Do you ever feel like we are living in the Twilight Zone? I do! Things are happening that leave us feeling like we are on a different planet. Gone is the familiar. Hello unfamiliar. From masks to mandates to mad politicians… managing life is harder than it used to be. How can we deal with all of it? First, we can seek Our God that never changes! He always has enough peace and wisdom to fill even the deepest or sudden need in our lives. So if we can’t change our circumstances, we can resolve to seek the Lord about every little thing. He will get us through! Secondly, we can seek a revolution. Yes, revolution in our hearts and minds. We can revolt against the negative, clear the enemy out and live on joyful ground. The enemy is out to destroy us in our thinking, but let’s revolt! Lets praise Jesus in the battles! Let’s fill our doubtful hearts with confidence! Our leader has beaten death to give us victory, an eternal one! Thirdly, we can resolve to do both of these daily. A resolution to actively seek God is a great habit to start.When in trial or battle or confusion or indecision, seek God. When feeling negative or hopeless or down, start a revolution in your soul. The Lord will fight for you and stay with you every time! But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Dear Lord,
Thank you for Your peaceful and positive presence in our lives. We need You more than ever, to navigate these strange times. Your unchanging truth is perfect for all of our situations.Lead a revolution on our hearts and minds, against the enemy. Fill us with Your vision for us. Lead the fight so we can gain the victory of a positive life in You! We love You! Amen
Parents usually teach their children to count. They may teach them colors and motor skills too, so they will be able to grow and function to the best of their ability in the world. I taught my daughter, Kellie, her colors at age two. She had them down pretty well, so I decided to let her show off her abilities to her grandparents. While Nana was holding Kellie, I asked Kellie, “What color are Nana’s teeth?” “Yellow!” she answered proudly. Nana was the first to break into laughter! Her reply, “Wow, you ARE smart!” made us all crack up. What a fun memory. Nana loved Kellie so much that she thought anything she did was awesome. She was both of my daughters’ biggest cheerleader. She counted all of her children and grandchildren as amazing.
You know God feels that way about you and me too? He counts us worthy to be called His children!
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1
About being worthy…While the Thessalonians were suffering persecution and affliction, God counted them worthy because they were enduring and growing in faith. He values our commitment to the cause of righteousness, even when we are going through trials, and maybe especially when we are going through trials.
All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 2 Thessalonians 1:5
Counting can mean numbering the quantity of something but it can also mean, according to the Oxford Dictionary, “to regard as being.” So when we find verses with the word count or counted, we can know it means we are learning what the Lord regards. Jesus tells us that He regards us worthy if we stay alert for the day He comes back and do not get caught in the trap of sin. His high regard is what we want. Jesus says,
“For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted ( be regarded as) worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36 NKJV
Counting, regarding and counting worth all involve a value system. What we regard as valuable, we tend to want more of. We regard it as important to have. Because God loved us so much,( regarded us with His abundant love), He sent His son to die for us. Love regards others as worthy of their love. He counted us as valuable so He took action on it.
Sometimes a devotion can make a point but sometimes it can stir up questions, like today:
What do we value? What do we want more of? What do we spend the most time doing? Do any of these value systems need adjusting? I know for sure that mine do. Because we live in a world with different values than the Bible teaches, we are bombarded with temptations to “fit in” with the world. But…let’s not. Let’s regard as valuable anything that God values. Only when we obey God’s Word can we be considered worthy to be His children and inherit eternal life with Him!
Dear Father:
You are the only one worthy. May all praise I give today be to You. Please help me to establish and maintain my value system based solely on Your Word. Thank You for Your truth and light that shows us the Way to Your high regard, which is the regard we care most about. Help us in the dark world to endure our trials and persecutions in a way that shines Your light to the world. We love You so much! Amen
I was reading the book of James recently and was imagining him writing the book. I would love to interview Him! He must have been concerned with Christians being influenced by the world because he put out lots of warnings for them. How valuable of a guidebook God inspired Him to write! Maybe someday I can meet Him!… But for now, I will use my imagination and knowledge of the book of James in The Bible.
These are questions and answers I expect he might give me based on what He has written. I am the one asking the questions. They are followed by what might likely be his answer.
