Author: Kristi Wilson

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The Christmas Story

A month from today is Christmas.

I’m not rushing the season; the retail merchandisers have already done that. However, I do want to call your attention to the fact that we will have many opportunities in the next few weeks to speak of Jesus, opportunities that we don’t have the rest of the year.

Some people have told me they have a hard time sharing Christ with people they don’t know or that they only see occasionally. I find that Christmas is the perfect time to do that.

Join me in a prayer this morning.

“Father let my heart be filled with prayer and praise this day. Let me focus on You and all that you have blessed me with. Let my eyes see as You see and let my mouth speak as You speak. Let my hands reach out as You reached out to me. I desire to be a living example of You in this world. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Some that we meet are lonely, others are financially stretched and stressed. Some are angry and have no joy. Some are physically exhausted. Our words of kindness and God’s love can make a difference.

“Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.” Luke 6:35 ERV

May we be like those angels that appeared to the shepherds:

“ Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! ” Luke 2:9-11 NLT

May we speak words of joy and peace. May we be the ones who share good news and hope.

“Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3;17 CEV

Since Christ lives within us, we are His ambassadors to the world. The message is still the same as that first night – A Savior has been born,

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 NLT

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First Thoughts

What was the first thing you thought of when you saw the picture I used for this morning’s blog?

Ooooo! I thought of weariness. To be so dirty, they must be tired.

I was reading John 13 where Jesus was having the last Passover meal with His disciples and midway through the evening He got up from the table, took a towel, wrapped it around His waist, got a basin of water and went from disciple to disciple and washed their feet.

This is something the servant of the house should have done. It was customary to wash all the guests’ feet. But since Jesus and the disciples were in a home that wasn’t theirs it’s apparent there was no “servant” to perform the task, so Jesus took it upon Himself.

Peter protested. But Jesus told him that it was essential. The thing that amazes me about this is not the interchange between Jesus and Peter but that Jesus washed Judas Iscariot’s feet also. He knew that Judas was going to betray Him and that Peter would deny Him but Jesus lovingly served them like all the rest.

” But when he came to Simon Peter, that disciple asked, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ 7 Jesus answered, ‘You don’t really know what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ 8 ‘You will never wash my feet!’ Peter replied. ‘If I don’t wash you,’ Jesus told him, ‘you don’t really belong to me.’…11 Jesus knew who would betray him. That is why he said, ‘except for one of you.’…Then he said: ‘Do you understand what I have done? 13 You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. 14 And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. 15 I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you. 16 I tell you for certain that servants are not greater than their master, and messengers are not greater than the one who sent them. 17 You know these things, and God will bless you, if you do them.'” John 13:6-17 CEV

Jesus made Himself servant of all. He didn’t discriminate. He knew who truly loved Him and who would betray Him but He treated them all the same. It was and is unconditional love.

Do you know someone with dirty feet? Maybe not filthy dirty, might just be a bit dusty? Would you volunteer to wash their feet? There may be some in our circle who have betrayed us and others who have remained close and loyal. Jesus tells us to treat them all with unconditional love.

Is there someone today who needs you to show them that kind of love? Our first thought may be to exclude them, but let’s wash some feet!

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Thankful for a Good Foundation

This morning I had a strange memory. I remember when we lived in Las Cruces NM and were coming back to Phoenix to visit friends. It was early January/February 1979. We had been through a particularly rough time and we just wanted to be in the comfort of friends.

Well when we got to the Casa Grande area we were met with a detour. The Salt and Gila Rivers were flooding and we couldn’t get to Phoenix on I-10. We were traveling at night with 2 small children. We didn’t have smart phones or satellite radio in those days so communication was sketchy at best. But we ventured on…come too far to turn back now.

We drove down 1-8 to Gila Bend and then headed back toward Phoenix. Every once in a while we would catch ponds of water with the headlights. As we got closer to Buckeye, there was another detour. It took us through the farm country and finally to an old trestle bridge at Gillespie Damn. The river was raging. I had never seen anything like this in the desert before or since.

