“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:3-6
One of the traditions in my home during the Christmas season is to watch The Muppet Christmas Carol. At the end of the movie Scrooge sings a song called Thankful Heart, one line in the song especially stood out for me this year - in it Scrooge says he will end and begin each day with a “grateful prayer and a thankful heart.” As this year draws to a close I want say that I pray thanking God for each of you – because in some way throughout this year you have encouraged me through life’s storms and for that I am grateful.
It is the time of year when we look back over all that as occurred – the good and bad, the joy and sadness, and the trials and triumphs that we have faced. For all of it may we be grateful in our prayers for God’s marvelous provisions. May we have thankful hearts as we remember those who have walked this year’s journey with us.
As we look forward to the coming New Year – may we continue to lift one another up in prayer being grateful that we are members of the same royal family and that HE who began HIS work in us will be certain to complete it.
Life’s journey is better when traveled with amazing people like you. Yes as this year end I lift a grateful prayer, motivated by a very thankful heart for each of you. May God bless you greatly in the coming year.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for each person in my life who travels on this road of life along side me. Each one has encouraged me on the way. Thank you Lord that you made us for community and relationship with one another and with You. With a grateful and thankful heart I ask that you would bless each one in a new and amazing way. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Let's Get The Party Started!
“They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.”
Psalm 145:6-7
We have taken the time to enter into all that this season has to offer. We have entered into the holiness, the joy, the sights and sounds, the reverence, the faith, the love, the hope, the peace, the salvation and the freedom that the birth of Jesus brings.
We have considered all that we have received when we accepted the Master gift givers Only Son and we concluded the Jesus is truly the gift that keeps on giving right into eternity and beyond.
We have taken our foot off of life’s gas pedal opting to travel at donkey speed so that we might truly enjoy the celebration of God’s light and word coming to our small corner of the universe.
And now it is time to really get the party started. It is time to enjoy our family and friends, the warmth of fellowship. It is time to enjoy with thankful hearts the abundant tables that will be laid before us as only a glimpse of the feast that will be prepared for us when Jesus returns once again to our small corner of the universe and we celebrate his second coming.
As we bask in the glow of all that this season of celebration truly means, may we carry all of it in our hearts every day and ponder it every chance we get.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for the amazing gift of your Son, He is the reason for our celebration. You have blessed us like no other can may we not ever forget it and my we cherish it in our hearts and reflect it in our lives well beyond the current celebration. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Psalm 145:6-7
We have taken the time to enter into all that this season has to offer. We have entered into the holiness, the joy, the sights and sounds, the reverence, the faith, the love, the hope, the peace, the salvation and the freedom that the birth of Jesus brings.
We have considered all that we have received when we accepted the Master gift givers Only Son and we concluded the Jesus is truly the gift that keeps on giving right into eternity and beyond.
We have taken our foot off of life’s gas pedal opting to travel at donkey speed so that we might truly enjoy the celebration of God’s light and word coming to our small corner of the universe.
And now it is time to really get the party started. It is time to enjoy our family and friends, the warmth of fellowship. It is time to enjoy with thankful hearts the abundant tables that will be laid before us as only a glimpse of the feast that will be prepared for us when Jesus returns once again to our small corner of the universe and we celebrate his second coming.
As we bask in the glow of all that this season of celebration truly means, may we carry all of it in our hearts every day and ponder it every chance we get.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for the amazing gift of your Son, He is the reason for our celebration. You have blessed us like no other can may we not ever forget it and my we cherish it in our hearts and reflect it in our lives well beyond the current celebration. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Turn Down the Stress
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Luke 2:19
Let’s face it the holidays are a stressful time – shopping, traffic, crowds of people, getting Christmas cards done, throwing parties, attending parties, school programs and on and on – makes one tired and stressed just thinking about doesn’t it. How do we turn that stress down? I want to suggest that like Mary we take some time to get still and ponder.
The dictionary defines ponder as: to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate. Yes, meditate that is a good word too. As we race toward our celebrations of Christmas – let’s turn down the stress by pondering the wonder of the nativity, by meditating on the Christmas story as found in the Gospel of Luke.
