Easter - He is Risen!

The journey of Lent is an opportunity to walk by the side of Jesus, as He walked toward His darkest hour.  If we truly immerse ourselves into this walk, in study and prayer, it is interesting that our lives come to mirror His walk.  Old habits, needless ways of thinking, buried lies about ourselves, disappointments in relationships, all creep into our minds and hearts. Alone.... joining our precious Savior as he prayed alone in the garden among sleeping friends.  Good Friday, the day of crucifixion, and Quiet Saturday give no hint of what is to come.  Then the brilliance of Easter Sunday....the empty tomb discovered, disbelief, confusion, doubt....leading to the truth that Christ has Risen.  He has risen indeed, transforming lives and casting out fear.  The disciples witnessed Him, resurrected, and became ambassadors of the Good News.  Thomas doubted.....and Christ met even him, in his doubt and fear, with tenderness and Grace.  Wherever we are this week, Jesus knows, and wants to shine His Light in us, making all things new.  Nothing can hinder His work in us, His saving Grace.  Sins, wounds, tragedies, shattered dreams, all healed, made new in Christ, declared so by our Gracious God!  Hope Promise Light.  We have a friend in a Savior who suffered, and has Risen, allowing us to transform our suffering into Life.  His mercies are new every day! Praise be to our Glorious Father and our precious Risen Christ!

Loving the Overlooked ~ Advent Prayer

Hallelujah.  Hallelujah.  Hallelujah!  Christ is Born, and Father God may we be as in awe and overwhelmed by the news, as the shepherds were that cold, dark night. You loved us so much, you sent your only son to earth, as a humble babe, to rescue us out of darkness. Yes, we are in awe, and we sing our praises to you.  Lord, as we are humbled in this remembrance, we ask your forgiveness for forgetting who we are.  Forgive us for overlooking the great gift you have given to us – the inheritance of a King.  Forgive us when we act in ways that do not reflect our heritage of Light.  Forgive us for overlooking those in need around us. Forgive us now, as we consider apologies that are yet unspoken; relationships that need attention; love that needs to be extended.  

Thank you that through your precious son, we are forgiven.  As we are forgiven, so we need to forgive.  Use us, in spite of our perceived shortcomings, to reflect your great love to others.  Use our losses and failures to lift up the lives of others in need, as we unknowingly encounter them every day… at work, at the post office, at the market and malls, as we rush to prepare our homes for Christmas.  Remind us that the message of the birth of Christ is not just a celebration to be kept at home with our family, but an opportunity to reach out to those we  overlook, with the same generosity you extend to us. Make obvious to us the people who need your light in the darkness this Christmas season…..we yearn to satisfy the hungry, befriend the lonely, walk alongside the grieving, care for the ashamed, so that the reversal of Advent be true for them - in their lives- this Christmas.

Lord we pray for the overlooked in our families. Open our eyes.  Lord we pray for the overlooked in our communities, and we ask you would move our feet.  We pray for the overlooked and needy in our nation… Lord, extend our hands.  We consider the overlooked, the persecuted, the poor, the unloved, around the world.  Lord, open our hearts to include them in our daily prayers. Help us to remember to live in your great love every day.  Keep us in your word, and guide us to take steps that spread the good news of your great love.  Show us ways to shine the light of your Glory out from our homes into the community, the nation, the world, just as the angels did that Christmas night so long ago.  In Jesus’ precious name.  Amen 

Prayer for Spiritual Gifts

Father God, we praise you and give thanks that you have invited us to be your hands and feet in our world.   We are humbled by the amazing gift of your son Jesus Christ, who redeemed us and made known to us the gifts so generously given by the Holy Spirit.  Take our lives, Lord, and use us.

Father God, help us  look deep within ourselves and discover the spiritual gifts you have blessed us with.  May we take the time to direct our lives in a way that best uses our own unique combination of gifts.  May our faith guide us in realizing our gifts.  May our continuing education about these gifts help us discover where our strengths and interest lie. May we always be open to the direction of the Spirit and never forget the love you have for each of us. Lord, help us to encourage others in the talents they have.  May we not be jealous of the gifts of others, but learn to nurture and celebrate our own gifts, as part of the same body. Help us to serve others in the community and in doing so help to build up your kingdom.  Give us the strength to reach out to others in need.  May we always be willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of the common good, and do this lovingly, as Jesus taught us. Father God, guide us to continue to do our part in developing our gifts so they may be fully utilized. Keep our hearts and minds open to the direction of the Spirit, who calls us to celebrate our gifts by sharing them with others.

