The Avengers

114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114 NIV

I'm copied up in my newly appointed (almost finished) Star Wars room. It's really just our extra bedroom that we remade into a Star Wars themed room for watching movies and housing guests. Right now The Avengers is on tv. I think I'd feel pretty safe if I was protected by them, especially Hulk or Captain America. If they were real I'd like to think that the world would be a bit safer than it is now. But they're not real. It's only Hollywood magic for cosmic book heroes.

But God is real. His sword and shield are real. To be surrounded by him is to be completely protected. There's no need for heroes. He's got no use for a magic hammer or power suit. He's the almighty. He is enough.

Let God be your strength and shield. And let Hollywood have it's heroes.

The Macarena

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 NIV

Our after-Christmas purchase was an Echo. Yes, we've become Alexa users, connected to the web 24/7. I'm sure as time goes on we will transform into a smart house, but for now, Alexa is good at playing music which is very good for impromptu dance parties. I have passed on my love of music and dance to my youngest, and of course we love all the fun party dances. I've taught her the Macarena, the electric slide and the cotton eye joe (which I learned from my oldest at her wedding). And we can't forget the Thriller. What would party dances be without it?

What can all this have to do with today's verse? I've made a disciple out of my youngest. She listens and learns from me when it comes to music. She also teaches me about more modern tunes and I then enjoy giving her history lessons of how that music started or where they got the inspiration.

It's so easy to pass on the things we love. So why not pass on our love for Jesus? Make disciples out of those you know. Get them to be eager to learn and then let them give their insight as well. Each person has their own unique way of telling the gospel. They pass it on and those people pass it on and soon the love of God is known everywhere.

Make disciples of all. The world needs to know of God's love.

Praying in the Spirit

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Sometimes our hearts can't say anything. Sometimes God's words are perfect and need no introduction, no explanation. Sometimes our hearts pray in sounds and words that we don't understand because the Spirit is interceeding on our behalf. This is the fulfillment of the promise in this verse. When we can't, God can. And sometimes it's when we are so weak that we can't even pray.

Let the Spirit pray for you as he renews you in body and soul.

Christmas Rush is Over, and I'm Tired

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

It's been a busy few days for us. It's probably been a busy few days for you too. You may even have to return to your job this week as I do, or you may not have gotten a break at all. There are many people who work to keep our communities running even on holidays. We are truly blessed in that we believe everyone should be able to be home with their families on the holidays, especially Christmas.

As I said, it's been busy. It's a busy time of year. We are tired, worn down, exhausted. From the preparation to the visiting to the parties to the volunteering and shopping, we are bone tired. But somehow, somewhere from within, we summon everything we have to pull through. And we do it beautifully and to some, effortlessly.

We may be so dismayed or worn down from sin and strife that we have no idea how we are going to get through. How is that bill going to get paid? How are we going to put food on the table? How am I going to get well? And yet somehow we pull through. That's God. And when people are amazed at how easy we make it look, that's just God showing off. His power is sufficient. He will not let you fall. He will be there to help you pull through.

Christmas Light Show

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace good will to men.” Luke 2:13‭-‬14 NIV

Today is Christmas Eve. It's a time for spending with family and friends, a time for reflection, a time to enjoy the peace that naturally comes with the season. We use this time to celebrate the birth of Christ. We put up lights and decorations to commemorate the holiday.

We toured lights tonight in our town. We even saw a few that came with music. Those are the best. So can you imagine that night when a host of angels joined  in singing and worshipping the arrival of the savior? I think that would have been the ultimate light show. Nothing could ever top that, don't you think?

So as you go about your festivities, put on some music and imagine what that heavenly choir sounded like.

One day we'll know. Merry Christmas!

Aimless Words

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9 NIV

Words are plentiful and it doesn't cost much to say them. In fact, a lot of people throw words around like they are millionaires passing out money. They are careless with their words. And words can hurt if passed along needlessly. But in the end it's only words.

We can say we love God all day long. But unless we put some ooomph behind those words, they are meaningless. Faith without works is dead. Words without action are wasted air.

God didn't just tell us he loved us. He showed us with his actions. He didn't leave us waiting for anything. He followed through on his promise. Praise God he did!

How will you demonstrate God's love?

