Peace and good will.....pass it on

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  Luke 2: 8-14 KJV
 
I love the Christmas story.  The shepherds went to see what the angel had proclaimed to them, and beheld with their own eyes the baby Jesus lying in the manger. They glorified and praised God and they shared the good news with everyone.

 A lot of events have happened over the past year. I pondered on the words "on earth peace, good will toward men". What did they really mean?  I asked myself, "Where is it?"  "What happened?"  God did not change...... he is still the God of peace.  Then....it must be us.  








For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.  Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.  But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.  Colossians 1:19-23

God made peace through the blood of Jesus.  He came to radically transform our lives inside and out.  So... if we have the love of God in our hearts, it doesn't temporarily go away if circumstances change in our lives.  We need to take pause and search ourselves coming up on the birth of Christ.

  "And in despair I bowed my head: "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men." Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor does He sleep, For Christ is here; His Spirit near brings peace on earth, good will to men." (Written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and made into the song "I heard the bells on Christmas Day".)

In Paul's letter to the Romans there was division about food in chapter 14.  He talks about one man's faith allows him to eat everything and another only vegetables.  But, not to pass judgment because each one of us will give an account of himself to God.  Chapter 14 goes on to say to make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification. 

"So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.  Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves."  Romans 14: 22

 We can apply this story to what has been going on in our country. We are not talking about food... I think you get the message. We are to pursue peace and build up one another. Jesus so beautifully says he does not give as the world gives. He has left us His peace.   So...the question remains...Are we sharing the good will towards men that the angels proclaimed? 

https://youtu.be/F756Mjxxrvc


My prayer:

Dear Lord let your love fill our hearts this Christmas season.  Let us glorify God and pass on the true meaning of the birth of Jesus.  Words of kindness, joy, and encouragement....and...let it begin with me.

PRAYER + OIL + FAITH = HEALED

Mrs. Brown flew from California to visit her daughter Sylvia and grandson Gene.  Sylvia invited her to attend a church service pastored by my husband.  We invited her family over for my freshly baked Blackberry cobbler after the service.  Sylvia could not stay long, and left early with part of her family.  I encouraged Mrs. Brown to remain and chat. Her grandson Gene kindly volunteered to take her home. 

My mother's bible given to her November, 1981 by my father.

Mrs. Brown shared with us about the condition of her eyes.  Several years back the blood vessels had burst behind her eyes, which required her to endure seven laser beam treatments. The surgeries left her one eye blind, and in less than nine months the other eye as well.  Her son had taken her to a specialist in the hope of finding a solution.  The doctor informed her due to the amount of damage he was unable to help.  He counseled her to try and accept she would remain blind. 

The realization of the situation hit her hard.  Mrs. Brown could no longer read her bible, and getting to church was now dependent on others.  After years of faithful service, she felt she had no choice but to give up her church work.  Events also worsened in her family.  Her daughter-in-law had a cerebral hemorrhage, and was required to stay in the hospital for several weeks to recover. She could not even fill in and assist with the care and feeding of her new grandchild. They needed her help, but what could she do?  She felt so helpless and broke down in tears.  In the midst of her despair, she did not give up praying.

We talked with Mrs. Brown about faith and the belief God still heals people.  I asked her, "Do you believe God can heal you?" She responded with a emphatic "Yes"!  I felt the leading of the Holy Spirit and spoke, "I believe God can heal you right now".  My husband went and got the anointing oil and placed it on her forehead. We laid our hands upon her and prayed for the hand of God to touch her.  Instantly the power of the Lord filled the room.  Overcome with emotion, Mrs. Brown opened her eyes and cried out, "I can see!", "I can see the light!", "I can see the piano!", "I can see my grandson and both of you!",  "PRAISE GOD I CAN SEE!"  We shouted and gave glory to God, laughing and crying all at the same time. 

Mrs. Brown flew back to California with her sight restored.  God will respond when we believe and put faith into action.  Why have faith, why pray?  Because God's Word tells me to.

Betty Sparks


14 Is anyone of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  James Chapter 5:14-15



My Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray this uplifting story written by my mother over thirty years ago will bring hope where someone's hope is gone.  May the power of our mighty God meet you at your point of need.  Our Lord's promises are still being fulfilled today. Countless lives have been touched in miraculous ways.  God listens and answers prayers, and may you find comfort in his word.  Amen.