Category: Relationship

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Running Over

A home filled with laughter, new friends, good food and an abundance of love!

It’s not what’s under the tree that gives us reason to celebrate but what’s in our hearts! The joy of Christmas doesn’t have to end the day after – even when the home is quiet and things seem to be back to “normal” the joy that fills our hearts should carry on.

“You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life,and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:5-6 CEV

My cup runneth over…God has been so good to me. He saw me for who I was and He loved me in spite of my shortcomings and my faults. He sees me now through His eyes of grace and His desire is for my good.

He has placed all I need before me and He has promised to go with me on this journey. He will provide – He won’t abandon me. His desire is for me to become all that He has designed me to be.

“ The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

That which runs over isn’t wasted because God isn’t wasteful. But the overflow can be given out to others.

Let today be the start of your overflow – where there was drought in your life; let there be a cup running over.

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Home for Christmas

Those song lyrics, “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me…I’ll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams”, bring a sense of nostalgia and longing to our hearts.

Remembering Christmases as a child or as a parent with young children around the Christmas tree. But, whatever the memory it was home.

Not so for Jesus.

Jesus came from heaven to earth; He left his home and came to ours to bring us abundant gifts.

“Praise be to God for giving us through Christ every possible spiritual benefit as citizens of Heaven! For consider what he has done—before the foundation of the world he chose us to become, in Christ, his holy and blameless children living within his constant care. He planned, in his purpose of love, that we should be adopted as his own children through Jesus Christ—that we might learn to praise that glorious generosity of his which has made us welcome in the everlasting love he bears towards the Son.” Ephesians 1:3-6

God the Father sent his Son to bring the gift of eternal life to all of us. By accepting this gift so freely given we are adopted into God’s family and He lavishes the same love and care that He has for Jesus on us. Marvelous grace!

He came to make His home with us. I always want to make Him feel welcome – my heart is His home.

“Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them.” John 14:23 CEV

I will make Him the center focus of all I do. He will be the honored guest!

He has adopted me and given me the right to call Him “Abba Father” as Paul says in Romans. Abba Father is an endearing term like “daddy” or “papa”, a term of great love and affection spoken by a child with a wonderful relationship with their father. What more could a Father ask for but the love of His child.

Be home for Christmas with the Father, His arms are open wide!

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Tidings of Comfort & Joy

Tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy!

The reason Jesus came was to bring “tidings” of comfort and joy.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10

The message of Jesus in the Temple…

“The book of Isaiah the prophet was given to him. He opened the book and found the place where this is written: 18 ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. He sent me to free those who have been treated badly 19 and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.” Luke 4:17-19 ERV

It’s amazing how a word from Jesus can turn our world right side up.

Peace be still.

Lazarus, come forth.

Throw your net to the other side

Let him with no sin cast the first stone

Zacchaeus come down

Take your bed and walk

Don’t fear, neither be afraid

When Mary was grieving in the garden because Jesus body was gone all it took was one word, “Mary” and all was well. He simply called her by name. He knows each of our names and He speaks to our hearts.

What has you troubled today – relationships, health, finances, mental stress, work?

“ The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

Listen to the words of the angels again and receive the tidings of GREAT JOY for ALL PEOPLE.

“But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. ” Luke 2:10-11 CEV

The Savior has come and He has a word just for you!

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Mary Did You Know?

A good portion of the country is having really bad weather – the snow, subzero temperatures, the wind!

I got to wondering what the weather must have been like travelling to Bethlehem all those years ago. I know it wouldn’t have been subzero but it can get cold in the desert regions. Was there rain?

Ladies, imagine this…9 months pregnant, riding a donkey, sleeping under the stars. Regardless of the weather, it may have been perfect, but that’s not the time you want to try out the new tent and sleeping bags you just got from BassPro, right?

What was Mary thinking, this was certainly a “memory maker”? Did the trip affect her disposition? What questions did this young woman have, after all it was her first pregnancy?

Mary, did you know?

