Category: Psalms

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God is Kind

A few months back Dave started building a workshop at the back of our property. The first step was to get the foundation level. This was time consuming. He worked for days in the hard ground, breaking it up, adding sand under the concrete pilings, every thing had to be level and on square. If it was out of level the rest of the building wouldn’t come together right.

That’s how it is for us. Our building of life must be on a true foundation. Built square and level.

“Treat me with kindness, Lord, so that I may live and do what you say. 18 Open my mind and let me discover the wonders of your Law.
19 I live here as a stranger. Don’t keep me from knowing your commands. 20 What I want most of all and at all times is to honor your laws.
21 You punish those boastful, worthless nobodies who turn from your command 22 Don’t let them sneer and insult me for following you.
23 I keep thinking about your teachings, Lord, even if rulers plot against me. 24 Your laws are my greatest joy! I follow their advice.” Psalm 119:17-24 CEV

Once again we must remember who wrote this Psalm, David, and what he had experienced in his walk with the Lord. Time and again, David faced adversaries greater in number or stature than he was. He needed to see God’s goodness each day for his survival. When he went to battle against Goliath, the odds were staggering but David was successful in the fight because he depended on the promises of God to bring the battle to a successful end.

I think we often forget that the people in the Bible were “real” people just like you and me. They had families, went out each day to do specific tasks and faced obstacles as great as any of the ones we face. David was underestimated and underappreciated by his family and those around him. They saw a boy who was curious about the battle, they saw a cocky teenager who was overly confident and thought he was bragging when he said he would fight the giant.

Seasoned soldiers were afraid to face down Goliath as he blasphemed God each day. The whole army trembled and here was this “kid” who jumped and said let me go fight him. “I’ll stop him from speaking against our God”. David wasn’t out for his own glory or elevate his family’s standing in the community. He just knew, deep in his heart, that he couldn’t allow this “uncircumcised Philistine” to defy the army of the living God. (I Samuel 17:26)

Now that may seem like an insignificant phrase at first glance but it has great meaning. The Israelites had practiced circumcision since the Lord made a vow or covenant with Abraham hundreds of years earlier. It was a sign that God had made a promise that He would protect and provide for them. He would fight their battles and keep them safe. God promised and that was good enough for David. What he saw when he looked at Goliath was a man who had no promise from God but he did and that gave him the confidence to put his life on the line. God would go with him – he would succeed.

David knew he had a covenant, a contract, with God. That same covenant holds true for us and has even been expanded to greater depth because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Hebrews says we have a great covenant built on better promises!

I pray verses 18 and 19 all the time. Open my eyes to see your wonderful promises. Each time I read the word there are new discoveries that God brings out. It’s so great to read a book and have the author “in residence” to teach me exactly what was meant by what He wrote.

Verse 20 might need a little explanation. When Moses was giving instruction to the Israelites before they went in to the “Promised Land”, he gave them this admonition. “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, choose life”. Folks aren’t cursed because God is angry with them or because “fate” wasn’t on their side. There are two sides to the coin – living blessed or living cursed – and we are the ones who get to choose. The proud made a choice; they chose to live dependent in their own intellect and independent of God’s guidance and direction. Just like our friend Goliath, depending on your own strength and knowledge will prove disastrous.

David knew doing things God’s way, following His laws and commands would look foolish to outsiders. Even his own brothers thought he was being arrogant and foolish when he said that he would fight Goliath. People are doing the same today; shaking their heads saying we’re old fashioned, our ideas and stand for godliness is antiquated. But GOD… I will follow God any day – His word has never failed.

Following God’s word, obeying His leading brings us to a place of rest and yes, joy. It feels so good to know that we don’t have to depend on our own efforts but that He is there to protect and provide.

Homework today. I would like you to read Deuteronomy 28 – find out what blessings God has for you to choose and what curses you can avoid. Get to know what God has promised so that in time of battle you know that you have been promised victory.

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Building With Purpose

Have you ever had someone ask, “if you could go back and live your life over, would you do it?” I don’t know what your answer is but mine has always been – No!

