Genesis 13:16 (AMP) I will make your descendants [as numerous] as the dust of the earth, so that if a man could count the [grains of] dust of the earth, then your descendants could also be counted.
I do not know about you, but that sounds like a world vision to me. As numerous as the dust of the earth. God did not say just one part of the earth or territory. He was talking big. I was reading Joshua the other day and I got to the part that Caleb (one of the only two original survivors to come out of Egypt) was getting his land inheritance. I was intrigued by where he requested and I remembered something.
Joshua 14:11-14 (NIV) I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.
I remembered reading about Hebron when I was in Genesis last month. So I looked up where I had read it before and it was in Genesis 13. Right after God gave this revelation to Abraham, Abraham settled in Hebron and made an altar (he and Sarah are buried there). This occurred after Lot and he separated. Originally, God told Abraham to leave his family and go to a certain land. Abraham left, but took his nephew, Lot. They had to separate because of land and resources for their livestock, so Abraham settled elsewhere. God spoke to Abraham about his descendants being as numerous as the dust of the earth. Abraham made an altar (his second one) in Hebron.
I looked up the meaning of Hebron. It means community, an alliance, also united. Now we can make this personal and say that God united with Abraham and that is what Hebron is about. However, God talked about Abraham’s descendants. This was not just about Abraham, even though it started with him. I believe God had His Son on His mind when He told Abraham about his descendants. When Matthew recorded the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, he started with Abraham and also made note that Jesus is a descendant of King David. Check out where David was anointed king (another time after Samuel did) and eventually ruled for nearly seven years.
2 Samuel 5:3 (AMP) So all the elders (tribal leaders) of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord; and they anointed him king over Israel.
1 Chronicles 12:38 (MEV) All these made up the men of war, arranged in ranks, who came to Hebron with a sincere heart to make David king over all Israel, along with the all the rest of Israel who with one heart came to make David king.
Hebron was nothing of significance in the New Testament, but I can see why. Jesus fulfilled what God told Abraham that day. Look at Galatians 3:29 (AMP), “And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise.” There is significance in us being one of his descendants, and it is not a selfish one.
Ephesians 2:19-22 (AMP) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [outsiders without rights of citizenship], but you are fellow citizens with the saints (God’s people), and are [members] of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the [chief] Cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together, and it continues [to increase] growing into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, set apart, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]. In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Look at the big picture. That is what God was telling Abraham that day. Do not just look at the fact that we are citizens of heaven and, that we have the inheritance of Abraham. Stop fussing about titles and leaders in the church, it is all a distraction from the bigger picture. Look at what God said, and in the place He said it. As numerous as the dust of the earth in a location that literally means community. We are to be joined together. Unity of His people from the descendants of the faith of Abraham. Abraham trusted God and was referred to as His friend. We have to come together. We need community. In a community we care for one another and support one another. It was about us. I am one of those dust pieces. I am not insignificant, I am needed in the body of Christ and so are you.
Abba, our Father, our Good Shepherd, You are so Wonderful and Amazing. You are so Holy. Thank You for Your Son, the fulfillment of Love. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, the Teacher and Comforter. Thank You for Your Word, Your full Word, so that we can know You more. Thank You for the fullness of who You are. Thank You for Your Mercy and Loving kindness. You had us in mind from the very beginning. We repent for not seeing community as significant. We repent for trying to go at life apart from Your body. Thank You for being the same God and never changing. Thank You for the patience for us to see the bigger picture as revealed by Your Holy Spirit. We see now that You desired us united even from the beginning. We are Your workmanship and we are being built up TOGETHER for Your glory. We choose forgiveness today. We choose joy today. We choose hope today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Proverbs 16:9 (AMP) A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.
The year of 2025 I have dedicated to “Here I am,” listening for the God moments to change direction. This Monday, as I was at the gym, it was time for me to get on the track. For the past few weeks I have been able to jog some of the track. I am really excited about the progress I am making on my time. However, I was just not feeling too good. I was a little queasy and my head started hurting. Of which I thought was strange because I had not changed anything on my diet. I kept going on the track, but I walked.
As I am walking the track, I am listening to my worship mix and praying. Thanking Him for another day to glorify Him. Praying over my body to come back in line. Then I notice one of my older gentleman friends step out of his cycling class. He has his back against the wall and we smile at each other as I walk by. My next lap around and he is still standing there, we smile at each other and I walk by. The next lap another gentleman is talking to him, they are exchanging pleasantries, but I notice a change in his complexion, we smile and I walk by. I am done with my workout, but I am going to walk by just one more time. He is still standing there and his color is completely gone. I go up to him, touch his arm and said, “How about we go sit down? The color is gone from your face, so let’s go get you cooled off.” So there I am walking him to the bench, my hand inside his arm (as if he is leading, but my body in place to catch him if he falls back). To give you a picture of our contrast difference in stature, my friend has clearly got a foot on me and he is at the gym daily. He is older by a few decades, but is the sweetest man. However, I am ready to shield his head with my body if need be.
We make it to the bench and I go grab him a cold towel to put around the back of his neck. I stand with him and exchange small talk until I see the color come back to his cheeks. He can stand again and is much better. I make sure to linger talking to other patrons and talking pleasantries about their going on’s, while keeping an eye on my buddy. He is able to leave and I head out the door as well. All of my previous symptoms of head ache and nausea are gone and I praise God for slowing me down to notice. Then I remember the time Paul was kept back from doing good for better.
