Category: December2017

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God is Kind

A few months back Dave started building a workshop at the back of our property. The first step was to get the foundation level. This was time consuming. He worked for days in the hard ground, breaking it up, adding sand under the concrete pilings, every thing had to be level and on square. If it was out of level the rest of the building wouldn’t come together right.

That’s how it is for us. Our building of life must be on a true foundation. Built square and level.

“Treat me with kindness, Lord, so that I may live and do what you say. 18 Open my mind and let me discover the wonders of your Law.
19 I live here as a stranger. Don’t keep me from knowing your commands. 20 What I want most of all and at all times is to honor your laws.
21 You punish those boastful, worthless nobodies who turn from your command 22 Don’t let them sneer and insult me for following you.
23 I keep thinking about your teachings, Lord, even if rulers plot against me. 24 Your laws are my greatest joy! I follow their advice.” Psalm 119:17-24 CEV

Once again we must remember who wrote this Psalm, David, and what he had experienced in his walk with the Lord. Time and again, David faced adversaries greater in number or stature than he was. He needed to see God’s goodness each day for his survival. When he went to battle against Goliath, the odds were staggering but David was successful in the fight because he depended on the promises of God to bring the battle to a successful end.

I think we often forget that the people in the Bible were “real” people just like you and me. They had families, went out each day to do specific tasks and faced obstacles as great as any of the ones we face. David was underestimated and underappreciated by his family and those around him. They saw a boy who was curious about the battle, they saw a cocky teenager who was overly confident and thought he was bragging when he said he would fight the giant.

Seasoned soldiers were afraid to face down Goliath as he blasphemed God each day. The whole army trembled and here was this “kid” who jumped and said let me go fight him. “I’ll stop him from speaking against our God”. David wasn’t out for his own glory or elevate his family’s standing in the community. He just knew, deep in his heart, that he couldn’t allow this “uncircumcised Philistine” to defy the army of the living God. (I Samuel 17:26)

Now that may seem like an insignificant phrase at first glance but it has great meaning. The Israelites had practiced circumcision since the Lord made a vow or covenant with Abraham hundreds of years earlier. It was a sign that God had made a promise that He would protect and provide for them. He would fight their battles and keep them safe. God promised and that was good enough for David. What he saw when he looked at Goliath was a man who had no promise from God but he did and that gave him the confidence to put his life on the line. God would go with him – he would succeed.

David knew he had a covenant, a contract, with God. That same covenant holds true for us and has even been expanded to greater depth because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Hebrews says we have a great covenant built on better promises!

I pray verses 18 and 19 all the time. Open my eyes to see your wonderful promises. Each time I read the word there are new discoveries that God brings out. It’s so great to read a book and have the author “in residence” to teach me exactly what was meant by what He wrote.

Verse 20 might need a little explanation. When Moses was giving instruction to the Israelites before they went in to the “Promised Land”, he gave them this admonition. “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, choose life”. Folks aren’t cursed because God is angry with them or because “fate” wasn’t on their side. There are two sides to the coin – living blessed or living cursed – and we are the ones who get to choose. The proud made a choice; they chose to live dependent in their own intellect and independent of God’s guidance and direction. Just like our friend Goliath, depending on your own strength and knowledge will prove disastrous.

David knew doing things God’s way, following His laws and commands would look foolish to outsiders. Even his own brothers thought he was being arrogant and foolish when he said that he would fight Goliath. People are doing the same today; shaking their heads saying we’re old fashioned, our ideas and stand for godliness is antiquated. But GOD… I will follow God any day – His word has never failed.

Following God’s word, obeying His leading brings us to a place of rest and yes, joy. It feels so good to know that we don’t have to depend on our own efforts but that He is there to protect and provide.

Homework today. I would like you to read Deuteronomy 28 – find out what blessings God has for you to choose and what curses you can avoid. Get to know what God has promised so that in time of battle you know that you have been promised victory.

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Building With Purpose

Have you ever had someone ask, “if you could go back and live your life over, would you do it?” I don’t know what your answer is but mine has always been – No!

Yes, I’ve done things in my past that I’m not proud of, made some big mistakes and some little ones. But if I went back, would I do it any differently, would I make fewer mistakes or more? Can’t answer that one, however, I can answer this. I can live my life now, not looking back because I have been forgiven and I am a new creature in Christ – old things have passed away and all has become new. God has promised that he puts our sins as far as the east is from the west and He remembers them no more. So if He’s not dwelling on my failures – why should I?

“Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word. 10 I worship you with all my heart. Don’t let me walk away from your commands. 11 I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. 12 I praise you, Lord! Teach me your laws. 13 With my own mouth, I tell others the laws that you have spoken. 14 Obeying your instructions brings as much happiness as being rich. 15 I will study your teachings and follow your footsteps. 16 I will take pleasure in your laws and remember your words.” Psalm 119:9-16

The very first thought is living pure as a young person. You do that by obeying God’s word and following it with your whole heart. This keeps you from making stupid mistakes and living with regrets. King David who wrote this lived his life as a young man serving God and following His word. He was single-minded in His obedience to God’s word and because of it David was selected by God to be Saul’s successor and the king of Israel. A young man still in his teens, David became known as a “man after God’s heart”.

As parents and grandparents we should be sharing the value of God’s word with the young people in our lives. Not beating them over the head with the Bible and a list of do’s and don’ts  but making it practical – showing them that God is real and can be trusted. The people in the Bible aren’t mythical stories but real just like they are and faced some difficult challenges and came through them trusting God and depending on Him. David was probably 17 when he faced Goliath; Joseph was but a young man in his late teens when his brothers sold him into slavery, he faced being seduced by his master’s wife, prison time and rose to power and never gave in to bitterness or hatred towards his brothers. Esther was a young woman taken into a king’s harem and she maintained godly character in a harsh and hostile environment.

How does a young man keep his life pure – by following God’s word!

Now for us who are a bit older – we can enjoy this trusting relationship with the Lord too. We can treasure God’s word above everything else and it will keep us from sin. Holding our tongue, refusing to be unkind, not caving to compromise when it could lead to our advancement at work; refusing to worry; fighting political correctness when it goes against God’s word; doing what’s right because it’s right will bring joy and happiness. These are the things that bring true success.

Each one of the Bible characters I mentioned above rose to power and prominence because they honored God. Those things didn’t come first, they followed. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Have the Holy Spirit show you today one thing – large or small – where you have been compromising, repent and then ask Him to show you how to follow in His footsteps. Find a verse that gives you instruction on how to deal with the area that needs correction – meditate it, memorize it. “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11

If you’re going to make a New Year’s Resolution make it one to follow God’s word and you will find true purpose.

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A Firm Foundation

This morning we are going to begin our study of Psalms 119. But why?

There’s a new year coming and it’s important to have a firm foundation. We don’t know what trials, struggles or life storms lay ahead but God does and he has promised that when we have built our lives on a sure foundation we will be able to withstand the storm.

“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

This past year we saw time and again pictures of those areas that were devastated by storms; Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, California, Montana, Oregon, Oklahoma, Kansas. Hurricanes, fires, flooding. Billions of dollars spent in restoration.

God has promised that His word, standing on His word, believing His word will provide us with a strength to withstand. It provides us with blessing.

“Our Lord, you bless everyone who lives right and obeys your Law.
2 You bless all of those who follow your commands from deep in their hearts
3 and who never do wrong or turn from you. 4 You have ordered us always
to obey your teachings; 5 I don’t ever want to stray from your laws.
6 Thinking about your commands will keep me from doing some foolish thing.

7 I will do right and praise you by learning to respect your perfect laws.
8 I will obey all of them! Don’t turn your back on me.” Psalm 119:1-8 CEV

When our kids were little we told them we have one rule, “be obedient”. Very simple, not a lot to remember – just be obedient. That’s what I hear the Lord saying in the start of this chapter. Obey My word – it’s the same as saying obey me.

Obey from deep within our hearts – not surface or superficial obedience; but one that is heartfelt and genuine. Knowing that God knows more and has a better understanding than we possibly could, so our obedience is a sign of respect for His infinitely greater knowledge.

Remember the old “Karate Kid”. Wax on – Wax off! Daniel was so frustrated with Mr. Miyagi. What good was all this “waxing” doing? There was a lesson being taught that wasn’t apparent to the young Daniel. I feel like that sometimes when the Lord is teaching me something – what’s the point? And then I go back to what I required of my children, “be obedient”. He’ll show me at the appropriate time.

This Psalm says that simply thinking about God’s word will keep me from doing foolish things – I certainly need that. Foolish mistakes can be very costly and I don’t want to waste time or effort in having to re-do what was done wrong.

“I will do right by learning to respect your laws”. Respect – that means giving honor, a place of pre-eminence, a valuing above others. Respect God’s word over the word of a trusted friend – seek God’s word above the counsel of the others.

God has a plan established for our obedience. Isaiah 1:18 says if we be willing and obedient we will eat the good of the land. I like that – I like good.

And finally, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Psalm 111:10

To fear the Lord doesn’t mean that we are scared but that we have that respect that the verse above talks about. Respecting the Lord and His word, giving it credibility, will make us wise and increase our understanding.

Find one thing today in God’s word and be obedient! It’s worth it for sure.

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Learning from a Master Craftsman

You ever notice how we gravitate towards people we feel have a special gift or knowledge that we desire. Dave & I have some friends that are master boot makers. We love going to their shop and watching them create a wearable work of art. We have other friends who are masters at the craft of leatherworking and silversmithing.

I know that at one point my mother taught a young girl how to knit. This girl saw all the beautiful sweaters my mom made and so she would come to our home and learn from my mother. My father was a master mechanic and worked on and repaired those huge dozers, draglines, and ukes. Others take computer classes to learn to be more proficient and still others will pay to attend seminars on financial planning, interpersonal skills or public speaking.

We all have a desire to learn from the best and to excel in areas that interest us. Then how come it seems so difficult to find time in the day to read and study God’s word? We have God’s promise that if we obey His word we will prosper and succeed in the things of life.

When Moses had died and Joshua became responsible for the nation of Israel; he would be leading them into the Promised Land. There would certainly be challenges and there were enemies to defeat. He needed a mentor, a counselor, an adviser.

“Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you. No one will be able to stop you all your life. I will not abandon you. I will never leave you.

6 “Joshua, you must be strong and brave! You must lead these people so that they can take their land. I promised their fathers that I would give them this land. 7 But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5-9

The Lord promised Joshua that he would be prosperous and successful if he obeyed God’s laws. God also told him to be courageous and brave – it wasn’t going to be easy – it never is when you take a stand for godliness. But taking that stand puts you in good company, “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”! Now that certainly makes it all worthwhile.

Over the next few weeks we will be looking at Psalm 119. All 176 verses deal with the life changing impact of studying God’s word. I want us all to grow more and more dependent on God’s word and in turn become more and more successful in our daily lives.

I hope you’ll join me as we learn about life from the Master Craftsman.

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The Story Continues

Did you think that the Christmas story recorded in Luke chapter two ends when the shepherds go home? It doesn’t. The story continues. According to Jewish custom there were sacrifices and the act of circumcision that needed to be performed on the first male child who opened the womb – that would be Jesus.

And there were people, two in particular who were waiting at the Temple in Jerusalem for the Messiah to come, Simeon and Anna. They had waited all their lives to see the Christ child.

