Bible Passage for the Week

As 2011 comes to an end we are going to look at two bible passages. 

Malachi 3:6a - "For I the Lord do not change."

Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

No matter what happened in 2011 or what is to happen in 2012 we have a Savior that is the same yesterday, today and forever!  What a great gift!

Happy New Year!

Cheryl

Beyond the realm of understanding!

Psalm 5:8 notes, “Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies, make your way straight before me.”  We are celebrating our Savior’s birth this weekend and this verse is quite fitting if you think of the Christmas story.

Take a look at Mary.  She is about to have a baby and I am sure not real comfortable but couldn’t find a place to give birth.  Her Heavenly Father guided her and Joseph to a place where she could give birth to our Savior.  However, think about how Mary was led before those moments she was giving birth in a stable.  Mary had an angel appear before her and tell her she was going to give birth to a son and she should call Him Jesus.  What!  I’m sure Mary knew enough about the birds and the bees to know she couldn’t be pregnant.  Yet, she trusted the Lord was leading her and would protect her.  Mary followed the Lord’s guidance even though it didn’t fit the human knowledge of possibilities. 

Then take a look at the shepherds and wise men.  The Savior was born and it was quite evident because a bright star appeared in the sky.  They made their way to see their Savior and worship Him despite the dangers they could face.  Being led the whole way via this bright star and having protection from their enemies was another way God did things in an "unconventional" manner.  The Lord even led them to know King Herod was up to no good and they should not follow his orders. 

There was also Joseph to consider in all of this.  He also was willing to take the Lord’s lead.  He was going to marry a girl that was pregnant and not with his baby!  Not good!  Yet, the Lord assured Him it was okay.  Then, he had to worry about his wife and where she was going to have a baby.  The Lord provided again.  After Jesus was born, Joseph had to take his family and flee because Herod was out to kill Jesus.  Joseph was willing to listen to his Heavenly Father and do what He asked, even though like Mary it didn’t register within the human understanding. 

This brings me to us.  The Lord has promised to lead us.  He has promised to lead us on a straight path despite our enemies.  However, are we willing to take His lead?  Are we willing to listen to His words of guidance even if it is beyond the human knowledge of possibilities?  Our human side probably puts on the brakes and says no way!  This is just not the way things will be done.   Our Heavenly Father says in Psalm 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”  AND because His thoughts are not our thoughts He leads us and instructs us through life!  Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” 
  

It is Christmas and our Heavenly Father sent His only Son to earth for us.  It is beyond the realm of human understanding; yet we have a Savior that paid the ultimate price despite our ability to grasp His grace.  My prayer is that we are open to whatever it is that He places before us!  Just remember, Mary and Joseph were faced with the strangest of events and the Lord led them through and blessed them! 

Merry Christmas!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

This week take time to remember our Savior.  Jesus is the reason for this season!  "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

This week take a look at Psalm 40:2.  "He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure."

As we live each day, notice how the Lord has provided for us secure steps.  We have His promises throughout scripture to know we have solid ground to stand upon.  Share this week how Christ has been your rock and your security!

Cheryl

A Strand of Lights

Have you ever sung the song “This Little Light of Mine”?  When I was looking through my pictures and saw this photo that was the song that popped into my head.  This little bulb shed enough light to make a beautiful picture!  Each of us is a “little light” on this earth that has been created so beautifully and perfectly by our Savior.  We have been created to shine His light on the path that Christ leads us down. 

Christ doesn’t ask us to “shine” alone.  Think about a strand of Christmas lights.  Each bulb shines and is beautiful; but when you add the whole strand of lights it is even brighter and more beautiful!  You don’t have to stop with one strand of lights.  You can add more strands and the brighter it will get.  It is almost like the description of the fellowship of believes in Acts.  Acts 2:46-47 states, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.  They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

It is Christmas time; a time to remember our Savior’s birth.  However, our society tells us we cannot say “Christmas” we have to say “Holiday”.  We are more excited to see Santa come than we are to share of our Savior’s birth.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  We, as a fellowship of believers, can choose to share that it is Christmas.  We are a strand of lights connected by Christ’s love that can light up this world with the great news – “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11    

The next time you greet someone, wish them a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

This week take a look at Isaiah 40:11.  "He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."

What a peaceful image!  Christ will carry us close to Him!  Post this around your house.  Watch how Christ tends to you like a shepherd tends to his flock.  Watch how he gently leads you and guides you.  Share with others what an amazing Shepherd we have!

Cheryl