Yes, I’ve done things in my past that I’m not proud of, made some big mistakes and some little ones. But if I went back, would I do it any differently, would I make fewer mistakes or more? Can’t answer that one, however, I can answer this. I can live my life now, not looking back because I have been forgiven and I am a new creature in Christ – old things have passed away and all has become new. God has promised that he puts our sins as far as the east is from the west and He remembers them no more. So if He’s not dwelling on my failures – why should I?

“Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word. 10 I worship you with all my heart. Don’t let me walk away from your commands. 11 I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. 12 I praise you, Lord! Teach me your laws. 13 With my own mouth, I tell others the laws that you have spoken. 14 Obeying your instructions brings as much happiness as being rich. 15 I will study your teachings and follow your footsteps. 16 I will take pleasure in your laws and remember your words.” Psalm 119:9-16

The very first thought is living pure as a young person. You do that by obeying God’s word and following it with your whole heart. This keeps you from making stupid mistakes and living with regrets. King David who wrote this lived his life as a young man serving God and following His word. He was single-minded in His obedience to God’s word and because of it David was selected by God to be Saul’s successor and the king of Israel. A young man still in his teens, David became known as a “man after God’s heart”.

As parents and grandparents we should be sharing the value of God’s word with the young people in our lives. Not beating them over the head with the Bible and a list of do’s and don’ts  but making it practical – showing them that God is real and can be trusted. The people in the Bible aren’t mythical stories but real just like they are and faced some difficult challenges and came through them trusting God and depending on Him. David was probably 17 when he faced Goliath; Joseph was but a young man in his late teens when his brothers sold him into slavery, he faced being seduced by his master’s wife, prison time and rose to power and never gave in to bitterness or hatred towards his brothers. Esther was a young woman taken into a king’s harem and she maintained godly character in a harsh and hostile environment.

How does a young man keep his life pure – by following God’s word!

Now for us who are a bit older – we can enjoy this trusting relationship with the Lord too. We can treasure God’s word above everything else and it will keep us from sin. Holding our tongue, refusing to be unkind, not caving to compromise when it could lead to our advancement at work; refusing to worry; fighting political correctness when it goes against God’s word; doing what’s right because it’s right will bring joy and happiness. These are the things that bring true success.

Each one of the Bible characters I mentioned above rose to power and prominence because they honored God. Those things didn’t come first, they followed. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Have the Holy Spirit show you today one thing – large or small – where you have been compromising, repent and then ask Him to show you how to follow in His footsteps. Find a verse that gives you instruction on how to deal with the area that needs correction – meditate it, memorize it. “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11

If you’re going to make a New Year’s Resolution make it one to follow God’s word and you will find true purpose.

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A Firm Foundation

This morning we are going to begin our study of Psalms 119. But why?

There’s a new year coming and it’s important to have a firm foundation. We don’t know what trials, struggles or life storms lay ahead but God does and he has promised that when we have built our lives on a sure foundation we will be able to withstand the storm.

“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

This past year we saw time and again pictures of those areas that were devastated by storms; Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, California, Montana, Oregon, Oklahoma, Kansas. Hurricanes, fires, flooding. Billions of dollars spent in restoration.

God has promised that His word, standing on His word, believing His word will provide us with a strength to withstand. It provides us with blessing.

“Our Lord, you bless everyone who lives right and obeys your Law.
2 You bless all of those who follow your commands from deep in their hearts
3 and who never do wrong or turn from you. 4 You have ordered us always
to obey your teachings; 5 I don’t ever want to stray from your laws.
6 Thinking about your commands will keep me from doing some foolish thing.

7 I will do right and praise you by learning to respect your perfect laws.
8 I will obey all of them! Don’t turn your back on me.” Psalm 119:1-8 CEV

When our kids were little we told them we have one rule, “be obedient”. Very simple, not a lot to remember – just be obedient. That’s what I hear the Lord saying in the start of this chapter. Obey My word – it’s the same as saying obey me.

Obey from deep within our hearts – not surface or superficial obedience; but one that is heartfelt and genuine. Knowing that God knows more and has a better understanding than we possibly could, so our obedience is a sign of respect for His infinitely greater knowledge.

Remember the old “Karate Kid”. Wax on – Wax off! Daniel was so frustrated with Mr. Miyagi. What good was all this “waxing” doing? There was a lesson being taught that wasn’t apparent to the young Daniel. I feel like that sometimes when the Lord is teaching me something – what’s the point? And then I go back to what I required of my children, “be obedient”. He’ll show me at the appropriate time.