Acts 16:6-10 (AMP) Now they passed through the territory of Phrygia and Galatia, after being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in [the west coast province of] Asia [Minor]; and after they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; so passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. Then a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man from [the Roman province of] Macedonia was standing and pleading with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” And when he had seen the vision, we (including Luke) tried to go on into Macedonia at once, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
What I love about this example is that Paul was in the process of moving when the Holy Spirit stopped him. All too often we tell God we are waiting on Him when we have stayed still. Paul went in another direction and yet the Holy Spirit stopped him again. In the movement Paul’s heart was still inclined to the voice. It is in our try that we can hear the voice of God, if we have ears to hear.
What if I had paid too much attention to my symptoms and decided to head back home? Before I leave the house every day I pray for God to give me an opportunity to glorify and honor Him that day. Looking for opportunities means I have to step outside of myself.
1 John 3:16 (AMP) By this we know [and have come to understand the depth and essence of His precious] love: that He [willingly] laid down His life for us [because He loved us]. And we ought to lay down our lives for the believers.
Eli and I were reading our daily devotion before he goes to school and this was today’s verse: “An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends,” taken from Proverbs 18:1 in the New International Version. An unfriendly person isolates theirself was the message of today’s devotion. That is not the message of Christ. If I only serve in church and my family then I have missed the message of Christ (this is for me because my kids are grown). I am still only pursuing what matters to self. I have limited God with my availability. I praise God for the interruptions. There was no other reward that I received other than that man felt cared for by someone that did not have to. Do you know what I go the next day when I saw him? A great big hug and thank you.
In the midst of my self care I was still available. I was the vessel to tell him that he was seen and that he mattered. God says that about each one of us. It is in the moments like Monday that it became tangible. Are we paying attention? I am glad I did not jog that day, I may have missed seeing what was most important.
Isaiah 6:8 (AMP) Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Father, thank you that we have eyes to see and ears to hear. You tell us the direction to go, we only need to be willing to move. Thank you for the interruptions to our plans for the better. In Jesus Name, Amen.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP) All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
At the beginning of every year I pull out a stack of books to read. My intention is to read from the stack, but as usual I see a new book, and I have to buy it and read it right away. Included in my books are devotions, Bible Studies, and my Bible. In the middle of last year I slowed down my momentum as I had allowed a distraction to dwindle out my hunger. Thankfully I have moved out of it and started reading again. I also started reading a verse at a time in Ephesians and really digging into the greek translations of some of the words, as well as, getting into the context of what Paul was writing for that book. I hope to complete it in 2025 and will share some deep insights. Like last year, I have pulled out a few books to get you some of my favorites. Here is what I read in 2024:
7 Devotionals:
Life in His Presence by Sarah Young
Emmanuel by Ruth Chou Simons
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
From Faith to Faith by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland
Daily Devotions from Psalms by Joyce Meyer
Live in Grace, Walk in Love by Bob Goff
Be Joyful by Joyce Meyer
39 Books:
You’re Valuable to God by Terri Savelle Foy
Is God Speaking to Me by Lysa Terkerurst
Praying Circles Around Your Children by Mark Batterson
How to Pray by Joyce Meyer
Raised in the Pew by Re’na Garcia
Don’t Shrink Your Dream! Enlarge Your Faith! by Terri Savelle Foy
Humility the Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller
The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane
Break Up with What Broke You by Christian Bevere
Living in Absolute Freedom by Donna Parton
Victory Over Darkness by Neil Anderson
Breaking Intimidation by John Bevere
Testosterone Matters by Gary Donovitz
A Heart Like His by Beth Moore
Get Out of that Pit by Beth Moore
Wicked Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler
The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
Let it Go by Karen Ehman
It’s Not About You by Max Lucado
The Believer’s Authority by Kenneth Hagin
Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer by Dr. Myles Munroe
Unmasking the Jezebel Spirit by John Paul Jackson
Strategic Pastoral Counseling by David Benner
The Names of Jesus by A.B. Simpson
Do Yourself a Favor…Forgive by Joyce Meyer
Sheep Goats and Wolves by Mark Barclay
Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa Terkeurst
How to Always Reap a Harvest by Mark Barclay
Improving Your Performance by Mark Barclay
Six Ways to Check Your Leading by Mark Barclay
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Familiarity by Mark Barclay
Drawing Near by John Bevere
Finding God’s Life for My Will by Mike Donehey
Redefined by Arden Bevere
The Missing Read Letters by Mark Barclay
Are You Praying for the Wrong Thing? by Travis Greene
Supernatural Provision for Your Vision by Jerry Savelle
Raised to Stay by Natalie Runion
The Three Battle Grounds by Francis Frangipane: An in-Depth view of the three arenas of Spiritual Warfare: The mind, the church and the heavenly places. Spiritual Warfare is not some cookie nonsense. Now, there are some fruity some that Christians do that do not line up with the Word. First and foremost, there will be a constant renewal you will need to do with your mind. Your mind, will and emotions are what makes up your soul. Many Christians are still bound to what we call strongholds, there is freedom in Christ, but most Christians do not know how to access that freedom. “What men call “salvation” is simply the first stage to God’s plan for our lives, which is to conform out character and power to the image of Jesus Christ. If we fail to see our relationship to God as such, we will allow too many areas within us to remain unchanged. Pulling down strongholds is the demolition and removal of our old ways of thinking so that the actual presence of Jesus Christ can be manifested through us.” If we want to be effective in the body of Christ and bring Heaven down, then we need to start with some tearing down