"Stand Strong In The Lord"...Wednesday

12/4/13

                         

I am reminded daily how important it is for each of us to "Stand strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" as it is written in Ephesians 6:10. We have a real enemy called the devil who wants to bring us down. It is ever so vital that we must put our trust in Jesus, receive the Holy Spirit, and stand in faith.

We must also remember to clothe ourselves daily with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18), so we are able to stand against every scheme of the enemy. We are in a real spiritual battle so we must be able to be alert and watchful in prayer continuously.

As we choose to do those things, the Lord will be faithful to keep us strong in Him. We will experience His Power and Victory. We can face each day knowing that the Lord is with us and we can draw great strength from Him. 

When we do all that we are asked to do, we can "Stand Strong" in great Victory in the Lord!

In His Victory, 

Sandy Billingham

Here is a song for today..."Be Strong in the Lord"

What Do You Mean I Can't Fix It?...Tuesday

I have been mulling it over for days now. If I call 'relative A' (we'll call her Suzy) and spend some time with her on the phone, I may succeed in laying down some stepping stones of peace. Then if I call 'relative B' (we'll call him Tim) and am upbeat, positive, and encouraging in general...it may be possible for a reconciliation to occur between them before Christmas.

Rehearsing possible conversations in my mind, I hear something. I stop for a moment, and realize the Holy Spirit is speaking to my heart, "Don't interfere." I'm quiet for just a second more and then I begin to explain to God how I am just helping. In my ongoing desire to be understood, even by God who knows everything, I proceed to explain how what I could say, and what I could do, might actually help my loved ones mend their broken relationship.

"You can't fix it," comes through to my heart gently but clearly. I sigh, as my mind begins to give way to my own plans, and starts to accept God's leading. I start to say, "But I love them..." and I hear "I love them more." I nod to myself and God. Sad that I cannot 'make it all better,' I ask God why they won't just talk it out and start over. Why are they stuck here in this brokenness?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the powers,

against the world forces of this darkness,

against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 NASB

Lord, what can I do?

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.

 Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Ephesians 6:18 NLT

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

Dear Lord, thank You for being so gentle with me, and leading me to Your path of truth. Thank You for showing me that although I think I understand my loved ones and what motivates them, there is a spiritual battle that I cannot see. I lift them up to You, Lord, and pray that they will find their peace and their strength in You. And I will not decide what that peace looks like for each of them but leave them both safely in Your hands. In Jesus name, amen.

Listen to Sanctus Real perform "Pray": http://youtu.be/a_J4I4gsvYA

                                                       

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

ONLY ONE THING.......Monday

12/2/13

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 

“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me 

to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, 

“you are worried and upset about many things, 

but few things are needed—or indeed only one. 

Mary has chosen what is better, 

and it will not be taken away from her.” 

Luke 10:38-42

This might be a meaningful passage for us to keep in mind this holiday season. Like Martha, it is so easy to become stressed and upset in the midst of labor intensive Christmas preparations. We can become frustrated, short and angry with fellow drivers and shoppers, temporary inexperienced store clerks, and with our “reluctant to help” kids and husbands.

However, perhaps if we quiet ourselves and listen we just may hear the Master whisper, “few things are needed- or indeed only one.” 

Wouldn't our loved ones be blessed if we spent more time seeking the Lord for them rather than shopping excessively for them? Wouldn't our families and friends benefit if we exhibited the Fruit of the Spirit this season rather than frantically trying to provide a lavish banquet in a meticulously decorated home? Balance is always the key and the Holy Spirit can lead us in how to prepare the externals of the Christmas holiday intertwined with the spiritual blessings of God's Kingdom.....righteousness, peace, and joy. 

Jesus can give us creative ideas on how to present the gospel message at our holiday gatherings and activities. As we spend extra time at Jesus feet each morning and throughout the day we can be filled with the Spirit and be led to do the will of the Father as we journey towards the celebration of the birth of His son.

Written by 

Cathy Friberg

My Deliver is Coming...

Here is a song for Advent...when we celebrate the event during  which Our Deliver has already come.

BIRTHDAYS... Sunday

Devotional for 12/01/13

Today is my birthday!  We celebrate birthdays various ways in our culture. There are special birthday cards, birthday cake, sometimes a party, a special meal, and perhaps gifts.  Different people have different expectations for their birthday celebrations.  Even in the Bible we find several times when feasts are held to honor a special person's birthday.  When we are young, we often enjoy those special days.  Sometimes as we age, we prefer if people would just forget that we have added another number to our years on earth!  But overall, birthdays are generally considered special days in our lives to celebrate.