God we thank you for all of your blessings.  We know that all of our gifts come from you.  May we always give of ourselves, and use these gifts in a way that shows our gratitude for them. We thank you for the love you showed in giving us your son.  May we always know that you are there and that we will not be given more than we can handle.  Help us to turn to you, lean on you, talk to you, and strive to be one with you. We thank you for the discovery of those spiritual gifts that are meant to shine through us, and be light among your people …   for your Glory, and for the common good of all.

In Jesus’ precious name.  Amen

Refreshed by the Dew of His Presence

In her very helpful devotional, Jesus Calling, Sara Young, opens a reading with the sentence, "Let the dew of My Presence refresh your mind and heart.  Those words grabbed me and have fallen on me over the past two days, which have since included my resilient enegy and plans for the week getting flattened by a virus, and two people in my life receiving devastating news about their health.  Now my illness is obviously a minor thing, and I will most likely be bouncing around before school resumes next week.  However, my high school friend, who went to the doctor for a sore arm Friday and lays now in an induced coma to study a massive brain tumor, has less hopeful news.  My brother-in-law reels from the knowledge that after extensive chemotherapy and radiation, his previously low cancer indicators are not holding.  "Let the dew of My Presence refresh your mind and heart."

As I delve into the scripture behind Sara Young's words, I find Psalm 46:10.  "He says, 'Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 
1Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace."

I am left holding the prayers for others, not solely for their physical healing, but for their hearts and minds.  For peace.  Life surprises us....throws us a curve.....catches us off guard.  "Be still and know that I am God.  I will be exalted."  When we get down off of the big chair of our plans, we learn that God's plans for us include stillness, a refreshed heart and mind, and peace out of disorder. We feel His presence, and we begin again to exhalt Him.  We praise Him for His Holy Grace in our lives and for every hue of His creation. He is the Truth for all time.  The living waters of our soul.  Lord, let the dew of your presence fall on me, and those I pray for.  Refresh my heart and mind. Create peace where there is disorder.  Let the dew of your presence wash over my mind and heart.  In His precious name, Amen.

Answer to Prayer

Prayer is an important part of my life as a Christian, and I have had a passion for intercessory prayer for many years. My time in prayer for others is precious and important to me, and I love the connection it brings with God and with those I pray for.  Many prayers over time have been answered!  I am always so grateful and give God the praise for His loving care and specific answers.  However, there have been a few times, when I have fervently and boldly prayed to God on behalf of another, expectantly, and the prayer does NOT seem to be answered.  I say seem to be only because I do not have the mind of God, and I do not have the ability to know His plans.  But I can say the disappointment in each case of loss was huge, and therefore very confusing to me.  But I push on, knowing that God is Good, and I must obediently trust in Him.

Recently I have been interested in a bit of writing by E. M. Bounds, who is evidently, since his death, known for his amazing prayer life. He writes: "To God and to man, the answer to prayer is the all-important part of our praying. It proves that God lives, that there is a God, an intelligent being, who is interested in His creatures, and who listens to them when they approach Him in prayer."

 

If this is so, then I am all the more confused about what to do with "unanswered" prayer.  The Bible holds the truth, so we can turn to it to point us back to the truth.  Though confusion remains in my mind, the point is that God is sovereign.  We are to trust and obey, worship, pray, and give thanks.

These scriptures from John command us to boldly approach God in prayer:

 

"And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

 John 14:13

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."

John 15:16

"In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."

 John 16:23

SO, for you, and to those for whom I hold on my prayer list, I boldly approach the throne of God to ask for prayers to be answered, in the name of Jesus Christ, for healing for you, in body and soul. I pray for physical healing, emotional healing, and for a keen sense of God in your life.  I pray for jobs, I pray for right relationships, and I pray for release from grief.  I pray for you and for your children.  May God be the center of your life, and may you find your utmost joy in Him.  In the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen

I Praise You, for You are With Me

Genesis 39:20 But while Joseph was there in the prison, ²¹ the Lord was with him; he showed him steadfast love, and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden."

