Welcome to God's Lemonade Stand

It is my hope that by reading this daily you will grow in your walk with Christ and knowledge of scriptures and be set free from any struggles in your life that are weighing you down. Be blessed to be a blessing.

Monday, December 31, 2012

END OF THE YEAR...NOW WHAT?


Y2K fears again? Dropping off the fiscal cliff? Takeover by an evil
government? War? Loss of job? Sickness? Death? What will we face in
2013?

Maybe instead of focusing on the "what ifs" why not start by thinking
of your life and what you can do differently in the coming year. What
goals do you have? Call them resolutions if you like, but what is it
you really plan to do or want to accomplish? Instead of worry and fear
why not start a tradition of a "praise fest" of sorts thanking God for
what He has done for you and your loved ones in 2012.

I for one and extremely blessed with a new daughter in law and am very
thankful to God for bringing a wonderful young lady into my younger
son Jon's life. Amber is a dear and so is her awesome family!! I am
thankful for my continuing furlough travel privileges for a few more
months on Delta that allow me to attend patriotic rallies in the
Nations' Capitol, Christian events in the US such as Joyce Meyer, and
to see family and friends across the US. I am thankful we get to see
our son Matthew lots because he is a First Officer with American Eagle
and has flown here a few times. I am thankful for getting to see my
mom and brother more in 2012 and that they and my sis, boyfriend and
family made it to the wedding. I am thankful for being married 35
years now to my wonderful husband. I truly love and appreciate all my
friends, new and old, near and far. All in all it has been a terrific
year. I could write much more but these are highlights.

In 2013 instead of listening to the news or reading the newspaper
and worrying, why not listen to Christian radio or a praise and
worship CD and start praising Jesus for all He has done for you. It is
easy to start fearing but you need to start praising God instead.

So what do you have to be thankful for? I am sure you can think of
something. Can you start 2013 tomorrow by deciding to pray daily, read
your Bible and truly trust God with things going on in this world of
ours.

Deuteronomy 31:6(NIV) says 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid
or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He
will never leave you nor forsake you.'

PRAYER: Dear Lord new year gives us a fresh start on things we maybe
want to accomplish. I want to trust you are working out all things for
my good. Forgive me when I get afraid and let Satan try to scare me. I
will start 2013 by running full force to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below and praise God on this final day of 2012.
http://youtu.be/0gm9nCQKWsA

Sunday, December 30, 2012

LOOK TO GOD, NOT CIRCUMSTANCES



Oh, by the way, did you know  it's "fiscal cliff" time? Many, to
include myself, wonder what is going to happen here in these wonderful
United States of America. Some may be reading this from other
countries so this does not apply to you  but regardless of what is
going on, good or bad, in your life you are to look to God as the
source of your strength. You can not trust in princes and governments
and mere men. They can not save you. Money can not save you. Your
house or possessions can not save you. a title or position can not
save you. A degree from college can not save you. Only Jesus can save
you and rescue you. Some even who have asked Jesus into their hearts
may be especially fearful of what the government has planned for us in
the coming days. Some see it as intentional and others just say it is
part of what is going on. Once again if you fear a financial collapse
and takeover it could be very frightening. The Bible says in 1 Peter
5:7(NIV) to 'cast ALL your cares on HIM for He cares for you.' Do you
believe that because it is true?

Psalm 91:5(NLT) says 'You will not fear the terror of night, nor the
arrow that flies by day.'  Psalm 23:4(NIV) often saved for funerals
but good for all of life says 'Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your
rod and your staff, they comfort me.' Say this out loud. Go ahead
right now. Read that verse out loud.

Remember the story of Job in the Old Testament? Now there was a man
whose faith was tested. In Job 5:19(NIV) it says 'From six calamities
he will rescue you; in seven no harm will befall you.' Do you believe
if you have trusted in Jesus and given your heart to Him that he is
there to help you? He wants you to not worry. He is God. Don't you
think He is bigger than the problems man creates down here on earth?
Job 5:21(NIV) says 'You will be protected from the lash of the tongue,
and need not fear when destruction comes.' Let that sink into your
heart why don't you? God is not wanting you to live down here in
constant worry, distress, anger, and fear.

