Decisions

Matthew 1:20 “As he (Joseph) considered this (divorcing Mary), an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David.’ The angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.'”

Some of the decisions we make in life are not easy ones. Everyday we are faced with choices. Some of these are easy. What will I wear today? What do I make for dinner?While others are more difficult. Do I forgive _______?

So often we see things black and white. We only see two options however; when we pray God can give us another option. Just like He did with Joseph.

When Joseph found out Mary was with child he only saw two options. One was to allow her to be stoned to death. The other was to divorce her quietly. Joseph did not see the third option until an angel appeared and told him she was not unfaithful to him.

When we make decisions that affect the lives of others we must always seek God’s wisdom and be willing to follow through no matter how difficult it may be. We must set aside our selfishness and listen to the wisdom of God. Step outside of your box and allow God to be God of your life.

Abba Father, thank you for coming to this earth and saving me from sin and certain death. I know the decisions of Joseph and Mary allowed me to know You as my Savior. The decision they made to love one another, even when they did not fully understand, if an example to me of what it means to follow Your plan. No life is easy and the decisions we make effect so many lives. Help me to turn to you for the difficult things I face each day. Help me to recognize Your still small voice in the midst of my own sinful thoughts and ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

A Savior Is Born

We know the story, we know the words but, do we really believe? Isaiah 9:6-7a “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. His government and its peace will never end.”

These are the words we hear every year yet, as I watch the interaction of people we often act as if we are better, smarter, more gifted, and smarter than everyone else. This is not what our Savior displayed through His life. It is actually the exact opposite.

Do you show the people in your life the love of Christ or are you quick to tell/show them how they fall short of your expectations? Nobody expected the Savior of the world to come as a baby and be born of a peasant girl. If there is anything that I am learning through my journey it is to expect the unexpected from my Savior. The closer I get to Christ the less likely I am to judge others and be reminded of how I fall short every single day. Who am I to judge others when I too am a sinner.

We all fall short of the glory of God so, when someone disappoints you or your plans meet a bump in the road, remember that God is in control and His plan is always perfect and filled with a love that can never be matched.

Abba Father, thank you for always meeting me where I am reminding me that I am not in control. You always know what You are doing and have my best interest at heart. You want nothing more than for me to love You and those You have put in my life. Help me to love they way You what me to love, to reserve judgement, and to remember that my plans are not Your plans. Thank you for coming into this world full of humility, love, grace, mercy, and compassion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Savior

1 Timothy 4:6-10 “If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. ‘Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.’ This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.”

A savior is one who delivers from trouble, sin or judgment. A savior is also one who loves, cares, and respects others. A savior is a servant who shows how to love and live through words and actions.

Without a savior where is hope, love, peace, joy, or trust?

If we truly believe that God is our Savior, then we have hope, joy, love, peace, and we are able to trust the Word of God to be true. Our God is the Savior of the world. He came to show us how to live, love, care for, and to die for one another. As we go through life we should strive to live a life that is pleasing to the God who saved us from our sins. We should remember that everyday and every person is a gift.

Every friend and family member are gifts from a Father who loves us. Even the hard times are a gift because they grow us in our faith. Each day live so others can see Christ in you. Satan will use your areas of weakness to bring heartache, anger, strife, and destruction whenever he can. Remember that you have a Savior to help you navigate the struggles of life. Stop relying on your own will power and way of doing things; show the love of Christ that lives within you and release control. Allow God to be at the wheel of your life and watch how beautiful it can be.

Abba Father, thank you for being my Savior. Thank you for coming into that is world and showing me how to love, especially when it is hard. I know that in You I can find strength, peace, love, and worthiness. Thank you for the people in my life that continually turn my eyes to You and who breathe Your Word into my soul. Thanks you for all you have done, are and will do in my life. I know that without You I am nothing. Help me to remember to live each day as a gift given by You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Why Do We Fear?

Matthew 9;8 “Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for sending a man with such great authority.”