What's in a Name

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NIV

A name game was going around Facebook today. In fact, there were several names games floating around. This time of year social media users like to circulate the games that give you a funny name based on your initials or birth month. I think for one I was Happy Gigglesworth or some such thing. Another game is to state your first name that is the same as a famous person then say you're not that person, such as I'm Brad, but not Pitt. Also on the news today the most unusual baby names and the most popular baby names for 2017.

What's in a name? It can be a baby's first identity. A woman changes her last name (or not) when she marries, or uses a combination of names. I'm named after my mother's best friend and my middle name is a family tradition. I use my maiden name on my Facebook account so people I knew in my childhood recognize which person I am. There's a lot in a name.

You can imagine the care that God took when he decided on Jesus' name. It had to be carefully chosen because of who he would be...our savior. Our redeemer. The Prince of peace. Jehovah.

So what's in a name. Salvation. Eternity. All in the name of Jesus, the baby born in a manger.

Go Tell it on the Mountain

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16 NIV

We got our Christmas cards today and I sat down to "mail a few." I honestly didn't think I'd have that many to share. Turns out I used all but one. The cards turned out so well that I wanted to share them all.

When my daughter got engaged, I was so excited it paralyzed me to have to wait to share the good news.

When my older daughter was pregnant, I practically burst until I could tell everybody.

Good news is news we want to share. We feel we have to share or else we'll just fall apart. We don't want to hold it in. We're not ashamed of what people will think. We just want to tell everyone.

So why should we feel ashamed about the good news of Christ? It's great news! It's life changing and uplifting. Don't keep it to yourself. Share it with everyone you know! Christ is risen! He was born in a manger and defeated death forever! How can we not be excited?

Don't hold it in any longer. Go. Tell everyone!

Gifting

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV

If you know me then you know I am not very good at gift giving. For those of you who have been privy to it, all I can say is I'm sorry and I have the receipt. For those not yet acquainted, I've made a note to buy gift cards. Lucky for me those I gift to love me and are willing to overlook this tiny flaw. But I digress. These days if you don't like a gift or it's not right for you, most are easily returnable, or for the really brave...re-gifted. For the record, I don't because it would go horribly wrong. But again I digress.

So aren't we really lucky that God knows how to give perfect gifts, like his only son? We don't have to return anything God gives us. In fact, he wants us to pass it on, to re-gift in the grandest of gestures. His gifts are always perfect, right on time, and always the right size. It will always be the most perfect thing we need in our life at that time.

So this Christmas, let God be in charge of your gifting. When he fills your heart with joy and peace, make sure to re-gift those as soon as possible.

You Are the Reason

13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 NIV

Go ahead, admit it. This is hard. Once someone has proven to be untrustworthy or has wronged you in some way, it's hard to forgive them. It's hard to not keep thinking about what they did every time they mess up again.

But even though it's hard, I like the way the last line is written...forgive as God forgave us. He gave his only son as payment for our sins. Jesus entered this world as a baby and left this world the savior. I saw a saying on a church sign that read, you are the reason for Christmas; God loves you. How true. God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to be our savior.

So as hard as it may be, we must forgive. We must move past it. Just imagine how much better this world would be if we all did this.

Safe Space

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44 KJV

This verse both humbles me and gives me hope. If Luke Skywalker can have faith that there is good in his father and take Obi Wan's advice to heart, then I am capable of praying for those who don't like me very much. Luke didn't give in to the dark side. It peaked it's head a little and then he learned.

I too can learn. I am humbled because I know of one person who just doesn't like me..at all...to the point they take it out on those around me. I feel responsible, gutted and utterly bereft at the thought I could have injured someone that much. But did I? Did I cause injury or is it truly them as I was taught to believe growing up? I live my life attempting to make people feel welcome, unjudged and safe around me. But I am only human and it could be I said or did something that made them feel aweful. If so then I am truly sorry. But if not, and I never find out why, then I am to follow this verse and pray for them. It doesn't say I have to like them. I must forgive and pray and love them with God's love. It's not the same thing.

So today I will summon every ounce of the force within me, God's love, and apply it to my prayers for that one. I also pray that if you struggle with this you too can find peace and humility in this verse. Let Jesus' words take hold of your heart. He will honor your prayer to be a safe space.