Psalm 20:7(NIV) says 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but
we trust in the name of the LORD our God.' Who is your trust in? What
is it you fear? Do you not know that fear comes from the enemy, Satan?
If Satan can get your eyes off of God by causing you constant turmoil
and concern then he is partly victorious. Do you want to make Satan
victorious? The answer I am sure is NO! Then start today and ask Jesus
into your heart if you have not done that already. Next allow Him to
control your thoughts. To do this you need to make it a habit daily to
get into the word of God and pray.

Your church can't save you. Baptism alone can not save you. Church
membership does not save you. Going to church on Christmas and Easter
do not save you. Only asking Jesus to take control and be Lord of your
life. Trust in Him then you will be able to confidently say 'I am not
afraid what MERE men can do unto me.' (Psalm 56:4).

PRAYER; Lord Jesus when things are out of control around us we need to
trust you. But we should not wait til this happens. We should run to
you all the time. Many run to you only when they fear a tragedy.
Forgive me Lord if I have done this. I know you have a plan for my
life and I know you control the universe. Help me learn to relax and
enjoy peace in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Be blessed by  the following song of comfort:

http://youtu.be/MvpjxfWrjzY

Saturday, December 29, 2012

CITIZENS OF WHERE?



Many reading this when asked where you are a citizen of would  reply
by saying the country they live in currently. As a believer the place
on earth we live is only a temporary home for us. We are here as
ambassadors or representatives for Christ.

Think about the job of an ambassador. It is to represent his or her
country in an excellent manner in a foreign country. Are you a good
ambassador for Jesus where He has placed you on His earth? Are the
things you do daily bringing glory to His name or embarrassment?

Philippians 3:20(NIV) says 'But our citizenship is in heaven and we
eagerly await a Savior from there.' Ephesians 2:19(NIV) also says
'Consequently you are no longer foreigners and aliens but fellow
citizens with God's people and members of God's household.'  Isn't
that comforting to know?

Remember if your name the name of Jesus and claim to be His follower
your job is to shine the light of Jesus in the world around you. Go
out now and brighten the world around you. Where others are down help
lift them up. Remember in Philippians 4:13(NIV) it says ' I can do all
things through Christ who gives me strength.'

PRAYER: Lord I take my job seriously as a representative of the
heavenly kingdom. Forgive me when I forget that I am representing  you
and start to "act up" and do not shine your light. Every day I need
your help. I thank you for being there for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below and praise God in song:(You have got to listen to this one!)
http://youtu.be/mkEQGYApkVU

Friday, December 28, 2012

JEALOUS? HURT? SAD? BITTER?

 
These emotions do not originate with God but most of us at one time or another had experienced them. Many times the "flesh" gets in the way of Gods' blessings to us. If you tend to focus on things on "this earth" more than the things of God then it is easier to let your emotions get out of control.
It is a good thing to remember that God is our best friend and He cares about things in your life you are going through. If a friend has disappointed you God is there to pick you up. When you experience various losses in life, once again, God is the answer. Envious of others possessions, talents, or money then tell that to God and ask Him to help deliver you from that.
All the emotions listed in the title above definitely are not given by God. Satan, the great liar, destroyer, and deceiver, loves to come against us and get us angry, depressed, in despair, jealous of others, or allow us to experience hurt feelings. Making a conscious effort to think on things "above" is one of the greatest cures for these negative emotions. Christ unites and Satan divides.
Colossians 3:2(NIV) reminds us to 'set your mind on things above not on earthly things.' to set your mind it is necessary to get into the word of God. Do not pick up TV Guide to see what is on television or your favorite gossip magazine but instead make it a point daily to saturate your mind with God's word in the Bible. As stated in previous devotions, if you have no clue as to where to begin and you find the Bible to be a scary, intimidating historical book, start by reading the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. Today is the 28th so read Proverbs 28 and tomorrow read Proverbs 29 and so forth. After you run out of chapters there then go to the book of John in the New Testament, and start with John chapter 1. Pray for God to give you a hunger for His word.
Next pray daily. Prayer is just talking to God. No "thees", or "thous" are necessary to get Him to hear you. Prayer is hotline to God. Let Him hear from you daily. Do not just pray over a meal but make a time to share what is on your heart with Him. In Luke 18:1(NIV) it reminds us to 'pray and NEVER give up.'
Soon if you make it a daily practice to 'talk to God' and read His word the emotions listed above should fade away. If you feel them arising again ask God to help you defeat the enemy who is causing these in your life. Focus on God.
Romans 12:2(NIV) says
'Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.'
PRAYER: Lord forgive me when I have listened to the world instead of to you. I know the cure for most everything is to trust in you and live for you. The things of earth pale in comparison to your glory and your mighty power. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Click on link and praise God in song:
http://youtu.be/lcxKRsn-hGc

Thursday, December 27, 2012

EXCITED ABOUT YOUR GIFTS?


