Has the story been told too many times? Do we listen half heartily going yeah, yeah..
*Mary was virgin!
*The angel came to talk to her!
*Joseph married her anyway!
*They had no room at the Inn!
*A Baby was born in a Manger!
*There was a Star!
*Three Wise men came bearing gifts!
Yes - Yes and Amen.
Jesus is the reason for the Season - WOO HOO! Okay time for the presents, and eggnog.
So do we know the story too well? Do we know it so well that we don't listen anymore. Do we listen but not hear. Matthew 11:15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
A couple of weeks ago I was driving home from work, listening to Christian radio, and a child's voice came on and started reading the Christmas story. It caught my attention and I listened more closely. I was amazed that this child pronounced these words with such accuracy. Words I hadn't "heard" in a while. I welled up with emotion and almost started to cry. I held back because I was driving. I heard the Christmas story in my heart. It's not about a baby in a manger or about a savior being born. It's about OUR saviour being born.
The whole purpose of Him being born is and was to hang on a cross for me, for you, for all of mankind. This baby from the manger, was born, lived and hung on a cross so I could lift my head above my sins and look others in the eye. His birth is about a son that lived to show us a Fathers love (John 3:16) like no other love we will ever know.
Because of His birth - I can have life abundantly (John 10:10).
Because of His birth - I can have eternal life in heaven. (Romans 10:9-10).
Please don't just pass over the Christmas Story this year. Slow down, hear it in your heart. Share God's Love this season, it is the greatest gift you can give.
Lynn
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Ever Wondered
Have you ever wondered if God had more blessings for you, but withheld because you were being disobedient?
Have you ever noticed how when you want something, you try to be on best behavior? Like God really didn't see how you were acting an hour ago.
Have you ever felt incredibly blessed and wondered how it could get any better?
Have you ever thought, how did Jesus do it? He was part human flesh, but never ever sinned.
Romans 3:20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
Christ Took Our Punishment 21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,
I've wondered - then I fall on my knees and thank God for His mercy and His grace and His Love!
Thank you Abba Father, Thank you Pappa - I love you Soooo Much!
Lynn
Have you ever noticed how when you want something, you try to be on best behavior? Like God really didn't see how you were acting an hour ago.
Have you ever felt incredibly blessed and wondered how it could get any better?
Have you ever thought, how did Jesus do it? He was part human flesh, but never ever sinned.
Romans 3:20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
Christ Took Our Punishment 21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,
I've wondered - then I fall on my knees and thank God for His mercy and His grace and His Love!
Thank you Abba Father, Thank you Pappa - I love you Soooo Much!
Lynn
Sunday, May 30, 2010
GPS or Emergency Kit
I've heard a couple different teachings about God being our GPS, that have really made an impression on me. Sometimes in life there are those revelations that God gives us that are really directional changes for us. (Like a GPS) The first time I heard it, I was at a women's conference and the speaker said, God is like your GPS, He tells you one step at a time where to go and what to do. Then you get to a point where He says "Continue forward until further notice". She pointed out that this is where we can often get ourselves in trouble.
After reflecting on this, God has revealed more to me. See we go for a while, but we get insecure or Prideful and think God's not watching so we second guess what He has told us to do. So we head out on our own, turning right, turning left and so on. But God is so good He (like the GPS) says, "Recalculating your Route". See God is ever present working to get us back to the plan He has for our life.
Now there is the other side to this. Some of us at times in our life, have not used or consulted GPS (God) for our road trip through life. We have chosen to put the pedal to the medal and throw caution, and wisdom to the wind. Then along the road you may have a flat tire, and so you throw out the emergency flares and triangles and change the tire, praying not to get hit by another car, but cursing God for letting you get the flat at the same time.
What is that about blessings and cursing coming from the same mouth?
James 3:9-12
9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.
10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?
12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring
And God in his loving way protects you and keeps you from harm. You change the tire and don't give another thought to God, not even thanking Him for his protection, or a thought that it was only a flat tire and head down the road again. Pretty soon, the engine is over heating and you are stranded on the the side of the road again. "But God why have you forsaken me?" "Why did you let this happen?" , as you once again pull out your flares and emergency triangles.
So was it really God that led you here? Did you consult life's ultimate GPS - God, or did you plan and plot your own road trip and then ask God to go along with it?
