It's the week after Christmas and all through the town,
people sigh with relief and think of when to take down
the tree and it's trimmings, the lights on the house,
the snowflakes, and candles, or return the new blouse?
But the manger with angels and wise men afar,
do we pack it away like we load up the car?
What if Jesus could stay in our lives all year long?
What if joy, peace, and love were more than a song?
Could life be as simple as receiving a babe
and believing the man who said he would save?
Does the letdown of Christmas have to stay in our hearts
with no hope 'til next year when holidays start?
Today as you're thinking of what is to come,
the debt-laden bills and "will there ever be sun?"
Remember that Christmas is more than a story,
in an old book--it's about heavenly glory
Our Father in heaven loved us so much
that he sent his son Jesus to keep us in touch
He longs for our heart to respond back to him,
with love for our Savior and faith deep within
He did all the work years ago on the cross
If we choose to say "no" we're the ones suffering loss
But if we say "yes" to being with Him,
he'll keep us forever and save us from sin
It's simple, not easy to give up our pride
and choose to be humble and trust that he died
For every dear child he made from the start.
God doesn't need money, he just wants your heart
He's light in this darkness, the answer to fear.
He's willing and waiting for all who will hear
Today can be Christmas with peace all the time,
if only we'll trust him and our ways decline
Yes, it's that simple.
War, shootings, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, food shortage, gas prices, violence breaking out all over the world, and political battles with court cases pummel us from every angle. Headlines rarely have something positive to report (unless you watch or read some positive news source like CBN, Newsmax, Epoch Times, Dailywire, TBN – just to name a few where you can see truth and positive stories).
Even in our daily activities, we’re stunned by shut downs, breakdowns, and everything down. Today, my husband went to a local Dunkin’ Donuts for a business coffee meeting and found them closed due to lack of help. And we live in one of the best, growing, open states!
But I love that in Matthew 28:8, it says that the women who had gone to the tomb where Jesus had been buried left there feeling “afraid yet filled with joy.” Why?
The tomb was empty.
Jesus had risen from the dead just as he said he would. Kind of a trippy, frightening, yet exciting experience for them, right? Also much like what those of us who are in relationship with Jesus feel today. Everything happening in the world is an indication that Jesus will take us to meet him soon. We don’t know exactly when that “soon” is, but while we watch the fearful events of the current day, we are also filled with joy.
I can’t wait to be with Jesus face to face.
Like a bride anticipating the moment she walks down the aisle to see her groom awaiting her. Heart fluttering. Palms a little sweaty while holding a stunning flower bouquet. The look of adoration in his eyes.
Verse 9 says “Suddenly, Jesus met them.”
When they least expected it, but expectantly anticipated it, Jesus was there. With them. Greeting them. Love flowing. Joy exploding. Peace replacing fear.
They worshiped at his feet, and he reassured them. “Don’t be afraid.”
That is exactly where we find joy and peace in the midst of fear. At the feet of Jesus. In his presence. His perfect love for us throwing fear away. No matter what things look like, how they appear, Jesus is there with us, reassuring us, promising us that he is in control. We can trust him.
And then he told the women to go tell everyone else where they could see him.
That’s what I want to do with everything I live and write, whether on my blog or in a book.
You can find Jesus in the room with you. Sitting in your car. Standing next to you at work. You may not see him like the women did when he physically walked on the earth, but he is here, there. If you speak to him, acknowledge him, seek him, he’ll suddenly meet you right where you are. He loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. He’ll speak to you through his spirit to your spirit. And when you agree that you need him, you believe he died for you, God’s spirit, the Holy Spirit will live in you.
God designed us to hear him. If we resolve to seek him when we are lost, afraid, wondering how to navigate life, and set our eyes on him, he will make us able to not be afraid. He will help us think like he thinks, having great wisdom that brings peace, humility, calmness, and patience.
In spite of awful situations in our life or around us, we can find joy in his presence. Even if we feel afraid.
That’s more good news, isn’t it? And these days, we need some good news!
I have more good news for those patiently waiting for the release of Winds of Change, book 4 in the Winds of Redemption series. The e book version is finally out! It will be FREE from June 11 – 15th. Click the picture to get yours!
Newly engaged Dylan Davis encourages his daughter’s dreams and independence. Their unforgettable road trip to settle Bailey at school launches them both into a new season of life. Until Bailey goes missing and Dylan must face the demons of his past.
As their faith is tested from every side, Baily and her father must dig deep to continue trusting the God who miraculously brought them together once before.
If you haven’t read the first three books in the series, you can find them here.
There are some things we would all agree with as being the epitome of evil. Serial killing, sex trafficking, murdering the innocent and helpless, and vicious brutality would all be in the category of “evil.”