This time of the year we are winding down and de-stressing from the
rush of the Christmas season, more than likely. As stated in
devotions leading up to this special day where we celebrate Jesus'
miraculous birth, the focus needs to get off the man made traditions
and onto our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Many may have spent way
too much money for gifts people do not even like or appreciate. For
me personally some of the best gift giving times have been when I have
made time in my schedule leading up to Christmas to make a homemade
gift. For some this is cookies but for others it is a craft for the
home such as a basket, a painting or something similar. Some give
afghans or quilts. Perhaps doing some ceramics or pottery. Maybe your
thing is mixing up some spiced tea mix. The look on a person's face
when they realized the time you took is not why you do it. I know when
I have received gifts like this it makes me almost cry. Do not get me
wrong, as store bought gifts can be just as heartfelt. But did you go
overboard and now have a tremendous credit card bill coming your way?
If so this means January and February may be stressful as well.

Time to regroup and get ready to do it different next Christmas. One
thing that has helped "yours truly" is making my traditional family
photo card as a New Years card instead. I work on them in the month of
January. Maybe your cards come in bunches and you hardly have time to
read them. This is a fun way to skip that.

There are some reading this where Christmas may have been very unhappy
due to a recent death or anniversary of a death and my heart goes out
to you. Perhaps you have lost a job or a marriage has ended. Whatever
caused the unhappy feeling makes you less than joyful. Elderly people
often have no one to really do things with or help them, especially
those who live in nursing homes. The world has many lonely souls out
there. Maybe there was just no money to spend.

If you fall into the category of needing some joy and peace, do not
wait until the New Year to make a resolution to do things
differently. Start now and make Jesus part of your day and the major
part of this "holy day" as, after all, it is his birthday.

Many are worried about the future, if you happen to live in the
United States, as politicians have drug us into bankruptcy and an
impending fiscal cliff because they could not stop printing money and
giving freebies out. No discipline in their homes would have resulted in
total chaos but it is okay to send the American people off a cliff. We
are told to trust in God and not in man so do not let this drive you
crazy. Once again focus on Jesus and his word.

Let me end with a scripture to mediate on found in Phillipians 4:6-7
and it says 'Do not be anxious about anything but with everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made
known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding
will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.' Can you do that?
Can you run to God and give Him your cares? Stop what you are doing
and purpose in your heart you will get up daily and focus on the
goodness of God and trust Him with your concerns. He is God after all!

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for living where I can openly pray and read
my Bible. I know many countries persecute and kill Christians so I do
not take this freedom for granted. Lord I confess sometimes I focus on
problems and not on you. Forgive me Lord. I choose this day to start
by reading the word and prayer. I know you will take care of me. In
Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a wonderful song of peace:
http://youtu.be/nO4uIyz_d90

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

SELF PITY MONSTER


Here it comes again. Hurt feelings. Feeling sorry for self. Imagining
things that are not even happening. Feeling that someone is thinking
something about you that they aren't. Sounds pretty stupid to someone
who has not had it happen to them but take my word for it, this
monster is not a thing you want to visit you,ever!

When this ugly "self pity monster" attacks you need to get a grip
before you open your mouth or do something you will regret later. The
word "self" is very prominent. Thinking of yourself. Do you meddle
where you should not? Perhaps your mind starts thinking things that
are not even occurring? It is easy to slump into worry, pity, and
sadness if not focused on the goodness of the Lord.

It has been said when this "monster" attacks that maybe one thing is
you have too much time on your hands. The thing to do is occupy your
thoughts somewhere else. Once again behind this monster is ugly old
Satan who wants us to worry, fret, and think things that are not true
thus getting us to say stupid things we regret and then start worrying
why we did it. So staying busy is a really good thing!! Might I
suggest prayer first and foremost as a remedy for this malady.

Next we need to get into the word of God and stay in the word of God.
Reading and meditating on God's word, The Bible, will get your mind
somewhere else. Start by praising Jesus for who he is and thanking
Him. Think of ways you can maybe help another person and then your
own little "pity monster" will have no space to sit near you and
torment you. In your prayer time, ask God to take away the need to
feel self pity. When "self" is occupying the "throne" it is more
difficult to let the Lord Jesus Christ be king.

