband is not the most important part of Christmas, neither are the lights, the music and the presents, even my family and friends. The most important part of CHRISTmas is Christ. For so many years Jesus has sat on the backburner during Christmas. Sure, I would think about the fact that he was born into the world and thank God for all that He has done and for that promise, but it was a momentary thought: Christmas, to me, was everything I listed above.
So let me challenge you, along with myself, this Christmas season to think of who or what is the main focus of our minds and hearts when it comes to Christmas. Is it the colorful lights, the merry music, and the giving and receiving of presents, or is it the real reason for Christmas? That tiny baby in a manger, our Savior, Lord and King!
~Megan Schoolfield
I am one of those people that others tend to consider a “Christmas Freak.” Starting the day after Halloween (and sometimes before) I have the Christmas music playing, and it takes everything in my power not to bust out the decorations before Thanksgiving (I do usually wait for that)! I love how happy everyone is and that it can bring so many families together. Even if it is just this one day a year… families come together to share laughter and fond memories that last a lifetime.
One of my favorite Christmas memories is the year we got my sister a singing farm keyboard. It played this song that I can still sing to this day. My sister was about 3 years old, and she played this song over and over and over and over and over… You get the point. It drove my family absolutely crazy! But everyone tolerated it because it was Christmas, and it meant that we were all together having a great time.
This year is going to be a much different one for me. This is my first year as an official firefighter’s wife, and lucky for me, my husband is on shift. Starting at 6:00am that morning through 6:00am the next, he will be working for Montgomery County, saving the lives of its people. This is one of the most upsetting pieces of news to me. A holiday that I love so dearly, that I love to share with those who are most important to me is going to be missing the main part – my husband.
The more I think about that last part, the more I realize perhaps this is actually a good thing. Over the last few months the Lord has really been tugging on my heart, asking me to get more involved with church and to focus more on my relationship with Him. My husband is not the most important part of Christmas, neither are the lights, the music and the presents, even my family and friends. The most important part of CHRISTmas is Christ. For so many years Jesus has sat on the backburner during Christmas. Sure, I would think about the fact that he was born into the world and thank God for all that He has done and for that promise, but it was a momentary thought: Christmas, to me, was everything I listed above.
So let me challenge you, along with myself, this Christmas season to think of who or what is the main focus of our minds and hearts when it comes to Christmas. Is it the colorful lights, the merry music, and the giving and receiving of presents, or is it the real reason for Christmas? That tiny baby in a manger, our Savior, Lord and King!
~Megan Schoolfield
Sunday, December 13, 2009
“From the Manger to the Cross”
From the manger to the cross, Jesus came to save the lost.
The King of Kings abandoned His throne.
Leaving heaven above, He came to earth, a gift of love
In His birth and His death, He stood alone.
The life He led and the blood that He shed
Brought hope and established the way
That all who believe, and all who receive
Would share in His kingdom one day.
A response is due, from me and from you
When we awaken on this Christmas morn
Let our first thoughts be to fall on our knees
And worship the Child who was born.
~Ann Duffy (written in 2008)
From the manger to the cross, Jesus came to save the lost.
The King of Kings abandoned His throne.
Leaving heaven above, He came to earth, a gift of love
In His birth and His death, He stood alone.
The life He led and the blood that He shed
Brought hope and established the way
That all who believe, and all who receive
Would share in His kingdom one day.
A response is due, from me and from you
When we awaken on this Christmas morn
Let our first thoughts be to fall on our knees
And worship the Child who was born.
~Ann Duffy (written in 2008)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
And He called a child to Himself and stood him in their midst, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4 NASV
On the first Wednesday in November I asked a group of 3rd-5th grade boys to write "Thank You" notes to God. Their notes warmed my heart. I hope they warm yours, as well. Here is what they wrote:
Dear God, I am thankful for family, friends, food and Hannah. Bailey (labeled drawing of each family member including Hannah the dog, two friends food and clothing)
Dear God, I am thankful for family, dad, Reagan, Hayden, food, friends, water, clothes, and God. Caleb (labeled pictures of each)
Dear God, Thank you for my brother. I know me and Jon fight, but without my brother I would be alone and sad. Love, Chandler (picture of him and his brother on a playset)
Dear God, Thank you for my family and friends, water, food and all the other wonderful things you made. Thank you for the holidays and seasons and other stuff. Grant (picture of his family and friends)
Dear God, I am thankful for my friends [Ranger] John McCallum and Caleb. John D. (picture of each)
Dear God, Thank you for family, friends, for just being alive. I just thank you for mankind. Love Keith (drawing of a tree)
Dear God, I am thankful for a family, food, juice, water and punch. Thank you for school and work. I am also thankful for a ring and it is cool. Sincerely, Owula (picture of himself with a ring on his hand)
Dear God, I am thankful for my DSI. I really don't need it, but I am glad I have it. Praise (with picture of the game)
Dear God, Thank you for your love and kindness. We love you so much. You are holy. You are the best God. From Ryan D. (picture of tree, birds and grass)
Dear God, Thank you for water, church, family, food and shelter. Ryan O. (picture of each item)
Dear God, I am thankful for my family, shelter and everything. Tyler (picture of God on the throne of his heart with the words "God in my heart. I will try.")
