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. 

He Is Risen!

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?  But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away." Mark 16:1-4


Do you ever start a day with a feeling of despair, and go through the emotions with no hope in sight?  You can understand what Mary and Salome were going through on early Sunday morning.  Their lives were about to change.  


As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.  "Don't be alarmed," he said.  "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.  He has risen!  He is not here.  See the place where they laid him.  But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee.  There you will see him, just as he told you."  Mark 16:5-7


He has risen!  He is not here.  These words altered the course of history.  Jesus conquered death.  He died on the cross to save us from our sins.  A supreme act of love by our Savior.  Given freely so we may have eternal life.  All we have to do is believe he is the risen Lord and accept him.  As you reflect on the miracle of Easter, may it change your life.


"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?"  John 11:25,26


My Prayer:

Lost and Found

I have a habit of feeding birds with our leftover bread and popcorn.  Our family enjoys observing the variety of birds enjoying their meal.  I looked out my kitchen window, and noticed a lovely cat eating the food I put out for the birds.  To my surprise, I thought cats were finicky about what they ate. The cat appeared more frequently and my daughter began to play with her.  My daughter grew fond of her and named the cat "Tiger".

Early one morning when it was still dark, my husband was leaving for work.  He thought I had left one of my hats on the back porch.  As he reached to pick it up, two eyes appeared before him.  My husband jumped back because he was startled by the cat.  He looked around, and was relieved no one saw his reaction.

We realized she was a stray cat.  We decided to take her in until we could find a good home for her.  It was stressful to keep the animals away from each other.  My dogs wanted to attack her, and I was afraid she would eat our cockatiel and guinea pigs.  We sent a text picture of Tiger to a friend from church.  His beloved cat had passed away several months earlier.  Our friend and his wife came to see her.  Tiger immediately responded to him, and they wanted her for a pet.  We were overjoyed to have found the lost cat a home. 

"I have strayed like a lost sheep.  Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands."  Psalms 119:176

When my mother passed away, I was lost without her.  I could not figure out how to deal with the grief, and felt alone.  I had to work through the assurance of knowing God is with me, even though my emotions betrayed me.  I realized I had carried the burden way too long.  I finally gave it to the Lord, and he met me at my moment of need.  God can take away burdens, sin, or anything which keeps us bound.   I am reminded of the song "Amazing Grace" by John Newton.  I can identify with him about being lost and found.

"For the Son of Man is come to save that which is lost."  Matthew 18:11

Whether you have wandered off in life, or are lost  in your particular situation, the Lord is looking for you.  It is all part of God's perfect plan.  His son came to seek and save.  God is not willing anyone should perish.  God's grace forgives, restores, and heals.  Our Lord wants to lead us on the right path.  All we have to do is respond.   

"Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep."  Luke 15:6

In the parable of the lost sheep, it tells how important it was to look until it was found.  There was rejoicing in heaven when the sheep was brought home.  Even the angels joined in on the celebration.  Jesus is a loving shepherd calling out to you.  Do you hear his voice?



My Prayer:

Are You Sure About That?

There is a tree near my house.  Everytime we encounter a storm, I wonder if the strong winds will pull up the roots of the tree.  I pondered on how our life is similar to a tree.  When "Life Storms" come, they can leave us to feel uprooted.  There are seven circumstances that can shake our foundations.


My next breath.   I was visiting a friend at the hospital, and noticed patients who needed oxygen to survive.  I realized how fragile life is, and beyond our feeble attempts to determine the outcome. We are one breath away from eternity. 

Troubled economy.  You can't turn on the television or be on the internet without hearing how bad the economy is.  It is hard not to worry, because it affects everything from employment to the cost of foods.  The forecasts continue to predict difficult times for all of us.

Violence and turmoil.  There is so much crime and unrest in other parts of the world, but you don't have to travel far to encounter hostilities.  Anxiety can become our state of mind when we allow ourself to dwell on all these influences.   

No confidence in political system.  There seems to be no end to the fighting among authority figures. Civility and working together to solve problems is a thing of the past.  You can't deny the uncertainty of today's world. 

Core values deteriorating.  We are flooded with advertisements, magazines, movies, and television programs that distort principles, character, and standards of this day and age.  There are no more boundaries of decency. 

Stress filled life.  Consumed by debt, broken down families, and apathy in society have created an environment of tension in everyday life.  When there is no hope, where do we turn to?

Natural disasters.   Tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, famines, earthquakes, flooding and fires, rock our world.  These devastations have caused the loss of homes, and countless lives.  How do we recover from the decimation, because it affects us mentally, physically, and spiritually?


Regardless of what happens in our lives, one thing is sure.  God is in control.  He tells us not to be afraid because he is with us.  No matter what situation you encounter, the Lord is our refuge and strong tower.


God is life.    We utilize all our resources to prolong life.  And yet, our times are in God's hands.  We can have a more abundant life, being filled with the fullness of Christ.  The apostle Paul said, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain."

God's provision's meet your needs.   God tells us we are more important than the birds in the air. His resources are unlimited.  The scripture in Phillipians 4 reassures God will supply all our needs, according to his riches.  Believe in our heavenly Father to never leave or forsake you.