of some strongholds. The Battleground of the Church was very intriguing to me because of my love for the church. Here are the titles of the chapters in this section: The Lord Whose Sword is Drawn, Beware of the Stronghold of Cold Love, The Gift of Discernment, Eliminating False Discernment, Repairers of the Breach, God’s Army of Worshipers, Casting Down the Accuser of the Brethren. Here is what he has to say about those who claim they do not need the church, they just need Jesus. “To those whose attitude is, ‘I am content with just Jesus and me,’ I say it is wonderful that you have found Jesus. But you cannot truly have Jesus and simultaneously not do what He says. The outgrowth of love and faith in Christ is love and faith like Christ’s, which means we are committed, even as He is, to His people. You see, the kingdom of God is most perfectly revealed in our relationships with one another. To have the kingdom, we must be committed to one another as individuals and as churches.” We must also be aware of the Battleground of Heavenly Places. Remember we do not fight against flesh and blood, but no person should try to usurp control over your relationship with Christ. There are many voices trying to ring out, pay attention to the one that points to Christ. The anti-Christ spirit will hate conforming to the Word of God. This spirit hates when you talk about surrender. I spent a lot of time reading books on the Jezebel Spirit this year. I wanted to understand more. Basically, this spirit hates authority because they want to be in control. This is often birthed out of offense. All of this ties back into renewing your mind in the Word daily.
Drawing Near: A life of intimacy with God by John Bevere: I love reading John Bevere’s books. I also recommend getting the app MessengerX, it is free. There are so many courses you can view and podcasts to listen to. I was attracted to this book because my heart’s desire is to have a lifestyle of intimacy with God. I want to minister through the overflow. As we mature in Christ we learn the balance of works and worship. “Many well meaning believers have fallen into the trap of replace time with God with busy Christian lifestyles. This can also include the deceptive and continuous labor in ministry.” God dwells where we reverence Him (a healthy fear of the Lord) and we are within the realm of humility. We are still fighting our flesh here and one of those areas we have to fight against is the right to self. We should not be first place in our lives. I do not want to live that way anyways. It is too exhausting. James 4:6-10 (AMP) But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].” So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom. Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]. The closer you live this way, the less you live for yourself. The opposite can also be found in us when we live for ourselves, we will be found in rebellion and pride. The defense of self is rooted in pride. Do you desire peace in your life? Get a hold of what God’s definition of humility is. I am so serious about wanting to get over this area that I also read two other books on the subject, Humility the Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund and The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller. They are in my reading pile again this year.
The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Timothy Keller with Kelly Keller: Every year my husband and I do a message for Love Sunday, which coincides with Valentine’s Day weekend. This is one of the books I read to prepare for in 2024 and am still going back to some things in 2025. Do you want to know what the number one killer for a marriage is? Self-centeredness. Many go into a marriage thinking it will make their lives better. Spoiler alert. Marriage is a greater way to serve. When we look to anyone other than Christ to fulfill our every need, then we are going to be disappointed. Whether you are the husband of the wife, you are not to sacrifice for yourself but for the other. Ephesians 5:21 (AMP) Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. How we treat our spouse is a direct reflection of our reverential fear of the Lord. “Serving your spouse also means showing that you are committed to his or her well-being and flourishing. This kind of love is given when you seek to help your spouse develop gifts and pursue aspirations for growth. There is no greater way for Christian spouses to serve one another than to help each other grow spiritually. This means encouraging each other to participate together actively in church, in Christian community.” While traditionally marriage was for status, social duty and stability now it is seen as a way for personal fulfillment. Neither of these are completely wrong, but they are not completely right either. Ultimately if the gospel has not changed your mind and heart, you will not be successful in your marriage. This year my husband and I will be discussing the importance of your spouse and you being the best of friends.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Familiarity by Mark Barclay: I actually read six books of his this year. We have access to as many books of his as we would like because he is a father in the faith to my husband. Pastors need pastors and Pastor Barclay is one we have called on. He shoots straight and is Word only. If it is not found in the Word then he will not preach on it. A pitfall of familiarity is the equalizer. A prime example in the Bible was Aaron and Miriam in the Bible. Read Numbers 12. Really it is a form of pride in our lives. This books is talking about familiarity in relation to our pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelist and apostles. Here is what he has to say: “If you do not esteem someone more highly than yourself (someone you consider more important than yourself, some you respect as much -if not more- than yourself, someone whose teaching and lifestyle you admire), then you will find yourself sitting at your own feet to learn. You will become your own teacher. That’s dangerous because the next step is that you become your own advisor; then you become your own counselor. The Bible states that only a fool thinks he is right in his own mind. It’s of utmost importance that everyone, including leaders, has someone whom they look up to. It’s a healthy relationship, not an abnormal one. The abnormal relationship is quite the contrary. When you thing more highly of yourself than you ought to think, you’ve made yourself your own leader in the Lord. You’ve set yourself up in a form of pride.” Familiarity will bring judgement and you will become critical. You will even lose confidence in those that are to speak into your life. This is an area of our life that is easy to fall into, Jesus even had to deal with it with His disciples. It will cause you to not believe the Word. Be careful. You do not have to stay in it. There is always hope and restoration. Miriam was restored.