If we turn down the stress by taking time to really enter into the story that changed the world, we will be better able to enjoy the celebration and we will feel better physically, emotionally and spiritually.
This holiday season are you trying to travel at the speed of light? Trying slowing down to the speed of a camel or better yet the speed of a donkey – a donkey that carried Mary to a Bethlehem manger where she gave birth to the Son of God.
A prayer
Father – We get so caught up in the rush of the season, that it can be hard to really enjoy the true reason for it. Help us this week to slow down, to like Mary treasure up and ponder Your goodness and generosity. Draw us unto Your story – the story of God with us. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Luke 2:19
Let’s face it the holidays are a stressful time – shopping, traffic, crowds of people, getting Christmas cards done, throwing parties, attending parties, school programs and on and on – makes one tired and stressed just thinking about doesn’t it. How do we turn that stress down? I want to suggest that like Mary we take some time to get still and ponder.
The dictionary defines ponder as: to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate. Yes, meditate that is a good word too. As we race toward our celebrations of Christmas – let’s turn down the stress by pondering the wonder of the nativity, by meditating on the Christmas story as found in the Gospel of Luke.
If we turn down the stress by taking time to really enter into the story that changed the world, we will be better able to enjoy the celebration and we will feel better physically, emotionally and spiritually.
This holiday season are you trying to travel at the speed of light? Trying slowing down to the speed of a camel or better yet the speed of a donkey – a donkey that carried Mary to a Bethlehem manger where she gave birth to the Son of God.
A prayer
Father – We get so caught up in the rush of the season, that it can be hard to really enjoy the true reason for it. Help us this week to slow down, to like Mary treasure up and ponder Your goodness and generosity. Draw us unto Your story – the story of God with us. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Monday, December 5, 2011
The GIFT That Truly Keeps on Giving
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God gave the world the most extravagant gift that could ever be given. He gave his Son to pay our debt – a debt we could never pay ourselves. This by itself is reason enough to celebrate but what else do we receive when we accept THE GIFT of the SON?
We get: grace, mercy, joy, generosity, His life (Galatians 2:20), encouragement, all things (Romans 8:32), strength, authority (Matthew 10:1), power (Luke 9:1), wisdom (Acts 7:10), love , peace, comfort, knowledge, the right to be called children of God (John 1:12), purpose, protection, freedom, courage, one another, His kingdom, a new heart, a new mind and a new body… well eventually we get that – it’s something to look forward to.
But the part that makes God’s precious gift the gift that keeps on giving is that for those accept it they get eternal life (1 John 5:11). All of these things and eternity spent in the glorious light of the Master gift giver – who could imagine, ask or want more?
This year embrace the incredible gift you have already been given and then share your abundance with others by sharing the real reason for the season – Jesus the Christ.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for giving us the greatest gift – the gift that truly keeps on giving. Help us to fully embrace all that you have given us in addition to the gift of your Son and may we share that gift with others, not just at this time of year but all year long. In Jesus’ name Amen.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God gave the world the most extravagant gift that could ever be given. He gave his Son to pay our debt – a debt we could never pay ourselves. This by itself is reason enough to celebrate but what else do we receive when we accept THE GIFT of the SON?
We get: grace, mercy, joy, generosity, His life (Galatians 2:20), encouragement, all things (Romans 8:32), strength, authority (Matthew 10:1), power (Luke 9:1), wisdom (Acts 7:10), love , peace, comfort, knowledge, the right to be called children of God (John 1:12), purpose, protection, freedom, courage, one another, His kingdom, a new heart, a new mind and a new body… well eventually we get that – it’s something to look forward to.
But the part that makes God’s precious gift the gift that keeps on giving is that for those accept it they get eternal life (1 John 5:11). All of these things and eternity spent in the glorious light of the Master gift giver – who could imagine, ask or want more?
This year embrace the incredible gift you have already been given and then share your abundance with others by sharing the real reason for the season – Jesus the Christ.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for giving us the greatest gift – the gift that truly keeps on giving. Help us to fully embrace all that you have given us in addition to the gift of your Son and may we share that gift with others, not just at this time of year but all year long. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Enter Into...
“Those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
Isaiah 51:11
We have entered into the season of Advent, a time that we look back in preparation for celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus. It is a time when we look forward and prepare our hearts for the day when He will come again. May this be a season of truly entering into…
Enter into – the holy moment when the angel Gabriel talked with the young peasant girl Mary about God’s plan and the part she would play in it.
Enter into - the joy Elizabeth and Mary shared.
Enter into - the amazing sights and sounds as the heavenly host proclaimed to the shepherds, that a king had been born, a king that would bring hope, peace, salvation and freedom to all men.
Enter into – the reverence as the Magi bowed down to worship this same king.
Enter into – the faith of Mary and Joseph, of Elizabeth, of the shepherds, of the Magi.
Enter into the faithfulness and love of God - A God who so desired to restore the relationship between Himself and His most favored creature, that He became like us.
This year as you celebrate Christmas truly enter into – the holiness, the joy, the amazing sights and sounds, the reverence. Enter into the faith, love, hope, peace, salvation and freedom.
Enter into – the real reason for the season… Jesus.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for giving us the greatest gift – the gift of Yourself in the form of Your Son. Help us to truly enter into this season and all that it holds for us. For those who are facing hard times during this season of celebration, may they experience in a new and powerful way the hope, peace, love and faith you have for them and all of us. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Isaiah 51:11
We have entered into the season of Advent, a time that we look back in preparation for celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus. It is a time when we look forward and prepare our hearts for the day when He will come again. May this be a season of truly entering into…
Enter into – the holy moment when the angel Gabriel talked with the young peasant girl Mary about God’s plan and the part she would play in it.
Enter into - the joy Elizabeth and Mary shared.
Enter into - the amazing sights and sounds as the heavenly host proclaimed to the shepherds, that a king had been born, a king that would bring hope, peace, salvation and freedom to all men.
Enter into – the reverence as the Magi bowed down to worship this same king.
Enter into – the faith of Mary and Joseph, of Elizabeth, of the shepherds, of the Magi.
Enter into the faithfulness and love of God - A God who so desired to restore the relationship between Himself and His most favored creature, that He became like us.
This year as you celebrate Christmas truly enter into – the holiness, the joy, the amazing sights and sounds, the reverence. Enter into the faith, love, hope, peace, salvation and freedom.
Enter into – the real reason for the season… Jesus.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for giving us the greatest gift – the gift of Yourself in the form of Your Son. Help us to truly enter into this season and all that it holds for us. For those who are facing hard times during this season of celebration, may they experience in a new and powerful way the hope, peace, love and faith you have for them and all of us. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Monday, November 21, 2011
It's the Little Things
“…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:20
I was thinking today about all the little things that we are able to do, enjoy or receive daily – things we might not even think to be thankful about. Oh it’s easy to be thankful for the big stuff but today’s passage says we should be thankful for everything – even the most seemingly insignificant occurrences in our lives.
For instance today I am thankful that I got to see robins playing in the trees at the corner where I am a crossing guard. I am thankful for the opportunity to wave and smile at so many people from that same corner and that they smile and wave back. I’m thankful that throughout the day one of the furry creatures that share our home will come and keep me company as I work at the computer. I am thankful knowing that somewhere right now someone is praying for me.
What about you - what little things can you find to be thankful for – maybe there was that smile from a stranger at the grocery store when you weren’t having a good day? Maybe it was that perfect cup of coffee, hot chocolate or tea you enjoyed in the quiet of a chilly morning.
This week as you prepare to join with family and friends in fellowship around the bountiful feast provided by the Giver of every good thing – I encourage you to think about those small things you can be thankful for. I think you fill find that the cup of blessing you hold is truly overflowing.
May you be blessed beyond measure today and every day, by both the miraculous and the seemingly insignificant things of life. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
A prayer
Father – Thank you for the many little blessing you send to us each day, even if we don’t always recognize them. Thank you for Your faithful provision. May we share from the overflow in ours this season of giving thanks and may we thank you always and for everything. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Ephesians 5:20
I was thinking today about all the little things that we are able to do, enjoy or receive daily – things we might not even think to be thankful about. Oh it’s easy to be thankful for the big stuff but today’s passage says we should be thankful for everything – even the most seemingly insignificant occurrences in our lives.