I find it amazing that we often are shocked or fearful when God actually shows His love for us. He demonstrates His love and we respond with shock, amazement, or even fear. I wonder how our lives would be different if we lived every moment of every day remember God is the God of miracles.

God took practical steps to give us a tool to live by, The Bible. He tells us what we can expect from Him and how we are to treat others. If we are not taking practical steps to demonstrate the love we are given, through Him, our words are empty and meaningless.

Are you showing love to those in your life the love of Christ through your words and actions? Are you treating others as if they were God in the flesh? No matter how frustrated, angry, or hurt you are remember God loves them just as much as He loves you. Our lives would be filled with so much more joy if we treated people as if they were Christ in the flesh because He created them with the same love and care He used to create you.

Abba Father, thank you for loving me and saving me. I know that I fall short showing those around me how much I love and care for them. Help me to share Your love with them through my words, actions, and attitude. When I am angry or frustrated help me to check the condition of my heart and speak as if I am speaking directly to You. Plant the image of Your Son over the face of those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Leprosy vs Sin, One And The Same

Matthew 8:3 “Jesus reached out and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’ And instantly the leprosy disappeared.”

Sin is a disease that can consume the body. Sin gets into our hearts and minds. As a result, it can lead us to places we never thought we end up. It can destroy families, our mental state, harden our heart, and cause our words to be filled with negativity.

We can become so overwhelmed with life that we don’t take time to see all that God has given us. We often see others sins and fail to look inward to see our own. We are not good at accepting our part in a disagreement or even saying, “I am sorry for _____.” And leaving it there. We often feel we need to justify our poor choices by adding the word “but”. When we say we are sorry, we need to leave it alone and not justify our actions.

We are no different from a leper of Jesus day. Although leprosy is a disease that can be seen on the skin; sin is a disease that can be heard in our words and seen in our actions. When we spend time with Jesus we give God the opportunity to heal our hearts from the hurt this world causes.

Remember that sin is incurable. Only Christ’s healing touch can take away our sins and restore us to real living. Being honest with ourselves can be difficult because we don’t like admitting our faults. It is so much easier to blame others for our words, actions and choices but, the truth is we are all responsible for our own actions, words, and choices no matter how painful.

Abba Father, thank you for being willing and able to heal me, guide me, and cleanse me. Help me to see where I need You to cleanse me. My wounds are not visible like a leper but they cause pain all the same. Open my eyes to see where I need to be more like You. Help me to control my words and actions when I become overwhelmed, frustrated, or offended. Father, thank you for coming to this place to live, die, and save me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

HEART ATTITUDE

Luke 16:22-23 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in the torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus, the poor man, at his side.”

The attitude of our heart comes out of our mouths in words and tone. Throughout my life I have used and heard others say, “It is not what you say but, how you say it.” Our heart attitude reviles itself through our actions.

We need to take the time to look into our hearts and appreciate what we have even when our lives don’t go the way we think it should. Life rarely turns out the way we plan. If we slow down and learn to appreciate the gifts we have been given and share those gifts with others, we are forever blessed. Don’t get stuck focusing on what you don’t have and allow what you do have to slip away.

Heavenly Father, thank you for my life. Thank you for the disappointments that helped me see the real blessings. Continue to open my heart and my mind to see you at work in my life. Help me to enjoy what I have today and to bless others with the love that only comes from a relationship with you. Help me to bless others with what You have given me. In Jesus Name, Amen

Kindness Brings Favor

Proverbs 3:3-4 “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.”

As we go throughout life we can become cynical, hard hearted, and angry. These emotions can cause us to act out in hurtful ways, say things that hurt another, or even cause us to build a wall to keep others out.

God tells us to never let kindness leave us, He tells us to tie it around our neck, like a necklace. This is to serve as reminder of how He wants us to treat others. He does not say treat others the way they treat us. No, He says to treat others with kindness and speak truth in love. God sees your kindness even when no one else does. He sees your struggles, when no one else does. He is watching and knows your heart.