You will be bombarded if this has been a weakness but hang in there
and keep seeking Jesus to help you get this "monster" out of your life
forever!

Phillipians 4:8(NIV) reminds us 'Finally brother, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable-if tangy thing is excellent or
praiseworthy-think about such things.' There you have, the remedy for
getting your mind off yourself.

PRAYER: Father I do not mean to ever focus on myself as I know it is a
formula for disaster. The word selfish comes from self. Help me
remember that when I start to feel the pity monster attacking me and
run to you with open arms. It is my desire to have this monster never
visit me again and with your help Lord I can and will be successful.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
 
 
 

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

PEACE ON EARTH...ALL THE TIME







Merry Christmas! Peace on Earth Good will to all men. Do you just mouth these words or do you truly seek peace the other 364 days of the year? 

Well the day has finally arrived. The hustle and bustle, the over spending, the over eating, the school programs, get togethers with family and wrapping gifts will all soon be a memory. Many slump into depression after this day is behind them. All the excitement  has died down and it's back to normal now. Many breathe a sigh of relief as this time of year has been anything but peaceful. If this is you then maybe you have lost the joy of this season of our saviors birth.

One of the themes of Christmas is peace on earth. Do you feel peaceful? If not what can you do about it? First look at your daily schedule and see if there is something you can cut out. Spending time alone with God each day should be a priority.  Be able to get away from noise and just relax. Try turning off your phone and computer.  Make an effort to try to relax and decompress.


On this Christmas day take time to ponder what Christmas really means. It is not Santa, funny Christmas movies,  food, gifts, going to grandma's house, playing in the snow if you 
happen to live where it snows but it is about a baby born of a virgin in a manger who came to save us from our sins. 

Today enjoy the day and the real meaning of what this day is about. John 14:26(NIV) says 'Peace I leave you my peaceI give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid.'

PRAYER: Lord Jesus we love you and we love celebrating you coming to Earth as a baby over 2,000 years ago. This is a special day, the most special day we celebrate except maybe for the day you rose from the dead. Thanks Lord for who you are and all you have done for us. In your name we pray, Amen. 




Monday, December 24, 2012

SALVATION ARMY BELLS






 

This time of year, if your community is still blessed, and atheists have not tried to stop it, one of the best Christian charities around and their familiar bell ringers, are in front of some stores such as Wal Mart, ringing their familiar bells and taking donations up in their familiar red kettles. I admire the ones who have to stand out in very cold places up north, such as in my recent trip to the windy city, Chicago, and one enthusiastic ringer had two bells really going at it probably to stay warm.

I look forward to seeing Salvation Army out there and being able to give to them. Some places in recent years banned them, which indeed is sad. This organization does one of the most worthy things during Christmas and year round.

Speaking of bells, I am the unfortunate sufferer of noise in my ears otherwise know as tinnitus. It can really drive me nuts if I let it. Sometimes it is a buzzing, a humming, a roar, sometimes it sounds like crickets but this past week, oddly enough, it has reminded me of Salvaton Army bells. I found this humorous in a way. I am very thankful to God that I can hear this buzzing and ringing as if I were totally deaf there would be no sound at all. On the particular day I heard that rhythmic bell ringing in my head it just made me smile. I said, 'do I dare use this in a devotion or will someone send men in little white suits to come pick me up and take me away?' It is a good illustration of the gifts of God to us and being able to help others so I said, 'why not!' 

Do you like to give or do you just do it out of obligation? Giving should be a fun thing and not because we feel at Christmas we "have to do it" or what if I give and it makes someone feel bad since they did not give back to me. The point is, we give because we love and some people have the gift of giving. If you receive a gift from someone and do not have something for them, do not despair. That person, in the spirit of Christmas, wanted to bless you so leave it at that. It is a joy to give but equally a joy to be a cheerful receiver. Do not feel bad if you are empty handed. 

Enjoy this Christmas season but try to let the spirit of Christmas go on throughout the year. Find ways to be kind to people and bless them. It does not have to cost you any money.  Give a smile. Open a door for someone. Do little act of kindness. Be polite. Be creative. Do not let Christmas stress you out because that was never Jesus' intent do you get so frazzled that you hate to see this day roll around each year. Be thankful for family, friends and what God haas given to you. All that we have is from God anyway. 

