Tag: Christianity

Be Kingdom-Minded

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“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of  Heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17

Who better to teach us this lesson than our Lord Jesus Christ?  We celebrate and remember the major aspects of His life:  His birth, death, resurrection, ascension, miracles, healings, and such, but we forget the ministry of His mission.  We take for granted all the times He walked up and down the shores of Galilee, or from town to town, drawing to man’s attention the main reason for His visit to planet earth: the kingdom of Heaven and His great desire to see each of us there one day.

All of those major events are rightly to be celebrated because every one of them is tied to the same purpose – to give us a chance to be a member of that great kingdom one day.  Our Christian life seems so one-sided, but Jesus often encouraged us to be more mindful of life on the other side of eternity.  Sometimes, we flush that out of the process and lose focus on the destination we want to reach when that day comes.

My previous pastor always used to tell us that nobody preached more hell-fire than Jesus.  He continually put in contrast the rewards of one who was on the right path to gain entrance to that kingdom and one who was not: “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 5:19).

Sometimes, I can imagine Jesus sitting upon that Mount, teaching the crowds. Or, the daily walks He would take through the cities, while once in a while, turning to His disciples to pass on a tidbit of information for that glorious kingdom.  We would do well to remember throughout our days that everything we do or don’t do will either gain us entrance or prohibit us from entering that kingdom.

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should come short of it,” (Hebrews 4:1).  This is why I believe it is important for us to remain kingdom-minded.  When we take our eyes off the prize, so to speak, we lose focus of our ultimate goal.  And nowhere does that ring more true than in the dealings with our eternal destination.

I want to see God.  I want to see Him on His throne.  I want to witness the glories of heaven.  I want to see the multitudes gathered together without a care.  The only purpose left will be enjoying His presence and praising His holy name!  Can you really imagine what it may be like over there?  Boy, if we could only peel back the curtain of what our natural eyes currently see to view the glorious – Awesome!

Thankfully, we have been left with visions of that splendor by people like John, saying, “I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband,” (Revelation 21:2).  Ezekiel also said, “. . . that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God,” (Ezekiel 1:1).  And Daniel left us with this description: “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.  And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion in an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed,” (Daniel 7:13-14).

Wow!

The call to be kingdom-minded has gone out.  One should not take lightly all that the Lord has prepared for us.  I don’t want to miss the “promise of entering into his rest” (Hebrews 4:1).  May the manner of our lives today be a deposit for the eternal glory that is to come.

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc., to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

The Power That Never Goes Out!

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When I woke up this morning, the clock was blinking at 4:40 am. It didn’t make sense because the sun was shining through my bedroom window. Confused, I grabbed my phone and realized the clock was off by several hours. At some time during the night, a transformer blew in our area, and the power went out.

We didn’t know anything had happened until we woke in the morning. While sleeping, we were oblivious to anything that was going on.

Although nothing dramatic came from it, this truth leapt in my heart: God’s power never goes out!

Whether we are lying down at night or walking throughout our day, are we ever truly cognizant of how many times God’s power has kept us, protected us, preceded before us, and provided for us?

How many seen and unseen things could have happened but were halted? How many schemes were made to cease? Dangers averted? Plans revealed?

While our clocks can be blinking the wrong time, God is always on the clock and always on time. The Bible assures us that He never slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121:4). There is never a moment when He is unaware of anything, and with that, we can rest assured that His power is always engaged.

Oh, what confidence we find in this truth! In our times of frailty and lapse, God is completely steady. When we are unconscious of our ways, He is very intentional. When we are asleep, He is vigilant.

And let’s be sure that I am not merely referring to our physical awareness and sleep. God is God at all times. He can never change who He is. His power is as infinite as He is. It cannot be stopped or muted. And it most certainly can never go out.

Dear one, rest your heart and still your mind in the confidence of that truth. When we don’t have it all together, God does. There is nothing that can happen in this world or in our lives that shakes, rattles, or dismisses the power of God! Therefore, in Him, we can trust.