This Psalm says that simply thinking about God’s word will keep me from doing foolish things – I certainly need that. Foolish mistakes can be very costly and I don’t want to waste time or effort in having to re-do what was done wrong.

“I will do right by learning to respect your laws”. Respect – that means giving honor, a place of pre-eminence, a valuing above others. Respect God’s word over the word of a trusted friend – seek God’s word above the counsel of the others.

God has a plan established for our obedience. Isaiah 1:18 says if we be willing and obedient we will eat the good of the land. I like that – I like good.

And finally, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Psalm 111:10

To fear the Lord doesn’t mean that we are scared but that we have that respect that the verse above talks about. Respecting the Lord and His word, giving it credibility, will make us wise and increase our understanding.

Find one thing today in God’s word and be obedient! It’s worth it for sure.

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The Gift of Waiting

This morning when I got up I wasn’t sure what I would be sharing with you. What gift would I give you today? And then I opened my laptop…

Yesterday I had been prompted to do an update so I scheduled it for the middle if the night. I didn’t want to have to wait for all the loading and restarts that I knew would be required. So the best plan was for it to occur while I was sleeping.

That’s not what happened. When I checked my laptop this morning there was a message that it failed to restart. That was an hour ago and it’s still working on updates. “This may take a while” is what the screens says. Waiting…

Not to worry I thought when I first saw the message on the screen, I just have more time to pray. I did that, still unsure of what to share with you and then just jumped out at me.

Waiting is a gift!

I’m waiting for the updates because it will make my computer run better. I wait when I’m baking my banana bread and cinnamon rolls because the taste better fully cooked.

I waited for the closing date when we purchased our house because we wanted all the paperwork to be done right. I wait for an event and the excitement builds as the date gets closer.

I waited to deliver my babies because full term is better than premature.

I wait for a visit with friends. We actually count how many more sleeps till we’re together.

Waiting is a gift! Waiting on the Lord strengthens us.

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

Waiting gives us time to prepare. Waiting lets us grow. Waiting allows what we’re waiting on to fully develop.

I’m not sure what you’re waiting on today. Maybe it’s your family to arrive or the opening of gifts. You could be waiting on a medical report or a new job. Possibly you’re waiting for renewed relationships.

Wait and don’t get weary!

“So don’t lose the courage that you had in the past. Your courage will be rewarded richly.36 You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what he promised you.” Hebrews 10:35-36 ERV

Wait with anticipation like a child waiting for Christmas morning.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him.
He is good to those who look for him.” Lamentations 3:25 ERV

Waiting is a good gift!

(By the way, I’m still waiting on the computer to update over an hour now. Yes, waiting is good.)

 

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The Gift of Compassion

The last few years I have shared my thoughts on the need for genuine love and compassion on Facebook. We have been called to be the light to the world and Jesus told his disciples that the world would know that we belong to Him because of the way we love one another. What better time to be that light and example of love than at Christmas. This is a great time of year to most but to some it only reinforces their feelings of loneliness.

I look for examples of God’s word being lived out all around me and a few years ago I found it in the theme of a Disney movie, Frozen. I’ve only seen it once but I came away with a clear message of reaching out to those who are hurting. Look at the words to one of the songs – those of you with small children or grandchildren probably know it by heart.

“Do you want to build a snowman?…
Come on, let’s go and play!
I never see you anymore
Come out the door
It’s like you’ve gone away

We used to be best buddies
And now we’re not
I wish you would tell me why!

Do you want to build a snowman?
It doesn’t have to be a snowman

Ok, bye.”

As I’ve said in my devotionals on many occasions we need to be aware of people who are hurting. For whatever reason the holidays seem to accentuate feelings of loneliness. I know, I’ve been there. But there’s really only one answer to a lonely heart.

It’s not a good therapist, it’s not a new love, it’s not change of scenery or job, or a puppy or food or alcohol. It’s not even building a snowman. It’s finding personal relationship with the One who loves you unconditionally.