What was your primary purpose in writing the book? I wanted to let brothers and sisters in Christ know that they will face trials of suffering or conscience or temptations, so it is vital to adhere to the Word.
Were you concerned that the tone of your book was negative? No, not at all. I am called to tell others the way to stay on the path of righteousness, even when trials come, and they will.
Why did you give so many warnings about sin? I am concerned about the most likely pitfalls for Christians. They were not what some would label “huge” sins, but habits and sins that stem from influences of the world.
How did you get your confidence about what people needed to read/hear? I focus on the truth of God’s Word and nothing but. His Word is perfect and true. I am human and I face temptations and being influenced by the world, just like everyone else. I implore God to tell me what to write.
How did you come to write this book? What inspired you? My brother Jesus and my God inspired me. Our lives are meant to be used of God to spread the gospel, whether in preaching or teaching or helping widows and orphans and the lonely or homeless. Those things show God’s love to people.
I have always loved the book of James because it is jam-packed with guidelines for Christian living. He warns Christians about the deadly tongue. It can praise God, but can also curse. We do not randomly mess up in this area. Right speech comes from a right heart:
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45
James agrees that the mouth can issue both good and evil.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? James 3:9-11 NIV
As we wrap up 2020 in the next few days, do you have any thoughts on things you may be differently in the New Year? How has Covid life affected your family directly? How has it affected your priorities? Will you change anything? What do you want to do more of? What do you want to do less of? If you feel like sharing please do! (says this curious friend…)
I am not a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions, per se, but I think they have value. Any minute, hour, day, week or month is the perfect time to let God refine us. Constant refining is necessary, in order for us to keep growing. There is a saying, “The more you know, the more you grow.” I would submit, “The more you use what you know, the more you grow.” Only with God’s Word and love, Jesus’ forgiveness of suns and the Holy Spirit’s presence and power can we be who God made us to be. Let’s resolve to refining to be made righteous in their eyes.
Dear God,
Our prayer is simple. Please refine us in whatever way You need to so we may accomplish Your purposes. Help us keep things in perspective when Covid stuff seems to cloud our hope. We look forward to health and life with You in Heaven. Whatever we endure down here, give us strength and wisdom to endure and to help others to do so also. We love You so much. Jesus, we hope you enjoyed your birthday yesterday! We love You so much! Amen
Love and prayers to all of you. I am praying that you all have peace in your trials, joy that the enemy cannot steal and bright hope from heaven for the future. What a day that will be! Love you all, mean it!
Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday to Jesus! As my hubby makes the traditional Christmas waffles, I am excited to share today’s devotion. God is so good to allow me to talk about Him all the time!
The Christmas Story is one that never gets old. Because we love the Lord, we are grateful for His plan to save us, not just for eternity, but every day. Sending His Son into the world on purpose makes me thankful for His story and purpose for my life. He did not call me to be Mary, who birthed Jesus, or the Wise men who tracked the star or the shepherds that were messaged by an angel, or the innkeeper that turned the Savior’s parents away…Wait!…or did He? It is worth considering our part in God’s story for us.
Like the characters in the Christmas Story, He does call us to play a part…
In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. Ephesians 1:11
Like Mary who bore God’s Son, He does call us to bear witness of the Holy Spirit in us!…
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
Like the Wise men, He does call us to be wise men and women in travelling and following Him…
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
Like the shepherds, He does send a messenger to us…
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26
Like the Innkeeper, He does call us to make a choice about housing the Holy Spirit, making room for Him in our lives…
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. 1 Corinthians 6:19
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your plan of using Mary and Joseph and the other servants of Yours to accomplish Your purpose of redemption for the world. We know that You often use the lowly or unexpected people to accomplish Your goals, so please use us. We know You have a purpose for us that is like the purpose of the Christmas Story, to lead people to salvation. We know it’s not just a story but Your actual wonderful heart and purpose played out. Guide us to the importance of being our best version of You to the world. How can You love us so much, God? Thank You for opportunities to come, to tell others about Your plan. Today, in all that we do, be with us and let us be with You. Dwelling in Your presence, on purpose, is what we want to do. We love You so much. Amen
Christmas trees are beautiful all decorated, but all trees are special. On the last day before Christmas, it is the tree’s turn, to turn our eyes toward Jesus. How can a tree do that? Just by being a tree. God spoke trees into being with His voice. They do what God meant for them to do. Trees give comfort and shade, fruit, beauty, blossoms, seed for more trees and warmth through firewood. Trees are givers. A tree is what bore suffering of Jesus’ body. Even though we are celebrating Jesus’ birthday, it is all the more celebratory because we know what He came to do! He came to die for us. He shows us what sacrifice and love and grace mean. What a loving plan. He shows us through a tree.