But there is a more important birthday for us, as Christians.  It is our spiritual birthday, the birth of our faith in God.  Many of us consider that to be the day that we were baptized with the Holy Spirit, God's gift to us that creates faith in our hearts.  It is the day that we are born again in the Spirit.  That faith may begin as a small glimmer of hope within us.  As we feed that flame, listening to God's word, it gradually grows.  Sometimes that fire is fanned into huge flames through our experiences.  Difficult times and trials can strengthen our faith as we learn to lean on God more and more and trust in his unfailing love.  There also may be times when we feel as though our faith falters, or we begin to question if God really exists.  But God is always faithful and will not snuff out even the smoldering wick of faith.  (A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. Isaiah 42:3)  Instead, the Holy Spirit continues to work in our lives as long as we do not completely reject him. Our faith is what sustains us throughout our lives and allows us to see the kingdom of God.  Our spiritual re-birthday becomes way more important to our lives than our belly button birthday, even if we forget to celebrate it with as much fanfare.

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."  “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”  Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.  Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” John 3:3-6 (NIV)

We are entering the preparation phase of Advent in the church year for celebrating a most important birthday - that of Jesus of Nazareth.  At the time some realized the importance of this most miraculous birth.  There was celebrating in the skies by the angels and in the fields by the shepherds. Others were totally oblivious or even unprepared, as was the innkeeper who had no room for them at the inn.  

May we remember during this time of the year to prepare our hearts and minds for this most precious birthday, and not get too caught up in the preparations of the house decorations, the gift buying, the visiting and parties, etc.  The stress of what we have made this season into has it's toll.  Often times there are those who even dread this time of year, possibly because of bad memories of Christmases in their past, or because of sadness at not having other people around or celebrations to attend.  Actually, they are blessed with a great opportunity to focus on what really matters and not get distracted by the flurry of activities others experience.  We can all benefit from this time of Advent, preparing with reverent awe of what God has done for us in sending his Son to earth.

written by Jan Andersen

Here is a song for Advent as the people were waiting throughout the ages and the four hundred years before His glorious birth, the Promised Messiah.

O Come, O Come Emanuel by Selah

BLOTTED OUT...Saturday

 11/30/13   

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; 

though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." 

Isaiah 1:18

     I'm a nurse and I know from experience that it is very difficult to get blood stains out of uniforms or other clothing.  Have you ever had a paper cut and found the piece of paper that you were handling had a blood stain on it?  If you've noticed, blood over ink totally blots out the word.

     That's the way it is with our sins for those who believe in Jesus.  He shed his very life blood to blot out our sins forever.  Most of us, even when we forgive, do remember the incident later.  It has always amazed me that the Father says He not only sees us in Christ when we are forgiven, but He doesn't remember our sins anymore.

     Do you know why?  The blood.  Jesus' blood covers our sins so completely that they are gone!  What a concept -- not only gone, but forgotten forever.  Praise God for Jesus' sacrifice for you!

Written by 

Carol Steficek

Waking Up...Friday

11/29/13

I must praise the Lord once again!  I have prayed, cried, begged, and pled to my Father to help me with my morning waking.  He clearly spoke to me a few mornings ago by awakening me with a feeling of restfulness and alertness. Yes, I argued with Him and flirted with staying in bed, but, I didn't let the enemy win.  It was clear that the Lord was speaking to me, to get up, exercise and see what else I could get done.  Perhaps even get to work on time.  Imagine that?  Something I haven’t done in um…longer than I care to admit. 

I put on my walking video, I was going to do my usual three mile walk, but God knew me better and had my finger click on the two mile walk.  Oh, how wise He is…..I was ready to stop at the half mile marker.  My neck and head ached, my legs and arms felt weak.  I know it was the Lord carrying me thru those two miles.  But, oh what a wonderful beginning to my day; I saw the beauty of the early morning, as well as seeing the Lord answer another prayer.

Ephesians 5:13-14

 “But everything exposed by the light becomes visible; 

 for it is light that makes everything visible.  

This is why it is said:

“Wake up, O Sleeper,

Rise from the dead,

And Christ will shine on you.”

When I went to this scripture in my bible, I found that I had already starred, highlighted and written next to it “Christ will shine on me every morning”. Obviously, I had read this in the past and it spoke to me then, however, I went on with my life not being AWAKE to the Lord.  I am going to remember it this time.  What a perfect blessing  and great reminder to me that I not only need to wake up physically, I must wake up spiritually and keep my mind focused on the awesomeness of the Lord as He pilots my life through all the twists and turns, and ups and downs.  Keeping my eyes on the prize makes all the seasons of my life so much better!

Psalm 119:18 

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”

Written by

Kelly Dobyns

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Enjoy this good morning song sung by Mandisa with Toby Mac. 