When you open yourself up and let down your walls it can be scary, especially if you have been hurt by those you love. Do it anyway because God is asking you to and He will give you the strength to be kind, loving, and holds you in the palm of His hand.

Abba Father, thank you for Your reminder to be kind to those around me. Thank you for those that have shown me kindness when I don’t deserve it. Remind me to be kind to others simply because You have asked me to. Protect my heart as I begin to open up and trust that You are with me through every circumstance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

The Hand That Holds You

Psalm 37:23-24 “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.”

When we were small and learning to walk, someone held our hand or we held onto something. This served more than one purpose. The hand was there to support, guide, and protect. It did not keep us from stumbling but, it did catch us as we fell. God is doing the same thing in each of our lives.

Not only does God holds our hand; He keeps us from falling. We are never too far gone, lost, broken, or forgotten for our Heavenly Father. When we surrender to Him and sit still enough to listen, He will speak and guide us.

If you have struggles or are facing challenges, spend some time alone with God and seek His advice before you step; He will direct your path. He cannot break promises and He promises to direct your steps and keep you from falling. So stand tall, face your heartache, challenges, and struggles while holding on to the God who delights in you.

Abba Father, thank you for being the one to direct my steps and to delight in me even when I am unlovable, unworthy, and have turned away from You. Thank you for watching over me, protecting me, and holding me when no one else would or did. When I feel lost and alone, thank you for being the one I can turn to and for always being there for me. Thank you for keeping me from falling. Thank you for the many blessings in my life, especially those I take for granted, and help me to seek You in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Anticipation

Hebrews 1:1 “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”

As each new year approaches there is talk about the hope of the coming year. All around we hear people talk about their hopes and dreams for the new year.

People have faith in something that is unseen. It is looking forward to a new start, new experiences, a new outlook, and a fresh start. Even though every year has its challenges, we don’t hear people talk about the challenges, only faith in what is to come. It is all about the assurance of a better year, hope in the unseen. With out hardships would we really enjoy or even see the blessings?

Faith is about believing in the fulfillment of promises even when we have not seen the promises materialize. With Faith comes a hope, a hope for a better future, and the blessings of God.

Abba Father, as I say good bye to another year, I want to say thank you for the hardships and blessings that have made me the person I am today. I know that You have brought me to this place and You will continue guide me, hold me, love me, and even challenge me to become the person You created me to be. Thank you for the opportunities given to me. Thank You for my life, my family, and my friends who have prayed, given advice, and held me throughout the years. You placed each of them in my life and for this I am grateful. Continue to fill me with a faith that only comes from You and leads to the hope and assurance for things unseen by human eyes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Perspective Change

Matthew 16:21b-23 (Jesus telling of His death)”He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. ‘Heaven forbid, Lord,’ he said. ‘This will never happen to you.’ Jesus turned to Peter and said, ‘Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.'”

So often in life we get stuck seeing our life from one vantage point, our own. The fact is we have very limited knowledge and are often like Peter, unable to believe that God can do what He says and promises. We play into the hands of the enemy by limiting God in our lives. What if, all we need is a perspective change? God says He will redeem, heal, restore, and give us the desires of our heart. What if, we stop doubting and started believing? What if, we began to grasp the true Savior and surrendered to His will for our lives? What if, we started forcing on the desires of our heart instead of our circumstances?

When we put human limits on God, we stop Him from blessing us. We were created in love to love. Surrender to God’s ways and stop living expecting humans to fill the desires of your heart, only God can do that.

Abba Father, help me to surrender my ways so I can live completely surrendered to You. I get stuck in my thinking and how my life should be. When I do this I limit Your ability to move in my life. I want to surrender all that I am, all that I have, and all that I will be into Your loving and wonderful hands knowing that the plans you have for me are filled with love and redemption. Mold me and shape me into the person You want me to be. Help me to hear where You are calling me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen