The Christmas season

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Can you believe it is already December? Christmas is only 16 days away. What does Christmas mean to you?

As I ponder this thought many Christmas memories come floating to mind. I remember one Christmas going with my father to pick out the Christmas tree, while there I saw a poor crippled boy. I remember crying for this boy and praying for him for many months. It had an impact on me.

I have lots of happy Christmas memories which include:

·        Singing carols with the neighbors

·        Having one big present and one or two “small” items

·        An orange, apple and tangerine and maybe a few coins in my stocking

·        Singing carols at the veteran’s home

·        Singing carols at the nursing homes

·        Making cookies for the veterans

·        Going to see “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” with my granddaughters

·        Adopting a family instead of buying gifts for each other

·        Our first Christmas tree as a young married couple – we purchased the biggest one we could afford

·        Making my grandfather my favorite pumpkin bread recipe, which is all he wanted and all I could afford.

·        Making homemade gifts, which I still think are the very best kind

·        Making cookies for the neighbors

·        My uncle “playing Santa”

What are some of your favorite memories? As the season begins dwell on your happy Christmas memories. Find ways this Christmas to make more good memories. Look for ways to help those less fortunate than yourself.

Here are some ideas:

·        Buy gift cards (local coffee shops, McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, and Target) in small amounts ($5-$10) and give them out when the Spirit leads

·        Make cookies or fruit breads (banana, pumpkin etc) for shut ins

·        Volunteer at a soup kitchen

·        Volunteer at a local charity

·        Make small gifts or look for small gifts to have on hand to give when the Spirit leads

·        Spend time with an elderly neighbor or family member

·        Give the gift of time

Here are some verses and quotes that may help:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippines 4:8

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.  ~ Charles Dickens

When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time.  Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?  ~ G.K. Chesterton

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?  It came without ribbons.  It came without tags.  It came without packages, boxes or bags.  And he puzzled and puzzled ‘till his puzzler was sore.  Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.  What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store?  What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?  ~ Dr Seuss

Christmas gift suggestions:  To your enemy, forgiveness.  To an opponent, tolerance.  To a friend, your heart.  To a customer, service.  To all, charity.  To every child, a good example.  To yourself, respect.  ~ Oren Arnold

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Gospel gems – How shall I live

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:44-48

What a wonderful place the world would be if we followed the simple (but hard) suggestions that the Lord told his followers.

Here they are:

Love your enemies. Sounds simple right, well not exactly. Enemies are the ones you want the furthest from you. When you see an enemy walking down the street, what do you do? Smile and run over and give them a big hug. I doubt it; most of us would turn the other way, cross the street to the other side or just plain ignore them.

What does Jesus tell us? Bless them that curse you. Bless in the Greek means “to speak well of “. When was the last time you said something nice about an “enemy”?

Do good to them. Thayer’s Greek Dictionary says, “rightly, so that there shall be no room for blame, well, truly”. When was the last time you made cookies or did something nice for an “enemy”?

Pray for them. Now this is an easy one, right? Wrong, most people have a hard time praying, but to pray for someone they dislike or someone who did something to them. You get the picture.

Jesus prayed for His enemies while He was hanging on the cross. The first Christian martyr, Stephen, also prayed for his enemies. Can you and I do any less? 

Why, oh, why would Jesus ask us to love our enemies? The next verse explains it. When we do what Jesus asks, we will be known as the children of the heavenly Father. People will certainly look at you strangely when you start to say nice things about the people who treated you badly instead of gossiping about them to those around you.

God lets the sun shine on the evil and the good and sends rain to the just and the unjust. How can I do any differently?

How Christian is it when I only “love” those who “love” me? I would be no different than all the people who do not know Christ.