A young person in my life, that hasn't always followed God's directions to the tee, has often had some great wisdom's from God that have touched my life. In the midst of a trial of having had someone do something bad to them, that person said it's all my fault. I said what, they did this to you, I don't understand. Then like a wrecking ball that knocked me off the chair, they said "But if I had entered into this situation the right way with God's direction and Blessing, this would not have happened to me." Wow - that shut me up.
What did we do or not do to get where we are at. Our life plays out one decision at a time. There are some exceptions to this, however a lot of the time, when life deals us a bad hand, if we are honest, a prior choice of our own, had a play in it. I've had some really rotten things happen to me in life, but if I'm honest, (as my friend stated) If I had consulted God on what to do and where to be, I wouldn't have been at this place to have the bad thing happen.
So as my life continues I want to use GPS (God's Protection System) not my Emergency Kit. I don't want to go on doing things my way and end up in hot water at every turn, then throw up the flares.
Proverbs 1:23 Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise.
Proverbs 1:33 But all who listen to me (Wisdom) will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.
Psalm 37:23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
God is so awesome it is never too late to get back on track. Just like the GPS God recalculates your route from where you are now. God has a plan for each of our lives. He wants to use you in a mighty way, but you need to let him direct you and correct you to get you back on the right route.
So what do you want to take on your trip through this life GPS (Gods Protection System) or an Emergency Kit? I know what I'm taking.
Be Blessed.
Lynn
After reflecting on this, God has revealed more to me. See we go for a while, but we get insecure or Prideful and think God's not watching so we second guess what He has told us to do. So we head out on our own, turning right, turning left and so on. But God is so good He (like the GPS) says, "Recalculating your Route". See God is ever present working to get us back to the plan He has for our life.
Now there is the other side to this. Some of us at times in our life, have not used or consulted GPS (God) for our road trip through life. We have chosen to put the pedal to the medal and throw caution, and wisdom to the wind. Then along the road you may have a flat tire, and so you throw out the emergency flares and triangles and change the tire, praying not to get hit by another car, but cursing God for letting you get the flat at the same time.
What is that about blessings and cursing coming from the same mouth?
James 3:9-12
9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.
10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?
12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring
And God in his loving way protects you and keeps you from harm. You change the tire and don't give another thought to God, not even thanking Him for his protection, or a thought that it was only a flat tire and head down the road again. Pretty soon, the engine is over heating and you are stranded on the the side of the road again. "But God why have you forsaken me?" "Why did you let this happen?" , as you once again pull out your flares and emergency triangles.
So was it really God that led you here? Did you consult life's ultimate GPS - God, or did you plan and plot your own road trip and then ask God to go along with it?
A young person in my life, that hasn't always followed God's directions to the tee, has often had some great wisdom's from God that have touched my life. In the midst of a trial of having had someone do something bad to them, that person said it's all my fault. I said what, they did this to you, I don't understand. Then like a wrecking ball that knocked me off the chair, they said "But if I had entered into this situation the right way with God's direction and Blessing, this would not have happened to me." Wow - that shut me up.
What did we do or not do to get where we are at. Our life plays out one decision at a time. There are some exceptions to this, however a lot of the time, when life deals us a bad hand, if we are honest, a prior choice of our own, had a play in it. I've had some really rotten things happen to me in life, but if I'm honest, (as my friend stated) If I had consulted God on what to do and where to be, I wouldn't have been at this place to have the bad thing happen.
So as my life continues I want to use GPS (God's Protection System) not my Emergency Kit. I don't want to go on doing things my way and end up in hot water at every turn, then throw up the flares.
Proverbs 1:23 Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise.
Proverbs 1:33 But all who listen to me (Wisdom) will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.
Psalm 37:23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
God is so awesome it is never too late to get back on track. Just like the GPS God recalculates your route from where you are now. God has a plan for each of our lives. He wants to use you in a mighty way, but you need to let him direct you and correct you to get you back on the right route.
So what do you want to take on your trip through this life GPS (Gods Protection System) or an Emergency Kit? I know what I'm taking.
Be Blessed.
Lynn
Friday, February 12, 2010
Do you have a Vision
Lately our pastor has been doing a series on having vision. He's been talking about setting and having goals in our life, but first needing a vision. He has challenged us to think ahead at where we want to be in 5 or even 10 years. And then ask ourselves if what we are doing currently is getting us closer or farther away from that goal. If we want better friendships, or a better marriage, or for some to even get married, do we act in a way that will edify those around us?
Proverbs 29:18Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]--blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he.
Creflo Dollar once said you can never go anywhere you can't first image yourself going to, and you can never have anything you can't first image yourself having.