But what if some work of the devil is much more subtle? What if we tolerate or even participate without even realizing that what we are thinking, doing, or accepting is actually evil?
In the book of Acts in the Bible, in the fourteenth chapter, we can see some of these subtleties of evil in Luke’s account of the apostles’ journeys and activities. It tells of how Paul and Barnabus were teaching in the Jewish synagogue—a place we would consider peaceful and full of kindness—and many people were encouraged and believed what they taught.
But then there were those who acted badly, and eventually, even viciously.
Here’s how we know they were being used of Satan to subtly perpetrate evil.
They refused to believe. Everyone can choose to believe or not. God doesn’t force anyone to receive his love. But the word “refused” reveals a heart of rebellion, not simply disinterest.
They stirred up the crowd. Specifically, they targeted the Gentiles who were different than them. Can anyone say “racism?” They were causing distrust and doubt among people groups.
They poisoned people’s minds against their brothers. We’re not talking siblings here, but other members of the same group of people being turned against each other. Sowing dissension, division, and hatred.
They plotted to mistreat the men who were teaching. It’s interesting that the people plotting were from both groups—a portion of the Jews and Gentiles came together to cause harm together.
They attracted people from other towns to create a mob. Then this mob stoned Paul and left him for dead.
Sound like anything we’ve seen or heard of lately?
Here’s the thing about what Paul and Barnabus were doing. It was all good. No one was forced to agree with them or believe what they taught. They simply shared what they knew—what they had experienced for themselves.
No threats. No violence.
The Bible says they:
Spoke effectively.
Spent considerable time with the people.
Confirmed their message with miracles.
Ran away from trouble.
Healed a crippled man.
Were humble and never claimed to be any better than any other person.
Spoke of God’s kindness, provision, and joy.
Strengthened and encouraged people.
Prayed for people.
Hmm…
It seems pretty clear when it’s examined like that, doesn’t it?
Maybe there are four groups of people.
Some may, for whatever reason, choose to perpetrate evil acts. Others may subtly, in their hearts, refuse any message of good and therefore create hatred. Perhaps there are those, who without realizing it, are sowing seeds of dissension and division, setting brother against each other—or by their participation are allowing it.
The last group are those who choose love and kindness. They show grace for others and speak truth in love with acceptance. Sometimes that may mean not to speak at all or to speak about something encouraging and hopeful. Changing the subject can be a loving strategy.
Tolerance and acceptance doesn’t mean ignoring and allowing evil.
We can accept that everyone has a choice to believe what they want, and we can honor them by not demanding they agree with our choices. But if someone chooses to act in a way that will harm another, we can also step in and take action to protect. Not to defend our position, but certainly to defend someone’s life.
Paul chose to return to the people even after they stoned him. He claimed that we would endure hardship for the kingdom of God and was willing to put his life on the line.
So, where are we? In which group do we find ourselves?
Is it possible that we are ignorantly participating in evil without realizing it or considering the cost?
Or are we loving people and showing them kindness? The Bible says it’s God’s kindness that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4), and that the anger of man will not bring about the righteousness of God (James 1:20). How are we doing with that?
The disciples were able to live showing kindness to others while they shared their testimony of what they’d seen and heard because they were filled with the Holy Spirit and joy.
“Medically, anger causes an increase in many physical ailments such as heart disease, stroke, and migraines. Joy, on the other hand, medically causes a decrease in all of those same things.
If the Joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and the enemy can keep me in anger at my brother or my neighbor or my spouse or my government or my children, then the enemy has stolen my strength without lifting a finger.
Joy is found in reconnection and restoration…(Luke 15). Joy has to be entered in to…(Matthew 25:23). Connecting with the Father and with others in love brings complete joy…(John 15:9-10).”
Quote from Alicia Hommon of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneurs taken from their newsletter 1/19/21
This man makes us want to laugh, say hello, and find out what’s made him smile.
Incredible what a picture can illicit in us, isn’t it?
So, what is it like when we embrace anger or joy and others experience it simply by watching us? Not only do those emotions destroy or bring life to us physically or medically as is stated in the above quote, but they do the same to everyone around us.
Just for a moment, consider all the images we’ve seen lately in the news. Let’s ask ourselves why the majority of them are of anger, violence, hatred, and agitation. Is it possible that there is a spiritual agenda by the enemy (meaning the devil, not a political figure) to keep us in an angry, agitated state so that we can be destroyed and bring that same destruction to those around us?
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
Jesus
An abundant, joyful life is found in Jesus. It comes from sharing his love with others. Regardless of what circumstances around us look like, can we choose joy and love over anger and hatred? Not only will it benefit us, but it will benefit our world.
When I was a kid, there was a popular song called “What the World Needs Now is Love” composed by Burt Bacharach. Here’s the first verse:
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some, but for everyone
Love is what our world needs. Still. Now. Always. And we have it if we will simply embrace it. God IS love. Jesus showed this when he walked with man on earth and then died on the cross so we could forever experience God’s love here, now and for all eternity. When we acknowledge Him, confess that we’ve looked everywhere but to him, and receive the gift he give us, we can have all the love we need.
And that love leads to joy.
Let’s not let the enemy rob us of strength, joy, love and the abundant life Jesus came to give us.
A few months ago, a mysterious illness infiltrated my body. (No, not covid.) The signs were subtle at first. Some swelling in my ankles and aching in my arms. It rapidly progressed through my body and currently holds me hostage with severely swollen, aching arms and legs and sometimes debilitating stabs of pain. Test results are all normal. I have no other symptoms apart from fatigue and an occasional headache. The doctors are stumped. I am on a three month wait for a specialist.
Not fun.
But God.
Whether I am afflicted or healed, God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has made every day, and I choose to rejoice and be glad in it.
As Jesus believers, we pray each day for healing, believing and claiming that by his stripes, I’m healed. And I believe I will be. It may not be today or tomorrow that my healing manifests, but it will be one day according to his plans. Plans I don’t understand, but that are always good.
So far, I’ve learned to trust him more. I’m learning to wait well. My mind is a battlefield, and I can choose to embrace God’s presence, hope, love, and joy, or I can believe lies and be filled with fear, anger, despair, and self-pity. Each day, and sometimes multiple times a day, I have the choice.
Days are better when I choose Jesus.
Today I watched the memorial service for a blogging friend of mine who went home to Jesus on December 30th. He wrote a blog called Unshakable Hope and lived with ALS for 24 years after the doctors gave him three to five to live. I met him because of this blog. He has been such a source of encouragement and faith building to me. As his two daughters shared some questions they asked him, and played his robotic responses while he was confined completely to a wheelchair with no voice and no ability to move, I was once again inspired.
Bill talked about the passage in Scripture where Paul asked God to remove the thorn in his flesh. He commented that our trials here are fleeting and temporary in light of eternity. Now as I wait on the Lord for healing to manifest, I am encouraged by this man’s incredible life. His wife, Mary, has been his caregiver all these years. Her grace and patience humble me. Bill reached tens of thousands of people through his blog that he wrote with eye recognition software. How can I live my life daily in this affliction so that it has eternal value?
How can I consider my current situation close to what he’s lived with? I only hope that I can live it with faith, grace, and unshakable hope like he did no matter how long it lasts. In light of eternity we live a fleeting moment.
Today is the only today we have. Tonight it will be gone, and tomorrow will come. What will we choose today?
I don’t know what the rest of my day or my tomorrows will be. We don’t even know how many tomorrows we’ll have. But today, I live for Christ in response to his love for me. No matter what comes, his love, his presence, peace, joy, and hope are beyond measure.
Will you choose him today? Whether you know him or you don’t, he loves you. He chose you. He has a plan for you.
In honor of my blogging brother Bill Sweeney. He chose Jesus.
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining; ‘Til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. For younder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees…”
Adolphe Charles Adam and Placide Cappeau (French composers)
These words to a favorite Christmas hymn, “O Holy Night” keep ringing in my mind this week as we approach this last week before Christmas.
Our world is weary.
It’s weary because it’s been pining away in sin, offenses, mistakes, and brokenness. Lies, disease, natural disasters, violence top the headlines. And that’s only if you can believe the headlines. The media isn’t our friend.
But I love what this song reminds us of. That in the midst of sin, weariness, and despair, Jesus appears. He comes to say “You’re loved, special, worthy.” His appearance, life, and later death and resurrection speak to us of how worthy we are to him. The Bible says it was for the joy set before him that he came and died and rose again.
That joy is me and you. Jesus came so we can be with him forever.
With God, there is always a glorious, new morning breaking through. He doesn’t leave us in weariness and despair. And we can rejoice.
When Jesus first came, the world had been enslaved and God was silent after centuries of speaking, giving the people what they thought they wanted, and offering them life in him. After 400 years, Jesus showed up.
400 years! We’ve been through nine months of a pandemic and feel as if the world as ended.
But regardless of the length of time in waiting expectantly, today as we celebrate, Jesus is still the same. He hasn’t changed. His message of love and hope is still the same. And all we have to do is one thing.
Fall on our knees.
Acknowledge him. Humble ourselves and confess that we don’t have it all together, don’t know everything, and can’t figure life out on our own. When we come to the end of ourselves, he brings the beginning of new life.
A new and glorious morning…
I’m praying for you this Christmas. May we all be falling on our knees and experiencing the thrill of hope.
Do we fill our cup each day with “what if’s” that breed fear?
OR
Are we filled with excitement, dreams, possibilities and “God will”?
Jesus said that for all of us who are heavily burdened to come to him and trade whatever is weighing us down for his life of love, joy, peace, and hope. Laying everything down at his feet, we can let him handle our concerns and let him lead us by still waters.
Sometimes we find it hard to empty ourselves.
Pride, fear, shame, and disappointment can cause us to not trust God. We feel the need to control. But every step of faith that gives God more control yields relief and a lesser weight on us. Then we are free to let God determine our journey.
And his ways are far better than what we think we need or want.
He blows my mind with the healing, blessings, fulfilling ways my life expands and gets to touch others. His word says he gives us the desires of our hearts. I testify to the truth of that!
So today, are you empty or full? What is your cup full of?
Life will never look exactly the same again. This season in our world has been one of:
fear
uncertainty
questions
opinions
contradictions
frustrations
accusations
loss
grief
weariness
isolation
and excitement.
Wait.
What was that last word? Excitement? How can anyone be excited in this season?
Because in the midst of all this, God’s plans can’t be stopped. He’s not surprised by this. He knew it was coming. His plans are always for us. For a hope and a good future.
Things may not look like we expected or planned. There may be shifts in our lives from certain activities to spending time with our kids; from the job we hated every day to a new opportunity we love; from comparison to companionship. We may be weary or grieving a loss.
But God offers us hope.
This is my prayer for you:
May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
When we trust God, he fills us with hope, joy, and peace. That’s why I’m excited about what’s to come. In Jesus, there is hope, healing, comfort and a sense of peace no matter how things look.
Today, may you have a little of what the world needs right now. HOPE.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame… Hebrews 12:2
Jesus thought of you and me when he chose to lay his life down.
He thought of being with us as a joy. That’s how much he loves us. He didn’t want to be without us. So he endured the humiliation, torture and devastation of being nailed to a cross.
But that wasn’t the end of it.
He overcame death and rose again. Not only so he could be alive, but so we could live forever with him. Forever alive. Forever without tears, sorrow or pain. Because he took all of that on him for our sake.
As I learn to trust God more, I’m beginning to understand to a greater depth that he really is in control of every situation. I don’t believe he causes bad things, but I see how he allows them to bring about something better for us. Sometimes our idea of “good” isn’t as good as his “best.”
As a result, my fear is diminishing.
Over the last three months, I’ve read a couple of books that are changing my perspective.
Prison to Praise is the testimony of Merlin Carothers who describes his journey finding God and his power in Merlin’s life. Power in Praise gives numerous stories of people, including Merlin, who began to praise God for every situation in their lives – both good and bad.
God’s plans for us are good. And they can’t be hindered.
I know that you can do ALL things, and NO purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
Job 42:2
So every situation is from his hand in order to bring about something good.
every. single. situation.
I get that is hard to wrap our minds and hearts around. I have friends who just lost a son. How do we apply this mindset? Honestly, I’m not sure.
Yet.
I won’t offer platitudes. But I do know that God is good and is doing something good even in that situation. It comes down to whether we can fully trust God, his goodness, his promises and most of all his love for us.
And that is what alleviates our fear.
No matter what happens, I’m trying to choose to praise God and trust that he is doing something good. Even when it looks bad.
At the very least, my heart is calmed, and I find peace and joy.
But I’m also finding that God works out the circumstances I thought had no answer or were too bad to take – not usually as I envisioned, but always better than I hoped.
As we approach Easter, I see the ultimate example of this.
When the religious leaders dragged Jesus away, and mocked, tortured and crucified him, his followers scattered. Terrified and alone (so they thought), they tried to make sense of the turn of events. They had believed, expected that Jesus would rescue them from the oppression of Roman rule. They watched their hopes and dreams die on that cross. Right?
Wrong.
God had a better plan. An eternal plan for life beyond the one they were living on earth. He sent Jesus to save them from being forever separated from God. God’s perspective was far greater than theirs. Saving them from their current situation was not as crucial as saving them for eternity.
With God, there is always a bigger picture.
One we can’t usually see until after the fact. You know, that 20/20 hindsight thing. So if we can believe this, trust God and thank him for what he’s doing even when we can’t see it or understand it in the moment, we experience peace. We also take our hands off situations which allows God to work things out.
To experience his best way, we have to get out of the way!
I challenge you to consider taking your life forward by praising God even for the tough stuff that seems bad. What looks bad to us, is a gateway to the ultimate good from him.
A couple of weeks ago, I posted about 
Laura Bennet - Author 