A great way to start the day :)

Wave away my yesterday Cause I'm leaving it behind me. Hello sunshine, come what may. I feel something new inside me. I hear the birds singing Now my alarm's ringing Get up, get up, hey! It's a good morning! Wake up to a brand new day This morning, I'm stepping, stepping on my way Good morning, You give me strength, You give me just what I need And I can feel the hope that's rising in me. It's a good morning Slow down, breathe in, Don't move ahead I'm just living in this moment I've got my arms raised, un-phased Jump out of bed Gotta get this party going I went to bed dreaming, You woke me up singing Get up, get up, hey! It's a good morning! Wake up to a brand new day This morning, I'm stepping, stepping on my way Good morning, You give me strength, you give me just what I need And I can feel the hope that's rising up in me. It's a good morning Now I'm smiling, and I'm kissing all my worries goodbye Got the feeling, if I spread my wings I might even fly You are my truth, my way Give me the strength to say Get up, get up, get up Cause it's a good morning, hey Mr. Mac to the mic [Toby Mac] Hey, top of the morning to you 'disa You smoothie, me ice cold pizza Cafe au lait, latte dah You do the zumba, but I do not Give me like half a marathon, I'll give you the gospel of St. John. Hits me like a wake-up bomb Cuz' we both know that His mercy flows, In the morning. Wake up to a brand new day This morning, I'm stepping, stepping on my way Good morning, You give me strength, you give me just what I need I can feel the hope that's rising up in me. It's a good morning Wake up to a brand new day This morning, I'm stepping, stepping on my way Good morning, You give me strength you give me just what I need I can feel the hope that's rising up in me. It's a good morning [Toby Mac] Top of the morning to you 'disa Hey, top of the morning to you girl To-to-top of the morning to you 'disa Morning little Miss Sunshine. [Spoken] Man, you morning people. No, I'm serious.

Being Faithful...Thursday...Thanksgiving Day

11/28/13

Of course this week is celebrated in our nation as the annual day of thanking God for His provision, providence, and goodness toward all of humanity.  We, as Spirit filled believers, know that this isn't just a one day event – more like every moment of our life we praise and thank our Father for His awesomeness!  We can join with the angels and elders standing around the throne and worship God:

Revelation 7:12 - saying: 

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, 

Thanksgiving and honor 

and power and might, 

Be to our God forever and ever.  Amen.”

As a ‘fun’ way of calling to mind what we are thankful for, try making an acrostic poem using the word THANKSGIVING.  This is where you use each letter of the word to begin a word or phrase that expresses thanksgiving to Father.  As an example:

T – Time spent with loved ones

H – Homes filled with warmth and love.

A – Abundance of blessings to be a blessing to others.

N – Needs fulfilled

K – Kindness shown in tangible ways.

S – Savior, Son, Salvation, Sanctification

G – Gifts of power

 I – Indescribable beauty of God’s creation.

V – Victory over permanent death.

 I – Inspiration of the Holy Ghost to bless others.

N – Neighbors who come to our aid.

G – God, our Father

I leave you with an excerpt from “Wikipedia” that describes the first National Proclamation of Thanksgiving given by the Continental Congress in 1777:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(United_States)

During the American Revolutionary War the Continental Congress appointed one or more thanksgiving days each year, each time recommending to the executives of the various states the observance of these days in their states.

The First National Proclamation of Thanksgiving was given by the Continental Congress in 1777 from its temporary location in York, Pennsylvania, while the British occupied the national capital at Philadelphia. Delegate Samuel Adams created the first draft. Congress then adapted the final version:

For as much as it is the indispensable Duty of all Men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with Gratitude their Obligation to him for Benefits received, and to implore such farther Blessings as they stand in Need of: And it having pleased him in his abundant Mercy, not only to continue to us the innumerable Bounties of his common Providence; but also to smile upon us in the Prosecution of a just and necessary War, for the Defense and Establishment of our unalienable Rights and Liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased, in so great a Measure, to prosper the Means used for the Support of our Troops, and to crown our Arms with most signal success:

It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these United States to set apart Thursday, the eighteenth Day of December next, for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise: That at one Time and with one Voice, the good People may express the grateful Feelings of their Hearts, and consecrate themselves to the Service of their Divine Benefactor; and that, together with their sincere Acknowledgments and Offerings, they may join the penitent Confession of their manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every Favor; and their humble and earnest Supplication that it may please God through the Merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of Remembrance; That it may please him graciously to afford his Blessing on the Governments of these States respectively, and prosper the public Council of the whole: To inspire our Commanders, both by Land and Sea, and all under them, with that Wisdom and Fortitude which may render them fit Instruments, under the Providence of Almighty God, to secure for these United States, the greatest of all human Blessings, Independence and Peace: That it may please him, to prosper the Trade and Manufactures of the People, and the Labor of the Husbandman, that our Land may yield its Increase: To take Schools and Seminaries of Education, so necessary for cultivating the Principles of true Liberty, Virtue and Piety, under his nurturing Hand; and to prosper the Means of Religion, for the promotion and enlargement of that Kingdom, which consistent "in Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost.

And it is further recommended, That servile Labor, and such Recreation, as, though at other Times innocent, may be unbecoming the Purpose of this Appointment, be omitted on so solemn an Occasion.

Devotional written by

K. Hirsch., Dean of Students

Charis Bible College, 

San Jose, CA

Blessings,
Shared by  

Kathryn Hanson 

HERE IS A THANKSGIVING SONG...... "YOU'VE BEEN BLESSED"