Perfect in the Greek means “complete in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc”.  Let’s start today to be perfect as our Heavenly Father has commanded. 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Unbelief

37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. 42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:37-43

As we read this sad portion of scripture. I think of all the healings and miracles the people saw. People healed from crippling diseases, blind people seeing for the very first time, the deaf hearing and the dumb finally finding “their voice”. Miracles upon miracles, healings and wonders, not once did Jesus refuse to heal (Matthew 8:17, Mark 1:34, Luke 4:40). John tells us (John 21:25) if everything that Jesus did was written down the world would probably not be able to contain all the books. The people that walked when Jesus was here saw these miracles, yet believed not on him. A very sad commentary indeed, I cannot wonder, “What did they think”. A man crippled from birth and now is walking, not in our time with all of our medical advances, but in the time of Jesus when doctors were scarce. Did they not think it unbelievable? Were they not in awe of each miracle and healing?

Obviously not, for we are told in the next few verses that this very time was prophesied in the Old Testament in Isaiah 53. What a miserable testimony, seeing but not believing because of the fear of men. Many believed, but did not confess Him because they were afraid of being put out of the synagogue. These people would rather have the short time of praise of men then the eternal time with the praise of God. Let’s not fear men but fear God.

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. 1Samuel 12:24

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? Psalm 118:6

Is it any wonder God says, “man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart.”

Are you looking for the praise of men or the praise of God?

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1John 2:15

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

Have a blessed day,
  Donna

Unjustness

8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. 9 All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. 10  And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity. Ecclesiastes 8:8-10

At first look, one might say, the unjust get away with sin. In this life it may seem that way, people call good evil and evil good, but remember that is in this life. The Lord says:

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20 

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14 

As Solomon said, someone did “hurt” to someone else but then it is forgotten once he is buried. It may be forgotten here on earth, but if the one who did the wrong did not ask forgiveness of God, it is not forgotten by God. When we do unjustness to others we are indirectly doing it to God.

In this world of” tick for tack” it is hard to turn the other cheek or walk away when someone is being unjust to us, but if you are a Christian, the Bible says this is exactly what we need to do.

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 
1 Thessalonians 5:15 

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 

The old hymn, "This World is not my Home” by Jim Reeves says,

This world is not my home I'm just a passing through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore
Oh Lord you know I have no friend like you
If heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore

When people are unjust, don’t let it get you down, but think about the justness and righteous of Jesus, Who will never let you down.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 

Have a blessed day, 

Donna

Prosperity or Adversity

14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. 15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. Ecclesiastes 7:14-15

Have you ever wondered why we have ‘days of prosperity” and “days of adversity”? The Bible says, “it rains on the just and the unjust.”Matthew 5:45  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people. It is the way of life. Unfortunately the evil and bad are because of the sin of man. In the beginning when the first sin was committed God told us the condition of man. Genesis 6:5  And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

The way we act when we are going through trials or prosperity does matter. Each and every day we have people who are watching our “Christianity”. Most people are “fed up” with words but want to see “actions”. People want to “see” if we really mean what we say. The way we handle different situations in our life may be a way to lead others to the Savior.

I know I have failed many a test, but I have passed many tests by God’s grace. How are you doing?  Are you in the days of “prosperity” or “adversity”? Ecclesiastes 7:14 says to “consider”, consider and think upon the situation but in all situations know that God is Sovereign. He is in control.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Serving others

Take a moment to stop by and read Dancing Upon Injustice. Sandi has a great list for serving others. What can you do?

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Goals 2012

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

As I sit and reflect on the past year I remember many things, some are positive and some are negative. As I wrote I thought, negative to whom? The Bible says, “All things work together for good to them that love God …” Romans 8:28

I usually set spiritual goals for myself each year, reviewing periodically to “stay on track”. One of the meanings for the word goal is “the end toward which effort is directed: aim “. My aim is to draw closer to the Lord to “know him and the power of his might” Ephesians 6:10

Today I reviewed the goals I set last January. I kept or surpassed most of the goals. There was one that I didn’t even do, which I will again put on my list. I was encouraged by what I did accomplish.

Do you want to grow closer to the Lord this year? Set some goals. Do not start with big goals but with little goals.

Suggestions:

1. Keep a prayer/praise journal. What can you write? Write prayers to the Lord. Write down answers to prayers. Write down praises, thanksgivings and gratitude to God.