“Praise the Lord because he is good. Sing praises to our God. It is good and pleasant to praise him…3 He heals their broken hearts and bandages their wounds.” Psalm 147: 1 & 3 ERV

Jesus is here to provide the comfort and consolation we so desperately need.

“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29 Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. 30 This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 CEV

Sometimes hurting people hide behind big smiles and laughter, some hide behind rude and obnoxious behavior and others just hide. When Jesus started his ministry it was said that He was moved with compassion. Compassion is that deep life-changing love. And since God has put His love in us we should shine brightly with his compassion in reaching out to other.

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 CEB

“When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion for them and healed those who were sick.” Matthew 14:14 CEB

“Moved with compassion [for his suffering], Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Mark 1:41 AMP

“When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.” Mark 6:34 CEB

I’m asking you today to look for hurting people – ask them to come build a snowman or share a cup of coffee, a cinnamon roll…share your time, your love, your forgiveness and compassion.

By so doing you will have shared Jesus and He is the one who heals the broken hearted!

“When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, 36 and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.” 37 Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink?..40 The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:35-40 CEV

Find a way to give the gift of compassion today!

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A Wonderful Counselor

What do you do when you run into those situations that you just don’t understand and need some extra insight? Do you have a trusted friend that you can talk to, someone who gives good advice, a counselor who will give you the proper perspective?

It seems we are a society intent on gaining information and affirmation. My goodness, just look at the afternoon “talk shows” and commentaries. If that isn’t enough to set your head swimming you can “research” just about anything on the net and get an “expert’s” advice. There you will find answers to medical issues, marital advice and even financial investment guidance. Oh but wait, there’s still more. Then you can get a You-Tube video to give you instruction for mechanical, construction and destruction projects.

Yes, we are a society in search of answers.

Who’s better than Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, Oprah, Judge Judy, the horoscope, Howard Stern, the entire news service and the net? The Counselor!

“This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be “Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 ERV

He’s never given bad advice – never. He’s never drawn a wrong conclusion or made a judgment out of malice. He’s never gone back and change his mind because of political correctness or because more information has surfaced. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

His Word is infallible, His judgments are pure and righteous and He is easy to reach – no appointment necessary. No waiting – come right in and it’s free!

“ Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

This Counselor knows all the answers. He knows the beginning from the end. There isn’t a topic of concern that is above his pay grade or surpasses His knowledge. He can accurately advise you on any subject.

“The Lord’s laws are right. They make people happy. The Lord’s commands are good. They show people the right way to live. 9 Learning respect for the Lord is good. It will last forever. The Lord’s judgments are right. They are completely fair. 10 His teachings are worth more than pure gold. They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:8-10 ERV

Jesus is also our advocate, our defense attorney. He is the one who pleads our case but it isn’t based on our merit but on His.

“My dear children, I write this letter to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have Jesus Christ to help us. He always did what was right, so he is able to defend us before God the Father. 2 Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:1-2 ERV

“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 4:16 ERV

The one requirement on your part is time. Take time to read the information He gives. Go ahead it’s there for you. You may say you don’t understand the Bible, I agree that some translations are difficult to understand but there’s an app for that. I use the Bible Gateway app all the time, www.biblegateway.com. It lists multiple translations and paraphrases to help you understand God’s word. And you’re going to be spending time, one way or another, searching for your answer so why not start here first?

Set up your “counselling” appointment today. Lay down on the couch, rest in Him and find help in your time of need!

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The Gift of Faithfulness

Faithfulness! The sign of a true friend is faithfulness. Through the years, Dave and I have been blessed with many acquaintances and even dear situational friendships. You know, those friends that are in your life for a particular seasonal or location. But then there are the friends that rise above time and space. They are the ones who you may not talk to for months or even years but when you see them, your heart is stirred with love and memories and the relationship picks up and grows even deeper.

Yes, we have been truly blessed with friends that fall into that category! Our lives are richer, warmer and fuller because of their love!

I was mediating on that word “faithfulness”. Faith+full+ness. Faith= the established belief in someone or something not seen. The knowing that they will always be the same. Never failing, always there.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Full= not empty, not lacking, abundance, more than enough.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

Ness= a suffix added to a word to indicate quality

Faith= believing in the unseen; Full= abundance; Ness= quality Faithfulness: believing in the abundance of someone always being the same in overflowing abundance, to the greatest extent or quality.