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” Jeremiah 17:7

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalm 28:7

“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” Psalm 9:10

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8

“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:5

 

My Just Lot

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Thank You for my just lot,
not too much, not too little.
What’s perfect for me
right down the middle.

Content my heart
with my daily bread
that I be not overcome
by wanting or dread.

Too much in excess,
a heart lifts without Thee.
Too little and desperate,
sins against Divinity.

But You are the provider
of all my care.
My just lot from You,
there is no err.

Tailor-made for me
and my time in this land,
according to Your love
and master plan.

“Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” Proverbs 30:8,9

“The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.” Psalm 145:15

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15

“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” Ecclesiastes 5:10

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

“Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.” Proverbs 28:6

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

Image by Lynda Smith-McDaniel from Pixabay

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc., to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Sunday School Lesson – “In the Beginning | God Created Mankind” Genesis 1:26-31; 2:7

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VERSE DISCOVERY: Genesis 1:26-31; 2:7 (KJV, Public Domain)

Do you know how special you are?  Do you know of the creative design that brought you here today?  Can you fully appreciate your uniqueness, being an altogether separate creature from all others God created?

As part of the human race, you are the climax of God’s design.  Oh, the stars and objects above serve their purpose and are beautiful to look at, but they are not you.  And as we look out on the horizon to view nature, we may sigh pleasantly at the glorious way the panoramic view displays His beautiful scene before us, but no scene is more beautiful to Him than those who were made in His image, in His likeness.  These are the ones specially designed for a unique relationship with the Father.

As the creation story unfolds in the beginning, may we find our place in it, our origin in it, and may those findings render a new appreciation for how special you are in the eyes of God. 

 God Created Man

Genesis 1:26-27 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

For six days, God had been creating.  With light created and darkness separated, both being defined for what they are, and with land, plant life, and celestial bodies spoken into existence and put in their places, the Creation story of the beginning of everything we know is off to a beautiful start, and it is all good in the sight of the Creator.

With sea, land, and air creatures created and placed in their proper places, it is time for the crème de la crème of all His creation to be formed.  That apex of God’s design comes when He decides to inhabit this grand earth He made with mankind.

Mankind is the most unique of all God’s creation for several reasons (and we’ll discuss those reasons in a bit), but let’s home in on the word “unique” for a moment in relation to all the elements of the Creation story already put in place.

Mankind has nothing like himself that dwells on the face of the earth outside of other members of the human race.  Yes, I know there is a scientific theory that tries to exaggerate similarities between humans and other species when, in fact, there are no other species identical to the man God formed out of the dust of the ground as his beginning origins (Genesis 2:7).  And I know there are other theories that express many ideas of suppositions of how we came to be the people we are in the place that we are in, but the Bible gives the very straightforward facts of not only our origin but also why we are so special in our uniqueness among all other creation.

For we are made in the image/likeness of God.  God, Himself, spoke on that sixth day of creation and said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”

The words “us” and “our” leave many asking to whom God is talking while speaking at this moment.  Now, again, while many people have theorized several answers to that question, the most biblically based, solid answer revolves around the distinct and self-existent, unique way God is fully God as Father (1 Corinthians 8:6), Son (John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:16-17), and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2) Himself at the time of creation and throughout Scripture.

And although God, our Father, may be manifested in these three ways, make no mistake about it, there is only One God: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Then, it goes on to say, “So God created man in his own image,” using singular language and not plural.

With God having no physical likeness, the image/likeness we were made to be like has more to do with the way He created man from the inside out.  Though His thoughts are above our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9), God gave us the capacity to think and operate in this world as His image-bearers, a capacity set apart from that of all other creatures to represent His likeness.

In an article I previously published, Our True Image, I wrote:

“I believe when God spoke in the beginning that we were made in His image (see Genesis 1:27), He spoke of more than just our facial features, our physique, our height, weight, and so on.  He spoke of our representation of something the boundaries of those outer measurements can’t comprehend.  He spoke of our likeness of Him.  At that point of creation, when it came time for humanity to be put on the earth, God looked to Himself to snap a portrait of who we are truly designed to be.