Emmanual: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always by Ruth Chou Simons: I love doing a devotion just for Christmas. This year I started decorating my house on November 1st. It is still up will be coming down sometime next week. I believe that as much as we talk about the miracle of Jesus with us at Christmas should be talked about all year long. This devotion was divided into four sections: Our Posture, God’s Promise, Our Response, Our Messiah. Our posture and our response has a lot to do with receiving God’s promises in our lives. “Jesus is more than a baby, more than a beautiful miracle in a harsh world. He is more than a familiar figure sung about in festive tunes. Jesus is God with us – Immanuel, just as the angel of the Lord told Joseph.” What do you treasure? That is the whole message of this devotion. Yes there is a call to repentance in it. There should never be a time in our lives that we do not surrender. Is Christ your ultimate treasure? Psalms 16:11 (AMP) You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. A life transformed, Emmanuel, God with us. We can now abide with Christ. I dwell with Him as He dwells within me. I am forever changed.
It is hard for me to just pick out a few books, or just a couple. I love to read. Why read books like this? I desire to glean as much revelation as possible. When I read my Bible, He will bring back to remembrance other things I have read. My desire is to be in His fullness. What will I do with these books now that I am done? They are going back on my shelf to be read again at a later time. I already pulled out a couple to reread again this year. I want to grow deeper in His Word every year. I want to be a doer of His Word. People are important. I want others to grown deeper in God too. That is why I make time for discipleship. I want to be available for the opportunities to enlarge His kingdom this year like never before.
Lord of Lords, Kings of Kings, Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, You are who reigns above it all. You are Worthy of Honor and Praise. No other Name is above Yours. Thank You for sending Your Son to be the Lamb, the Root of David, the Word made flesh. We are walking in righteousness because of You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit now dwelling in us. We now can walk in the fullness You created us in. We repent for not standing on the truth of Your Word. We have fallen in the trap of lusting after our own gratification. We choose to surrender to Your Word, Your Will and Your Ways. As we read Your Word, let it be a Light and Beacon of Freedom. We choose to walk in Your statutes and precepts. We are casting off any exalted thought that does not line up with forgiveness and has misaligned us to take on jealousy, envy, bitterness, resentment and anger. We choose freedom this year. We choose joy this year. We choose hope this year. We choose love this year. Grow Your Love in us, so that it is all that flows out of us. We choose surrender this year. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Matthew 1:23 (AMP) “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel”—which, when translated, means, “God with us.”
Is it ever the wrong time to watch a Christmas movie? Since 2020 I have started changing my home over to celebrate Christmas on November 1st. Why? The four weeks between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day are just not time for me to enjoy all of it. Starting earlier, I do not have to do it all in one weekend. I get to take my time and enjoy every moment. There will be days in December that I get to enjoy baking Christmas cookies for my neighbors. Immanuel-God with us should be more than just four weeks. It should be every day, all year long.
Last night, I joined a friend and we watched The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I like a nostalgic Christmas for my home and this brought back all the feels of my childhood at Wesley Heights Elementary. My favorite teacher was my first grade teacher, Mrs. Richardson. I even looked her up and invited her to my wedding day, and she attended. She was the teacher that introduced me to the love for books. I would finish my school work early and get to go back and sit in the reading area. Of course I got to put the books away in my own special way, because the other kids just threw them on the shelves. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was one of her favorites to read to us.
It is about a small church in a small town putting on their annual Christmas play. All the children in the church participate in the story of Jesus in a manger. They even have the angel (only speaking part) telling the shepherds in the field that the Savior of the world has been born. There is this one special catch this year. To take a quote from Amazon.com: The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, swear, and smoke cigars. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant.
The Herdmans are led by the oldest sister, Imogene. She is the oldest of six with four brothers, Leroy, Ralph, Ollie and Claude. The youngest, Gladys, a girl, is the scariest of them all because she hits…hard. The Herdmans want to be in the play and they want the best parts. Why did they show up in the first place, because they heard there would be desserts, the best desserts. The narrator (a classmate of the Herdmans) her mother is directing the play, a sweet woman name Grace. Grace feels she does not quite measure up to the other church women. She volunteers to show them she can do more than buy store bought cookies. I feel so much like Grace sometimes. I do not like drawing attention to myself and would rather just stay in the background and help make others shine. However, when put to the task, I will give it my all.
The Herdmans are tough because that is all they know. We never know where their parents are. Imogene is the mother figure to the kids and she is just a kid herself. She takes because that is all she knows how to get things. They love the movies and the great adventures, this is their chance to be somebody else. Imogene takes her role seriously and has the rest of the Herdmans do research and learn as much as they can about their parts. They even get library cards. This is a group that have never heard the Christmas story before. Imagine hearing it for the first time and all of the questions that a child could think up. Imogene is playing Mary, Ralph is Joseph, Claude, Ollie and Leroy are the three wise men and Gladys is the angel of the Lord.
Every year the church does a food drive and delivers Christmas hams to families in need. Do you know what family is on that list every year? The Herdmans. Bob, the narrators father, takes his family with him to deliver the hams this year. Their first stop, the Herdmans. Imogene has to hold the ham up high to keep it from her feral siblings, exclaiming that they cannot have any until Christmas Day. A little glimpse into the real struggles these kids have.