God’s faithfulness endures forever! He will always be the same – He keeps His promises and His love never fails! Rest in Him today.

“Our Lord, you are eternal!
Your word will last as long
as the heavens.
90 You remain faithful
in every generation,
and the earth you created
will keep standing firm.
91 All things are your servants,
and the laws you made
are still in effect today.
92 If I had not found happiness
in obeying your Law,
I would have died in misery.
93 I won’t ever forget
your teachings,
because you give me new life
by following them.” Psalm 119:89-93 CEV

Trust in the faithfulness of your loving heavenly Father! It’s His gift to us.

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Gift of a Thirsty Soul

The image I am sharing with you this morning is one that was taken in our yard in Idaho about 15+ years ago. It had been a dry Spring and Summer. The natural springs and ponds were very low and some were dry. We lived in an area called the Rimrock north of Coeur d’Alene. It was a Saturday and we were all in the living room when the dogs started their low growl, you know, the one that means something’s up and they didn’t like it. Our living room southern wall was all windows. When we looked out this is what we saw.

A cow moose had brought her twin calves up to rest in the shade and she found water. They stood there was a while just letting the sprinkler hit them in the face and then she knelt down and wrapped her lips over the sprinkler head and just sucked up the water. I had never seen anything like it before or since. Her thirst was overwhelming. She needed the life giving water and would take it from whatever source was available. We had just been telling that sorry to some folks visiting in our home yesterday and here was the picture today.

This is the picture I see when I think of the Bible verse found in Psalms

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God. 2 In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face?” Psalm 42:1-2 CEV

I’m sure you know that the human body can go longer without food than it can without water. Since our bodies are about 70% water, it is vitality important that we stay hydrated in order to be healthy. No, I’m not going into a teaching on health and nutrition. Just stating the facts. But it is important that we stay hydrated spiritually too.

“I remember to think about the many things you did in years gone by. 6 Then I lift my hands in prayer, because my soul is a desert, thirsty for water from you. 7 Please hurry, Lord, and answer my prayer. I feel hopeless. Don’t turn away and leave me here to die. Psalms 143:5-7 CEV

Have you ever felt that hopeless? Felt like you were completely dry on the inside and had nothing left to give? When it happens we become prey to thoughts of depression, loneliness, hopelessness. We need to have our souls watered – words of encouragement, comfort, kindness, love bring new life and hope back to our hearts.

“All you people who are thirsty, come! Here is water for you to drink. Don’t worry if you have no money. Come, eat and drink until you are full! You don’t need money. The milk and wine are free.
2 Why waste your money on something that is not real food? Why should you work for something that does not really satisfy you? Listen closely to me and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the food that satisfies your soul. 3 Listen closely to what I say. Listen to me so that you will live. I will make an agreement with you that will last forever. It will be an agreement you can trust, like the one I made with David— a promise to love him and be loyal to him forever.” Isaiah 55:1-3 CEV

Over and over again throughout the Bible we see the reference that coming to the Lord, trusting Him is like receiving life giving water. Jesus told people he was the bread of life. By coming to Him they would find food that sustains, spiritual food, and water that will quench their thirst, soul refreshing.

“Then Jesus said, “I am the bread that gives life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who believes in me will ever be thirsty. 36 I told you before that you have seen me, and still you don’t believe. 37 The Father gives me my people. Every one of them will come to me. I will always accept them. 38 I came down from heaven to do what God wants, not what I want.” John 6:35-38 ERV

Now I could tell you that there are many around us that are parched, badly in need of water and that’s true but I get the feeling this morning that some who are reading this are the ones who are parched. You feel dry and used up and just don’t know how much longer things can go on like this. I’ve been there!

Let me share one last very familiar group of verses with you.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life.” Psalm 23:1-3 CEV

When we come to the Lord he takes care of us like a good shepherd takes care of his sheep. He brings us to good pastures so we can eat and rest and He will refresh our souls just like water from a peaceful stream.

Thank you Lord for the gift of a thirsty soul because you give us life giving water.

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The Gift of Words

Remember a week or so back I asked you to join me in a fast, a fast of criticism? So how are you doing? I have to admit that there have been a few times that I’ve had to stop and repent and get back on track. Our words are so important.