See God Himself had an image. When he created the earth and us, He imagined then spoke us into existence.
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;...
(Do you see the "Let Us" who's God talking to? ... But I'll save that for another post)
One of our other Pastors did a sermon that was along these same lines and my husband and I got a word from it that we quote often. He said "If you believe you can do something or have something - You're Right" and then said "And if you believe you can't do something or have it - You're Right". Of course we had to stop and think about that, so go ahead I'll wait.
Now do you see what he said? What ever we believe is true for us, is true. We forge ahead or stall depending on what we believe to be true for us. Mix in a couple of strongholds, a little bit of complacency and you are stuck in the rut of life.
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Or perhaps you could mix it with the truth of Gods word, some faith, some determination, some diligence and I bet we'll see some deliverance. (The good kind not the movie)
When I was younger and learning to drive my Dad told me not to follow the beam of the headlights when going around a corner, but to keep my focus on the road. He said watch where you are looking because you'll eventually steer towards your focus. What a nugget of truth that was that can be applied to every area of my life. Our eyes are such a porthole to our spirit and where we focus, where we let our eyes go is where we will go eventually. (Thanks Dad!)
So now we know we need a vision, and we need to imagine that we can do or have what is in that vision. But how do we decide what that vision is for each of us individually? Well my first answer to every spiritual question is "Did you pray about it?" (smile) However in this really, I would say pray and renew your mind with the word of God. You will know what God has for you and what He wants from you by reading His word.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
God has a plan for each of us, and has given us desires and talents to accomplish what He would have us do. Pray for wisdom in what God wants for your life.
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
So start imagining what it is that you want for yourself, and set your focus on it. Then get God's word in there to back it up. Don't limit yourself, God has way more to give you and way more for you to do.
Blessings everyone!
Lynn
Proverbs 29:18Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]--blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he.
Creflo Dollar once said you can never go anywhere you can't first image yourself going to, and you can never have anything you can't first image yourself having.
See God Himself had an image. When he created the earth and us, He imagined then spoke us into existence.
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;...
(Do you see the "Let Us" who's God talking to? ... But I'll save that for another post)
One of our other Pastors did a sermon that was along these same lines and my husband and I got a word from it that we quote often. He said "If you believe you can do something or have something - You're Right" and then said "And if you believe you can't do something or have it - You're Right". Of course we had to stop and think about that, so go ahead I'll wait.
Now do you see what he said? What ever we believe is true for us, is true. We forge ahead or stall depending on what we believe to be true for us. Mix in a couple of strongholds, a little bit of complacency and you are stuck in the rut of life.
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Or perhaps you could mix it with the truth of Gods word, some faith, some determination, some diligence and I bet we'll see some deliverance. (The good kind not the movie)
When I was younger and learning to drive my Dad told me not to follow the beam of the headlights when going around a corner, but to keep my focus on the road. He said watch where you are looking because you'll eventually steer towards your focus. What a nugget of truth that was that can be applied to every area of my life. Our eyes are such a porthole to our spirit and where we focus, where we let our eyes go is where we will go eventually. (Thanks Dad!)
So now we know we need a vision, and we need to imagine that we can do or have what is in that vision. But how do we decide what that vision is for each of us individually? Well my first answer to every spiritual question is "Did you pray about it?" (smile) However in this really, I would say pray and renew your mind with the word of God. You will know what God has for you and what He wants from you by reading His word.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
God has a plan for each of us, and has given us desires and talents to accomplish what He would have us do. Pray for wisdom in what God wants for your life.
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
So start imagining what it is that you want for yourself, and set your focus on it. Then get God's word in there to back it up. Don't limit yourself, God has way more to give you and way more for you to do.
Blessings everyone!
Lynn
Friday, December 11, 2009
Complaining
Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing.
With cut back hours at work we are still trying to do the same amount of work in less time - I have noticed an elevated level of complaining, bickering and finger pointing. This verse is an excellent reminder that first of all I don't want to join in (I have not always followed that - Note to self work on that) then if I go to the next verse
2:15 so that no one can criticize you. Do I want to stand blameless before God. (no I am not saying I never mess up - I'm not Jesus) But I do want to strive to do all I can live in God's will.
I've heard that you will know what kind of fruit you are producing in your life by how you react when your fruit is being squeezed. Pressure, deadlines, being asked to do things you may not want to or like to do. So... How do you act. Do you receive it with joy and gladness?
