Mercies to me

       I’m still in the contemplating mode as we end this year.  Yesterday I was printing out my most recent blogs for my binder and making a list of titles and categories.  I had let this chore slide for quite awhile, so I was at it for several hours.  Anyway, when I was done I stood in awe, with thanksgiving in my heart, at the work God had allowed me to do this last year.  I counted the number of posts I’d written in 2015 and discovered I had blogged 123 times!!  When you multiply that by about an hour of writing and editing for each post that is about 123 hours.  That is 5 days and 8 minutes.  Who would have thought I’d have that kind of time, energy, direction and thoughts.   God did!  He knew the kind of blessings I would receive by doing this.

       I want to share a verse that has come up again and again this year for me.  Psalm 37:5  “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. “  (Day 14 promise in Promises for Dynamic Living) I have seen this over and over in 2015.  When I faced decisions, God reminded me that I need only commit my way to Him, and then He would do the work.  It was not my job to make things happen but His privilege as Sovereign God.   Because of His work in the past for me, I know I can commit and trust Him for the future, 2016.  How about you?

Thank you my readers for spending even part of the 123 days with me.  I pray it was a blessing to you.

Linda

Time to spend with my daughter and grandson, one of God’s great blessings in 2015!

Contemplating the Old

        I trust you had a meaningful Christmas and are getting ready this week to usher in a New Year, 2016.  In preparation for the New Year, I was contemplating God’s mercy and faithfulness during 2015.  Tangibly we can see ways God has provided for us physically but we need to consider all the ways He has provided for us spiritually as well.  All the times of discouragement, despair, weariness, lostness and purposelessness that come in a year and then how He has given encouragement, hope, strength, courage, guidance and purpose in His work.  The examples are different for each of us.  Isn’t that amazing, we have such a personal Creator God.

        We can pray for God to show us His mercy as we struggle.  In Exodus 33:19 God is preparing to show a glimpse of his glory to Moses. “And the LORD said, ‘I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD in your presence.  I will have mercy on whom I will have compassion.’”   God’s mercy is given at His discretion and is not earned by us in any way.  Moses needed to see who God was and God in His mercy revealed a glimpse of himself to Moses.  Micah 8:18 adds another aspect of God’s mercy for our thoughts.  “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?  You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”  Have you every thought that God delights to show mercy to you?  It is part of His character to be merciful and delight in showing mercy.

        As you think on God’s mercies to you in 2015, praise and thank Him that you were the recipient of His delight and that He chose you to receive special mercies exactly when you needed them.

Grateful for His mercies in 2015,

Linda

God was especially merciful to me this year in allowing me to travel to these places with good friends.  He is truly a gracious and merciful God

 

Crater Lake, Oregon

Yellowstone, Wyoming

La Sagra Familia Cathedral, Barcelona,  Spain

The Alhambra, Spain

My second book!

.

Crater Lake, Oregon



Old Faithful, Yellowstone



The Alhambra, Spain

La Sagra Famailia Cathedral, Barcelona, Spain



 

Crater Lake, Oregon

Old Faithful, Yellowstone

The Alhambra, Spain

La Sagra Famailia Cathedral, Barcelona, Spain

Advent brings Messiah



Messiah, Jesus the greatest gift you will ever receive.

     

        Merry Christmas!!  The long awaited day has arrived both children and adults anticipate this day’s arrival all year long for many reasons.  Children are wide eyed about the gifts and adults the joyful looks on their children’s faces.  That first Christmas the Christ child was welcomed to earth by Mary, Joseph, the animals in the stable and praising shepherds.  Both Joseph and Mary were told to name their child Jesus.  Jesus was the name of hope for the coming Messiah, the long awaited savior.  The angel told Joseph “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21   I’m sure they gazed on their child with hope and great desire knowing that God’s promised the Messiah had finally arrived and would bring salvation to their people.  God’s intent was that salvation would be for all the world and would reach far beyond that humble stable.   Do you know the salvation that Jesus brought?  God’s desire is that all should know and receive the gift of salvation that Jesus brought.

        Today as you praise God and thank Him for the salvation He sent in Jesus, remember:  Acts 4:12 “And there is Salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”         1 Thessalonians 5:9-10  “For God has not destined us for wrath , but to obtains salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us sot hat whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build on another up, just as you are doing.”  Jesus brought the hope of salvation from sin to mankind.  He is our hope and Savior.  Greet Him with joy and thanksgiving this Christmas.