Luke 6:38(NIV) says 'Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,will be put in your lap. And the measure you use it will be measured back to you.'  I heard a story on the radio recently about a young 7 year old boy who when asked what he wanted for Christmas simply said for his family to give the money to missionaries instead of buying him gifts. Now that indeed is an unselfish giving spirit. Isn't that what Christmas is all about? 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for all your gifts to me. I thank you for Christmas as it is a reminder of our giving to you and to others. Forgive me if I let the worlds'  way of celebrating take away from the real meaning of this special day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

DON'T LET SATAN DISTRACT YOU

Are you the kind who sits glued to the TV news and feeds your mind

with the bad news around you? The news puts fear in your heart and
possibly sometimes anger. It is important to know what is going on but
if you lose your focus and become totally  consumed with tragedy, problems,
defeat, and bad memories then it is pretty difficult to stay peaceful
and focused on God and his goodness.

What you need to get in the habit of doing first and foremost is
turning off bad news  and focusing on the good news of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is Lord. Things bad happen but God knows the end of the story.
We need not despair but we need to get up each and every day thanking
him for another day He has given us. Death happens, evil happens, wars
happen, corruption happens but Jesus is much bigger than all those
things. His plan is greater than our plan. ( Read Jeremiah 29:11-13).

Do you ever feel like Job where it seems only bad things happen and
you can not take it anymore? Stop for a moment and just get on your knees
in a quiet place, perhaps in your closet, and just cry out to God.
Satan will try to get you to focus on your problems and turn your
anger on God and blame Him. Do not do that my friend. God loves you.
His ways are greater than our ways. Our life down here is only
temporary. We are like a vapor here today and gone tomorrow. We are
supposed to be serving Him and Him alone and stay focused even through
the storms of this life. Hard to do at times but give it a try.

What is bothering you today? In the book of 1 Peter 5:10(TLB) it says
"After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of
kindness through Christ, will give you  his eternal glory. He
personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and
make you stronger than ever." Cry out to God as He does truly care for
you.



PRAYER: Thank you Lord for all you have done in my life. Thank you Lord you have my life and that of my family in your hands. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. I give you praise  not just at Christmas but every day of my life. Forgive me Lord when I have blamed you for my problems. I know Satan is a great deceiver and he wants me to dwell on problems as when I do I take my focus off you . I want to stop that now. Help me Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link and prepare to praise God.
http://youtu.be/xnWw24s5gG8

Saturday, December 22, 2012

LOVE IS SPECIAL


Yesterday would have been the 65th wedding anniversary for my mom and
dad had he not passed away at a way too young age of 71 in 1992. Now
that is a long lasting marriage! Love is special. The feeling for some
may not always be there but love is commitment, honor, respect, and
much more. Too many do not hang in there and give up on love. That was
never God's plan for married love.
Love is mentioned over and over in God's word, the Bible. Love is more
than the mushy sentimental feeling of young lovers Love, as it says
in 1 Corinthians 13, is patient, kind, unselfish, does not keep record
of wrongs, and much more.

God's love for us is 100 percent unconditional. Oh if only we humans
could love 100 percent of the time like Jesus. No holding grudges. No
bitterness. No jealousy. No hatred. Unconditional. He loves us even
when we do not seemingly deserve it.

We who call ourselves believers are supposed to display that kind of
love for those around us. In 1 John 4:20(NIV) it says 'If anyone says
"I love God" but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone whom does
not love his brother who he has seen,cannot love God, whom he has not
seen?' John 13:35 (NIV) also says ' By this all men will know that
you are my disciples if you have love me for another.'

At Christmas everyone seems to be nice and show love. Why not let that
Christmas feeling continue throughout the entire year?

PRAYER: For you so loved the world that you gave us your only
begotten son that whoever believes in you will have eternal life.
Thank you for that ultimate gift of love. Help me Lord learn your type
of love for all tho people in my daily path whether I agree with them
or not. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Friday, December 21, 2012

END OF THE WORLD TODAY? OH REALLY!


Today, 21 December 2012 some have said due to the end of the Mayan
Calendar, the Earth was going to end. Predictions of being hit by
another planet or a meteor are floating around. I'm still here, but
the day is not over yet. Guess what? I am not worried and neither
should you be. These predictions are not saying Jesus is coming back
but that the Earth will be no more. Who do you trust? Do you hunker
down in an underground shelter which would do no good if the earth
explodes. My recommendation is to go about your day as you would
normally do looking to God for the source of your strength and not to
fear. What will this fear do for you anyway?