The old bridge was built into the rock and it was solid. It hadn’t seen much use in years because of the “improved” highway that was faster and better. However, in a storm, it was the solid rock foundation that provided the security that was needed.

Some of you, some of us, were raised with a solid foundation. A foundation of God’s word. A foundation of trust, faith and hope. A foundation of the simple; yes, Jesus loves me. But then the new, faster, better paved highway was built and it seemed to be taking life in a new direction. The old discarded for the new.

Now your life may be on a detour. Storms have raged and the new super highway isn’t getting you to where you want to go. Maybe it’s time to return to solid rock foundation. Let that old trestle bridge take you safely across the flooding circumstances and leave you on dry ground on the other side.

“When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior. I gave Egypt to pay for you. I gave Ethiopia and Seba to make you mine. 4 You are precious to me, and I have given you a special place of honor. I love you. That’s why I am willing to trade others, to give up whole nations, to save your life. 5 “So don’t be afraid, because I am with you.” Isaiah 43:2-5 ERV

Thankful today that God’s foundation is solid. Thankful that He is always there to give a second chance and to guide us to safety.

“‘Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.”‘ Matthew 7:24-25 ERV

When I was a little girl this picture hung in my Grama’s home. It made an impact on me then but now that I’m older the impact is even greater. My Father, my heavenly Father, has provided for my safety and my protection!

Yes I am thankful. Thankful for all the years of protection and thankful that He never gave up on me!

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Carrying the Load

This morning a wonderful memory popped up in my quiet time.

Years ago, 25 or more, we went to visit Kim and Austin in Hawaii. One of our day excursions was a trip to Diamond Head. If you’ve never been, it’s quite the hike and beautiful once you reach the top. Very historic too.

We were four adults, one teenager and two kiddos under the age of five. AJ was being carried in a backpack and Ali started the trek under her own power. As the hike continued, we were all feeling the burn but none as much as Ali. When she could go no further Dave picked her up and carried her the rest of the way.

When we got to the top we heard her say, “I’m so tired”. We laughed because Dave and Austin were too.

That’s the memory that came to mind as I read these verses this morning.

“Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!
    For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude
20 Our God is a God who saves!
    The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.” Psalm 68:19-20 NLT

Each day HE carries us in His arms!

Think of yesterday, did you have a sense of being carried? Had you said to yourself “I just can’t go on”? Maybe it was an emotional exhaustion, or it could have been physical burnout. Spiritual weariness with exhaust the body and emotions.

Did you sense an ungirding of inner strength – did you feel carried along? The Father is there to assist us in every situation.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'” Matthew 11:27-29 NLT

King David described it as being overwhelmed.

“O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! 2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.” Psalm 61:1-3 NLT

The writer of Hebrews tells us we can find help whenever we need it.

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT

I am so thankful that the Father cares about me and carries me through all of life’s struggles. I just have so much to be thankful for, how about you?

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A Family Favorite

Are you like me? The Thanksgiving menu is posted to the refrigerator door. You’ve looked at the list and double checked the pantry for all the ingredients. It’s down to crunch time. The turkey is thawing, the potatoes are waiting to be peeled, the dressing/stuffing will be mixed tomorrow night and the pies are ready.

Yep! It’s all but done. On that list of things that need to be made are the family favorites.

This morning I was reading Psalm 145, as I always do. I read through it quickly, as if to check it off the list and move on, when I was impressed with stop and read it again. That’s when I felt the Lord minister to my heart that this is one of His family favorites, so I read it again – savored it and tried to enjoy it to the fullest.

“I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I’ll bless your name into eternity. 2 I’ll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity.

3 God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.

4 Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. 5 Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders.

6 Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.

7 The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone’s lips.

8 God is all mercy and grace— not quick to anger, is rich in love.

9 God is good to one and all; everything he does is soaked through with grace.

10-11 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor,

12 Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does.

14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

15 All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. 16 Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures.

