Happy New Year!

I love new beginnings...

I love second chances, third opportunities, fourth starting fresh experiences...the list goes on.

Jesus loves new things, too. That is what grace is all about...and mercy. He is all about doing...new things...especially in His lamb’s lives.

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth;

Shall you not know it?

I will even make a road in the wilderness, And rivers in the desert.”

 Isaiah 43:18-19

Let the Magnificent Creator create something new in you today, this week...this New Year. It is time to let some old things go and extend your hands to receive His fresh gifts in, to, and through your life.

However...let HIM do it. No help needed on your part...just surrender.  

You won’t be disappointed.

Reset Button...

This last week of 2015 is a good time to reflect.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 3:18

Really. Especially as a Jesus Follower...I have to ask myself...did I allow Him to do His healing work in my heart, mind, and body? Have I journeyed a bit further down the road in Christ by knowing Him more intimately? Do I look a little bit more like Him? Did I leave eternal footprints this past year? You know...were the people around me impacted by the Holy Spirit...because I was in their midst?

This isn’t guilt and condemnation time (when has that ever worked?). It is more...I-don’t-want-to-waste-another-year-time. Take it from someone who wasted a LOT of years...but hit the reset button with Jesus about eleven years ago and has been enjoying the thrill-ride with Him ever since.

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At the Start of This Final Week of 2015...

At the start of this final week of 2015....

Take time to with the Lord Jesus to reflect on this past year. Yes...the good, the not so good, the difficult, and the beautiful. Stuck on a particularly trying occasion from 2015? Ask for the Holy Spirit’s tangible comfort and peace. Honestly. You don’t always need answers...but you will always need Him. Don’t run from Him...come closer instead, until His touch is felt deeply in your heart.

Start to prepare your heart for all Jesus wants to do in and through your this coming year. Prepare your heart to live on purpose daily...for Him. Ask the Spirit for a passage or two from God’s Word...His words over your life this coming year. He wants to give you extravagant adventures in your home, your school, your workplace, your extended family and friends, your world. Don’t miss anything He has for you in 2016.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

He Sees Me...

I received an early Christmas present about two months ago...

“He also brought me out into a broad place; 
He delivered me because He delighted in me.”
Psalm 18:19

Jesus delivered me from a lifetime bondage...
I can’t take the time to share how He accomplished this...or how I was set free in layers...Nevertheless. I know now. I am completely free...to be seen only by Him.

I think a lot of us need this gift. We need not only to know we are seen by Him, but to know in the depths of our being that He is the only One who needs to see us. He is more than enough. I am wondering if this struggle is a part of the “selfie” craze? (No judgement or condemnation here.)

Anyway...please pray about this. Let Jesus give you an extraordinary Christmas gift as well.

Creative Gift...

This Christmas...listen for the Lord possibly awakening something creative...in you.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1

Each and every one of us has a creative bent. You know…something we like to do…something we make…or something we form. Possibly something we build, write, cook, dance, bears artistry…something that brings us pleasure.

However...some of us have given up on our creativity. Why bother? Who will see? Who will care?

He does.

What have you given up on…or never tried…because you thought the "why" questions? I think our creative God created us in His image for His pleasure…and ours. Let His gifts be revived in you again...this coming year. His Christmas gift to you...

At the Start of this Week...

At the start of this countdown to Christmas week...

Should a situation in your life: financial, relational, physical… seem greater than what you can handle...He already knows. His strength is made perfect in your weakness!

Should you feel hemmed in by your circumstances, walls on every side…Look up! Let God scoop you up in His everlasting arms and give you all that you need. He may have you hemmed for a strategic purpose so don’t try to wrangle out of what you are going through. Let Him carry you safely to your next destination in Him.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

Give an Eternal Gift...

This year…how about giving the gift that keeps on giving…

“…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
James 5:16b

Give the gift of consistently praying for someone, a ministry, or a world event…for several weeks, months…or for all of the coming year.

Please understand…I am a prayer flake if there ever was one. I am more of a shotgun shooter…I spray out a bunch of prayers and hope one hits the mark. Not always thought-full or Spirit-led.

Anyway, this past year… the Lord directed me to start designating days of the week…Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc…to become prayer days for a particular person, ministry, or world event: Debbie’s Day of Prayer…Contival’s Day of Prayer…Middle East Day of Prayer…you get the drift. I’m not spiritual…I am lack-a-daisical. I need help…

Maybe you need help with prayer as well. Find what works best for you...and give an…eternal…gift...

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The Star...