Father God, you are so faithful.  Your love for us knows no bounds.  Like Joseph, your steadfast love is with us forever.  No matter what our circumstances, you are beside us, walking us through your plan. We cannot see the end of the story, but you are the trusted director of our lives.  How I praise you!  I am so grateful today, for your invitation to be your daughter.  I thank you that my eyes have been opened to you.  I am in awe of your love for me, so undeserved.  I am grateful for this day....for time spent with you, for sunshine, for buds on the plants, for friends, for precious family.  Your blessings on my life cannot be counted.  Even during unexpected trials, you are there..comforting, caring, smoothing the way, and preparing me for what is to come. I am yours.  Claimed.  Sealed in your love, through the power of Jesus Christ.  Your gift of unparalled mercies. How I thank you!  During times of joy, you are smiling down on me, encouraging the gratefulness and the sharing of your love out into my world. Thank you, Father.  Thank you!  In the name of Jesus.  Amen

New Year to Share God's Love

On Sunday, our  pastor helped us reflect on the past and the coming New Year with his sermon “Everlasting.”   The word is found primarily in the Old Testament, and is equivalent to the New Testament word, Eternal.  However, the two have different connotations.  While eternal  has a linear quality, as in a time that never stops, everlasting is far reaching, outside of time altogether.  God is everlasting.  If God is everlasting, therefore so are his attributes and promises, giving us great comfort. 

Lord God, what we ultimately need from you is this promise that you will be our dwelling place…everlasting…both from outside of time, and right into our moments.  As Noah, Isaiah, Jeremiah all experienced God’s everlasting love and faithfulness, this love from outside of time came down to us as Jesus Christ,  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, God With Us. Our hearts are full of gratitude.

And in very individual ways, Lord, you have shown your love and faithfulness to us.  Give us a thirst to take time to reflect on the ways you have been with us in this past year.  These precious remembrances give us the hope and expectancy of your presence with us in the coming year.  We give thanks for the remarkable ways you make yourself know to us, and we pray we will see you at work in our lives. 

Father God, as we begin the New Year, help us invite you in, to be with us in our ordinary moments, our significant moments, and in the unexpected.  You have claimed us for your own, and given us the wisdom, heart and character of Jesus Christ, your only Son.  Through the power of your Holy Spirit, help us shine this everlasting love out into our world, wherever we are, so the world will see and know that to know you, is to be Loved.  In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.

Advent

Holy Father God, God of the most high, Everlasting God, Lord of peace, Faithful Provider, Abba-Daddy – 

You, who formed us in our mother’s womb, who called us by name, and who commands our every breath. You alone are worthy, and How we love to worship you during this joyful time of year. 

Lord we thank you for your Word, especially during this Advent season. As we read and drink in the story of Joseph, a righteous man, give us a thirst to listen, trust, and obey as He did.  Like us, he loved you, and had his own plans.  Lord, He allowed Grace to interrupt.  He listened to your voice, he received the words, and obeyed all that you commanded.  And, Lord he obeyed again and again as he kept his ear to your voice, so that your plans would be fulfilled.

Lord,  we are like Joseph and Mary. We are the common shepherd and we are the prideful king.  Let us hear your voice. Amidst all that we think we need to do this season, help us to open our eyes to the star that lights the way to our Savior’s face.

On our way, God with us, Grace will interrupt.   Let us feel the strength that only you can give, as we wait upon your guidance each day, and act …to reach out to the lonely, to lift up the downhearted, to touch the untouchable, and to give to the needy.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

Prayer for Being in Community

Father God, there is no one like you.  Your power, your beauty, your faithfulness and grace bring us to our knees. We thank you for the opportunity to worship you.  We thank you for the gift of your own SON, Jesus Christ, who calls us friend and teaches us how to be a Godly neighbor.  We thank you for your Holy Spirit, sent to us to guide our way.

Yet… we go through our days forgetting to believe and failing to act upon our belief in what you can accomplish through our lives.  Forgive us. 

We lug unnecessary baggage into our opportunities to live in grace.  Forgive us for that, and help us to break through to freedom.

Out of fear and ignorance and lies of insecurity, we put up barriers to those who you name our brothers and sisters.  Forgive us and warm our hearts to melt the perceived differences.

 Greater things are meant to be done through us, here in our city, in our neighborhoods, in our church.  Give us a thirst for your word each day, so that as we go out…..we are first filled with you.  As we gaze upon our neighbors, may we see that we are gazing upon your children.  Urge us to pray for them and open our eyes to their needs. 

