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Better than Anticipated

I know everyone reading this has probably ordered something on-line, sight unseen. When the package arrived there was an anticipation of what the contents would be like. Was it better than anticipated or was it disappointing?

I wrote these words in my prayer journal this morning, “better than anticipated, Lord, You do not disappoint”.

From those words of heartfelt appreciation this verse came to mind.

“Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 ERV

Four hundred years before Christ was born Isaiah the prophet wrote these words.

“But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 CEV

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

For hundreds of years the nation of Israel anticipated the Child who was to be born. This was a promise from God and He was coming sight unseen. There was no estimated delivery date, no Amazon tracking that said “you package is 10 stops away”.

But there was a growing excitement. There was faith in God’s promise, hope for the Messiah.

“…The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Luke 2:9-12 CEV

Delivery of the package! A gift that changed the world.

Not a dictator with a strict list of rules. Not a tyrant but a Savior. Not a thief but a Shepherd.

“ I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will be able to come in and go out. They will find everything they need. 10 A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good. 11 “I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11 ERV

This gift, this life, that we celebrate at Christmas came sight unseen, but He does not disappoint. He came bringing abundant life to all who receive Him.

Yes, He’s much better than anticipated!

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The Impossible Made Possible

With God NOTHING is impossible!

Nothing…not your financial situation, not your health, not your kids or your spouse, your job, your safety, your peace of mind. Nothing!

These words were spoken to a young Jewish girl by an angel.

“Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what they meant. 30 Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, 31 and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. 33 He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this happen? I am not married!”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God’s power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God. 36 Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. 37 Nothing is impossible for God!”

38 Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.” And the angel left her.” Luke 1:29-38 CEV

What could be more impossible than this – a young woman, who was a virgin, having a child? No situation in your life or mine could be more impossible than this. Truly!

How? God’s power and Mary’s agreement. If Mary hadn’t believed the angel’s message to her He would have gone to someone else. But she accepted that NOTHING was impossible.

She believed, she conceived and she received what God gave.

The hard thing was walking it out. She had to tell her family, she had to tell Joseph and then she had to hear the whispers and the criticism that followed.

God has made us a promise that He will supply all that we need and He will give us the strength that we need in every situation. (Philippians 4:13, 19)

He has promised if we ask, we will receive. He won’t give us a stone for bread or a snake instead of a fish. He is a good Father and He will provide for his children. (Matthew 7)

There was another woman who saw the power of God at work. She was old, I mean really old. Almost 90 and her reproductive system had never worked but God made a promise. Sarah saw God work.

“The Lord asked Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh? Does she doubt that she can have a child in her old age? 14 I am the Lord! There is nothing too difficult for me. I’ll come back next year at the time I promised, and Sarah will already have a son.’” Genesis 18:13-14 CEV

So, compare your situation with Mary and Sarah. Whose need was bigger or more difficult to fix? God is the same – nothing, absolutely nothing, is too difficult for Him.

Time and time again I come back to my favorite verse. It is the foundation I stand on everyday.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Get in God’s word, find His promise then stand knowing that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!

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Ever Present – Ever Faithful

“The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel.”(Immanuel means “God with us.”) Matthew 1:23

” But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 CEV

God with us – in the car going to work; in the kitchen baking cookies; helping our kids with their homework; Christmas shopping; sitting beside the bed of a sick friend; sitting alone looking at the checkbook and the bills that need to be paid.

God with us – His purpose in coming was to be “with us”. In fact, Hebrews 13:5 tells us that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us.

We are also told that He promises to provide all our needs, heals all our diseases and forgives all our sins. Psalm 103

He always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus. II Corinthians 2:14

Can’t say that’s the way it’s always been in my life but I can say that when I realized that “God with us” it has certainly changed the outcome for the better – the best.

When we focus on all “we” have to do and how it’s “All” up to us, we become self absorbed. We make a very small package. But when we realize, truly realize, that God’s purpose is to “Be with us”, when we unwrap the present of His presence in our daily lives our world changes dramatically.

” What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else?” Romans 8:31-32 CEV

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

God’s present to us is His presence today. It fills us with joy!

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Seek for What’s Lost

Have you ever lost anything?

Maybe it’s your car keys, glasses, a special dish, jewelry, a family heirloom, money, a child! Each one of these items probably brought a different reaction in your thinking – a smile when thinking of losing your keys or glasses, a sense of gratitude at finding an heirloom or something of monetary value but an absolutely overwhelming peace and relief at finding a child!

When Kaci, our youngest daughter, was in pre-school they went on a field trip to Sea World in San Diego. I went along as one of the parent helpers. Another parent helper was my friend Theresa. She had 2 children in the preschool but she also had 2 other little ones that were younger than that. We had a wonderful day – the kids had a ball. All was well!

It was getting time to leave and each parent was responsible to see that their group had gone to the bathroom and had all their belongings before we started on the hour’s drive north to the school. Suddenly, there was a frantic movement in one of the other groups. It was Theresa’s. The twins were gone! They had just been there at the fountain with all the others and now they were gone. We got all our kids to sit down out of the way of foot traffic, left a couple of parents with the group and began searching, praying and searching, for Luke and Lizzie. It seemed like hours but was really only about 15 minutes and they had been found! Relief, tears, joy, peace!!