Now, do I mean that you are supposed to be God sitting on the throne in heaven?  No.  But what I do mean is we are carriers of so much more.  The portrait of our lives is made to expose and reflect His glory of the greater.” (WordForLifeSays.com)

Another part of the uniqueness of created humanity is that he is to reign and have dominion over all other creatures created.  What this means is, as representatives of God on this earth, we are caretakers of the great gift of this planet and life on it that we have been given. As Adam would be placed in the Garden of Eden as its caretaker (Genesis 2:15), so, too, does all humanity have the responsibility for the world in which we live.

If you have ever been to the museum, you understand the priceless artifacts it holds and the responsibility it takes to ensure they are preserved as much as possible. Compare that with us being agents of care over this world.

One day, this earth will pass away in the great finale of the end times, but until then, every human being is given the order to care for this temporary home of ours, and all the other creatures in it.

Throughout the years, the word dominion has become synonymous with words like power, authority, and control.  And while that is a right interpretation, what’s more important is how that word is being carried out.  Are we taking for granted and treating recklessly those things placed under our control?  Or are we managing everything in a godly fashion and taking proper care of what has been given to us?  As His image-bearers, we have the responsibility to be responsible with His creation.

Both men and women carry this responsibility, for both are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).  Each bears their own unique qualities that set them apart as male and female, but each is an image-bearer created by God and His perfect design for all humans.  They may bear separate identifying markers, but as part of the human race, they are made in his own image.  Jesus once said, “Have you not read that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female” (Matthew 19:4).  Both have important roles in His creation.

Genesis 1:28 “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

Then God spoke His blessings over them with the charge to be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.  God blessed them to be reproductive so that the earth might be filled.  As God placed in all other living species of His creation the ability to reproduce (procreate) that the earth may teem with life, so He also did with humanity.  Multiplication equals increase.  Increase equals a filled earth (compare this with the events after the flood in Genesis 8:17; 9:1, 7).

And with that blessing of fruitfulness came also the reiteration of their responsibility to subdue and have dominion… over every living thing…  God placed mankind in charge.  This may make us special, and some may take for granted that top-of-the-food-chain status, but the greater reminder is that with such a heavy charge there comes more to answer for on how things/creatures/nature are used under our control/charge.  Our job is to be righteous rulers over everything God has placed in our care (compare Proverbs 12:10).

Genesis 1:29-30 “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.  And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.”

Just as God has called us to the position of caring for other creatures in creation, He shows mankind some of the ways He cares for them and all living things as He supplies for their nutritional needs.  Specified seeds, fruits, herbs, and vegetation would be the meat or food source for all creatures, such as beasts… fowls… and everything that creepeth upon the earth, along with mankind, which God created.  He furnished every living thing with all that they need to survive, flourish, and multiply.

Genesis 1:31 “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”

When God took in the scope of everything He created, He saw it was very good.  Everything was perfectly original, perfectly created, and perfectly placed.  There was no intrusion in the tranquility of His beautiful design.  Sin was not present, and the earth was as glorious as He envisioned it – unstained and unaffected by the mess we see today.

Once I wrote, “Our original design was not to live in an environment of sin and decay.  It was not designed to exist with dead and dreary things.  It was designed to behold the beauty of God through His creation.  We were designed to live in God’s best!” (Made for Green/WordForLifeSays.com). 

And, when He saw His best on display, God viewed it as very good, finishing the sixth day of creation.

Reiterating God’s Creation of Man

Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

As chapter 2 opens, discussing God finishing creation and resting on the seventh day and sanctifying it, it goes on to reiterate, with additional detail, certain aspects of the creation story, including the specifics on mankind being formed… of the dust of the ground (compare Genesis 3:19, 23).   

Opposite of everything that was spoken in creation, or the way the animals were called forth from the ground (Genesis 1:24; 2:19), mankind was the only one uniquely formed to be an image-bearer of God.  This one was special, and he required a special design.

See, I told you that you were unique and special in His design.  Then, God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.  Mankind is alive because of God.  Should God take away or withhold that precious breath, mankind would cease to live (see Psalm 104:21; Job 34:14-15):  “Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein,” (Isaiah 42:5). 

God created mankind, and that’s the only true answer for our existence on this earth.  You and I are living souls because of God!

PDF Printable Sunday School Lesson Pack (With easy-to-read instructions following the P.E.A.R.L. format on how to conduct each lesson section with areas for adding personal notes): Sunday School Lesson – In the Beginning – part 2 – God Created Mankind

Suggested Activities:

Fingerprints uniquely tell who we are. There are no two sets alike, not even for identical twins.  Your fingerprints tell of the individual God made you to be, that you are individually special to God.  Using a stamper pad and the fingers of students, each student can rub their thumb on the ink of the stamper pad and stamp a piece of paper with their fingerprint.  Have them look carefully at it.  Students can even exchange them with one another to see their own uniqueness in the way God created them.  Tie this example into today’s lesson.

Younger students can work with moldable playing dough. For this example, homemade is best (I like the idea of using it organically, with no colors for the forming of man effect), but of course, any kind of moldable dough for playing will do.  Have students form “man” from the blob you give them.  Discuss how easy or hard it was.  Discuss the intricate details it took for God to make us. (Note: if you are using homemade dough, and if time allows, let the children help you make the dough, to really get involved in the “creation” of the people they make.  Find a recipe for a non-cooking version.  There are many online to choose from.)

Younger students can also put together a Made in God’s Image people necklace. Print from the outlines (below) the people templates on cardstock or glue to construction paper.  Decorate each one as you want.  Punch a hole in the top and string through with yarn or something similar.  You can even add beads for a nice, decorated effect.  They can wear it proudly around their neck because they are Made in God’s Image. PDF: Made In God’s Image Craft

Adult Journal Page: Adult Journal Page – Made in the Image of God

Kid’s Journal Page: Kid’s Journal Page – Made in the Image of God

Draw the Scene: God Created Mankind Draw the Scene

Memory Verse: God Created Mankind Memory Verse

Word Search: God Created Mankind Word Search Answers: God Created Mankind Word Search Answers

Crossword: God Created Mankind Crossword  Answers: God Created Mankind Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: God Created Mankind Word Scramble  Answers: God Created Mankind Word Scramble Answers

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc., to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

 

sun above the clouds, encouraging God is forever faithful, Hebrews 13:5

Above the Clouds

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This morning, when I drew back my curtains, the day wasn’t as sunny as before. Although there is no rain in the forecast, the clouds sit heavy in the sky. At a time of day when the sun is usually shining its brightest,  the heaviness of the clouds makes the atmosphere feel dull and dreary.

But then a beautiful reminder dropped in my heart: above the clouds, the sun is still shining. Though we cannot see one ray breaking through, it does not change that truth. Even when there is no evidence to speak against what you see, the sun is still there doing its thing. It has not changed or stopped being the sun.

And neither has God changed or stopped being who He is. Life’s circumstances can sometimes speak contrary to that beautiful truth, making us believe something different. Regardless of the heaviness of clouds we may face in life, our Heavenly Father is still faithfully on His throne, being the great and wonderful God that He is.

Even if we cannot see one ray of evidence, hold on, dear friend, to the faithfulness of our God who said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

It’s not what it looks like. The clouds may be there, but they will never overcome or overshadow who God is in our lives. He is faithfully our Heavenly Father who can never be dulled or dismayed. The times may speak contrary, but He still is there, above the clouds of life, forever shining for you and me.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.” Psalm 27:1-6

Blessings~

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Where to Find Truth?

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Scams, deception, and counterfeits are part of our modern-day vernacular, and finding truth has become harder than ever.

Although false practices have existed since the beginning of time, the rise of AI and other means of making things look authentic when they are not has made it very difficult to distinguish what is fake and what is real.

The prophet Jeremiah had the tough job of warning God’s people against the convincing deceptions of his day and leading them to the truth. The deceptions he fought against took place in the form of idols.  The worship of these false deities gave the illusion that something else was better for the people than the God they were currently following.