Dear God, Thank you for Ryan and Keith and me and Ryan 2. Xavier (picture of each boy)
Dear God, Thank you for homes, money, You, friends, family, food, water, nteligents, safety, air and clothes. (unsigned, but the drawing was Jesus on the throne of his heart)
Dear God, Thank you for my family, friends, food, house, water and nature. (unsigned)
Our Father, forgive me for my sense of self importance and my preoccupation with things like money, status and power. Help me to see with the eyes of a child the wonders of this world that You have created. Thank You for the blessings of food, water, shelter and work and the wonderful gifts you have given me that are my family and friends. Take Your throne in my heart Lord Jesus. Amen
~Ben Overbey
On the first Wednesday in November I asked a group of 3rd-5th grade boys to write "Thank You" notes to God. Their notes warmed my heart. I hope they warm yours, as well. Here is what they wrote:
Dear God, I am thankful for family, friends, food and Hannah. Bailey (labeled drawing of each family member including Hannah the dog, two friends food and clothing)
Dear God, I am thankful for family, dad, Reagan, Hayden, food, friends, water, clothes, and God. Caleb (labeled pictures of each)
Dear God, Thank you for my brother. I know me and Jon fight, but without my brother I would be alone and sad. Love, Chandler (picture of him and his brother on a playset)
Dear God, Thank you for my family and friends, water, food and all the other wonderful things you made. Thank you for the holidays and seasons and other stuff. Grant (picture of his family and friends)
Dear God, I am thankful for my friends [Ranger] John McCallum and Caleb. John D. (picture of each)
Dear God, Thank you for family, friends, for just being alive. I just thank you for mankind. Love Keith (drawing of a tree)
Dear God, I am thankful for a family, food, juice, water and punch. Thank you for school and work. I am also thankful for a ring and it is cool. Sincerely, Owula (picture of himself with a ring on his hand)
Dear God, I am thankful for my DSI. I really don't need it, but I am glad I have it. Praise (with picture of the game)
Dear God, Thank you for your love and kindness. We love you so much. You are holy. You are the best God. From Ryan D. (picture of tree, birds and grass)
Dear God, Thank you for water, church, family, food and shelter. Ryan O. (picture of each item)
Dear God, I am thankful for my family, shelter and everything. Tyler (picture of God on the throne of his heart with the words "God in my heart. I will try.")
Dear God, Thank you for Ryan and Keith and me and Ryan 2. Xavier (picture of each boy)
Dear God, Thank you for homes, money, You, friends, family, food, water, nteligents, safety, air and clothes. (unsigned, but the drawing was Jesus on the throne of his heart)
Dear God, Thank you for my family, friends, food, house, water and nature. (unsigned)
Our Father, forgive me for my sense of self importance and my preoccupation with things like money, status and power. Help me to see with the eyes of a child the wonders of this world that You have created. Thank You for the blessings of food, water, shelter and work and the wonderful gifts you have given me that are my family and friends. Take Your throne in my heart Lord Jesus. Amen
~Ben Overbey
Friday, December 11, 2009
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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. Philippians 4: 6-7
What do these verses really mean? I have a wooden plaque in my home that reminds me of these verses daily. The plaque says “in everything give thanks,” but it’s missing the rest of the story. Life has its hurts sometimes, and it’s just hard to give thanks in the midst of them. The scripture says by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God, and pray without ceasing. That’s how we can give thanks in the midst of our pain. The Pilgrims suffered great losses the first winter. 102 people were aboard the Mayflower, but only 54 survived that first winter, and 21 of them were children under the age of 14. The first course served on the second thanksgiving was five kernels of corn on plates. It was a visual reminder of the hardships experienced by the Pilgrims that first winter when their rations had been so depleted that every person was given only five kernels of corn daily to eat. They were remembering God’s faithfulness in the midst of pain and suffering. We use the five kernels of corn at our own Thanksgiving table to remind us of the hardship suffered by those celebrating that early Thanksgiving, and also to remind us of the blessings in our own lives for which we need to be thankful, even in the midst of our own hardships.