Let me expand on the verses above:
Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
vs 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
vs 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
vs 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
So Simple but yet so often forgotten. Tell God - Tell God - no really TELL GOD! He already knows everything in your heart (yes even the ugly) -He just wants you to talk to Him. He is your friend, He is your confident, He needs to be our everything.
It is very important to be obedient to God, don't refuse Him anything. However I believe it is also equally important, if not more, to do whatever we do with the right attitude. How can we say we believe in God, and love Him, if we are not walking in the love that he gives us. We want, but we don't give.
I will be pondering my words today, because I'm sure I know who put them there. :)
Blessings to all!
Lynn
With cut back hours at work we are still trying to do the same amount of work in less time - I have noticed an elevated level of complaining, bickering and finger pointing. This verse is an excellent reminder that first of all I don't want to join in (I have not always followed that - Note to self work on that) then if I go to the next verse
2:15 so that no one can criticize you. Do I want to stand blameless before God. (no I am not saying I never mess up - I'm not Jesus) But I do want to strive to do all I can live in God's will.
I've heard that you will know what kind of fruit you are producing in your life by how you react when your fruit is being squeezed. Pressure, deadlines, being asked to do things you may not want to or like to do. So... How do you act. Do you receive it with joy and gladness?
Let me expand on the verses above:
Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
vs 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
vs 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
vs 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
So Simple but yet so often forgotten. Tell God - Tell God - no really TELL GOD! He already knows everything in your heart (yes even the ugly) -He just wants you to talk to Him. He is your friend, He is your confident, He needs to be our everything.
It is very important to be obedient to God, don't refuse Him anything. However I believe it is also equally important, if not more, to do whatever we do with the right attitude. How can we say we believe in God, and love Him, if we are not walking in the love that he gives us. We want, but we don't give.
I will be pondering my words today, because I'm sure I know who put them there. :)
Blessings to all!
Lynn
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wonderful Thanksgiving
Well we had a house full of love and laughter, friends and family - so it was a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Well where do I start with my long pause in posting? Yes I've been busy, but with what you may ask. Well this summer flew by with several vacations that I was very blessed with.
First we went to my Dad and my Step-Mom's for the 4th of July. My Dad's Birthday is the 3rd so makes it nice for a double celebration.
Next we took our oldest two grandchildren and one of their friends to Disneyland for a week in August.
Then in September we took two weeks to vist my husbands side of the family in all parts of Arizona, Yuma, Phoenix, Pinetop, and Bullhead City.
It continues... My Sister came up for a week in October while her husband was hunting. She does this every year around my Birthday.
Then the first week in November I took the train down to southern Oregon to visit her for a long weekend.
So vacations are over, and winter in settling in, so I see lots of blogging and sewing and fun in my future. I will try to put up a few more posts that have pictures to show all the fun we have had.
Blessings to all
Lynn
Well where do I start with my long pause in posting? Yes I've been busy, but with what you may ask. Well this summer flew by with several vacations that I was very blessed with.
First we went to my Dad and my Step-Mom's for the 4th of July. My Dad's Birthday is the 3rd so makes it nice for a double celebration.
Next we took our oldest two grandchildren and one of their friends to Disneyland for a week in August.
Then in September we took two weeks to vist my husbands side of the family in all parts of Arizona, Yuma, Phoenix, Pinetop, and Bullhead City.
It continues... My Sister came up for a week in October while her husband was hunting. She does this every year around my Birthday.
Then the first week in November I took the train down to southern Oregon to visit her for a long weekend.
So vacations are over, and winter in settling in, so I see lots of blogging and sewing and fun in my future. I will try to put up a few more posts that have pictures to show all the fun we have had.
Blessings to all
Lynn
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Hi - Still Here
How time flies, it's been forever since I have posted.
We are gearing up for vacation, our first of 3 coming up, and this one is to Disneyland with our 2 oldest grandchildren.
I have been planning for it, getting things caught up at work and then finishing some sewing projects that need to go in the mail before we leave. I will post some more of those pictures on my other blog later.
So Hi out there to everyone, have a wonderful day and I will post more later and give you more info about our upcoming trip(s).
Lynn
We are gearing up for vacation, our first of 3 coming up, and this one is to Disneyland with our 2 oldest grandchildren.
I have been planning for it, getting things caught up at work and then finishing some sewing projects that need to go in the mail before we leave. I will post some more of those pictures on my other blog later.
So Hi out there to everyone, have a wonderful day and I will post more later and give you more info about our upcoming trip(s).
Lynn
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