… I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

2. Memorize verses that will help with a problem in your life i.e. gossip, anger, selfishness etc.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

3. Read the Bible daily.

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:16

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5

4. Pick up a daily devotional or sign up for an email devotional.

5. Be an encourager in your corner of the world. Send cards, emails or make phone calls to those hurting or those who need to be encouraged by a kind word or deed.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

6. Read nonfiction Christian books i.e. spiritual growth, biographies.

Everyone is in a different spiritual place in life. Don’t look at what others are doing, ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to do.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2Peter 3:18

As you set goals for 2012, do not look back on what you did not do, look forward to what you will do, with the Lord’s help.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Christmas Lights

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Each year as I get older it seems like Christmas is 10 times more commercialized than the year before. When I was a child the Christmas season would start the weekend after Thanksgiving. It now starts at the end of October or the beginning of November. This year Santa Claus was at our local mall on November 12. Thanksgiving doesn’t even register on most people’s radar, why? because there is really no money to be made on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time to thank God for the blessings He has given us throughout the year. Even Thanksgiving is not the same as it was during my childhood. Take time next year to listen to what people say about Thanksgiving, not much of what is said is in relation to God.

As Christians, we need to look at what Jesus did for us. He came as a baby; he had a purpose and a job. We as Christians also have a purpose and a job to perform in this world. Our job is to be lights and testimonies in this dark, sin cursed world. (Phil 2:15) An easy job it is not but a rewarding one it is. What can we do this Christmas season to show others that we follow a kind and forgiving Savior?

We need to be kind and forgiving to those around us. Not acting like harried, frazzled, anxious shoppers that push and shove to get by. We need to stand out and demonstrate that we are different, not just in talk but in actions. Anyone can say they are Christian but the world is watching our actions, to see if they match the words we speak.

Are we squandering all our money on ourselves or are we looking at those in our community and church community who are less fortunate than us? Are there ways we can help those around us? Can we give a gift to a lonely elderly person? Can we buy a gift card at a grocery store to help someone at church who may have lost a job? There are many opportunities for us to share what we have with others. Each one of us is in a different situation, but most of us have money for little things such as a cup of coffee, a new CD, or a new app for an I-phone. This Christmas season ask the Lord what you can do to help someone else. It may seem like a small gesture to you but it will be a LARGE BLESSING to the one who receives.

We need to adopt I Peter 2:9 into our everyday life, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Bridge Building

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1Peter 2:21

From my devotional reading:

Have you ever built a bridge?

The priest in the Old Testament was instructed to do precisely that: build a bridge between holy God and sinful humankind. He did it through the offering of endless sacrifices, the blood of animals to cover the sins of a nation.

The nation of Israel was selected by God to be a bridge builder to surrounding nations, to show by her lifestyle of faith that God rewards those “who earnestly seek him”.

And the same job description has been passed down to you. As a Christian, you are to be salt in a decaying world, light in the midst of darkness, and a priest bringing people back to God. (Matthew 5:13-16; I Peter2:9)

Think of today as a unique opportunity to build a bridge between a lost sinner and his loving God. Perhaps you can’t build an entire bridge in a single day, but you can begin that all-important process by your speech, conduct, and genuine concern about the life of another person.

Bridge-building. It’s time-consuming, costly and worth it!

Blessed is the influence of one true, loving soul on another!

-- Daily Walk Devotional

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Be a light

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Ephesians 5:8

December is upon us. The entire month is hustle and bustle. We are busy throughout the year but it seems that as soon as December arrives every day is booked. There are so many things going on during the month of December. Church activities, Bible studies, plays, Christmas bazaars, brunches, lunches, time with extended family, Christmas parties for work the list goes on and on. We run from one activity to another sometimes having two or more things to attend on one day.

In the midst of this busy time, we need to take time to reflect about all the busyness. Most of us are busy because it is the “holiday” season. What “holiday” are we celebrating? Most people tend to forget what the “holiday” is centered around. We are celebrating the birth of Christ. The Savior of the World, the One the whole Bible is centered around. The Light of the World. Are we being the “lights” to those around us? Are we allowing the Light to shine through us?

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

In the busyness of the season never forget the true meaning: Jesus is the reason for the season. I am praying for guidance to keep my perspective right. Ask the Lord to give you JOY this season by putting him first.

Jesus
Others
You

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11