We Have Hope

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3‭-‬4 NIV

I read an article the other day about why we are shocked that people are shocked about the current allegations against men of power having abused women in some way. The reasoning was that as Christians we have hope that there is still salvation for even those we think are unredeemable. We see them through God's eyes and our hearts are saddened by the state of affairs. We have hope they will turn from their sin and give their hearts to God. Without this hope we become immune to that kind of news.

We have this hope because we have suffered and persevered. We have seen unimaginable tragedy, experienced extreme pain, and yet here we are. God has seen us through so we have hope for a future. This hope builds resilience.

In honor of the new Star Wars movie, to quote Princess Leia in Rogue One, we may have nothing else, but we have hope. Rebellions are built on hope. Families are nut on hope. Businesses are built on hope. It's what drives us to get up every morning.

So know that if you survived to where you are, you have hope.

Consequences

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NIV

This sounds so easy, right? Confess and move on. Let's make it right and just get past it. We will be forgiven so that's it. Not so fast. This verse does not absolve us of consequences for sin, just that we will be forgiven. There may still be ways we have to make it right and sometimes that means punishment for the offender.

There are times when we need to not seek those at fault. We just need to asknowledge the wrongdoing, correct the behavior and move on. But this still isn't completely without consequences because the person responsible knows who they are. They will feel remorse for what they've done. This is God's spirit reminding us who lives in our heart.

But it is good to remember that in order to move past sin and rid it from your life, acknowledging it is the first and best thing to do. Take it to God first.

Fake News

17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 NIV

All over the news, the internet and social media are what are being called 'fake news' stories. People are accused in the court of public opinion before the facts are even known. Two sides both with proof they are right trying to disprove the other. Fake accounts asking for help. Fake stories with false facts not corroborated. No one is immune, not even those without fault.

Bring that same mindset home and things can get really rough at work, at home or at school. People are quick to blame others to avoid punishment or retribution.

But we have God's promise that as long as we are truthful, have inyegrity, and avoid the appearance of wrong doing that he will refute anyone who falsely accuses us. It's our heritage as his children, our birthright if we are born again. We don't have to be afraid of those who would try to lie against us. God is for us! Amen.

Heart Talk

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 NIV

You know what happened when I read this verse? I immediately thought "oh no, trouble is on the horizon." Why did I think that way? Because when you take a verse like tbis and apply it to your life, it can only mean trouble is coming and God is letting you know he will take care of you.

But guess what? God doesn't give you the spirit of fear. Satan does. God isn't telling you to hold onto your knickers because something bad is coming. Life happens. This is God's promise that when it does, he will be there. He will protect you. He will help you. You don't need to be afraid or automatically think something is going to go wrong. That's fear. That's satan. Don't let him do that to you.

Take hold of God's promise, tuck it away in your heart and when you need it, he will remind you.

Things

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV

People tend to focus on the "things" mentioned in this verse, to imply that if we trust God he'll give us what we want. That's not entirely true. The "things" talked about here are clothes, food, drink, and shelter. Jesus is talking about not worrying about what you need. God knows you need these things. We are to seek him first not earthly wares and comforts.

Life isn't comfortable. We all have sorrow, trouble, good days and bad days. Each day brings a chance to glorify God in all that we do and say. I regularly fall short. Lucky for me God already knows that too and is there to help me, not for my good but for his glory.

Be open to be used. Seek his will first and see how he moves in your life.

Big Brother

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, Psalm 33:18 NIV

In our technological age, it seems everyone is watching us, recording everything we do and say. Cameras capture our every move. Traffic cams record the movement of vehicles and road conditions. We can't go anywhere where something isn't watching us. A little creepy maybe...big brother is watching and all that. Even Santa sees us when we're sleeping and knows when we're awake! But even the most advanced tech toys cannot capture everything.

But despite the many things tracking us, we can take comfort in knowing that God is always watching. He knows our hearts. He sees our actions before we act. We have hope in him that we cannot find in even the most advanced technology.

So lift your eyes to the hills and put your trust in the one who truly sees everything.

Building Blocks

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV

I read an article today about the police looking for a woman wanted in a theft. They gave a description of her and showed a picture. Every single one of the comments had something horrible to say about how she looked.

Jessica Simpson, the singer, shared an Instagram picture of her and her 5 year old daughter on an outing to Sephora, the makeup store. Of course her daughter was trying on makeup...what little girl can't wait to play with makeup? Perfect strangers trolled her and said what an awful mother she was because she took her daughter to the makeup store.