17 Everything God does is right—  the trademark on all his works is love.

18 God’s there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it.

19 He does what’s best for those who fear him— hears them call out, and saves them.

20 God sticks by all who love him, but it’s all over for those who don’t.

21 My mouth is filled with God’s praise.  Let everything living bless him, bless his holy name from now to eternity!” Psalm 145 MSG

Now you may want to read that again because I’m sure you will find something in these verses that will become a favorite. Maybe it’s the fact that God is all mercy and grace or that He is good to everyone. How about the part that says He picks us up when we fall or that He is never voted out of office? Perhaps it’s the part that says He is generous to a fault and He listens when we pray.

God’s word is like a good meal; it contains all our favorites including dessert. The goodness of the Lord never ceases.

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Consider the Lilies

One of my favorite extravagances is fresh cut flowers. If money were no object I would have a fresh bouquet every other week.

The colors, the fragrance, the individual beauty, the significance of each flower is a testimony of God’s goodness.

God’s goodness. As I wrote those words I had to stop for a moment, take pause and meditate.

God – Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, Creator of all, Lord of hosts, the Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end). He is love, His mercy endures forever, His grace is sufficient, He is the provider and protector. There is no one like Him, He is above all else.

I call him Father. I depend upon Him for my very life. I draw each breath because of Him. I find shelter under His wings, in Him I find rest when I am weary, in His presence I find fullness of joy and at His throne I find help in my time of need.

My Father is Lord God Almighty!

Now, you ask me “what’s that got to do with a bouquet of flowers?”. I’m glad you asked.

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.” Luke 12:27-30 NLT

Flowers are a simple, daily reminder of God’s goodness, the Father’s love!

I mean so much more to Him than the beautiful flowers He created, each flower, each bouquet reminds me to trust.

Yes, consider the lilies of the field and thank your heavenly Father for his faithfulness and love.

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Thinking About Christmas

I don’t want to rush us through our enjoyment and gratitude of Thanksgiving but I do want you to look ahead to the first of December.

Several years ago I wrote a book, “The Best Gifts of Christmas”. Basically, it’s an advent book. Each day has a short devotional thought and story, We can only give away what we have received. Each day’s gift is a gift from the Father to us as His children.

Also available is my second book, “Like A Diamond”. This book gives insight into the Father’s heart and how He values us.

“ ‘They will be Mine’ says the Lord of All, ‘on that day that I gather My special people. I will have loving-pity on them as a man has loving-pity on his own son who serves him.’” Malachi 3:17 NLV

If you would like a copy of the books I still have a few copies in stock. You can order those directly through my email address, kristi@arizonakristi.com, and I will autograph a copy and send it off. Price per copy is $10 + $3 for shipping. I will combine shipping.

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Breathtaking Awe

A few nights ago, the neighbors gathered in the streets to see this beautiful Arizona sunset!

You all know how I love my sunrises and sunsets. As I was standing there, taking it all in Gail said, “God did that”! He sure did – He painted the sky with the deepest golden hues – beautiful.

This morning I waiting to see the sunrise. The skyline is cloudy gray but that’s ok too. The last couple of days we have enjoyed much-needed rain. The desert is feeling refreshed.

I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the breath I have in my lungs – clean, fresh air. Breath to praise such an awesome and almighty God but more than that – breath to talk with my loving heavenly Father and to thank Him for all He does.

Loving family, good health, a secure home, the beauty of his creation, the stillness and the peace I feel in His presence each day and the dear friends He has added to my life.

Yesterday I asked you to make a thankfulness list. I hope you did. This morning I’m asking you to follow King David’s example and enter into praise.

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in His holy place! Praise Him in the heavens of His power! 2 Praise Him for His great works! Praise Him for all His greatness!

3 Praise Him with the sound of a horn. Praise Him with harps. 4 Praise Him with timbrels and dancing. Praise Him with strings and horns. 5 Praise Him with loud sounds. Praise Him with loud and clear sounds. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150 NLV

Do you have breath? If you do, praise the Lord!