I feel like Jesus was saying to me this morning. “Think of me.” So, I did.”
When You See a Tree
My child, see that tree? Please think of me. Be the tree that I need you to be. A giver of love with reaching boughs. Give to others. I will show You how.
Point to the sky as you seek my face. Stand strong in the storms and receive my grace. As my love rains down, soak it all in. I’ll water Your soul so your thirst will end.
Be warmth to the needy and shade to the tired. Give of yourself as I keep you inspired. As blossoms grow, you soon will see. Your fruit will grow as you’re rooted in me.
As the Spirit blows or rushes right in, allow His will to make your own will bend. Remember the tree that I died on for you. Dying to self is what I’d like you to do.
As you see a tree, please think of me. Be that tree I need you to be…do it for Me. Jesus.
Here are a couple of verses that can guide us to be like trees. It requires living for others. Dying to self is a high calling, a tough one. Our lives are meant to be sacrificial though and used to point others to a loving relationship with Jesus.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:3 NIV
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8 NIV
A thought for today…
He died on a tree so we can live like a tree.
Dear Jesus,
We are not naturally givers. Only with Your love can we truly love others like You do. Please help us to do better with that. Thank You for dying on the cross for die for our sins. Leaving Your Father in Heaven to be born so humbly on earth must have been hard on the human part of You. Sacrificing Your life sets an example for us to follow and obey. Please guide us to be more like You as we sacrifice ourselves to Your cause. There is no better honor than being used for You at the expense of us. We love You so much!! Amen
May you all have a Merry Christmas with trees, lights, snow and hopefully some family. I will pray for you in your trials, because I know you have them, even at Christmas and maybe especially at Christmas. I truly love you all with the love Jesus gives me,
There are 2 days until Christmas! I doubt people in my state will see the scene above where God has decorated the landscape with snow, but isn’t it beautiful? As a kid, I was told by my mom that I could never eat the first snow of the season. She claimed that the first snow cleaned the atmosphere, but from the second snow on, we could make snow-cream! We couldn’t wait for the second snow! If we had a second snow (Virginia weather is unpredictable) we would take huge bowls outside with us because we were greedy for what God left for us! With vanilla and milk, we enjoyed our awaited treat!
Snow is like peace. We feel a sense of wonder when we see it falling down to us. We stop and see how beautiful it is. We pray for it sometimes. We get excited when God sends it. We know that only the Lord can send it. It is humbling to see how generous the Lord is with His peace. Peace calms the soul because it is comes quietly and beautifully to our attention and fills us with a sense of God’s care for us. We can rest in His peace and plan.
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NIV
Falling snow is also like a blanket being put on a sleeping child. While the child is unaware, the blanket falls quietly over him to keep him warm. God’s love is like snow in that it blankets His children with peace. We can rest, knowing He has our lives covered. Like a good parent, He takes care of us, even at times when we are unaware of it. He does not sleep and is always aware of all of our needs.
Snow is refreshing. It makes everything look brighter, fresher, cleaner. It changes things to a fresh, new new look. Just as you refresh your browser on a computer to start anew, snow gives us that sense of newness, starting again with a clean slate. The best news is, Jesus can clean and refresh our hearts! When we present our not- so-white hearts to Jesus and confess our sins, He covers them with His blood and forgets them! He refreshes and restarts our heart’s appearance and condition. So when we think of snow at Christmastime, we can think of how Jesus makes our hearts white by cleaning it with His blood. I love this simple verse:
And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7 NIV
Not AS white as snow, but whiter! He always does things to the extreme. It makes sense. He is pure, so He can make our hearts pure.