Joyful in the Savior,

Linda

 

Advent means 'God with us'

       Today  on this Christmas Eve our word is Immanuel.  The angel appeared to Joseph and spoke these word in Matthew 1:21-23 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people form their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call his  Immanuel –  which means, ‘God with us'”   Matthew wanted to be very sure that his Jewish readers understood the connection to the Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”     In these verses we are told several truths about Jesus:   He would be born of a virgin, He would be called Jesus, His purpose in coming was to save us from our sins, He would bring God to us to be with us.

        What does it mean that ‘God is with us’?   One of my favorite verses is Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you ; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”     Jesus also gave this assurance  in Matthew 28:20 “And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”   I take great comfort in knowing that God is with me no matter what I am facing.  What about you?  Will you be encouraged today because you know that Jesus’ birth means that ‘God is with you’?  Claim faith in His son Jesus in your life and experience the fullness of ‘God is with you’ for yourself.

Living with His presence,

Linda

The stable cave in Bethlehem where Jesus was born.  We sang ‘Silent Night’ in His name.

Advent brings Messiah King

    
       Today I am focusing on multiple names given to describe Jesus in Isaiah’s prophecy made in about 700 B.C.   Isaiah 9:6b “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  What is unusual about  each of these names is that they contain 2 descriptors of the coming Messiah and King.  Wonderful Counselor speaks of Jesus as a king that will reign and have power that is beyond human capabilities. He will have wonderful, marvelous plans for our good.  Mighty God speaks of Jesus as the divine warrior who is our protector and champion.  He is mighty and fair or just in all things. Everlasting Father speaks of Jesus as the coming benevolent Father. A king who cares for His people for eternity.  Isaiah 64:8 describes this relationship “Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”  Psalm 103:13 gives yet another aspect of this relationship “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” The last name of Jesus in this verse is Prince of Peace.  This refers to Jesus as the king who will reign in peace.  He will bring wholeness and wellness to all his subjects.

       Which of these names of Jesus speak to you today?  Is He your Wonderful Counselor, your Mighty God, your Everlasting Father or your Prince of Peace?  He can be all these to the one who trusts and believes in Him. David put it this way in Psalm 31:14 “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.'”  Is He your God today?  Is He reigning as King of your life?  Good  questions to ponder and answer as we approach the day of His birth.  He came to be our Messiah King to reign forever and ever.

A child of the King,

Linda

Advent = No Fear

       I know my title today is a bit weird.  I was rereading the story of the angel appearing to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-12 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'”   The angel’s request of the shepherds was to not be afraid and to be open to the good news of God’s arrival on earth.  The Christmas story is filled with commands to key players to not be afraid.    In Matthew 1:20  Joseph was commanded by an angel of the Lord to not be afraid to take Mary as his wife.  In Luke 1:13 Zachariah was  told by an angel of the Lord not to be afraid that his elderly wife would bear him a son who would be the fore-runner of the Messiah.  In Luke 1:30 the archangel Gabriel came to Mary and told her she was favored by God and would bear the Messiah.  In each case, God was revealing the arrival of His plan to save us from our sins.  This plan was good news then and is good news now.  Jesus came as our savior and we do not need to fear life, death, abandonment or dire and troubling circumstances.  Jesus is the answer. 

       Will you join Joseph, Zachariah, Mary and the Shepherds today and step into a life with Jesus and experience No Fear?  The command ‘Do not fear’  is for us too.   God wants us to know this Christmas that Jesus is the answer and He will lead us through all circumstances, people and places to a life of security, hope and peace in Him!  Timothy put it this way in 1Timothy 4:9-10 “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”   Be a believer today and serve the living God.  It is a life of  ‘No Fear’ through Jesus.

Learning to live fearlessly,

Linda

Advent means His Kingdom is here

Isaiah  9:6-7 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given….He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”  

      Isaiah penned these words thousands of years ago.  They foretold of the coming of Jesus and His Kingdom.  Once Jesus appeared on earth, as a babe, his kingdom had arrived.  He established himself with us and it is forever.  Matthew wrote in his gospel account many words that Jesus spoke concerning His Kingdom.  We learn from Jesus that His Kingdom is good news to those who hear about it (4:23), it belongs to those who are humble and persecuted (5:3,10), it is a place of the first being last and the last being first (11:11), it grows and expands within the believer’s life (13:23-24) and it is hard to get into because the way is narrow (19:23-24).    John adds to this list in 18:36 that His Kingdom is not of this world or is other worldly.  Paul says in Romans 4:17-18 “For the kingdom of God is not of matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.”   The reality of the Kingdom of God was ushered onto earth with the birth of Jesus.