For instance today I am thankful that I got to see robins playing in the trees at the corner where I am a crossing guard. I am thankful for the opportunity to wave and smile at so many people from that same corner and that they smile and wave back. I’m thankful that throughout the day one of the furry creatures that share our home will come and keep me company as I work at the computer. I am thankful knowing that somewhere right now someone is praying for me.
What about you - what little things can you find to be thankful for – maybe there was that smile from a stranger at the grocery store when you weren’t having a good day? Maybe it was that perfect cup of coffee, hot chocolate or tea you enjoyed in the quiet of a chilly morning.
This week as you prepare to join with family and friends in fellowship around the bountiful feast provided by the Giver of every good thing – I encourage you to think about those small things you can be thankful for. I think you fill find that the cup of blessing you hold is truly overflowing.
May you be blessed beyond measure today and every day, by both the miraculous and the seemingly insignificant things of life. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
A prayer
Father – Thank you for the many little blessing you send to us each day, even if we don’t always recognize them. Thank you for Your faithful provision. May we share from the overflow in ours this season of giving thanks and may we thank you always and for everything. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Believe This...Not That
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”
John 8:32
I would hazard a guess that most of those reading this would say they are honest, that they don’t lie, but I wonder…do any of the following statements sound familiar?
I’m a failure and no good. I’m so lonely and miserable. I can’t lose weight. No one will ever love me. People will like me if I do what they want. It is wrong and un-Christian to think of my own needs.
Can you think of similar things you may be saying to yourself? These are all lies… we humans quite often lie to ourselves without even realizing it and we believe every word we tell ourselves, until we are emotional wrecks afraid to take chances or risk being hurt.
But what is the truth? What should we be telling ourselves instead so that we can be set free, from our lying self-talk, our depression, anger, anxiety, self-hate and fear? What about:
I am deeply loved by God so I am important. The Lord himself goes before me He will never leave me or forsake me. I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Jesus loves me so much that he laid down his life for me – I am of great worth. Scripture says “love your neighbor AS yourself” (Mark 12:31) it doesn’t say better than yourself it says as yourself.
This week take time to listen to what you are saying to yourself and if you catch yourself telling lies – replace those lies with the truth and as today’s verse says – you will be set free to be everything God intends for you to be.
A prayer
Father – Forgive us for the times when we lie to ourselves, cheapening the value You have given us. Help us to fill our minds with the truth that we are worthy, gifted, and lovable. Help us to encourage others to see the truth as well. Thank you for Your forgiveness and Your truth that is made clear to us through Your Son Jesus – it is in his name we pray, Amen.
John 8:32
I would hazard a guess that most of those reading this would say they are honest, that they don’t lie, but I wonder…do any of the following statements sound familiar?
I’m a failure and no good. I’m so lonely and miserable. I can’t lose weight. No one will ever love me. People will like me if I do what they want. It is wrong and un-Christian to think of my own needs.
Can you think of similar things you may be saying to yourself? These are all lies… we humans quite often lie to ourselves without even realizing it and we believe every word we tell ourselves, until we are emotional wrecks afraid to take chances or risk being hurt.
But what is the truth? What should we be telling ourselves instead so that we can be set free, from our lying self-talk, our depression, anger, anxiety, self-hate and fear? What about:
I am deeply loved by God so I am important. The Lord himself goes before me He will never leave me or forsake me. I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Jesus loves me so much that he laid down his life for me – I am of great worth. Scripture says “love your neighbor AS yourself” (Mark 12:31) it doesn’t say better than yourself it says as yourself.
This week take time to listen to what you are saying to yourself and if you catch yourself telling lies – replace those lies with the truth and as today’s verse says – you will be set free to be everything God intends for you to be.
A prayer
Father – Forgive us for the times when we lie to ourselves, cheapening the value You have given us. Help us to fill our minds with the truth that we are worthy, gifted, and lovable. Help us to encourage others to see the truth as well. Thank you for Your forgiveness and Your truth that is made clear to us through Your Son Jesus – it is in his name we pray, Amen.
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