The day for the play is approaching and the whole church is outraged that Grace has allowed the Herdmans to be in it, not only that, they have practically taken over the play. The church is watching Grace very closely on how she navigates these kids. Do you know what she does, she does not scold them, she shows them kindness and patience. Something these kids have never received before. She does not ignore them, she is attentive to every question they have.
The big day arrives and the Herdmans are going to back out. The town does not want them in their big Christmas Pageant anyways, they just get blamed for anything that goes wrong. So who shows up at their door on Christmas morning? Our narrator, Beth. She begs them to come so that her mom will not be put to shame for allowing the Herdmans to be in it in the first place. Her mom worked so hard to keep them in it. At the last minute they show and the event starts.
Imogene and Ralph walk out and they are not using the regular costumes the church provides, they made their own, because that is what Mary and Joseph would have really worn. They would not have looked perfect, they had been traveling a long way. Imogene, holding the doll Jesus, because there was not a family that would allow a Herdman to hold their actual baby for this pageant. Imogene pats the baby on the back, burping him. It takes a moment but the church in their stoicism are enjoying the baby doll being burped. Do you not think that Mary had to burp Jesus? Our angel appears and exclaims: “Hey! Unto you a child is born!” Gladys, who likens the angel to a super hero in her comics, waving her arms with such big gestures. Then come our wise men, carrying their Christmas ham. A gift so special that they wanted Jesus to have it.
2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV) You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
These kids that had never heard the Christmas story before, yet realized just how special Jesus is. As Imogene sits there looking tenderly at the Jesus doll, a tear rolls down her cheek. The church is in awe and sings Silent Night together. The true meaning of everything right there in that small town, in that small church. Jesus, the Light of the World, God with us, brought us into a His family. It was the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The Herdmans were a needed part of their community.
We should never look at the Christmas story as common. Every December 1st I choose to start reading a chapter a day in Luke. I will even find passages in the Old Testament that prophecy about Jesus, there are over 300 of them. I encourage my church to look for opportunities to bless people they will never meet. We have “You Were Seen” cards that we hand out with a little gift to strangers. On the card is a QR code that takes them to a website to tell them how special they are in Christ. We even set up a Christmas tree with opportunities to bless people in our community. Look past the story and get the meaning of Immanuel, God with us. It is never the wrong time.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (AMP) Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
I have chosen to read a letter of Paul’s over and over each week. The first one was the letter to the Philippians. A reminder to be joyful at all times. The second week was the letter to the Colossians. A reminder to focus on Jesus no matter what. This week I am in 1 Thessalonians. A letter to a group that would have every excuse to run, but are encouraged to stand firm. He ends the first letter with the encouragement to rejoice and remain thankful to our God. No matter what is going on, can you still thank God?
What do you do when things do not looks so good? As a pastor, when attendance is at an all time low? How about when half the church just stops giving, and/or given up on the tithe? We do not receive a salary, so it is not like any of that matters as to why we are showing up and serving every week. Are we still proclaiming the Gospel? Can they find Jesus in every message? Are we growing in our spiritual maturity as a body? Those are the questions that I choose to focus on.
Philippians 4:4 (AMP) Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!
Ephesians 6:18 (AMP) With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.
Galatians 6:9-10 (AMP) Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).
Here is what I am choosing to do, I am not going to quit and I am not going to run. I am persevering, because there is an enemy out there looking for those he can devour. I am battling this spirit of oppression that has infiltrated the body of Christ and I am calling them back to the joy of the Lord. The enemy has lied to them long enough. Joy is their’s. It is a promise of His great love. The devil wants us to quit on the precepts of God. He wants us to believe that God picks and chooses who He will bless. So many have lost heart and are just going through the motions. That is not how we should be living. What can shake the body of Christ from this bondage of lethargy and apathy?
Ephesians 3: 16-19 (AMP) May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].
I want you to know the fullness of God. I want you to know that He sees every struggle. Is Jesus more than enough? That is the biggest question we should ask ourselves. If so, rejoice! I pray you are filled with the love of Christ, that you can rejoice again. In Him is fullness of joy! Even if it is a sacrifice right now, especially if it is a sacrifice right now. Do you want your freedom? Go get it! Jesus has already paid the price for it, now receive it with your whole heart.
Hebrews 13:15 (AMP) Through Him, therefore, let us at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.
Abba, our Father, our Creator, we are so thankful for being the God who covers us with a Banner of Love. Thank You for sending Your Son, so that we know the fullness of Your love. Thank You for sending us the Holy Spirit, so that we may be filled at all times. Thank You for the revelation of You through the written Word, as inspired by the Holy Spirit. We repent for becoming lethargic, for the apathy of our hearts, and for going back into slumber when you have called us into Your glorious Light. We surrender our hearts, minds, will and emotions to You. We desire to do all that you have commanded with joy. First, to love You will all of our hearts, with all of our soul and with all of our mind. Second, we will love our neighbor as we love ourselves, in the fullness of love that we received through Your Son. We choose to forgive what we beliefs, unwarranted expectations, on thoughts of how You should treat us. You have never mistreated us and we are repent for ever feeling this way. We are rejoicing in Your mercy and lovingkindness. We are choosing love today. We are choosing hope today. We are choosing joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Philippians 1:21 (AMP) For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity].