Lord as we work alongside others in our community, may our words and actions sing your praises.  Guide us to pray for our community leaders and for how we can lend a hand.  Greater things are still to be done here.

As our hearts overflow with your presence, Lord, light a fire in us to share our own story of your faithfulness in our life.  Give us the courage to take these small risks, as we learn to let ourselves trust you throughout the many moments of our day.  As we glimpse your Glory, our hearts overflow and our passion grows.  Father God, there is no one like you, and we praise your Holy Name.  Amen.

 

 

Change

The words of Mother Teresa of Avila linger in my mind this month:
"Let nothing disturb thee;
Let nothing dismay thee:
All thing pass;
God never changes.
Patience attains
All that it strives for.
He who has God
Finds he lacks nothing:
God alone suffices."
Such wisdom, spoken so simply, yet the living out of these words requires great faith.  Lord, there are several people who sit in my heart as I reflect on change.  Some are dealing with change due to loss of a loved one or a relationship change.  Others are moving or looking forward into coming life changes. Some of us are left behind.  Whether it is good change, happy change, or sad change, it involves letting go, and that involves stress for us.  Looking into the unknown of the future is scary.  Father God, change is hard for us!  I pray that for each of us, the freshness of your spirit, the encouragement of your closeness to us, and your deep love will sustain us.  You invite us to cry out to you, "Abba! Father!" Then we wait. "We hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words." We wait and hope with confidence. "And, God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, wo are called according to his purpose." And, Father, for this we give thanks!  We praise you and we glorify you.  We trust you, and rest in this trust.  You alone satisfy the needs of our hearts.  You seal our future. Thank you, Father!
(Scriptures from Romans 8:15-28)

Inclusiveness

Everlasting God.  The God Most High. Creator. Provider. Our shepherd.  The God who Sees. The Lord who Heals.  We sing our praises to you.  We are in awe of your mercies.  We thank you for your mighty works.  Lord, we are humbled by your majesty, and we ask that you be merciful to us.

We confess that we do not always treat people as you would.  Too often we are quick to judge others or discount them.  We close our eyes to the marginalized… to those who serve us all through the week… to those who have hurt us. We are partial to those who keep us comfortable.

Gracious God, renew our hearts; make our spirit right and true.  Remind us of our salvation through Christ, and make our willing hearts steadfast for you.  Lord, only you can blot out our transgressions, and leave us clean and white as snow.  We praise you and thank you for your vast and deep love for us. 

We thank you that your world is inclusive.  It is unfathomable that you call us friend.  You command us, saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Father God, teach us to see and treat people the way that Jesus would.  Grow our hearts.  Form the expressions on our faces to reflect you….despite the circumstances of our day. Get us out of ourselves and our little world.

Expand us.  Send us out to be Your hands and feet.  Lord, some among us seem so equipped for that.  Others of us wrestle with how we can be used. Some of us need our eyes open to service.  Help us realize that we each can be used by you.  Help us to know that in spite of ourselves, you have a plan for us to serve.  Your plan is unwavering, and it is for good.

Clarity in Confusion

     Lord, the world at large is changing so fast.  I read articles in magazines, headlines in the newspaper, and life presented in books, that just set my mind into a spin.  How am I already so old that new ways of life seem so foreign and unnatural, the future seems so close, and the past so comfortable, but distant.   I have more questions than answers, and I crave understanding.  How do I sort it out to understand? And, Lord, there is so much need in the world, where do I go to help? How do I help? Who do I help? It seems there is so little I can do. I weep inside.
     Yet, every morning when I rise to praise you and read the scriptures, you are there. This morning I find answers in John. The confusion is cleared in John:5 & 6. Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life." 
     Father God, your Word outlines the claims that give the answers I need. I thank you for the scriptures that teach and comfort.  I praise you for the assurances you bring:
I AM the Ressurection and the Life
I AM the Light of the World
I AM the Gate
I AM the Good Shepherd
I AM the Bread of Life
I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Answers to confusion.  Focus for my life.  I will follow you. You have promised that if I have Faith in you, and if I call to you, you will answer.  Father-Son in One, Your plan is Divine.  Your mind is omniscient.  You are omnipresent.  You are enough for me, and I can rest in your mighty fold.  Your Holy Spirit envelopes me, gives me freedom and urges me forward.  Thank you, Father. Thank you.