The Bethlehem star can teach us a few things about guidance...

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2

Like the Wise Men...we need to look up! All our direction comes from the One Who made us. Our earthly circumstances, though used by God, shouldn’t guide our decisions. Only the leading of the Holy Spirit in line with His Word. And...wherever Jesus is leading us...will be filled with His light. In other words...He won’t lead us into something dark or oppressive. Even the most difficult things He is guiding us into…fill us with His joy.

We should check in daily with Him to know we are still on the right page. Just as the wise men surely had to keep their eye on the prize with daily calculations.

Finally, we need to stop when He stops…move only when He tells us to…and be patient! It may have taken the Magi two years to reach their final destination…it was worth the wait.

Yes...this star of wonder...is still...pretty special...

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Included...

One thing the manger reveals to us...Jesus is inclusive...

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, 
and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”
John 6:37

Everyone can approach a manger...everyone can approach Jesus. Everyone.

The only folks who can’t come...those who ARE excluded, are the ones who think they are too good for...a stable; or too superior...to need help; or too proud to bow their knee. These excluded folks...have trouble with Jesus. Sometimes...I am this type of folk.

Jesus simply says come...no matter your past, no matter your pay-grade, no matter your persuasion...about anything. Simply come. The Holy Spirit will do the transforming. And we, myself included, need to stop the judging.

So...wretched sinner that I am – yet, being transformed by His power – come to the manger...to the now risen King and say, “Thank you” for including me.

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photo: Naomi Jellison w.permission

Silent Night...

Silent Night…Holy Night.

When our Savior entered the world as a wee babe…fully God…fully man…He was entering enemy territory.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12

Jesus’ walk upon earth was a rescue mission…and things haven’t changed. In this passage we hear Paul’s voice for the church to put on the armor of God…and do battle against the enemy…not against people. Yet, how quickly I get my eyes on stuff, situations, and...others, when the real conflict is against demon hordes and the enemy himself? Jesus has called us…to be an army that battles…on our knees.

What are you facing? Who are you directing your anger, anguish, or irritation towards? It might be time to let the Holy Spirit reveal what is really going on…who the real culprit is. Then…and only then, real victory can be secured in Jesus’ Name.

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Small Things...

Small. Small things. Small packages.

“A little one shall become a thousand,
And a small one a strong nation.
I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time.”
Isaiah 60:22

For years I despaired that what I had to offer the Lord was too small. For years I despaired that I was too small. For years I despaired, compared, and felt defeated.

Yet…our Heavenly Father…well…He apparently delights in small things. So…if this season finds you fretting about the size of…your home, your income, your ministry, your influence…your…self…remember…

To God…big things come in small packages. We need only look at the baby in the manger to see the size of His heart and what He can do with the small things we surrender to Him.

Trust...

The angel's words to Mary...are amazing...

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
Luke 1:45

We can sing His praise, we can dance in worship, we can shout in jubilation in the midst of His presence…we…we…we can go to church every Sunday, read our Bibles daily, and share the gospel…but…oh my…without faith…it impossible to please Him Hebrews 11:6.

As you read this, what are you struggling with? Choose instead…to believe His Word…in spite of what you are…feeling. Emotions will follow your choice. Ask for His help with your unbelief, but start somewhere…because His fulfillment of much of what He wants to do in your life hinges on...faith. No not works, but the Lord loves it when we trust Him.

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Angel Unaware...

No joke. I am 99.9% sure I encountered a real angel last year at Christmas at my workplace.

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” 
Hebrews 13:2

Last Christmas Eve, I was alone in the office when a scraggly man appeared at my door…oh my…now what? This older rag-tag man with the most piercing blue eyes told me how he was caring for his elderly mom and needed my help…THAT DAY…the above verse came mind. I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me to shape up because someone special was in front of me…

I was cranky. Yet...I tried to help him.Then...it became laughable…I just knew this was the real deal. The Lord has a sense of humor…FOR SURE. When everything finally came to a close the man took my hand, looked me straight in the eye…and said to me… “You are a real...angel.”

So this Christmas…and every other day of the year…slow down and take notice. You never know…you may be entertaining an angel sent from the Lord or you may be their…God-sent angel.

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Messed Up...

There is a line from a Christmas carol that wrecks me every time...

“Til He appeared...and the soul felt its worth.”

I...for one...spent many years feeling worthless. Never mind my adoring parents and joyful childhood. My self-loathing was a product of simply being born into a broken, fallen world which the enemy of my soul rules. I masked this self-loathing in a cloak of pride...but that is another story. The wonder of it is...Jesus set me free...and continues to release me from the grip of this “feeling unworthy” lie.