You might not think that a teaching on words has much to do with the Christmas season but it really does. God started everything with His words. He said, “Light be” and it was. He spoke the plan of Christ’s birth was spoken out in words hundreds of years before the event took place. God had the prophets repeated that message again and again until it came to pass.

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 KJV

Then the angel came to Mary and told her that she had been chosen to give birth to the Messiah. Listen to her response.

“26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth…
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:26-38 KJV

According to your word. Mary knew that it was only necessary for God to speak a word for things to happen.

Words are filled with power – power to create or power to destroy. The writer of Proverbs penned it this way

“ A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:20-21 KJV

This is why it’s so important that we “fast” those words that are critical and condemning. We don’t want to end up eating our unkind words, we need to feast on words that life giving.

Our casual approach to the spoken or written word can undermine our faith. My favorite Bible verse, Numbers 23:19 focuses on the importance and power of God’s word.

“God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change. If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERV

When God speaks His word – it comes to pass. He has faith in what He has said and that’s why Mary could have such life-changing faith in the message that Gabriel brought her from God. We can have that same conviction and faith in God’s words.

At Christmas, and throughout the year, make your words a gift. A gift that brings life and encouragement. A gift of forgiveness and peace. A gift of kindness and love!

“Don’t let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault.14 Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Psalms 19:13-14 CEV

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The Gift of a Humble Heart

The last few mornings I have been reminding you of some of the wonderful gifts that our gracious, loving Father has given to us but now I’d like to ask you to consider giving a gift to Him.

I’m sure you have already started making your Christmas gift list. It’s something we all do…this for Mom, that for Dad, and the kids want the latest and the greatest.

But really the reason we give gifts at Christmas is because of the Father’s great gift to us that first Christmas. The gift of His love, wrapped in human form, bringing life and relationship to us all.

Look at your Christmas list again and see if you find the Father’s name on your list. That’s what I did this morning. I asked “Father, what would you like this Christmas season?” The answer came quickly.

“You don’t really want sacrifices, or I would give them to you. 17 The sacrifice that God wants is a humble spirit. God, you will not turn away someone who comes with a humble heart and is willing to obey you.” Psalm 51:16-17 ERV

The Father wants humble hearts. Hearts that are open to His leading. Hearts that have more room for Him and less room for self. We become selfish with our hearts when we’ve been hurt. We block out a part of our lives and leave it to harden – hardened against the memories and the pain.

But when we do that, we also block it off to the Father’s healing touch. Let me ask that we take time to ponder, meditate, think on strongly this. How many times have we hurt or ignored the Father? Has He closed off His heart to us? Has He refused to forgive even though we haven’t apologized?

No, never!

So the gift the Father desires from us is a heart willing to obey His word. He has told us we need to forgive 70×7. He has told us “to take no account of the evil done to us”. He has told us, if we come to Him he will heal our broken hearts – that means we let go of bitterness. We can love as He loves.

This morning, I see the Father urging us to bring Him our gifts of broken hearts, broken lives, broken dreams and letting Him, not just fix what’s broken, but give us new hearts, new lives, new dreams. Beauty for ashes. Joy to replace our mourning. A garment of praise for our heaviness.

“Pray to the Lord, and he will hear you. He will save you from all your troubles. 18 The Lord is close to those who have suffered disappointment. He saves those who are discouraged.” Psalm 34:17-18 ERV

So start your Christmas Season. Start by giving what you have been holding back and then receive what He came to give. These verses tell us why Jesus came to earth:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me. The Lord has chosen me to tell good news to the poor and to comfort those who are sad. He sent me to tell the captives and prisoners that they have been set free. (2) He sent me to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness, when our God will also punish evil people. He has sent me to comfort those who are sad, (3) those in Zion who mourn. I will take away the ashes on their head, and I will give them a crown. I will take away their sadness, and I will give them the oil of happiness. I will take away their sorrow, and I will give them celebration clothes. He sent me to name them ‘Good Trees’ and ‘The Lord’s Wonderful Plant.’” Isaiah 61:1-3 ERV

Give the Father your gift of a humble heart. It will put a big smile on His face!

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