So to continue our song…on the 2nd day before Christmas, my Jesus showed to me, His precious blood, from sin, will set me free.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for helping us understand Your awesomeness by looking at Christmas symbols. You are giving generously of Your blanketing, refreshing peace. Let us be so generous with others that they feel refreshed from our giving to them or being a comforting presence to them. Help our eyes to get the big picture of what You have available for us because You love us so much. Thank You for Your Word and Your plan for us as we obey it. We love You so much!! Amen
My sweet mother-in-law shared with me a story from her childhood. Her mom had decorated the front of their house with lights of all colors! She remembers that the bushes were all lit up and it looked so pretty. Unfortunately someone stole them, right from their house! They took all the bulbs out. How disappointing to a child. It hit me this morning that everyone likes lights. They are a source of grown-up smiles and childlike joy. Some lights are small, some are big but they all designed to shine… And shine they will, unless…someone steals them…
We are like lights of Jesus’ love! We are attractive to others when we shine out hope in Jesus! Because we will lead others to want that hope, the enemy will attempt to steal us so we become useless to light up a dark world. Would the enemy steal a light that was dim or only worked some of the time? Probably not. It dawns on me that the enemy wants the opposite of what Jesus wants:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV
As lights for Jesus, we are also useless if we are not plugged in. We can always plug in to Jesus and be lit up though! Our power source is obedience to what Jesus says and what God says. In a way, the Bible is our “outlet.” In obedience, we plug into its never ending source of wisdom, making us shine in a dark world. Daniel sees this in a vision of the end times. The time will come when we will be judged for our light and how we use it to show others the Way.
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12: 2-3 NIV
As lights do, we can become broken. We are not much use to others or ourselves when we are without light. Only our Creator understands what is broken in us. He knows us better than we know ourselves and He is only too willing for to fix us. Confessing our brokenness to Jesus is the best first move to wholeness. Nothing in the world can fix what is broken inside of us. Only Jesus can. He makes us whole again! Now, we can be a beacon to others. Knowing we all have been broken, and who can fix us we can shine that light of hope to them! It may not be easy to put others before ourselves, but the mission is clear. Our life is meant to shine for Jesus and others.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2: 14-16
To continue our song… On the 3rd day before Christmas, My Jesus made me see…a light like Him is what I want to be. As we smile at Christmas lights, let us be lights for Jesus! How exciting that we get to help Him with His mission! That means less of our own desires and more of His desire to reach out to others, lighting the way to a relationship with Him. Less is more with Jesus:)
Jesus,
We know you are the light of the world. Thank You for wanting to use us, as imperfect as we are, to shine for You. We can only do that if we are truly plugged in and committed to Your mission to save the world. Help us in our brokenness and weakness at times, when we feel we aren’t very useful. Show us our gifts that can be used for You. You made us all special so that we can serve You in different ways. Light our way to serving You and showing You to others. We love You so much!
Love and prayers to all. We are all partners in the light!
There are only four days to Christmas! Yikes! Time to check my to-do list so all is ready. On Christmas, most of us probably cook different, dress different, act different, because we want Christmas to feel special. It is our Savior’s birthday!! We are so engaged and active! I wonder…can we adjust our thinking and behavior so that we act somewhat the same during the year? Not as busy, but heavily engaged in love for Jesus and family, the poor, homeless and lonely? Who says we can’t take lessons we put into practice this month, and use them all year? Think of the word, ‘present,’ as in offering something to someone. Not the actual gift, but the ACTION of giving something away… How do we present (give away) ourselves to God? As a worker!
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
Like the song goes, sort of…
On the fourth day before Christmas, the only thing I see…is Jesus wants His present to be me.
His presence is something He gives us always. Our present to Him is to always present ourselves, surrender to Him, be His “worker bee.” Can we also be counted on to present ourselves as a constant source of hope and help to others throughout the year? Be Jesus to them? Be their present?
I am not sure how much longer this crazy world will last, but let’s make every day count for God, by “presenting” ourselves.
Today, God woke me up with an unhinged excitement for Him that I cannot explain. Half asleep, I hurried downstairs to my office with a sense of urgency. Yeah, that’s it. God is giving me a sense of urgency to praise Him to declare how great He is, to tell others what His joy feels like. Usually, I grab my Bible first and start reading, but today, He filled with with so much indescribable joy that I want to praise Him with it and For it! I feel His love as a Father to a child so strongly. Here is a simple prayer from my heart to God’s. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. May He fill Your hearts with joy You cannot contain, EVEN IF…No matter what, although trials exist, we can praise Him.