What are we living for? Paul had his answer. He wrote about it over and over again. Many times we like to quote the old prophets (the laments of Jeremiah and Elijah). I like Paul. He had the answer, “to live is Christ.” Who are we lining up our thoughts with, the before Christ people, or the life with Christ people? Paul talks a lot of the joy of Christ, while he was in prison. Have you lost your joy? Well Jesus will help you find it.
I have decided, that for the rest of the month of October, that I am going to read all four chapters of Philippians daily. I have posted on my personal page about it, and have invited others to join me. Why Philippians? I see the lack of joy in your eyes. I see the lack of care, an apathy, for the body of Christ. You have been satisfied with the salvation message, but have not received the fullness of who Christ is. It is time to live in Christ. Philippians shows us how to do that.
What are we focusing on? Is it the economy? Is it the raise in our utility bills? Could your marriage be in trouble? How about wanting to buy a house, but you think you are stuck renting? May I ask you, who is Christ in your life right now? With Christ in our lives, those problems become less worrisome. The solution to the problem has been here all along. Actually, I have found that the solution showed itself before I knew there would be an issue. Christ is my source.
Philippians 4:11-12 (AMP) Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
What is the secret of facing life? It sounds like Paul has not a care in the world. He sounds pretty secure. It sounds like something we could all use some of. Verse 13 is often misquoted. Put into context Paul is not talking about an independent life. I believe you cannot have verse 13 without verse 14: “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] Nevertheless, it was right of you to share [with me] in my difficulties.“
I am fully sufficient because of Christ. However, it is not just me and Jesus out here. He planted me in a body of believers (Ephesians 2:19-22). Paul is writing to a group of people and saying that he has great joy this life with Christ, and Christ added to that joy with the people that joined him in spreading the gospel.
All my prices have gone up too. I even have the expense of a high-schooler playing two sports, in a 7A school. There is something I cannot give up on, and that is who Christ is. I have to choose to live in Christ daily. I have to choose to love His body daily. When I start loving myself above everything else, even Christ, then I lose my joy. The fruits of the Spirit grow in us more when we understand the position of love that Christ has for us. That is why Paul says, “to live is Christ.”
I am going to take the first few verses of Philippians 1 and pray this over you today:
Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in every remembrance of you, always offering every prayer of mine with joy [and with specific requests] for all of you, [thanking God] for your participation and partnership [both your comforting fellowship and gracious contributions] in [advancing] the good news [regarding salvation] from the first day [you heard it] until now. I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. It is right for me to feel this way about you, because [you have me in your heart as] I have you in my heart…. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus [whose great love fills me]. And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight, so that you may learn to recognize and treasure what is excellent [identifying the best, and distinguishing moral differences], and that you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ [actually living lives that lead others away from sin]; filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God [so that His glory may be both revealed and recognized].
Has joy been missing from your life? Make Christ your life and He will help you find it.
Romans 14:23(b) Whatever is not from faith is sin [whatever is done with doubt is sinful].
This past weekend I had the privilege of taking a couple of ladies from my church to the Joyce Meyer Conference in Atlanta. She started out the night talking about faith. This part of the verse really stood out to me, “whatever is not from faith is sin.” How many of us do not give ourselves wholly to faith?
2 Corinthians 4:18 (AMP) So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.
Faith never quits and it never gives up. If God showed us everything, if He gave us everything, would that be of faith? He did just that when He gave us Jesus. It is through faith that we receive salvation (Romans 2:8-9). So many just stop right there is their faith. The same way we receive salvation is the same way we need to live this life.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (AMP) for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]
Did you know that the church you are planted into has a part in your growing in faith? This is not for just fellowship or a social club. We lack so much in the body because we do not take this part of our faith seriously (Acts 2:46-47). We claim it is not important and we can do without it. I want to show you a couple of verses and then explain.
Ephesians 2:19-22 (AMP) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [outsiders without rights of citizenship], but you are fellow citizens with the saints (God’s people), and are [members] of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the [chief] Cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together, and it continues [to increase] growing into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, set apart, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]. In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:16 (AMP) Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Shields of this time period were much larger than the ones depicted in medieval times. Roman shields were usually about two and a half feet wide and four feet tall. They were wooden and covered with multiple layers of animal skin. Before battle they were dipped in water to ward off the flames of the fiery darts. Roman soldiers did not go into battle standing an arms link apart, they did it linked arm in arm. Those behind them would hold the shield over head. Now picture a group and the fiery darts are coming. We all have thoughts (fiery darts), if I am left alone from which direction will those darts come at me. The whole structure being joined together (your church), they are watered by the Word, they are being build together as a dwelling place of God, you have the protective shield of faith. I like this translation, because it says, “above all.”
If asked what you value in life, how many would you say you value God, your family, your jobs? What about your church? This is why the devil hates you falling in love with the people in your church. This is why he fights you having any real genuine concern for them. We use the excuse that people have hurt us and we are just protecting ourselves. What a lie! What the enemy has done is disarmed you from fullness of the shield of faith. I am saved through faith and I live by faith. I do not take account of a suffered wrong. I believe the best of people. Love always hopes and faith does not quit. So stop quitting the church and stop quitting people. Add the body that you are planted into to the list of valuable things that are in your life. Build into each others lives through faith.