       Are you a member of God’s Kingdom?  Do you experience joy, peace and righteousness through the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life?   Jesus said, ” I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6   The way is indeed narrow.  Jesus is the only way to God and the only entrance into His kingdom.  Believe today and walk into His forever Kingdom.

A child of  the King,

Linda

Advent is a time of Love

      I bet when you think – holiday- love, you would immediately think of Valentine’s Day?  I would submit to you that Christmas is the LOVE holiday.  Today in churches around the world Advent wreaths are being lit with the candles of joy, hope, peace and love.  The Christ candle will be lit on Christmas Eve.  Why love?  God sent Jesus to us to give us a way to restore our relationship with Him that was broken by Adam and Eve when they opened sin to the world by eating of the Tree of good and evil.  Sin creates a barrier that we cannot erase.  We cannot do enough good works to overcome it.  We cannot live perfect lives.  There was no way without Jesus for us to be restored into a relationship with God.   “God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16    God’s motivation for sending Jesus was and is rooted in LOVE.   God knew what awaited Jesus on earth.  He knew about the suffering and death on the cross, yet He sent him anyway.  That is how much He loved us.  Jesus also told us in John 15:13-14 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command.”  

      As we light the candle of LOVE today, let it seep into your heart.  Accept the love that Jesus has for you and then give it out to others.  This is the season of the greatest LOVE.  Thank you Jesus.

Love to you in the name of Christ,

Linda

Advent is a time of receiving

      This last week before Christmas is often a frenzy of shopping, baking and cooking in preparation for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day gatherings.  We love to give the gifts we’ve shopped for and wrapped but what about receiving?  What will you do with the gifts you receive? Most of the time we look at our gifts and think about when we will wear the new items of clothing or use the new appliance, perfume, jewelry or when we will have time to read that new book.  
      Jesus received gifts of praise from the shepherds and angels the night of his birth.  Later, some say as much as 2 years, Jesus and his family were visited by Wiseman from the East.  The story is recorded in Matthew 2 and tells of their following the star, coming before Herod and arriving in Bethlehem to worship Jesus.  “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, and of incense and of myrrh.” Matthew 2:11  Those were expensive gifts worthy of a king.  Why would Jesus need such gifts?
      “And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”  “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were 2 years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.” Matthew 2: 12, 16   In the meantime, an angel appeared to Joseph  and said, “Get up” and “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.  Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Matthew 2:13
      God provided funds for this coming escape to Egypt.  The gold, incense and myrrh were very costly and could be used in trade for their travel to Egypt via camel perhaps, their places to stay or food to eat.  They stayed in Egypt until Herod died which would have been several years.  Later, Joseph was also told by an angel when it was safe to return and they journeyed back to Israel and settled in Nazareth.   All this traveling and staying would have been expensive.  God miraculously provided for Jesus and his family.

      Do you have stories like this in your family of God’s miraculous provision?  This time of year we need to be ready to give but also to receive.  Do you have the attitude that the gifts you receive were especially meant for you?  How grateful are you for the things you receive?   Jesus’ family did not know where or when they would need the expensive gifts they received but God did.  He knows exactly what you need and when you need it.  Thank Him ahead of time for the gifts he has planned for you to receive this year.

Learning to receive with a grateful heart,

Linda

Advent is a time of light

      Today I was reading Zachariah’s song in Luke 1:67-79 and was encouraged by his song of praise.  Zachariah was the father of John the Baptist and was mute for 9 months prior to John’s birth.  He had questioned the angel who came to tell him of his coming child, who was to be the fore-runner of the Messiah.  The angel silenced him until his child was born.  After John’s birth, Zachariah’s mouth was opened and he praised God for the coming Messiah who would save his people, fulfill all scripture concerning himself, keep all of God’s promises made to his ancestors, and bless his own child with purpose.  The last lines of this song verses 78-79 speak of Jesus.  “because of  the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide feet into the path of peace.”  God in his mercy sent Jesus to bring light to a dark and dying world.  “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12   “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  John 9:5 and “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46

      Christmas is a time for us to reveal God’s light to the world through the manger.  Jesus’ coming to earth brought life and light to a world filled with sinful people needing the light of a Savior.  Have you found the light this season?  Do you look to Jesus and walk in His light?   If you do, tell others.  If you do not know Jesus, ask God for faith to believe and accept His free gift of salvation. “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:9,10,13

Looking to the light today,

Linda

Dawn’s light over the Sea of Galilee is a picture of Jesus’ light coming to a dark world.

Advent is a star studded event

       The star that led the wise men to Bethlehem is prominently displayed atop manger scenes today. Matthew 2: 2 and 9,10 describe this star. “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”  It should not surprise us that God used the stars to point to His son and announce his birth to the world.  In Genesis we are told that God created light, night and day and all the stars. (Genesis 1:16)  Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”   Jesus is referred to as the “bright and morning star” in Revelation 2:28 and 22:16.

       Man has used the stars to navigate the world for centuries.  They are landmarks in the sky that God created to help guide us when we get lost or lose our way.   We can find north in the sky and determine which direction to go.  The ultimate star is Jesus.  He will always lead us in the right direction and guide our path into righteousness and life.   What star are you following today?  Have you come to Bethlehem this Christmas following His star or are you still wandering?  Look to Jesus, He is the guiding light to life.  John puts it this way in 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”   Know the light of life, Jesus, this season as you follow his star to Bethlehem.

Star struck by Jesus,

Linda


P.S. This is a wonderful video that describes one man’s search into the mysteries of the Bethlehem Star.  It will amaze you!  Our God is so great and the heaven reflect His glory.

Advent shows God's loving provision

       Yesterday I wrote about how God’s providence was evident in bringing Mary and Joseph at His appointed time to Bethlehem.  As the Christmas story unfolds in Bethlehem, the young couple arrives and there is no room for them at the local inn.  Luke 2:7 “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in  the inn.”   When you visit Bethlehem today, the place recognized as the stable where Mary and Joseph were housed is a cave.  It was very roomy and would have been cool in summer and warm in winter.  They wrapped the baby Jesus in swaddling cloths.  I was not familiar with this practice as it was not popular when my children were small, but my grandson was swaddled.  It wraps the baby close so they are warm and protected.  Then Jesus was laid in a manger.  This animal trough would have made the perfect cradle to hold the young savior.  Looking at these things, no room, a cave, manger, and swaddling cloths, show God is into provision and care.  “And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink nor be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these thinks, and your Father knows that you need them.”  Luke 12:29-30   God knew exactly what Mary and Joseph needed- a warm, safe place that was accessible to shepherds, contained the basic furniture for a new born and was private for the birth of their son.

      How are you at trusting God in difficult situations?  Do you thank Him for what He has provided and know that He gives you exactly what you need?  Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.”  and  Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”   God knows our needs just as He did Mary and Joseph.  Will you trust Him today to provide what you need?  Then thank Him for His loving care.

Trusting in God’s provision,

Linda

This is a the picture of the inside of the cave and my fellow travelers as we sang Silent Night in honor of our savior’s birth.

Advent is a time of Providence

       I first really encountered the word providence when I studied the book of Esther.  God placed Esther in the right position at the right time to save her people during the reign of King Ahasuerus in Persia.   We have another biblical example of God’s providence in the Christmas story.  Have you ever wondered how and why Mary and Joseph, who lived in Nazareth, went to Bethlehem.  Bethlehem is a long journey from Nazareth especially on a donkey while pregnant!

        Providence is defined as the care and benevolent guidance of God.  Old Testament prophesies placed the birth of the Messiah to be in Bethlehem.  Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are small among clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”   Why Bethlehem?  Isaiah 9:7 “…He will reign on David’s throne over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it faith justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”  David’s throne was established in Bethlehem, David’s home town, when Samuel anointed him king.  1Samuel 16:1 “The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul since I have rejected him as king over Israel?  Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” We now have the why?  Bethlehem was David’s home and the Messiah was to be born of his line and in his home town.

        Now for the how, Joseph was of the lineage of David as was Mary.  The Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus decreed that all persons must return to their home towns to be counted in a Roman census. (Luke 1:1-3)  Thus, Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to register.  The timing of this ordered census was no coincidence but the providence of God to bring Mary and Joseph to the right place, Bethlehem, for the birth of Jesus at God’s appointed time.  When you think of all the things that could have prevented or delayed them from being there, the hand of God is clearly evident.