” So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. 17 When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child. 18 Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them.” Luke 2:16-19 ERV

As a mother, I sit here this morning remembering different Christmas mornings with my children and grandchildren. I pray that the significance of that first Christmas morning stays as the focal point in their lives long after I am gone.

Last night I put down the knitting needles and washed the final baking dish of the season. The gifts are finished, and the baked goods have been distributed to friends and neighbors. I want to be remembered not for the goodies and the handmade gifts but for honoring the Lord and being obedient to Him.

I want to keep the attitude of heart that Mary had. The heart of a servant.

“ Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 NLT

There are not enough words of gratitude to possibly express my heart’s joy over the events of that first Christmas morning and how it’s changed my life. My desire is to be a faithful ambassador for Christ, sharing His love with those around me.

“ For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us…” II Corinthians 5:19-20a NLT

Mary, did you know that your obedience would change the world?

Thank you, Father, for loving me enough to give me the gift of Your Son and a relationship of eternal life with You that first Christmas day.

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Just Because

When I woke up this morning, my heart was filled with so much love and thanksgiving to the Lord.

Just because…

because He’s God, because He loves me, because He knows me and loves me still. When Jesus was born, wise men from the East saw His star and came to worship Him just because.

” Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 ERV

They knew the heavens declared the glory of God and they came to see the child.

My “just because” came when I realized that God was not holding my sin against me but that I had been “justified freely” by His grace.

” Now God says he will accept and acquit us—declare us “not guilty”—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. 23 Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; 24 yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.

25 For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God’s anger against us. He used Christ’s blood and our faith as the means of saving us from his wrath.” Romans 3:22-24 TLB

God loves us just because, and because He does He sent His Son!

“ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God. He takes away the sins of the world! ” John 1:29 ERV

Just because of His great love He has given me a robe of right-standing to wear.

“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 NLT

Jesus came just because of God’s great love!

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Great Riches

Rich – what does that word bring to mind? At this time of year it can be used in several ways.

Our conversation was rich with laughter.

The fudge was rich.

The presence of family and friends is rich.

That’s a present fit for a king but it requires his riches to buy it.

Rich: 1.wealthy: owning a lot of money or expensive property 2.worth much: worth a great deal of money 3.costly and fine: made from or consisting of things of the highest quality

What things in life make you feel rich?

Remember a couple of days ago when I used the verses from John 1 about the Word (Jesus) became flesh. Ok, so hold that thought for a moment and let’s look at Colossians.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 KJV

Let the word dwell in you richly or let’s put it this way. When Christ, who is the word, dwells in us we become rich in wisdom. Now there’s a novel concept, rich in wisdom. Wisdom is a commodity that money can’t buy but dwelling in the Word makes wisdom available.

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful. 16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:15-17 ERV

“But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much. 5 We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against him. But he gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by God’s grace.)” Ephesians 2:4-5 ERV

Now there are some gifts that we all desire – peace, thankfulness, wisdom, mercy and grace. A relationship with Christ, the Word, brings the richness of these gifts to our lives.

Merry Christ – mas!

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Building Relationships – Building Snowmen

I know this might sound really strange, especially to those of you who have young children or grandchildren, but I’ve only seen the movie Frozen once. Yes, just once.

However, the words to one of the songs from that movie have made an impact on me.

“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.”

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.

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

Do you want to build a snowman? It’s a good way to build relationships.

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Then Jesus Came

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us – how thankful I am that Jesus became flesh and brought life and salvation to all the world.

What “word” took on the form of flesh? The word that God spoke through Isaiah.

“So the Lord Himself will give you a special thing to see: A young woman, who has never had a man, will give birth to a son. She will give Him the name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:17 NLV

Just like the word that God spoke when He said “light be” and there was light, He said “the virgin shall give birth to a Son” and she did.

“For God can do all things.” 38 Then Mary said, ‘I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said.’” Luke 1:37-38 NLV

So, when the Word says “as many as received Him He gave the power to become the sons of God” we can put our faith in His Word. That’s why Jesus came.