Thank You, Lord for another day to praise You! Waking up with You on my mind first thing each day is awesome and motivating!…thank You for getting through to me and showing me my selfishness and pride and how I was building little for Your Kingdom, but much for my own. If I do nothing else right in this life, guide me to surrender all I can to You, more than I have before. Time is limited and Your Son will come back for us. Help me to get this right, to bring people with me. It makes me so sad that I am just now truly getting the depth of what You expect from me and the confidence that You indeed can accomplish anything if I give my ALL to You. Even if I am scared. What if people think I am nuts? What if I mess up with Your plan? What if, what if, what if…Take my “what ifs” away; remove them and firm up my heart to proclaim, “Even if”
Even if I feel out of my comfort zone, even if the enemy attacks, even if I look obsessed with You, even if I grab that pride back, even if I am uncomfortable or scared about what You would have me do, even then… Chisel me every day so I look less like me and more like You, even if it hurts or is scary. I’ve never told You that before, You know, that You can make me suffer. I am giving You permission to use me however You want. You have placed a desire in me that I don’t understand but I cannot ignore. All I want for Christmas is You. What a precious gift You are to me! Here goes this nut for You…
I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. (always ready to give Him credit)
My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. (I will brag on no one but God)
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. (This is a team effort with my siblings in Christ)
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (He answers and delivers always)
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (He gives me a shiny joy!)
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. (God has compassion)
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. (Angels are protectors too)
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.(Try God. He is good!)
Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. (Total respect to the Lord. He supplies every need.)
Psalm 34:1-9 NIV
Love and prayers to all my brothers and sisters in Christ,
Doesn’t that sound like an oxymoron? Do church and sinners have anything in common? They do. Several years ago, John and I visited a church. During a sermon on sin, the preacher belted out…”There are murderers in here!” What?! Where was he going with this? He followed with, “There are rapists and liars and thieves and adulterers in here.” I wondered if people would walk out! I soon learned that he was making an excellent point. WE ALL ARE SINNERS. It is true. We are in church. Sinners are in church. We all have sinned before.
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:22-23 NIV
Praise the Lord! There were people in the room that gave their lives to Christ and were cleansed from their past sins. There were sins of hate, jealousy, attitude and idolatry as well as the BIG sins we think of. By the way, we may think we are a better Christian because our sin was “small.” I did for a time but God showed me how wrong I was! His grace washes away our sin, no matter the size. When we become His, our hearts probably look the same to Him. He has no favorites. He is not partial. Humility is believing that.
For God does not show favoritism. All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. Roman 2:11-12 NIV
There are four very important truths in this verse:
1.All who break His laws are sinners.
2.All who sin against His law will be judged by His law. (Him)
3, Hearing His laws does not make us righteous.
4. Obeying God’s law makes us righteous.
This is the word of God. All I know is I want everyone to go to heaven, but not once does God guarantee that. Notice the italicized verbs. It shows the importance of our ACTIONS, versus just hearing or knowing the law. I am thankful God is strict about us obeying His laws! Why? Would you rather God loosely described what He expects so we are not quite clear on what pleases Him? I appreciate full disclosure where His expectations are concerned.
Dear God,
Thank you so much for Your Word! Because of Your Word we know what You expect from us. Penetrate our hearts and tell us if we have wicked ways we do not realize. Cleanse us of anything not pleasing to You. Give us a clean heart and renewed vision of what a heart cleansed by You should do for others. With the grace You give us, help us to give grace to others, realizing how much You love them. Thank You for the gift of Jesus in our hearts. The perfect inside the imperfect! It makes no sense , and it makes all the sense in the world. Everything about Your plan is perfect. We love You so much! Amen
GROWwork:
Who is the hardest person in your family or circle of friends to love? Have they hurt you or alienated you? Have you done so to them? Those that hurt us may be hurting worse than we are. Reach out to one person who you normally aren’t drawn to. Make a connection that may eventually point them to Jesus. Show them the grace of His love. I already have someone in mind. It may not be easy but it is the right thing to do, to share the grace we have been given.
gloryinthemorning.com 