Holy Week - On Our Terms, or His?

Lord, we sing your praises. Your love for us is so amazing that we are in awe. And we shout your name, Lord....we cry out to you in prayer ...with the assurance that you hear us. But as we approach you, Father God, we are in need of forgiveness. Forgive us for the control that we try to take over the role of Jesus in our life. Forgive us for our desire to dictate the unfolding of our life circumstances. God, too often, we expect you to fit into our mold. Save us from ourselves....from our worries....our fears. Forgive us. During this time, we pray for the authenticity of the community of the early church to root itself here and now. Like the early church, may we each ask the question, "Who are you, Jesus?" During this Holy Week, stir our hearts to know you in a deeper way. Give us a thirst to meet you in scripture, and prompt us to remember the sacrifice you so obediently made on the cross. Quiet us, and urge us to listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit. Because of your love, we, too,  are heirs of Your Father. We praise you! We pray that a community of love and peace will extend outward from us, into our local world, and in turn, to the ends of the earth. You are the King of Glory, Lord Jesus, and we thank you for hearing us when we call. We are on our knees in your presence, and the whole earth shakes in the knowledge of your power. Amen

Joyful Prayer

Isaiah 56:6-7 "And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to  be his servants, all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it, and hold fast my covenant - these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer.... for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." Lord, I thank you for the steadfast promises I find in your scriptures.  Thank you for the consistent reminders that you are everpresent.  You are strong, mighty, and sovereign. You will not leave us nor forsake us. You have called us, and you invite us into prayer.  You have promised that you will hear our cries, and you will answer.  You will take our mourning and from the ashes, you will create beauty. In all circumstances you call us to praise you, and in that, we find our joy.  In the quiet rain, your voice is near, and in the storms, your voice is strong.  If we quiet ourselves to listen, we can hear you.  Lord, I thank you for this day of rest, and for the gift of time to focus on you. Hear my prayers for friends and family, as I offer them up to you, for peace of mind, for protection, for direction, for health, for restoration of relationships, and for a thirst for relationship with you.  In the name of Jesus, I pray.

Everything

Father God, we  owe all to you. You are strong, we are weak. You are perfect, we are not. You are omniscient, we are of small mind. Lord, we seek you, and we find you. We call on you….you are near. Your love for us is wide and deep.Your world is in magnificent order. Ours is one of ordinary days.
We are grateful to be your people. Teach us to set our minds on you. Lord, give us a thirst for your Word. Call us into knowing you. It is in knowing YOU, that we begin to see who we are. You are our Father, and we, the inheritors of your Godly plan.  Lord, you are everything to us. You are our rock in times of trouble, our strength in times of sorrow, and our song In times of joy. I thank you, Father, that you have chosen us, and called us to be your people. You are everything to us, and we love you.

South Sudan

1Corinthians 12:4-6
4 "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."

Father God, how mysterious are your ways. You are soverign and Holy. You reign over our world, and pour out your blessings upon us. And, Lord, you have given each of us gifts. Give us eyes to see them, ears to hear your call, and an open heart to answer. Eliminate the obstacles we put in the way of serving you. Help us to understand that we are each unique. We don't need to compare ourselves to others and all that they are doing to serve you. We have our own purpose, divinely guided by you. Help us trust in that purpose, and be obedient to your voice.  Help us to know that, indeed, you are at work in us in ways that matter to you.

Lord, I specifically have on my heart to pray for Sudan and South Sudan.  The Christians who have lived in the Nuba Mountains need our help and support.  They need our prayers.  Lord, show me how I can pray for them.  And, Father God, I have the desire to raise money for a well in the refugee camps there.  If it is your will, show me how I could possibly do that.  Anything is possible through you, and even young children have accomplished great things like this.  The seed was planted in my heart years ago.  Now a seedling of hope is compelling me.  How can I make this dream come true?  Only through you, Father God.  I trust in your guidance. I will wait on you.  In the meantime, I will continue to prayfor this persecuted people across the world from me.  In your precious name, I pray.

Job 16:20
"My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God."