This is a familiar story. More often than not, people hide behind usernames and fake profiles just to troll and make nasty comments on things that aren't even their business. Raising children in a technology and social media world required a few rules about using the web. Barring them from using it wasn't the answer, but rather teaching them to use it wisely. Our main rule: if you wouldn't say it or show it to a room full of strangers, don't put it online.

We also taught them that one golden rule: if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. How can we build others up if all we do is say how terrible they are and comment where it's not our business? We should use the internet for good, sharing God's love, acceptance and salvation. The internet is powerful. People can tweet and retweet all day long. Give them kind powerful words to share. Give them hope. Build them up.

Rocks and Words

“There is no one holy like the Lord ; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 NIV

Do you have some days when you don't know what to pray for, how to pray, what to say to God? I mean, we have a dictionary full of words yet they all seem so pitiful when I pray. I hope I'm not alone. Some days we have victories, some not so much, or the victories are mixed in with sorrow. But to verbalize what we want or need or how we feel just seems so inadequate. God is holy! He can't be bothered by our petty lives.

But like any good parent God likes to hear from us no matter what we say. I suspect that any one of you wouldn't care what you talked about with a loved one as long as you talked. You care about them and what they are doing. And sometimes you would love to just sit with them, not saying anything.

That's how God is. So it doesn't matter whether or not you can express yourself. God knows your heart. Be honest. Be available. Be willing to listen. And then, make sure to praise him for being your rock.

I Will Help You

13 "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 NIV

My heart was blessed to read this after my post from last night. It was confirmation to me that in obedience to what God has asked me to do, he is affirming that yes, He will help me. We do not need to fear, he will help. He will help you pass that final and pass your class. He will help you complete the project at work on time. He will help you raise the funds you need for necessary medical expenses. He will help with the details in bringing together the perfect wedding. He will help you choose the right appliance for your home. He will help you speak to your child about bullying. He will help you with your finances so that you can plan for your future. He will help find the perfect home for you or your loved ones. All these things and more that you worry about, that you care about, that sometimes cause fear in your life, he will help.

There is nothing in your life He won't help you with. There is nothing going on in your life that he is not concerned about. He loves you and is interested in everything you do. All you need to do is ask and have faith. My spirit is overwhelmed with the excitement of God's promises. I must have faith. I must be obedient. How can I not when I know he will help.

Obedience

1 "I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:1 NIV

I want to start this post with an apology - to my readers, but mostly to God, asking for His forgiveness. You see, I don't write this blog for me or for my readers. I do it in obedience with what God impressed upon me to do to spend time with him. He meets us where we are... thank goodness...and he met me where I was - a very busy lady with a lot on my plate but who loves to write. And what better way to spend time with God than exploring what his word says about everyday life in my own words. And what better way to share them with others who may want the same thing - God's word applied to everyday life. But that life can get in the way; actually, I let that life get in the way and I have neglected my blog. I still ready my daily verse but I didn't dwell on it as much as I was. And what happened? Doubt crept in. Fear. Uneasiness.

But that's not much different than what the Israelites experienced, a lot it seems, and what gave the prophets like Malachi, Haggai and others lots to write about. They would lose their way occasionally, lose sight of the promises God had made because those promises weren't always immediate. They would become disobedient, thinking that God would still deliver because they were his chosen people after all, so why should they do what he said? He'll forgive them, slaughter their enemies and they'd be on their way. Not quite that easy, because in the meantime, their disobedience would cause pain, sorrow, doubt, anger, fear, fighting, you name it. Yes God would forgive them, yes he would deliver on his promises, but not without consequences in the meantime.

I was reminded this past week that God is faithful. All he asks is that we believe and have faith. Many times in the Old Testament you'll see where the Israelites begin to be disobedient, God would withdraw his protection. He promised a savior - if they would believe. He promised deliverance - if they would obey. He promised prosperity - if they would have faith. God wants to work miracles, and I know he still does today. Some are big, but most are small miracles that happen every day, most going unrealized by us. If God has given us a command, we must obey. We must have faith that he will fulfill the promise he's given to us. I still believe he will. I will do my best to obey (we're not perfect).

And when we have faith, the Lord will come to his temple - you. He will live in you and work through you. And that's what we as Christians should strive for.