“The time came for Mary and Joseph to do the things the Law of Moses taught about being made pure. They brought Jesus to Jerusalem so that they could present him to the Lord. 23 It is written in the law of the Lord: “When a mother’s first baby is a boy, he shall be called ‘special for the Lord.’” 24 The law of the Lord also says that people must give a sacrifice: “You must sacrifice two doves or two young pigeons.” So Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem to do this.” Luke 2:22-24

The Scripture really doesn’t give us any insight to what happened for those first 7 days. We do know that Mary & Joseph were required by Jewish law to offer sacrifice for cleansing, a woman was considered unclean for 7 days following birth, and then a first born son also had a special offering to be made.

So did they just hang out in Bethlehem for the 7 days? We do know that they came to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer the proper sacrifices 8 days after Jesus was born. The trip to Jerusalem was only 5 miles.

Simeon was in the Temple going about his normal routine when his life was interrupted. This was the day he had been waiting for.

“A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God. He was waiting for the time when God would come to help Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him. 26 The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah from the Lord. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. So he was there when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to do what the Jewish law said they must do. 28 Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God:” Luke 2:25-28 ERV

And then there was Anna, she had been dedicated to serving in the Temple for decades. She was waiting to see the Messiah.

“ Anna, a prophetess, was there at the Temple. She was from the family of Phanuel in the tribe of Asher. She was now very old. She had lived with her husband seven years 37 before he died and left her alone. She was now 84 years old. Anna was always at the Temple; she never left. She worshiped God by fasting and praying day and night.

38 Anna was there when Joseph and Mary came to the Temple. She praised God and talked about Jesus to all those who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38 ERV

How long have you been waiting for God to answer a prayer and bring a promise to pass? Have you been willing to wait with expectation for years? Oh to be like Anna and Simeon, to trust God and know that any day could be the day you are waiting for.

Now it was time to return home to all the relatives. Would there be a celebration or would they shun the young couple and child? Again we don’t have any information on the day to day life. Many times we wonder if God is concerned about the day to day life.

“After Joseph and Mary had done everything that the Law of the Lord commands, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him.” Luke 2:39-40 CEV

He is! He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He has promised to give us strength in all things. He has told us to pray without ceasing – to rejoice always – to come boldly to His presence in our time of trouble. Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:4, Hebrews 4:16

Today may have “unknowns” to you but just remember there are no “unknowns” to God. Trust in the Lord today and He WILL direct your path!

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The Gift of Salvation

Merry Christmas to one and all.

The house is quiet except for the little boy I hear talking softly in his bed. I’m not sure what time he woke up but he has been talking to himself since I got up, or maybe he’s talking to Jesus.

I know that first Christmas night was probably filled with activity. Shepherds coming and going, a baby to nurse and then so much for Mary to go over in her mind.

What an occurrence! God became flesh and came to live on earth with us.

I guess I could have entitled this The Gift of Self Sacrifice for that’s what Jesus did. He left heaven, He left all that was comfortable and majestic to become a child. He has been at the creation of the world, the parting of the Red Sea, He had given the tablets of stone to Moses and now here He was, a small baby dependent on human parents to provide for his every need.

How odd – he had always been the provider and protector. He had always been self-sufficient and now He required the watchful care of a young woman and her betrothed.

“The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw his true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From him all the kindness and all the truth of God have come down to us.” John 1:14 ERV

He gave us the splendor of his heavenly home to live here on earth and it was all for us.

“You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. You know that he gave up his heavenly riches for you. He gave up everything so that you could be richly blessed.” II Corinthians 8:9 CEV

He set aside all that He had a God so that he could prove that as a human we could be victorious in life if we committed to following God’s word.

“We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV

Christ gave up everything so that we could gain everything.

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.

19 What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. 20 We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God. 21 Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so that Christ could make us acceptable to God.” II Corinthians 5:17-21 CEV

As you open gifts this morning, open the greatest gift you have to offer, open your heart to Christ. We can’t be good enough to earn salvation, it’s a free gift. If you’ve never prayed before pray this morning and thank God that Jesus came in human form to restore relationship between Him and us. Tell him you accept His wonderful gift and ask Him to make you new. He will do it gladly.

