Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I Believe...
Watching Polar Express and the little boy finds a bell that came from Santa’s sleigh. Santa is standing before him and he realizes for the first time, “I believe.” He whispers these words and Santa hears. Santa says what did you say? The little boy repeats the phrase, “I believe. I believe. I believe this belongs to you.”
As I watch this scene, I am thinking of Jesus. I am picturing myself saying the same thing to Him. I believe. I believe. I believe this belongs to You. I believe all of me belong to You, Jesus. All that I am is here before You.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Ephesians 6
We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Because of this put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand STAND.
Stand firm with belt of TRUTH, breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of PEACE, shield of FAITH, helmet of SALVATION, sword of the SPIRIT, and PRAY for all people.
Truth: Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ
Righteousness: Christ's righteousness reaches the skies.
Peace: As far as it depends on you live at peace with one another.
Faith: Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Salvation: Do not be afraid ...stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.
Sword of the Spirit: Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You.
Prayer: The Holy Spirit will pray through you when you do not know how to pray.
Stand firm with belt of TRUTH, breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of PEACE, shield of FAITH, helmet of SALVATION, sword of the SPIRIT, and PRAY for all people.
Truth: Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ
Righteousness: Christ's righteousness reaches the skies.
Peace: As far as it depends on you live at peace with one another.
Faith: Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Salvation: Do not be afraid ...stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.
Sword of the Spirit: Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You.
Prayer: The Holy Spirit will pray through you when you do not know how to pray.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Looking for peace lately...looking for it in the Holidays...friends...routines...not finding it anywhere...I know peace comes from the Lord Jesus but it is too easy to get distracted and look elsewhere. This past week I have made it my focus to get that peace from Christ. Today our message at church was about just that...Christ is our Prince of Peace.
All the people, place, things we look to for peace is all momentary...temporary... not gonna last... but the peace He gives is eternal...not based on what is happening in our life. It is a solid standing, unshakeable. It is an ongoing battle for many of us to find that peace and keep it. Worry wars are all too common.
Luke 2 is the Christmas story...and for Mary and Joseph it was far from a peaceful time. I am sure they were very scared as they made their steps back to Joseph's hometown for the census. They had a Word from God...but it was not a familiar word...it was new...and the path had not been traveled before. Yet she was giving birth to the ONE who is called the Prince of Peace. I can not imagine the path Mary and Joseph traveled.
The meaning of the word peace is contentedness, lack of discord. God says peace will come as we fix our hearts and minds on truth. (Phil.4:8) Christ says He is the way, the TRUTH, and the life. He is truth. Isaiah 26 tells us as we trust in Him we will walk in peace. To me this says I do not have to figure out the details. My task at hand is enough...fixing my mind on Christ...telling myself to lay aside the things that drag me down and focus myself on HIM. Psalm 62 (my verse for this season) ..Let all that I am wait quietly before God...wait in hope. Another verse in Psalm says surely I have weaned and quieted my soul before God...that is peace...that is trusting that God will work out the details. It is a temptation for me to run things through my mind over and over thinking it out... yeilding to God in this says, "I have not time to figure out all the details. I have only time to focus myself on Him who began this good work in me. He will bring it all to completion."
All the people, place, things we look to for peace is all momentary...temporary... not gonna last... but the peace He gives is eternal...not based on what is happening in our life. It is a solid standing, unshakeable. It is an ongoing battle for many of us to find that peace and keep it. Worry wars are all too common.
Luke 2 is the Christmas story...and for Mary and Joseph it was far from a peaceful time. I am sure they were very scared as they made their steps back to Joseph's hometown for the census. They had a Word from God...but it was not a familiar word...it was new...and the path had not been traveled before. Yet she was giving birth to the ONE who is called the Prince of Peace. I can not imagine the path Mary and Joseph traveled.
The meaning of the word peace is contentedness, lack of discord. God says peace will come as we fix our hearts and minds on truth. (Phil.4:8) Christ says He is the way, the TRUTH, and the life. He is truth. Isaiah 26 tells us as we trust in Him we will walk in peace. To me this says I do not have to figure out the details. My task at hand is enough...fixing my mind on Christ...telling myself to lay aside the things that drag me down and focus myself on HIM. Psalm 62 (my verse for this season) ..Let all that I am wait quietly before God...wait in hope. Another verse in Psalm says surely I have weaned and quieted my soul before God...that is peace...that is trusting that God will work out the details. It is a temptation for me to run things through my mind over and over thinking it out... yeilding to God in this says, "I have not time to figure out all the details. I have only time to focus myself on Him who began this good work in me. He will bring it all to completion."
Guarding my mind
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Time for Christmas
I can not believe it is already time for Christmas. It seems though I can not seem to get in the spirit of the season. I make attempts ... decorate... and Christmas shop...plan crafts for my toddlers at work; but still something is missing. I know what it is~ my child.
This season makes me think of how Simeon and Anna waited to see the Christ-child. They longed for the day of a promise fulfilled~so my soul is waiting on God for our dream to be fulfilled~
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