Matthew 24:36(NIV) reminds us 'No one knows the day nor the hour, not
even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.'

Many become extremely frightened and fearful. Why? What will it
accomplish? The thing to be doing is to make sure you are ready to
meet Jesus when He does return or when you are called home through
earthly death.

Let me leave you with Colossians 3:2(NIV) which says' Set your mind on
things above not earthly things.' Can you do that? Why not start today
to make God truly first. Do not wait till New Years to make a
resolution that you will read your Bible more and never keep it. Your
life can be much more peaceful and less fretful if you will let Him
take your concerns.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus only you know the day or hour of the end of the
world or your coming back to reign. Father we can get so caught up in
earthly worries and doomsday scenarios if we let our mind be consumed
in reading about them. Lord my plan is to trust you more and turn off
things that scare me or make me lose hope. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

JOY JOY JOY AND MORE JOY



It's Christmas time! Joy to the world! Many around you, or perhaps you
yourself, do not feel joyful due to circumstances in your life. You
just wish Christmas would hurry and go away as it makes things way too
painful. Why is it some people love Christmas and others dread to see
it come?

Maybe if we would not forget what this day is about then we could just
enjoy it in a simple way. When you have expectations that are not met
or feel let down then it is hard to get into the spirit of this
wonderful day celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus. Perhaps you
feel obligated to do certain things that end up causing you stress.
Why not sit back, go somewhere alone where it is quiet, and just pray
and be still? No cell phones. No music in your ear. Nothing. Just you
and God. It may be a challenge if you are a young parent with children
or work full time. Try to find time to schedule a "peace break" alone
somewhere. It could be at a park just sitting in your car. Or go for a
walk. Take time to decompress.

No one said you have to bake twelve dozen cookies. No one said you
need a tree. No one said you have to send Christmas cards.(I for one
send New Years photo cards instead around the 3rd week of January when
people are back in a calmer routine). No one said you have to have an
open house. No one said you have to go to parties. Try to sit and talk
to God and decide what this day is all about and go from there. How
can you have peace on earth when you are in inner turmoil?

John 14:27(NIV) says 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I
do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be
troubled and do not be afraid.' Remember the scripture in Romans
12:2(NIV) that reminds us 'Do not conform to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, Then you will
be able to test and approve what God's will is. His good, perfect, and
pleasing will.' Part of this Christmas stress might be caused by
trying to fit into the mold of someone else. Relax and enjoy Jesus'
birthday. That is what this day is really about.

PRAYER: Father thank you for your peace. I want to enjoy Christmas for
what it is and not get caught up in the man made things that can tend
to cause stress. Help. Me Lord learn when to say no to things just
because "the world" thinks it is the thing to do. I want to enjoy your
birthday. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

CHRISTMAS...WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT


Christmas trees, gingerbread cookies, tinsel, holly, mistletoe, family, friends, travel, giving, receiving, candy canes, shopping, eating way too much, singing carols. What is missing? Jesus, that is what! We can get caught up in the "season" and get swept off our feet by commercialism or we can stay focused and peaceful. You do not even have to do the traditional things. Some take ski trips, vacations, or other fun getaways to start a new tradition. The important thing to remember is to not forget what this special day is all about and whatever you are doing to think about the birth of a baby in a manger who came that we might have life and have it abundantly.(See John 10:10).
Men have tried to deny his existence. They have taken his name in vain. Even in the recent movie "Lincoln" Director Steven Spielberg took a perfectly wonderful film and ruined it by having the actor portraying the late President Abraham Lincoln taking the Lord's name in vain. I can not imagine this Christian President doing that so it ruined the movie for me. Even when Jesus was getting ready to be crucified he did not deserve this horrible death yet he says 'Father forgive them for they know not what they do.' (Luke 23:34).
Jesus truly is the "reason for the season". Let's not be "holly Christians" (term coined by an Air Force Chaplain I knew) but let us let Jesus be Lord of our life the others 364 days of the year as well.
Luke 2:11(NIV) Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you which is Christ the Lord.
PRAYER: As we approach the birthday of the King of Kings I praise your name Jesus. I will celebrate you every day. Help me Lord stay calm and not get caught up in things that do not really matter. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Click on link below for a wonderful song for Christmas.