Father, Abba, Creator, Marvelous God, we want to honor You today with everything that is within us. Thank You for Your Son Jesus. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your Word. We repent for not seeing the church (Your Bride and Your Body) as valuable. We repent for going by our feelings, our emotions and our thoughts on how we should live this life. Your Word says that anything not of faith is a sin. You have free reign to clear out all of the areas of our life that is not of faith, including how we have viewed Your church. Let us take up the shield of faith. Let us join together in growing into Your Temple. We are not called to be alone. We repent for this mindset and we surrender to Your ways. We choose forgiveness today. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We choose joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Titus 2:7-8 (AMP) And in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity in doctrine [having the strictest regard for integrity and truth], dignified, sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent [of the faith] will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
When did it become okay to be dishonest in the church? Part of my reverence for God is how I speak. Some say, ‘well I do not cuss’. But are you honest? Do you skirt around the truth to make yourself look better? The lie could be so you do not hurt someone’s feelings. Paul tells us to act in a way that is beyond reproach. Why is this? So that the opponent of the faith will not have anything bad to say about us. We are giving the world an excuse to say, ‘why should I follow Jesus when there has not been a change made in that person’s life, they still lie, they steal?’ Do you know how many times that I know that I have been lied to? They will never know. I will not shun or cut them off, but I do know where the boundary of my trust lies. Love always hopes. I do not give up on them. Why? I would not want anyone to give up on me. God never throws us away, just look at Peter.
1 Peter 2:12 (AMP) Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].
Is it better to say you are going to do something or to actually do that something? This is another issue we have is that we do not keep our word. Integrity is what we should be known for. If I tell someone they can count on me to be there, baring an illness, I am going to be there. It may be just me. It may not be. I want to be known for someone that people can count on. Why? It shows that I care about them. Paul exhorts Titus in 2 Corinthians 8:7, “But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also.” He is talking about how he gives but he talks about Titus having genuine concern for the body. Do we have genuine concern for those in the body of Christ? Maybe it is my pastor’s heart. I would hope that it is not for a select few that have a genuine concern for others. When did this start in me?
1 Timothy 4:12 (AMP) Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity.
There is no age limit, no maturity level, that should keep us from having a genuine concern for those in the body of Christ. Either you do or you do not. It is a faith issue. “If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit] (Galatians 5:25).” It takes faith to live a surrendered life to Christ. I have made mistakes, but a person of integrity will go back and apologize and say that is not how I want to have acted.
Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP) But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
My unselfish concern for others cannot be limited to just a select few, for example, just my family, or those that are just in my church. Where ever I go, I want people to know that they are valuable, that they are cared for. Is that not the example that Jesus lived? I cannot physically be there for every person, that is why I believe it is not for a select few that genuinely care for others. That is why I think they enemy fights the body of Christ from this revelation. That is why there is not true unity in the body. We are still out for ourselves, instead of having a genuine concern for others. What are some traits I can look for in myself? Truth and integrity. When I lie, it is all about me. When I do not keep my word, it is all about me. Do not be fake about it either. Be genuine.
Father, Abba, Banner, Creator, You are more Marvelous than our words can ever express. Thank You for Your Son. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your Word. We repent for making everything about ourselves. We repent for not having genuine concern for others. We repent for not speaking with integrity. We repent for no thinking our conduct really matters. Make within us a clean heart. We choose a life of surrender, so that we choose to do things Your way and not our way. Let us walk in the Spirit and do as the Spirit leads. Let us be genuine in our faith and in our love. Let us be known for our lives that point back to why Your Son came to redeem us. Let us live lives changed for Your Glory. We choose forgiveness today. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We choose faith today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Matthew 7:7-8 (AMP) Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.
My husband and I have been in a series called Relational Maintenance for the past year it seems. We minister together, not that I asked to, it is because with topics like this I would bring something to add. This Sunday I added a perspective of Job and how the vocabulary of our minds will influence our expectations. Job was a righteous man. “Consider my servant Job,” is what we are reminded of as to why he was chosen for this test. Another comes to mind, “For the thing which I greatly fear comes upon me, and that of which I am afraid has come upon me (Job 3:25).” What had Job feared? We can see that in Job 1:5, “When the days of their feasting were over, Job would send [for them] and consecrate them, rising early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did this at all [such] times.”
Psalms 111:10 (AMP) The [reverent] fear of the Lord is the beginning (the prerequisite, the absolute essential, the alphabet) of wisdom; a good understanding and a teachable heart are possessed by all those who do the will of the Lord; His praise endures forever.
What are you seeking God for? What is your expectation when you come into the community of your church? I have been praying Colossians 1: 9-10 over my church: “I do not cease to pray for Connect Church and to ask that they may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that they may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing to all, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (MEV).” This is the same prayer I have for my children. I want them to have health, a family of their own and a happy life, but none of that compares to their relationship with Christ. Wisdom is far more precious than any wordly experience they can have. Why grasp for anything that is not centered on Christ? Wisdom is not just smarts or head knowledge. Christ was full of compassion, mercy and loving kindness and was known for His wisdom. They even called Him great teacher.
Philippians 2:5-11 (AMP) Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man]. After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.