Take refuge in Christ.  The Lord  never slumbers nor sleeps.  His eyes are always upon us, and he watches over your life.  King David called out to God for mercy.  When he was afraid, he trusted in God.   "What can mortal man do to me?" 

Be confident in God.   Psalms chapter 118 tells us how it is better to trust in our Lord, than to put any confidence in man.  Even though the world questions his validity, we can believe in him.  Have faith because there is no other!

God changes not.   Time is fleeting, but one thing is certain.  No matter how the world continues to change around us, God remains the same.  He is our source of holiness and righteousness. Seek a life lead by the spirit, not wavered by the world's beliefs.  Without holiness no man will see God.

Peace like a river.   God offers a peace that passes all understanding.  Not the kind of peace the world offers.  A peace that leads you beside quiet waters, stills your heart, and comforts your spirit.  The Lord will provide you calmness in the midst of a storm.

God has the world is in His hands.  When the foundation of the world crumbles, be assured God is with you.  In Isaiah 40, God wants us to know he has measured the waters in the hollow of his hands. God is not slack in his promise to take care of us.  Do not be troubled, for the Lord's presence is near us, even to the end of the world.



"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name, He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."  Psalms 91:14-16

MY PRAYER:

Thank you for your promises of peace and help during troubling times.  Keep me under your wings of love.  Amen.

Out With The Old, In With The New!

I hate exercising!  Last year I made several attempts to ride an exercise bike.  It was hard to get motivated to actually get on it.   Last fall I finally forced myself to exercise for about forty minutes.  The next few days I was so sore I ignored the "no pain, no gain" motto.  While I struggled to start exercising again,  I noticed the bike was missing.  My husband told me he put it out to pasture.  Several weeks later I was slumped on the sofa flipping channels, and noticed a show about New Year's Resolutions.  They stated about 35% of people fail on their resolutions in January.  I can definitely identify with that.

In order to succeed at a given task, I realize it takes more than will power. Because of my weaknesses, I need the help and strength of the Lord to not fall short of what he wants me to be.  I am so encouraged by the scripture in Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."   So when you get up each morning,  his mercies toward you will be "new".  Our God is faithful, and He won't forget his promises to you no matter what time of the year.


Ephesians 4:22-24

I sometimes struggle with old thoughts, old habits, and old tendencies.  God's word tells us not to lose heart, but be renewed every day.  How do we do that?  PUT ON A NEW SELF DAILY.  "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness". Ephesians 4:22-24.   I decided for the new year to try out God's plan. The next time you see me, I may look the same on the outside, but inside there will be the new me! 

A New Self?

If you want new changes and you still have some doubt, then consider this. Through our Lord Jesus Christ we can be reconciled to God.  We are justified by receiving God's provision of grace and accepting his mercy.  His son Jesus came to do away with our old life, and be made new in him.  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17.  Receive his love and forgiveness, and start this year off as a brand new person.


My Prayer: 

Thank you Lord for your love and compassion each day.  Help us keep our hearts and minds focused on you.  Someday, God says in His word,  "He is going to make everything new".  We will dwell in His presence with our new bodies.  The old order of things will be passed away.  Praise your Holy name!  Amen.

The Christmas Star

 I love to look at Christmas decorations, especially the Nativity.  I spoke with my husband about a manger scene for our yard.  My husband surprised me with one he built himself.  I bought a baby doll, wrapped it in purple fabric, and layed it inside the manger.  Our baby Jesus could be seen during the day, but not at night.  We added lights on the manger the next evening, and walked to the front of our yard to make sure it could be seen.  We prayed our little  handmade Nativity would stir someone's heart  as they drove by who needed the real message of Christmas.

 I looked at the manger and felt something had been missing.  It needed a star.  I shopped around at different stores to find the right one.  I found a star with a lovely incandescence, which could be seen from every angle. I was excited to see how it shined in the dark.  What a difference the star made!  It illuminated a beautiful glow, but what moved me was how much attention  it drew to the manger scene. 



Matthew 2:1-13:  The Magi Were Lead By The Star

I read the Christmas story in the second chapter of Matthew, and became aware of the significance the star played.  The star was leading the Magi to Jesus.  "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."  King Herod heard and wanted to find out more about where Christ was to be born.  "Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.  He asked the Magi to report back to him, because he wanted to go and worship Christ.  "After 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.  When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  The star became a beacon for the newborn King.  Darkness was dispelled, the Light of the World had finally arrived! 


The Savior Of The World

I imagined what it must have felt to see the newborn child.  I would  have rejoiced just like the angels did on that glorious night.  "On 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.  And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route."   The prophesy spoken by the prophet over 800 years ago in Isaiah 9 had been fulfilled.


My Prayer:

Thank you God for your son Jesus who came to save us from our sins.  We are called to be a light for God.  Jesus said in Matthew 5, "You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven."  Lord make me a beacon to lead others to you.  May we shine brightly like the star on the night you were born.  Have a blessed Christmas.