But illusions are just that, illusions.

So, God used Jeremiah to question the people about their unfaithfulness and the direction they were inwardly traveling.

One question He asked was, “What injustice have your fathers found in Me, that they have gone far from Me, followed idols, and have become idolaters?” (Jer. 2:5, NKJV). In other words, what has God done wrong that caused them to turn away to these false ways? And the answer is, nothing at all.

At another point, God charged them of “Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’ But in the time of trouble they will say, ‘Arise and save us.’” (Jer. 2:27), giving accolades to “resources” and images that had no bearing on any part of their lives.

And that’s not far from what we see in our world today. The items of idolization and undue attention some look to may not be stones and trees, but there are still illusions and falsehoods receiving undeserved homage.

But the good news is that when truth is found, it destroys the illusion!

Jesus spoke this promise, saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Jesus’ life is the only life that was perfectly lived without sin (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 1:19), and the only one who fulfilled hundreds of prophecies, not missing a beat, hundreds of years after they were originally spoken (Luke 24:44; John 1:45; Acts 26:22, 23). (Without getting too complicated, for reference sake, at the very least compare Psalm 22 with the events surrounding the crucifixion of Christ.)

He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18, 22, 23) to save mankind from sin (Mark 10:45; John 3:16). Sin is that ugly three-lettered word that separates us from God. Holiness is God’s standard. Sin steps in and taints the relationship God wants with His people, causing a division He never desired.

Jesus willingly succumbed to death to be the atonement (the means of removing the sin from wayward people and restoring our relationship with God). He became the way for us to escape the judgment that should have been ours to bear (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:8), saying, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

And He rose from the dead, not only gaining victory over death, but showing us the promise of new life we have through Him: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Fulfilling all, He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), and now we are awaiting His return.

The Gospel presents a clear claim: that Jesus is the way to salvation and to have everlasting life (John 3:16; 6:47; 10:28). According to Scripture, there is no other source of lasting salvation and peace.

While many voices and influences can project illusion, seeking to draw our attention away from God, God is still calling us all, in love, toward His Truth.

As He did with Jeremiah, the call is still going out for people to repent and turn to the God who desires this unbroken relationship with them.

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19

Note: True repentance means more than saying or feeling sorry. It is more than being remorseful. It is turning away from sin and its ways in mind, body, and soul, and turning to God, giving Him your life from the inside out.

Blessings~

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.

 

busyness verses worship, taking time to reflect, prayerful picture, remembering the Reason for Christmas inspirational picture

“Busy, Busy, Busy”

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All busyness is not good. Any productivity expert will tell you that if your busyness pulls you away from your goal instead of toward it, then it is just that—busyness. In the end, it amounts to nothing when it works against the results we desire.

So let me ask you: What are your desired results for this season?
Is your busyness bringing you closer to them?

This time of year is always full—and often too full. As Christmas approaches, our schedules tend to get thrown off balance. There are extras of everything: extra celebrations, extra events (especially if you have children performing in pageants, plays, or musicals), extra shopping with extra thought given to meals and gifts, and extra planning for all the details surrounding this special season.

These “extras” have become synonymous with Christmas. And while celebrations are wonderful, it’s worth asking: If all these extras distract us from our main reason for celebrating, then what is their purpose?
Have they drained the joy from the very reason we should be joyful?

Everyone carries their own expectations for this season, but perhaps it’s time to realign our hearts. Maybe we should adjust our perspective until we can look beyond all the preparations and remember the true Reason for the season: the birth of Christ.

Maybe it’s time to set the busyness aside and carve out quiet moments of reflection. We might reread the biblical account of our Lord’s birth slowly and meditatively. We could spend time with writings that highlight the true story of Christmas, or watch films and performances that tell the narrative of the nativity. Immersing ourselves in these stories can reawaken the wonder we often lose amid the rush.

Celebrations are good, but the reason for celebrating is greater, and it should never be overshadowed by our agendas. Let us remember where our true joy comes from:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
—Isaiah 9:6

May He be the desire of our hearts—not only in this season, but all year long.