I was reminded of this story this morning as I thought of a verse in Luke 19. Jesus was walking through town and Zacchaeus had climbed a tree to get a look at this man that everyone was talking about. Jesus spotted him and called him down from the tree. Then Jesus said that he wanted to go to Zacchaeus’ home.

The Pharisees, the religious rulers of the day, were critical of Jesus for associating with “such a low life”, my paraphrase of Zacchaeus’ character. You see, Zacch worked for the IRS and had just been in hearings in front of the Senate committee for misappropriating funds and lying about how much taxes the folks owed. Oh, wait – no that’s another story. But by his own admission, Zacchaeus had taken money wrongfully from the citizens. The Pharisees felt justified with their criticism of Jesus and Zacchaeus.

Now hear Jesus words:

” For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 ESV

He, Jesus, came to seek and to save the lost! That’s the reason He came on that Christmas morning.

With the same singleness of purpose that we searched for Luke & Lizzie, Jesus “just happened” to walk down a road by a big tree – He just happened to look up and call to a man that others would ignore. Zacchaeus went to see Jesus, but Jesus was seeking to touch and save Zacchaeus.

I want to ask a personal question. If we lived in Jesus’ time and saw Him hanging out with the IRS agents, hookers, liars, politicians, etc. would we be critical of Him for making association with people of such low degree? Or would we realize that He was on a mission from the Father to find and save a lost child?

May the love of God flow through us today and allow the Father to use us to seek out, befriend and find the lost!

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Everlasting Father

“For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 TLB

God the Father, revealed His character through His Son. His nature; “God is love” was reflected in all that Jesus did. Even when he chastised the scribes and Pharisees, his words were true to his nature. When people were fearful, Jesus was there to bring peace, He righted the wrongs. He spent time with the Father so that He would always know the Father’s heart’s desire.

I shared these verses last night at prayer meeting.

“Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: 3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 ESV

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ESV

Our loving heavenly Father wants us calling on Him. He wants us to learn from Him. He wants to show us the great and mighty things He has planned for our lives – plans for our good and not for evil.

He is our everlasting Father!

Jesus lived a life rich in prayer. He would go out early in the morning to a solitary place to pray. He would stay up late at night, after He had sent the crowds and the disciples away, to pray. To talk with His Father.

And in His darkest hour, He prayed.

“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” John 17:9-11

“ I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me… 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:20-26 ESV

Jesus prayed that we as believers would be one as He and the Father were one. The Father living in the Son and now the Son, living in us.

The everlasting, eternal Father wants to show us the great and mighty things He has planned for us. Amazing things.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV

Our job now is to spend time with Him, just get to know him and we’ll begin to look like our heavenly Father as Jesus did.

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Mighty God

These words are transforming, life-changing and exciting! These words are to be lived – they are not just words on a page.

“For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 TLB

They are words that I have heard every Christmas for as long as I can remember. They are words, not just for the Christmas season, but they are our hope for every day of our lives.

Each “royal” title for Christ deserves to be examined and meditated on; this morning I’ll share just a few thoughts on “the mighty God”.

The mighty God – THE mighty God – the MIGHTY God – the mighty GOD – THE MIGHTY GOD – no matter where you put the emphasis, it means that HE is greater than I am. He is mighty.

From the beginning, God’s plan was to be involved in the daily lives of His creation. He wanted fellowship with the people He created. He walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. He spoke with Noah, Abraham, Samuel, David, Solomon, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, Mary, Joseph and then He came personally to dwell with mankind and reveal His nature – His heart – His plan.

The MIGHTY God made an old couple able to bear a child; shut the mouth of hungry lions, brought victory after victory in battle, fed the Israelites with bread from heaven, raised the dead, healed the sick, open the eyes of the blind, walked on water, defeated Satan and death to rise triumphantly from the grave.

The mighty GOD came to live among us, to experience what we experience and to give us the victory. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”I John 4:4

“We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. 15 Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16

There is NO situation or circumstance in our life today that “the mighty God” can’t handle. When we give it over to Him, we experience His presence and His peace.

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

All our worries, cares and frustrations need to be given over to our “Mighty God”. He promises to carry the load; to give us His peace, mercy and kind help in our time of need. He promises to never abandon us or leave us without help. He promises to be our help in times of trouble.

He is Mighty God and He is our constant friend and guide.

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What’s in a Name?

What are you called?

Do you remember those days when it seemed everyone was calling your name – Mom, Kristi, Honey, Mrs. Wilson? I think every Mom has said at one point, “I’m changing my name”. We say that in jest because we never would but some days we are just tired and out of answers.

How great to know that there is One who is always there to answer when we call. He never gets tired or falls asleep while we’re talking. He’s interested, He’s concerned and He loves to make time for us.

“Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3 CEV

His names: Wonderful, Counsellor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God. Also, Maker, Husband, Lord, Redeemer.

” For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.” Isaiah 54:5 KJV

His name is Jesus…Savior

“21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 KJV

He is I AM: bread of life, the door, the good shepherd, the way, the truth and the life, the Word, the resurrection, the vine, the friend that sticks closer than a brother!

He is our intercessor, our high priest, the author and finisher of our faith, our healer, our Savior, the Son of God.

” For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. 16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].” Hebrews 4:15-16 AMP

Who is it you need to talk to today? He is JESUS!

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Look Up!

Friday night we drove to the little town closest to us for a Christmas parade. Friends of ours went along. We didn’t know what to expect because as I said it was a little town.

We munched on hamburgers, funnel cakes and kettle corn as we waited for the parade to begin. It was fun to be in such a festive mob all anticipating the parade. What we didn’t expect was what happened next.

The drone parade.

Most of the town lights were dimmed and one by one small spots of light appeared in the heavens. More and more lights appeared drawn together by the intricate programming of those who had much more expertise in technology than any of us on the ground.

For the next bit of time the drones repositioned themselves to form a variety of Christmas images. But if you hadn’t been looking up, you would have missed the show!

It prompted a question in my heart, “how many times do I fail to look up and miss out on what God has planned?”.

So many people spend time looking down. Looking down on others because of their education or lack thereof; looking down on financial status, marital status, political party, skin color, cultural idiosyncrasies, too religious, not religious enough, occupation or even sports team affiliation.

Then there are those who spend their time looking in. Looking in-ward at their mistakes, their failures, their fears, their lack and so they spend half of their lives living in self-pity.

Isn’t it interesting that the angels proclaimed the message of Christ’s birth in the heavens? The shepherds had to look up.

“That night, some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.”

13 Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying, 14 “Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him” Luke 2:8-14 ERV

How much time in the last year have we spent looking down?

“Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle.” Psalm 24:7-10 AMP

Maybe things have you feeling overwhelmed – so much is going on in the world. Or maybe you’re looking inward because you’ve been hurt, broken hearted.

“I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? 2 My help will come from the LORD, the Creator of heaven and earth.3 He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep.” Psalm 121:1-3 ERV

Let me encourage you today to look up. Look up and find the One who fills the heavens and also fills our hearts!

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Where’s the Baby Jesus?

We used to live near the artisan community of Tubac, AZ. Dave and I loved shopping there – so many beautiful handcrafted items – silver, copper, terracotta and talevera pieces.

One shop we frequented had lovely nativity sets. My favorite.

Most of my decorating at Christmas is done with nativity sets and angels. I would study each figure in the set; their smiling faces, their clothing, the shape of the stall and then I realized there was no baby Jesus! Where did He go? What happened to Him? 

In this shop all the Christ child figures were missing. And then I saw the handwritten sign…If you buy a nativity, ask for Jesus. 

Ask for Jesus!

Wasn’t that the Father’s intent from the beginning? He wanted us to recognize that our lives were not complete without Jesus. 

Ask for Jesus?

When I asked the shop owner why there were no baby Jesus figures he told me this. We never have any problem with theft in this shop except for the baby Jesus. We keep Him in the back until a nativity is sold and then bring Him out and add Him with the rest of the pieces. 

Who would steal the baby Jesus? That is completely counter to the reason He came. When Jesus was born, the angels filled the heavens with the announcement. The shepherds were told to go find Him. The wise men saw and followed His star. Everyone was welcome to come see Jesus!

Jesus came to forgive the sins of all men, even the ones who would steal the baby Jesus.  Jesus wasn’t born in a palace where only a few of the elite would be allowed to enter. He wasn’t born in a monastery where only the religious and the holy would be. No, He was born in a barn; anyone – man, woman, child, elite or poor, educated or unlearned was welcomed at the manger. 

“Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” 13 Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying, 14 “Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.”

15 The angels left the shepherds and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this great event the Lord has told us about.’ 16 So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box.” Luke 2:11-16 ERV 

I want to encourage you to put Jesus on display. Don’t hid him, let the world see that He lives in you. Love the way He did; reach out to everyone the Father brings your way. The sign on our lives should be “if you want Jesus, just ask”. 

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Wonderful Counselor

I love looking at the names of Jesus that Isaiah spoke of.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLT

and His name shall be called Counselor – what is it you are needing direction on today?

We have been given a “Counselor” and this one knows the beginning from the end and all there is in between. Nothing happens that He doesn’t know about and He is wisdom. His counsel is faithful and true – He isn’t guessing or offering suggestions – He gives us the right answer every time.

We are a people in search of answers. We have financial advisors, life coaches, fitness instructors, legal advisors, sports trainers, YouTube experts on every subject but there is one who outshines them all.

“These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. 5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance 6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:4-7 NLT

When we open the pages of God’s heavenly love letter, the Bible, we receive wisdom and instruction in right living.

It’s profitable to receive good advice from a friend or trusted loved one.

My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 21 Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. 23 For their command is a lamp  and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.” Proverbs 6:20-23 NLT

But even greater advice comes from the One who made us and put our world in place.

“ If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 NLT

What a wonderful gift we have been given. Take time for a counselling appt today. Our Wonderful Counselor is waiting for our call.

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