       I often say ‘there are no coincidences’ in God’s economy.  God does indeed direct and guide and things don’t just happened by chance.  Next time you want to say, lucky you or it was just luck, think of the Bethlehem story and say ‘thank you God for your guiding hand and divine providence’.

Looking for the providence of God today,

Linda

Fields just outside the town of Bethlehem where David would have watched his flocks.

Advent is a time of good will

       Luke 2:14  “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth ‘peace’ good will toward men.'”  Today’s word is good will.  The angels announced to the shepherds that Jesus brought glory to God by coming to earth, peace and good will for all mankind.  What is good will?  According to the dictionary, good will is a friendly or kindly attitude, willingness or readiness to go above and beyond to help others.  How did Christ’s coming bring good will to man?  Philippians 2:7 says “but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”   It is through the kindness and willingness of Christ to come and die for our sins that we are made whole and acceptable to God.  Christ has done the work of making me acceptable. I simply need to take this free gift in faith.  Romans 5: 11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”   2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”   Romans 10:9-10 “‘That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” 

       The question for today is-now that we have good will through Christ, how will we share this good will with others?  Do you know a neighbor that is a shut-in and needs a visit or some cookies?  Do you know a child or family that needs a toy or food for their table?  Do you know someone who needs a kind word or encouragement from God’s Word?  There are multiple opportunities to show the good will of Christ to others at this season.  Look around you and find some way to participate and share in the good will of Christ.

Looking for opportunities to share good will,

Linda

Show good will towards others.

Advent, a time for the KING

      On our journey through Advent we need to stop and take a look at the scene in Matthew 2:1-2.  The Magi from the east had traveled a long distance in search of the king that was revealed to them in the stars.  At the time, Magi were wise men who studied the stars and sacred writings.  They had perhaps come into contact with the prophecies of the coming Messiah through the sacred writings in the Old Testament revered by Jews that had been living in Babylon.   They arrived in Jerusalem, the Jewish capital, looking for the newborn king.  They questioned Herod, the reigning king, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”   This very phrase, king of the Jews, was to be used later when Jesus appeared before Pilate, Matthew 27:11 “Meanwhile, Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him ‘Are you the king of the Jews?'” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.  It was also written on the plaque over Jesus at the cross, Matthew 27:37 “Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”    Now flash forward to the end of time when Jesus returns, Revelation 19:16 “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

      This name, King, so often associated with Jesus is the title of our sovereign Lord.  He was in the beginning, came to earth as a babe and will reign for all eternity as our KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.  Is this the name you associate with Jesus, the child who’s birth we celebrate at Christmas?  Is he your KING and LORD?  Ponder today what position Jesus has in your life?  He desires to be KING and LORD of your life.  Will your answer be the same as King David in Psalm 24:10 “Who is he, this King of glory?  The LORD Almighty- he is the King of glory.” 

Worshipping the KING today,

Linda

All the gold on the altar of the Cathedral in Santiago de la Compostela, Spain will pale in comparison to the throne room of our KING in heaven.

Advent became a time for dwelling

       John’s gospel does not have the ‘Christmas Story’.  He begins with Jesus, creator God, being present at the beginning of time and refers to Jesus as the Word.  John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” By definition dwell, today’s word, means to make one’s home with, reside or live.  Have you ever pondered how amazing it is that Creator God cared enough for us to send His son to live among us, to make his home with us?  Why would God do such a thing?  John 3:16 “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him will have eternal life.”   Because He loves us.  Matthew 1:21 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  Because he wanted to save us from our sinful state caused by Adams sin.   Colossians 1:19 “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Because He wanted to reconcile and cleanse us though Jesus.

      When I read these verses, I am overcome with profound thankfulness.  I am thankful that God loved me enough to send Jesus.  I am thankful that Jesus was willing to come and sacrifice himself to save me.  I am thankful that God desires a relationship with me and wants me to be reconciled to Him.  I am thankful that I will know Him and live with him for eternity.  How about you? Thank Him today for coming to dwell among us on that Christmas Day.

Blessings through dwelling,

Linda

Beautiful monastery of the Our Father where you find the Lord’s prayer in all languages of the world.  A unifying place that shows we are all loved by the Father.