The power of the Word, Jesus, to change lives is still active and available today!

“The Word (Christ) was in the beginning. The Word was with God. The Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 He made all things. Nothing was made without Him making it. 4 Life began by Him. His Life was the Light for men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness. The darkness has never been able to put out the Light…9 This true Light, coming into the world, gives light to every man. 10 He came into the world. The world was made by Him, but it did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, but His own did not receive Him. 12 He gave the right and the power to become children of God to those who received Him. He gave this to those who put their trust in His name. 13 These children of God were not born of blood and of flesh and of man’s desires, but they were born of God. 14 Christ became human flesh and lived among us. We saw His shining-greatness. This greatness is given only to a much-loved Son from His Father. He was full of loving-favor and truth.” John 1:1-5, 9-14 NLV

The world sees the shining brightness of the sun which God created each day – a sign of His power and greatness.

The world also saw the shining greatness of God through the life of Jesus. Those of us who are called the sons of God are carriers of this light to our world. It’s important that we let the world know the Word was spoken and then Jesus came.

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The Lost

I get great joy sharing with you each morning. There really is nothing I love more than telling you about the Father’s amazing love and the wonderful sacrifice that Jesus made for each one of us so we can be completely reconciled, made right, with God.

When I was a little girl, I got lost.

I was probably 6 or 7. My dad had taken me to the grocery store with him. We had been walking up and down the aisles when I was distracted by something on one of the shelves. I didn’t notice but my dad kept walking. When I looked up, he was gone.

I went from row to row trying to find him, but I didn’t see him anywhere. I even went to the front door of the store to see if our car was still in the parking lot and it was. I went to the register and with tears rolling down my cheeks, I told the cashier I couldn’t find my dad. She picked up the intercom and said, “Kristi’s dad is lost. Would he come to the register so she can find him.”

In just moments, dad appeared and all was well. I still remember the smile on his face and the way he wrapped his arms around me in a bear hug.

I know our heavenly Father experiences great joy when we are found.

“ Dishonest tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus’ sermons; 2 but this caused complaints from the Jewish religious leaders and the experts on Jewish law because he was associating with such despicable people—even eating with them!

3-4 So Jesus used this illustration: ‘If you had a hundred sheep and one of them strayed away and was lost in the wilderness, wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one until you found it? 5 And then you would joyfully carry it home on your shoulders. 6 When you arrived you would call together your friends and neighbors to rejoice with you because your lost sheep was found. 7 ‘Well, in the same way heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who haven’t strayed away!'” Luke 15:1-7 TLB

“The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them.” Luke 19:10 ERV

“ But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. 9 But there is more! … 10 Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by the life of his Son.” Romans 5:8-10 CEV

We were all lost and Jesus went searching for us. He found us, picked us up, carried us home in His loving arms, presented us to His Father and then had a party!

We are invaluable to Christ. So priceless that He willing died to save us!

One of the gifts of Christmas is the lost becoming found and finding peace with God! It’s a gift that needs to be shared.

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Peace on Earth

The life of Jesus began and ended with a message of peace and the instruction to “fear not” and be brave.

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 ERV

In light of all that is going on around the world today there is definitely a need for the Prince of Peace.

Can you imagine being a shepherd, probably dosing off for the night when the entire night sky lit up? Talk about UFO’s – this was an invasion! No place to run, no place to hide and then came the message:

” All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. 12 You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.”

13 Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: 14 “Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.” Luke 2:8-14 CEV

Don’t be afraid – Peace!

This isn’t just a nice little story in a nice little book – these shepherds were real people, and they came face to face with talking angels. Ya, that would make the hair on the back of your neck stand up!

But what is it you’re facing today – a bad medical report, a falling marriage, wayward children, financial failure, world unrest, the collapse of the future you had planned…

Then listen to what Jesus said

“But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you. 27 I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:26-27 CEV

and finally one of my favorites

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 ERV

This morning as you are looking out on your world, be still and let the peace of God rule in your heart.

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