Merry Christmas – welcome to new life in Christ.

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The Gift of the Invitation

Christmas is a time when there seems to be worldwide celebration. It’s not just an American, British, Chinese, Japanese, Asian or European holiday – it belongs to all of us. Just like Jesus!

Remember the words of the angels:

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy.” Luke 2:9-10 ERV

The message was to ALL people – A-L-L or as in the verse above to everyone. So that means you and I are in that grouping. No one has been left out. Good news to all! I love that, God’s gift was exclusively inclusive.

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 ERV

God’s love extends to everyone in the world. Some Christmas parties are only for those who belong to a certain company or club; others are for a particular group of neighbors or friends. Some have special printed invitations that are proof that you have been invited and deserve admittance but God offers an ALL invitation.

“Then the Lord will save everyone who asks for his help.” Acts 2:21 ERV

“The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” II Peter 3:9 ERV

I encourage you today to RSVP to the invitation you been given. There will be a great celebration and all of heaven is waiting for your acceptance.

“Then you will call in your friends and neighbors and say, “Let’s celebrate! I’ve found my lost sheep.”

7 Jesus said, “In the same way there is more happiness in heaven because of one sinner who turns to God than over ninety-nine good people who don’t need to.” Luke 15:6-7 CEV

God’s plan for us is to have a good and joyful life. The angels said the news that brought would bring great joy. Jesus said he came to give us a full and abundant life.

“10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

God has given you the invitation, I encourage you to accept the Gift and receive the abundant life that He desires you to have!

Have a joy-filled Christmas.

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The Gift of Obedience

Yesterday Dave and I hoped in the car and headed up to Chandler to have a family dinner and Christmas celebration with our daughters and their families. When we started out from home it was 34 and it took about 3 hours to get there. We did make a couple stops and traffic was heavy but not a bad trip at all. There have been other Christmases when we have traveled over snow covered passes on icy roads.

So I got to thinking about Mary and Joseph and the trip they made from Nazareth to Bethlehem, 155 kilometers or approximately 96 miles. This trip would have taken many days, walking or riding a donkey as is so often depicted.

“So Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea. It was known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David. 5 Joseph registered with Mary because she was engaged to marry him. (She was now pregnant.) 6 While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. 7 She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped him up well and laid him in a box where cattle are fed. She put him there because the guest room was full.” Luke 2:4-7

If they were able to keep a steady pace of say, 20 miles per day, it would have taken at least 5 days, nights sleeping on the ground, cooking food over an open fire. I do love to camp, sleeping in a tent – being around a campfire under the stars but breaking camp each morning and setting up again each evening would be a bit tedious and then add to that the discomfort of being 9 months pregnant. Even the latest camping gear from Cabela’s wouldn’t make this an easy trip.

Amazing! You ladies know what it’s like in that last month – how about that last week. Not a time that you feel like going on a camping trip.

Dave and I used to travel a lot and it’s always nice to get to the hotel after 12 hours on the road, get something warm to eat and crawl into a nice bed. Aahhhhh! But when Mary and Joseph got to their destination their accommodations weren’t quite as welcoming.

Those of us who have had livestock know that even when we clean the stalls each day; removing the manure, putting down clean bedding, it still isn’t a place that we would like to give birth. No, it wouldn’t make it on my top 10 list. And Joseph was Mary’s delivery team – he was the midwife! Just the two of them bringing God’s Son into this earthly home.

Wow! “Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are.” I John 3:1

God loved us so much that He sent His Son so that we could become His children. AMAZING!! But what if Mary had ignored the angel when he came to her and said she had been chosen to carry the Messiah. What if Joseph had not chosen to stay with Mary as her husband. What if they had not traveled to Bethlehem but had sent someone else to be their representatives.

What great love Mary and Joseph had for God and for each other to go through this difficult journey and less than “perfect” birthing experience and still they glorified God and gave Him thanks for His wondrous gift. Their obedience changed history.