Advent, a time of singing

      Do you have favorite Christmas music?  There is a lot of it!  From carols to Jingle Bells to the Hallelujah Chorus,  it covers all aspects of the holiday season. Singing is our word today.  There are several ‘songs’ recorded in scripture about the birth of Jesus.  These songs extol the Lord and His graciousness to us at sending a Savior.  Mary’s Song found in Luke 1:46-55 is called the Magnificat because in Latin the word means ‘glorifies’ which is how Mary begins her song to God. “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,”.  Mary is so amazed and honored that the Lord Almighty has chosen her to bear the promised Savior that she breaks into song.  “..for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name.  His mercy extends to those who fear him… He has performed mighty deeds with his arm…He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble…to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”   She was able to tell of God’s mighty deeds in the past and of His great mercy and love. She knew God was eternal and His blessings would continue from generation to generation.

      Do you have a song of praise for God today?  What do you know about God that would make you sing?  What has He done in your life or in the life of someone close to you that you can praise Him for?  By all rights, Mary- an unwed teenager, pregnant under questionable circumstances, shunned by her town and relatives should have been bitter or unhappy or worried but she was none of those!  She was praising God for the opportunity to serve Him and be used for His glory.   Does this describe the attitude you have towards the circumstances you find yourself in today?  Turn to God and be like Mary. Claim this promise today.  “Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will act.” Psalm 37:5.

Singing with Praise,

Linda

These pictures are of some of the beautiful Mosaics donated by churches around the world at the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth.

Advent, a time of preparation

      I was thinking about Advent and focused upon the Advent Wreath.   I did a little research into today’s word, wreath.  The use of the wreath has been with us since Greek times when it was used as a crown for winners.  The modern Christian usage as a symbol associated with Christmas originated with 16th century Lutherans in Germany.  They used the wreath and candles to anticipate the coming of Jesus.  Today the wreath consists of 4 colored candles on the edges of a pine evergreen circle and 1 white candle in the middle.  Each edge candle is lit on the 4 Sundays leading up to Christmas and then the center white candle is lit on Christmas Eve and Christmas.  The pine boughs that make the circle represent God.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8   God is unchanging and eternal and the wreath circle has no beginning and no end.  The 4 colored candles on the edge represent joy, peace, hope and love.   Joy: Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people.”  Peace: Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE to men on whom his favor rests.”  Hope:  Psalm 40:31 “but those who HOPE in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles’ the will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  Love: John 3:16 “For God so LOVED the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Lastly, the center candle representing Christ is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  Christ: “She will give birth to a son, and your are to give him the name JESUS, because he will save his people from their sins.”

      Are you anticipating the coming of Jesus this season?  Meditate on the Joy, Peace, Hope and Love we have through Christ. Give thanks today for His coming to save us from our sinful state and restore us to a relationship with Him.

Advent, a time to prepare our hearts,

Linda

Advent is a time for believing

       Today’s word is believe.  How quick are we to tell someone- Oh- just believe me, believe it-it’s true?  After Mary was told by the angel she was to carry the Messiah, she packed her bags and went to see her cousin Elizabeth.  Elizabeth was carrying a baby that was to be the forerunner of Messiah, John the Baptist.  In Luke 1 we learn of this encounter.  “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear!’ …Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”  Luke 1:41-45   Elizabeth was saying that Mary would be blessed because she believed God.  Abraham believed God and “it was counted to him as righteousness.” James 2:23  Paul tells us in Romans 3:23 “The righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”  and  Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    The writer of Hebrews puts it like this: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6

       So what do you believe?  Are you like Mary and Elizabeth and claim faith and believe God exists and rewards those who seek after Him?  Is your faith something that exists for you and helps you walk towards righteousness in Jesus like Abraham?  Or will you take the step of faith  like Paul, claiming faith in Jesus for your own, knowing He is who he says He is and is your savior?   Mary and Elizabeth call to us to believe this Christmas season.   Will you?

Believe in Him,
Linda

Beautiful mosaic of Madonna and child at the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth.

Another lovely mosaic donated by churches around the world.

Advent is a time for honor

       Honor is our word for today.  I was reading the account in Luke where the angel appeared to Mary.  She was afraid, puzzled and then accepting of the message the angel delivered.  The angel said, “For nothing is impossible with God.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.   “May it be to me as you have said”.  Then the angel left her. Luke 1:37    The angel told her she had found favor with God and she would bear the Messiah.  Her son would be named Jesus, Son of the Most High, a king to reign forever.  As she pondered these things, I’m sure she began to accept the honor that God had bestowed upon her. She would be the mother of the savior of all mankind.