Jesus came for the sick...the sick at heart. (Mark 2:17)

I have met people...many people...who think their self-sufficiency is all they need. That really do seem to have it altogether. I am afraid for these people. I am afraid they will miss what He has for them...how He can carry the load...and they don’t have to prove anything anymore. Is this you?

What a relief to know He is everything...and this messed up girl is now the most valuable thing in His heart.

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Bethlehem...

I can’t think of any food more satisfying...than…bread.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel..."
Micah 5:2

Many years ago I learned the name of the most favored, but insignificant town - Bethlehem - literally means: House of Bread. Yes. House of Bread. Where the Bread of Life was born and laid in a manger.

If you are lacking in your soul as you read this…lacking peace, or joy, or satisfaction…or significance in your own eyes, the One who was born in the House of Bread…He alone will meet, fill, and satiate...your need.

So…come…taste…and see that the Lord…is…good. This One, named the Bread of Life came for you.

At the Start of This...Crazy Christmas Filled Week...

At the start of this busy…crazy…wonder-full Christmas time week…

Should you grow weary, tired, impatient, or just plain done…remember Mary…she was having a rough go about this time too. Nevertheless, her trust was in the One who loved her beyond-reason.

Should you feel like you aren’t enough, have enough, or do enough…think about the shepherds. Their job was pretty much out-of-site, out-of-the-limelight, out-of-reach from the nearest paparazzi…yet…God chose them to be the bearers and witnesses of the Savior’s birth. God sees you, too!

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

Feel free to share....

Foolishness...

The Christmas story can sound ever so…foolish to some.

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;”
1 Corinthians 1:27

God became man and was born…among cows and chickens and pigs (well, maybe not pigs if the owners of the stall were practicing Hebrews!)…and dogs…and cats…and …and…yes…lambs?

Possibly the things going on in our lives right now…may seem so foolish…or weak…our failings and falters or circumstances. Yet…isn’t this the power of the gospel? The power of the Holy Spirit? To take the very things that have overcome, plagued, and harassed us and turn them on their heads to…God’s glory?

Let’s let the Lord Jesus take our foolishness and transform those areas and situations into the light of His glory. He can do it…

This is the power of Christmas.

His Mission...

The Greatest Story Ever Told is truly the story of God’s rescue mission.

“… For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”   1 John 3:8b

When baby Jesus was born…He was making an invasion behind enemy lines 1 John 5:19…to rescue us. Yes…to rescue us from the domain of satan to whom the first couple handed their God-given dominion of earth to in the Garden.

Jesus also came to snatch us from the miry pits we often find ourselves in due to our own selfish and destructive choices. Add to these calamities, the fallout from the bad choices, habits, and addictions through previous family generations and environment.

So…in what area of your life do you need Jesus’ rescue? Ask yourself honestly. Then, ask Him honestly…to deliver you.

Yes…the Lord Jesus is enough…more than enough. His rescue is your destiny…and His abundance is your portion because of His glorious grace….

You will know life beyond your wildest dreams. 

Christmas Lists...

Christmas is in full swing...and my to-do list is a mile long...

“You have endowed him with eternal blessings
and given him the joy of Your presence.”
Psalm 21:6 NLT

I had a sweet quiet time with the Lord before work this morning. While still there in that peaceful place, I started my list of stuff...to-do. It went on...and on...and on...you know what I mean?

I heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit. “Let Me orchestrate this Christmas season.” For once, I didn’t question. Yep...I want to really enjoy this oh-so-short season in His presence. The eternal trumps to-dos. Yes...I need to go to work...get lights on the trees...buy presents. However, I am going to let Him call the plays. Want to join me in trusting Him for this season?

You know what? I forgot my list when I walked out the door. Honestly. I felt great relief.

Rescue...

In this Christmas season...

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”   2 Corinthians 8:9

I love the trees...I love the lights...I love the sparkle...I love the music...I love the fragrance of pine...I love the sweet delight of a crazy house full of family. Nevertheless...most of all...I love the wonder.

The verse above is unfathomable. Though He was rich...He became poor. The God of the Universe became man to rescue me. And you. This is the story of Christmas. So...in all the festivities...someone you know might need rescue, too. Be sensitive to those around you and the Holy Spirit calling to their hearts. And while you are at it...be sensitive to His calling to you...as He continues the riches of His rescue in your life as well. I will do the same.

What wonder.