Job made it all about his kids. We can do the same. We can go to the Father and make it all about what we would like for our lives to be like. Jesus did not model this. So why are we modeling that in our churches and in our families? We should be known for our generosity to the world. We have in an inheritance through Christ and we should be grateful and full of gratitude. Solomon was given the task of ruling all of Israel. Solomon prayed for wisdom (1 Kings 3), this pleased God because he did not ask for a long life, wealth or to conquer over his enemies. God heard his prayer giving him wisdom, but also wealth and honor. Kind of like what Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33, “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” God’s character did not change, our empowerment did with the Holy Spirit.
James 1:5-6 (AMP) If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind.
It was a faith issue with Job. He did not make the list of the great men and women of faith as listed in Hebrews 11. You can tell that by what he feared and how he tried to compensate for that fear. My children attended public school. Why do I know that was a good choice for them? It goes according to the mission we set as a family. They are not of this world, but that does not mean they need to be taken out o f it. We are called to go into all the world and to spread the gospel. Our mission field is our community. They have served in the community that they are planted into (we have to model and teach empathy). Jesus came to serve. We are not better than anyone, and we want to see the best for others. We are not self seeking, so it is not about us grasping for success. God is our fortress, not our brick and mortar home. God is their protector, not mom and dad. They have the mind of Christ and are filled with the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead. They dwell in the shelter of the Most High and they are secure in Him (not in man). Even if they walk in the valley of the shadow of death, they shall not fear (and neither shall I), for they are protected by the Great Shepherd and they have the wisdom to listen to His guidance. My husband and I have been charged to train them in the way they should go, and that is to Christ. I cannot manipulate God to protect my family. I have to surrender them to Him. I have to live surrendered too. My identity is not found in my husband and kids, it is found in Christ. Who would I be without them? I would still be His. I cannot doubt God. He cannot lie.
God, our Father, our Shield and our Banner, we want to glorify You today with every thing that is within us, including our thoughts. Thank You for Your Son, who paid the price for our freedom. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who is our Counselor and Teacher. Thank You for being our High Tower, for being our Peace and for Your Mercy and Loving Kindness. We repent for doubting Your Goodness and Grace by keeping control of areas of our lives. We repent for not being enveloped in the fullness of Your Love, by allowing fear to rule our minds. We surrender everything back into Your will. You are the Great Shepherd. Lord, we pray for wisdom. Wisdom in raising our families, wisdom is making good financial choices, wisdom in how to lead well in our community. We do not take the task of the Great Commission lightly, and we repent for limiting the spectrum of influence that You have mapped out for our mission. We choose to forgive anyone that has made a stumbling block in our lives to fulfill what You have called us to, the ministry of reconciliation. We repent for taking any bait of offense and allowing roots of bitterness to be planted. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We choose forgiveness today. We choose joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (AMP) Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.
I have been doing a deep dive in the book of Ephesians over the last few months. I am taking it one verse at a time. In doing so, I have learned a lot of about Christ and the fullness that He wants in our lives. On that note, we have have centered so much on that fullness, that we have become self centered in our relationship with Him. Let us look at the above verse for instance. How much do you think that verse is really about us? Look at it again, it starts out “Now to HIM….” That’s right, it is about Him and His glory. We are the benefits He receives, not the other way around.
Matthew 17:2-3 (AMP) And His appearance changed dramatically in their presence; and His face shone [with heavenly glory, clear and bright] like the sun, and His clothing became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.
There were a few men that walked really close with Jesus. Jesus even showed them His true form on this mountain. His appearance changed dramatically in their presence. There are surface level relationships that we can have, and then there are deep intimate relationships. The level is dependent on the mutual understanding of both parties. The second part of this is the most exciting to me. Moses was able to step his feet into the promised land.
Psalms 37:4-5 (AMP) Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him also and He will do it.
Where I am, I see a lot of people concerned about where they are going to go in life. Are they going to experience all they want to experience? Moses got to be in the promised land, and it was with Jesus. I have learned that when I find myself rooted in Him, my life is much bigger than I could ever have imagined. I am no longer concerned about visiting Paris, as I had dreamed about in high school, I would rather go somewhere that He can get the glory for. When we took out trip to the Dominican, we had so many opportunities to share the gospel. We were given a heart for the people there and are looking forward to going back this Christmas. This time we are going to take our boys. When it is about Him, then we look outside our ourselves. How we see ourselves in Christ will determine where we will go.
Matthew 6:33 (AMP) But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.
His Kingdom is rooted in the person of Christ. The Isrealites reached the physical promised land and still they were not satisfied. They kept searching for other forms of worship to make them whole, and to fulfill their every desire. Jesus came so that we can rest in the promised land (Hebrews 4:1-11), it is found in Him. No more striving. No more searching. No more being hungry and thirsty. Just Him. The fullness of the Kingdom of God is found in Him. Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think. Then you will go places you never dreamed of, and you will have a heart for people you never thought you would.
God, our Creator and our Lord, You are so Mighty and Awesome. We worship Your Holy Name today. We want to glorify You will all that is within us. Thank You for Your Son, that we have become a part of Your Wonderful family. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that reveals the deep knowledge of Your Mercy and Loving-kindness. We repent for being self seeking in our actions and deeds when it comes to Kingdom life. We have fallen into the same trap as the Pharisees in doing so. We want the fullness we have to be a deep reflection of who you are. To You all the glory. To You all the honor. Let our attitudes and character reflect that of You. We choose forgiveness today. We choose joy today. We choose faith today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