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember to give thanks for our blessings, even when we’re hurting.
~Toni and Jim Kelley
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. Philippians 4: 6-7
What do these verses really mean? I have a wooden plaque in my home that reminds me of these verses daily. The plaque says “in everything give thanks,” but it’s missing the rest of the story. Life has its hurts sometimes, and it’s just hard to give thanks in the midst of them. The scripture says by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God, and pray without ceasing. That’s how we can give thanks in the midst of our pain. The Pilgrims suffered great losses the first winter. 102 people were aboard the Mayflower, but only 54 survived that first winter, and 21 of them were children under the age of 14. The first course served on the second thanksgiving was five kernels of corn on plates. It was a visual reminder of the hardships experienced by the Pilgrims that first winter when their rations had been so depleted that every person was given only five kernels of corn daily to eat. They were remembering God’s faithfulness in the midst of pain and suffering. We use the five kernels of corn at our own Thanksgiving table to remind us of the hardship suffered by those celebrating that early Thanksgiving, and also to remind us of the blessings in our own lives for which we need to be thankful, even in the midst of our own hardships.
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember to give thanks for our blessings, even when we’re hurting.
~Toni and Jim Kelley
Thursday, December 10, 2009
"Hallmark holiday" commercials show families and friends sitting around beautifully decorated tables, laughing, smiling, and sharing. Everything seems "perfect," but holidays in the "real" world aren't always like that. Holidays remind us of loved ones that are no longer at our tables. We live far away from our relatives and close friends, and there are many strained relationships that seem to become worse around the holidays for some reason. Some of us feel like we're not really wanted at anyone's table, and we wonder if we're going to be invited somewhere this year, and if so, who will sit next to us?
One of my favorite Christian books is The Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldridge. Here is a quote from the book - one that deals with some of these issues and brings tears to my eyes almost every time I read it: "On the other hand, there is the joy of having someone save a place for us. We walk into a crowded room at church, or at a dinner party, and someone across the way waves us over, pointing to a chair he's held on to especially for us. For a moment we feel a sense of relief, a taste of being on the inside. Now consider Jesus' words in John 14:2 – ‘I am going... to prepare a place for you.’ Christ promises that He is saving a place in heaven especially for each of us. When we walk into the crowded excitement of the wedding feast of the Lamb with the sound of a thousand conversations, laughter and music, the clinking of glasses, and one more time our heart leaps with the hope that we might be let into the sacred circle. We will not be disappointed; we'll be welcomed to the table by our Lover himself. No one will have to scramble to find another chair to make room for us at the end of the table, or rustle up a place setting. There will be a seat with our name on it, held open at Jesus' command for us and no other."
No matter what has happened as part of our life in this sinful world to make us feel unworthy, unwanted, unacceptable, we are going to be invited to be part of the best feast that will ever be served with the "perfect" host who created us and had a plan for our life (Psalm 139:13-16). Now this is something to be thankful for this holiday season! And while we're being thankful, let's not forget to invite someone to experience a taste of the "excitement" of being invited into our home, having a special place set for them, eating all the special food and to have the feeling that we REALLY want them to be there. Is there someone that God would have you invite to join you?
~Karen Janes
One of my favorite Christian books is The Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldridge. Here is a quote from the book - one that deals with some of these issues and brings tears to my eyes almost every time I read it: "On the other hand, there is the joy of having someone save a place for us. We walk into a crowded room at church, or at a dinner party, and someone across the way waves us over, pointing to a chair he's held on to especially for us. For a moment we feel a sense of relief, a taste of being on the inside. Now consider Jesus' words in John 14:2 – ‘I am going... to prepare a place for you.’ Christ promises that He is saving a place in heaven especially for each of us. When we walk into the crowded excitement of the wedding feast of the Lamb with the sound of a thousand conversations, laughter and music, the clinking of glasses, and one more time our heart leaps with the hope that we might be let into the sacred circle. We will not be disappointed; we'll be welcomed to the table by our Lover himself. No one will have to scramble to find another chair to make room for us at the end of the table, or rustle up a place setting. There will be a seat with our name on it, held open at Jesus' command for us and no other."
No matter what has happened as part of our life in this sinful world to make us feel unworthy, unwanted, unacceptable, we are going to be invited to be part of the best feast that will ever be served with the "perfect" host who created us and had a plan for our life (Psalm 139:13-16). Now this is something to be thankful for this holiday season! And while we're being thankful, let's not forget to invite someone to experience a taste of the "excitement" of being invited into our home, having a special place set for them, eating all the special food and to have the feeling that we REALLY want them to be there. Is there someone that God would have you invite to join you?
~Karen Janes
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