       Have you ever been given an honor that came with a lot of responsibility or ‘strings’?   In the school district where I worked, each school would nominate a teacher for ‘Teacher of the Year’.  Then a group would decide which teacher would go on to compete for ‘Teacher of the Year’ in our county.  It was a lengthy process that involved speech making, writing out educational philosophy, observations, etc.  At the end of the process, someone would be chosen to represent our county and then go on to compete at the state level.  It was a great honor but came with a lot of additional work.  I think Mary was so honored.  Yes, she was mother of the savior.  But, she had to watch her little one grow and leave, see him be persecuted, hated and even crucified on a cross as a common criminal.  With great responsibility and honor comes pain, suffering and dedication to the cause.  Mary was so honored.  Her response, ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ speaks of her total acceptance and humility before God.

       How are you honoring God?  Do you strive to do His work in your life?  Do others see God’s work and presence in you?  Be like Mary today and honor God with your responses and actions.

To His glory and honor,

Linda

Mary’s home in Nazareth where the angel appeared to her.

Advent a time of sacrifice

       Today’s word is sacrifice.  There are 2 reasons I chose this word even though it is not a word or action you would readily associate with Christmas and the coming of the savior.  Today is the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  We remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the defense of our country.  We remember them for their bravery, endurance and because they gave their lives for our sake.  We honor their memory today.

       Scripture tells us in Philippians 2:6-8 “Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!”   Have you ever considered what Jesus gave up to become a man.  He became a servant, had to take on human form, had to humble himself to come to earth and had to suffer a violent death.  Jesus did all of that for me so I could be cleansed of my sins and restored to relationship with Almighty God.   He sacrificed his place in heaven.  Many times in scripture we are told that Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven on a throne surrounded by glory and adoration.  He sacrificed his position of omnipotence and sovereignty, power and glory to come down to earth as a man.  He sacrificed his life on the cross so I could be forgiven and restored.  The Christmas manger is a place of sacrifice of the greatest proportion as God came down to earth to save us from our sins.

       What is your response to the sacrifice Jesus made?  Do you respond with faith or doubt?  Do you respond with appreciation or ambivalence?   Come today and humble yourself before God.  Thank Him for the sacrifices He made on your behalf.

Humbled by Jesus’ sacrifice.

Linda

The field of graves at Normandy, France another place of great sacrifice during WWII.

Advent a time of gift giving

      Today’s  word is gift.  Were you busy this weekend trying to find the perfect gift for a loved one?  So many times we get so caught up in what to get so and so, we forget why we are doing it.  Today my pastor spoke about the ‘perfect gift’ given by God.  2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.”  God’s gift was so perfect it was considered by the Apostle Paul to be indescribable- so great that words would fail him if he tried to describe it.  Scripture tells us in John 3:16 that God loved us so much he gave us his only son so that through faith we might have life eternal and be restored to a relationship with Him.  God’s gift is exactly what we need for salvation, hope, eternal life, peace and connectedness with God.  No wonder Paul called God’s gift to us, his son Jesus, the indescribable gift.    Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”   Ephesians 2:8-9a “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works,”     The gift God gave us, when He sent Jesus, frees us though faith from eternal death and is not something we can earn or work.  It is a true gift from God.

     What will you do with the gift of Jesus this season?   Will  you accept it and then tell others of his wondrous gift of salvation?

Blessing,
Linda

Advent a time of peace

      How we all need today’s word, peace.  In light of the tragedies in Oregon, LA and the middle east, no one can deny that our world needs peace. At the birth of Jesus, our world received a promise of peace.  “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests,'” Luke 2:13-14.  Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.”  John 14:27.  The peace that Jesus brings and promised is peace of the spirit.  When we please God with our faith and trust, He gives us peace.   Without the coming of Jesus, we would not have that indwelling peace He promised through  the Holy Spirit.  I know this is not peace in our land, freedom from terrorists, turmoil, hatred and fear, but it is a peace that permeates, indwells and helps you to overcome all the fears and horrible situations we see in our world.  Only through Jesus can we know this peace.  The ancient words of the prophet Isaiah give us a hope we can claim each day.  “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trust in you.  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.”  Isaiah 26:3-4

      Do you know the perfect peace of God?  Are you keeping your focus on God this holiday season to reap His Peace in your life?   Know Jesus and have access to this perfect peace today!    If you do know Jesus and are struggling to find peace each day, claim Isaiah 26:3 and practice focusing on God in all circumstances.  He promises you will receive peace.  He is a promise keeper- you can count on Him!!