Is your Christmas this year difficult? Not exactly what you had planned; when our hearts are open God can, and does, fill them with His wonderful love and gives us a reason to give thanks.

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The Gift of Consistency

I’m so glad that God is “User Friendly”.

Yes, I was finally able to get on my computer the other morning after the update was complete but then I had to plug in passwords, click through all the tutorial promptings to finally arrive at the sites that I use and enjoy. Updating computer software and changing programs – ugh! And I just realized that I will be going through it all again in a few days. Our computer is 4 years old and our son-in-law Stephen will be bringing me a new computer when he comes down at Christmas. Yikes!

But God…
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

He’s consistent and He’s current. What God stood for in 33AD He still supports today! No need to get a new system – no need to learn a new program! The same passwords, codes and keyboard shortcuts that worked then, work now!!! I’ve heard folks say, “you never know what God is going to do” but if you read His word and get to know Him you’ll have a real good idea. You might not know the exact path He’ll take in providing you your answer but you can rest assured that whatever He does it will be based on His gracious and loving character.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

“Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3 CEV

The sun still rises in the East and sets in the West. The tides still ebb and flow. The stars and the moon follow the same path through the sky. The seasons still change and God’s love never changes.

“My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be fooled about this. 17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:16-18 ERV

The King James version says that in God there is no variableness or shadow of turning! Thank you Lord, you are always the same!!! Great is Your faithfulness!!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

The gift of God’s love that you received last year, last week, yesterday – will be the same today, tomorrow and next year!

Enjoy the gift!

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The Gift of Generosity

Giving and Receiving!

These two actions account for most of the stress during the Christmas season. “I have to make sure I’m getting them something they REALLY want… I don’t have the $ to get them what they want most.”

“What if they get me something I don’t REALLY want. How do I seem gracious and not disappointed?”

Oh yes, I’ve gotten those gifts that you want to “re-gift” or had the thought, it probably would have been better if they hadn’t gotten me anything at all. Wrong on my part and I will be the first to admit it. I needed a gracious heart to receive because they gave out of love.

But I want to focus on what I’m giving this year and not what I’m getting. The Lord has blessed us so much that the thing I find I desire to give most is more of me. My desire is to have a generous heart – it truly is a gift.
“Lord show me how to live less for myself and more for others. Let me hear your voice more clearly so that I am obedient when you ask me to reach out to help others. More willing to sacrifice my own desires to see others obtain theirs. But most of all to be your hands and feet to those around me. ”

Dave and I have a friend who lived a life of generosity. His first question in any situation was what can I give – how can I express my love in a tangible way. He believed in honoring people, making them feel special. After being around him for a while the generosity he displayed became contagious and we found ourselves looking for ways to give. Sometimes what we gave was nothing more than a smile or a kind word but at other times it has been finances, a meal, clothes, gifts for children and even a car of two. But what we learned is it isn’t the size of the gift, it’s the heart attitude.

“Each one of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give. You should not give if it makes you unhappy or if you feel forced to give. God loves those who are happy to give. 8 And God can give you more blessings than you need, and you will always have plenty of everything. You will have enough to give to every good work. 9 As the Scriptures say,

“He gives generously to the poor;
his goodness will continue forever.”

10 God is the one who gives seed to those who plant, and he gives bread for food. And God will give you spiritual seed and make that seed grow. He will produce a great harvest from your goodness. 11 God will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely. And your giving through us will make people give thanks to God.” II Corinthians 9:7-11 ERV

Giving is an outreach of God’s heart. It was God the Father who gave the first gift on that Christmas Day. He gave from his heart; He gave his Son! The bigger blessing is in the giving than in the receiving. That’s what God the Father did, He gave His only begotten Son, so that we might have relationship with Him. He gave what He treasured most because of His love for us.

It’s good to give from the heart but this year I desire to give my heart with greater abandon, all of me, to the One who gave all for me!

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