Blessings~

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Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Matthew 1:18-23 – “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

Luke 1:30-35 – “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

Luke 2:7-14 – “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
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 Saviour, 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.”

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Hebrews 11:1, believing God even when we can't see it, trusting in dark times, trust in the unknown, inspirational picture, Bible devotion

“Growing In the Unseen”

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Recently, I have been asked to stretch beyond my comfort zone in dealing with a certain matter. To step into something that I don’t know how it’s going to turn out. But also, recently, I have been trying my best to do more than just quote the words of faith; I have been working on deliberately applying them and practicing them even more than before.

Sometimes life calls us to take challenging and uncomfortable steps. Often, those steps do not come with full disclosure about the results, making those initial moves even more uneasy. As humans, we like to know or at least get some kind of inkling about how things will turn out. Thomas, who, historically, is referred to as the doubter in the group of the original disciples, had a hard time believing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ without visible, physical proof. As a matter of fact, he said, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).

The tragedy of the cross dampened all he had previously witnessed during his term as a disciple of Christ. In fact, Thomas, if we’re honest, only verbally spoke the same reaction of disbelief as the other disciples, who had only come to believe after seeing evidence for themselves.

But Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

Those who have come to faith through the word of the testimony of these founding apostles and the Holy Scriptures were not, are not, ones who visibly and physically laid eyes or hands on our Lord. But by faith, we believe.

Our evidence is only in accepting what Scripture provides as truth – and that’s enough. Our hearts have been opened to receive this truth through the Holy Spirit – and we are glad.

Our salvation is the greatest thing we can believe and hope for, but faith does not stop at the door. Throughout our Christian journey, we will encounter many times of not knowing the result of the next step.

Thomas’s experience can help you filter your response when encountering these unknown moments. Many of our Christian decisions will be by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). And we can go forth believing without having all the answers laid out for us in detail or wrapped in a pretty package.

The cross was not beautiful, but by faith we believe in the beauty of salvation that it produces. If we can believe for that, that all our sins have been washed away and taken care of, everything else is little in comparison.

Even if you can’t see it, just believe. Our eyes, our knowing, can get in the way of something greater that God may want to do. Don’t let what you see or don’t see be a limiting factor in your life. Instead, let it be an area of expansion for your faith. As a seed grows to be a fruitful plant unseen in the soil, your faith will grow best in the times of the unseen.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

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DECEMBER: The Rhythm of Reflection and Rest

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Days upon us turn cold with
Embers in the fireplace aglow.
Calling us to the calm of winter’s sleep,
Evoking its own seasonal peace.
Many hearts at rest, and tucking in,
Beautifully enjoying the slow rhythm within.
Embracing the quiet of this flow,
Reflecting on the year past, anticipating new tomorrows.
©WordforLifeSays

While December comes with much celebrating of the season leading up to Christmas (and rightly so), and although there seems to be a lot of hustle and bustle surrounding it, may we take the time to truly enjoy this season with the beauty God gives us within. May our hearts tuck into the quietness of the days and reflect. Reflect on all the days of this year that are passing, and may we look forward with hope and expectation to the new that’s coming ahead.

Blessings ~
Word for Life Says

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”
Ecclesiastes 3:1.
“Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter” Psalm 74:17.
“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc, to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Jesus, We Look to You!

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Not on this world, Lord,
May our eyes rest,
But on Your Son,
In Whom, we are truly blessed.

Saved, redeemed,
Loved, and set free,
Because holy blood
Was shed on Calvary.

He, lifted up,
Now, new life we live,
All our sins, vanquished,
‘Cause He now, forgives.

In the Sea, they’re forgotten,
With pierced hands He throws,
No longer to remember,
Or cause our hearts woes.

Why would we look
To the heart of another,
When Jesus is better,
Than father, mother, lover.

Dear eyes, follow the heart,
To Him, let them be raised,
In adoration to the One,
In Whom, we are saved.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32

“ He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19

©WordforLifeSays.com

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Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc, to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.