Open our Eyes

I come before you, Father God, humbled. I enter into your presence, which is LOVE and healing wholeness. And there, Lord, I am convicted of the ways I have not been obedient to your call. I ask for the forgiveness that you have promised, if I come to you. I acknowledge I am wounded. And, therefore, I have hurt others. Stir my heart, now, to see where I need to ask the forgiveness of others. Urge me to seek that forgiveness, Father.Make me aware of grudges I hold, and help me release them. In your love, God, bring forward my needs for healing. Only you can heal me Lord, and make me white as snow.
Father, you are a loving God. You know no boundaries, and your love is vast and deep. You are faithful. You are powerful. You are God.
I thank you. Open my heart to needs of people I see daily – and open my eyes to the needs of people I choose not to see. Open my mind to people too far away to see. Urge me to pray for them every day, to disrupt my comfortable routine to help them. Put a thirst in the hearts of each one of us to serve one another….to reach out to those in need of love, support, encouragement, justice. Lord, we give you thanks that you first loved us, even before we opened our eyes to you. You shelter us and provide for our every need. Your grace amazes us, and your mercies overwhelm us. Through the power of Christ Jesus, may we be the arms that shelter one another. In Jesus’ sweet name. Amen

Advent Thoughts

Advent is coming to a close, and my heart has been preparing for Christ to come anew. The weeks of planning, and days of preparation are now mostly done. The tree is trimmed and the house is decorated with familiar Christmas things... the frig is filled with food, gifts lovingly wrapped and under the tree....it is almost time for all the kids to come "home for the holidays!" How I love having the "kids" home to celebrate Christmas! I was praying this morning, giving thanks for God's blessings on our family, and praying that our home would be filled with His presence as we gather together to celebrate the birth of Christ. All of our gifts and traditions are an expression of the joy and love that He first gave us. I can't wait to share all of this with them. It all starts with worship on Christmas Eve, and the remembering of the story...giving thanks for the gift so generously given.
Matthew 2:9-11
“9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”

Open My Heart to Jesus

     Each morning this Christmas season, I have pondered whether or not I am giving room to Jesus in my day.  As I read my advent devotional, the details of my day crowded in.....the responsibilities at school, the people I wanted to contact, the Christmas to-dos at school, for family, for friends.  Then, in my car, the music of worship, wooing my mind to be more yielding to your mind for it all, God. More asking you to take over and bring your priorities into my day...making more room for Jesus.  Now, the gift of vacation time, and more time to spend with family and friends....time to focus on the shopping and wrapping and planning.  Still, where is Jesus in it?  Is Jesus in the extra smile, the extra kindness to a stranger, the touch sent to a friend?  Is Jesus in the gift bag given to a homeless man on the corner, or a shoebox of gifts shipped to Peru?  Is Jesus in my heart as I consider how to share His message with an unbelieving friend? As I celebrate the birth with my family?  Is it enough?
      How can I ever put into words what you mean to me?  Loving Father.  Abba, Daddy.  Rabboni, Teacher.  Saving Grace.  Friend and Counselor.  You are my life, my deepest everything, my foundation.  You make me whole, you transform me, you stretch me, you grow me.  You put hope in my heart, you calm my mind, you quiet my hurts, and you light up my life. After so many years of loving you, how can I begin to share the complexity of all you have done in me and through me?
     Your answer is simple, Father God.  Your answer is a babe, announced by angels, born humbly, and welcomed by the marginalized shepherds.  Loved, adored, worshiped, despised and denied, He grew to teach of that love and share that love with us...the first Chritmas gift, sacrificial, the unearned gift of grace. Is our heart open to receive?  Are we stuck on establishing if the turnin is scientifically proven to be real? Does it matter? Faith is the key to open the heart, and joy is the gift.  May we be the child, eager to receive the gift of love and grace once again. May the shine on our face be like an angel, sharing the message of that love with everyone we meet today. 

Hope in Tough Times

Lord, as we approach tomorrow and the holiday of Thanksgiving, there are many who cry out for help, from the place of despair. Bad news comes at us from all directions. The whole world is filled with conflict and economic depression. Families in our towns struggle to meet their physical and emotional needs. For many, there seems to be no hope. Others of us are blessed with warm homes and food on the table. Some of us have homes filled with reminders of your love. I thank you, Lord, for the abundance that is mine. I pray that you will use what I have to reach out to others. I pray that you will use the love you have given me to shine your light to others, both near and far. You have a purpose here, Lord. Let your Word speak. Let it do your work:

Psalm 4
6 "There are many who say, 'Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!'
7 You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."