Peace to you,
Linda

Narrow is the way.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:6

Advent a time of Praising

       My word for today is praise.  I love the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth found in Luke 1.  Zachariah was a priest in the temple and while performing his duties and angel appeared to him and told him that he and Elizabeth would have a child who would prepare the people for the coming Messiah.  Zachariah doubted the angel since he and Elizabeth were older, and he was struck mute.   After the child, John, was born and he was about to be named, Zachariah’s voice was released and he began praising God.  Luke 1:68-76 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ag0) salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us-…to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness all our days.  And you, my child, will be a prophet of the Most High for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him.”    After not speaking for about a year, the first words Zachariah uttered were words of praise.  He saw that his new little son, John, was to be a special servant of God and would tell the world of the coming Messiah.  The long awaited one, Jesus, who would redeem his people and lead them spiritually to live redeemed lives of holiness, righteousness and fearless service.

      What words of praise can you give to the Lord today?  Through Jesus you have freedom from sin’s power, righteousness, eternal life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, guidance through His Word, inner peace, hope, joy and an eternal home He has prepared for you.  Let your lips and heart give praise to God today for his precious gift of Jesus who came to redeem and save us!

Praise God today,
Linda

The Western Wall is all that remains of the temple where the angel appeared to  Zachariah.  It is a place of prayer today. 

Advent a time for Obedience

       Today’s word is obedient.  I was rereading the story of the angel’s appearance to Joseph and the word that jumped out at me was obedient.  Matthew 1:20-21 “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'”  Joseph had thought to divorce Mary, his betrothed, and avoid the disgrace of begin linked to pregnant Mary.   Joseph took the hard road and faced the  fears of rumors, disapproval and the judgmental looks of others for the greater good of all of us.  He listened to the angel and was obedient to God’s request.

       What is God asking you to do today in obedience to Him?  Do you have a neighbor that needs your help, someone you need to pray for, someone you need to forgive or is God calling you to spend time in His Word to renew and refresh your faith.  Will you be obedient like Joseph or will you let the world’s values keep you from doing what God wants?

Blessings as you walk in obedience today.
Linda

I had the privilege of being baptized in the River Jordan by a Palestinian Christian pastor.  It was a wonderful experience to reaffirm my faith.

Advent, a time of HOPE

       Today’s word is HOPE.  God in his mercy constantly reminded the Jews that a messiah would be coming to save them from their sins and rule over his kingdom.  Hundreds of years before Christ’s birth Isaiah wrote “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.  Isaiah 9:7    Knowing that a king was coming that would reign eternally with justice and righteousness gave them HOPE!  Knowing that God would accomplish this with intense enthusiasm and devotion gave them HOPE!

       We know Jesus came and established His eternal kingdom forever. When we know Him we are part of His kingdom.  His ruling as king on earth is still future to us, but we can be assured that God will accomplish this next part too.  We can have HOPE in the work of Jesus and in His Word.  David put it this way in Psalm 130:5  “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.”   What God says will be accomplished just as He says.  What a blessed HOPE we have in Jesus.  Rejoice over His coming this Advent season!  Have HOPE!

Blessings of HOPE,
Linda

Just as the morning mist will clear so that one can see this beautiful pool, so we can have HOPE we will one day see God’s kingdom here on earth.

Advent, a time of preparation

Last year, I blogged each day from December 1 to Christmas to help me focus on the meaning and promises of Christmas.  I found that keeping my eyes on the meaning and purpose of the season enhanced my joy, anticipation and appreciation at Jesus’ arrival.  So I decided to try this again, but this time focusing on the people, symbols and feelings that are associated with Christmas.

Today’s word is joy.  Christmas is a time of joy both spiritually and physically.  The coming of a child is always cause for celebration.  Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  The promised messiah, savior, deliverer was cause for great joy.

May this season bring you joy-smiles, warmness of heart, a bubbling of emotions of great happiness and well as inner peace and joy at the long awaited arrival of our Lord and Savior.  Look for joy today both to give and to receive.  Open your eyes to see others as a source of joy and not irritation or anger but as a gift from God.  Joy has to be practiced and used to become an integral part of our being.  Let it begin today….

Blessings of joy,
Linda

P.S. I hope you will forgive my use of the Christmas tree today.  Seeing it brought joy to my grandson’s eyes as we looked at this huge tree.