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My Gratitude List

Here we are just a few days before Thanksgiving. Maybe you’ve just put the finishing touches on your “on last trip to the store” list or maybe you’ve been checking the listings for the times of the parades and the football games. We all have a habit of making lists. Let me add one more list to your list of things to do.

A Gratitude List.

Maybe even make a few to share with the people you are having Thanksgiving with. Since today is the 18th try to come up with 18 items and then add one more each day until the end of the month.

At month’s end take that list and put it in your purse, wallet, Bible, locker, glove compartment – keep it handy and then on those days when you feel overrun by life take it out and read it – remind yourself of the good things God has done for you.

An old hymn came to mind today as I sat here thinking of my thanksgiving list. See if you remember it:

“When morning gilds the skies,

My heart awaking cries:

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Alike at work and prayer,

To Jesus I repair;

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Does sadness fill my mind?

A solace here I find,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Or fades my earthly bliss?

My comfort still is this,

May Jesus Christ be praised!” anonymous author 1744

Amazing – this author lived over 200 years ago but the things he writes about could be what we face today and the one thing remains the same – in times of trouble and unrest we still need to Praise the name of Jesus!

We serve a wonderful Savior. Look at Jesus’ final prayer to the Father in John 17.

“After Jesus said these things, he looked toward heaven and prayed, ‘Father, the time has come. Give glory to your Son so that the Son can give glory to you. 2 You gave the Son power over all people so that he could give eternal life to all those you have given to him. 3 And this is eternal life: that people can know you, the only true God, and that they can know Jesus Christ, the one you sent. 4 I finished the work you gave me to do. I brought you glory on earth. 5 And now, Father, give me glory with you. Give me the glory I had with you before the world was made…I am not praying for the people in the world. But I am praying for these people you gave me, because they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And my glory is seen in them.'” John 17:1-10 ERV

Jesus prayed for us. He was about to go to the cross and His prayer was for us. He came to give us eternal life and that meant that we can know (become intimately acquainted with) the Father and we can know Jesus. He prayed for us who know Him because He loves us. He loves us enough to die for us.

Now say with the writer of the hymn May Jesus Christ be praised!!

I know what the first thing on my gratitude list is – it’s eternal life. How about you?

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Thirsty & Thankful

There’s something to be said for life experience.

I am grateful for the years I have been blessed with; as a child we moved regularly because of my dad’s job. My middle and high school years were spent in my hometown of Yuma and my married life started in the desert and brought me back here. The in between years took us to California, Washington, Idaho and Montana.

So many memories and experiences to draw from. This morning’s Bible reading was just such a moment.

“As the deer desires rivers of water, so my soul desires You, O God. 2 My soul is thirsty for God, for the living God. When will I come and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’…8 The Lord will send His loving-kindness in the day. And His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life…11 Why are you sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my help and my God.” Psalm 42 NLV

Many times, I have seen the deer come to the water during the hot summer months. Most often they come at night or early morning. The darkness is a protection from predators, or so it seems. But when the sun is hot, and the desert is dry they will come in the daylight.

Thirsty and desperate they come! Thirsty and desperate we come!

In our moments of crises, we come. A near fatal accident, the end of a marriage, indebtedness, illness, physical weakness, danger – they all draw us to a place of seeking God. I know you’ve probably heard the expression “there are no atheist in foxholes”.

Why do we wait to come to God? Why do we do “all we can, so we better pray”? That’s what the disciples did when they were in the storm on the sea. Why do we wait for the heat of our situation to draw us to the Father?

How much better is it to be a sheep instead of a deer?

“The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again.” Psalm 23:1-3 NLV

When we have a sheep’s mindset we follow; we don’t try to handle life on our own. We trust the Shepherd. We start our day following Him and end it resting in His protection.

Yesterday I had a neighbor, and a friend, tell me “I start each day by saying ‘Lord be with me today and help me be with You'”. We know He has promised to never leave us but sometimes we leave Him.

We have the promise of His loving-kindness throughout the day and His soothing song in the night. How good it is to know that when we are thirsty He is there. I’m so thankful for His presence!

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