I Will Follow

For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.  Ephesians 2:10

The past few days, our family has worked on getting rid of stuff we no longer use-toys the boys no longer play with and several clothing items that we no longer wear any more.  Many of our items are still in good shape and will be donated to a local ministry.  As we quickly approach the end of 2013 and approach the beginning of a new year,  it’s time to let go of the past, remove the ‘junk’ out of our lives, and walk closer with God in the year to come.

You see, the closer we grow to God, the more we fully become our  “true selves.”  Just like old clothing or dated fashion, our old selves are in the past and we are deemed a new creation by our loving Father.  We are each created as individuals-one of a kind, and the path that we are needs to remain a straight line towards God.

Let us rejoice in our journey towards God in the days to come and enjoy the intimate communion with our Father that loves us more than we can possibly comprehend.

Pure

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth!  Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.  Psalm 86:11

We received quite a bit of citrus fruit for Christmas and in my humbled opinion, there is no better way to start the day off than with a fresh grapefruit or a seedless orange for breakfast.  We left an over-ripened banana on the counter near some of the oranges and grapefruit, and a few days later, some of the fruit had spoiled when we came back from all of our holiday travels.

Sin works in our lives much the same and just like bad fruit, it doesn't take much to spoil the whole bunch.  The good news is that Jesus’ death on the cross served as an atonement for our sins-past, present, and future.  When we accept His love offering, we are made clean and pure again in God’s eyes.  Keep in mind, that this is something we simply couldn't accomplish on our own.

When you humbly ask God to forgive you, he removes the contamination of your sin and purifies you once again!

Slow Down

"I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me-and I in him-bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing."  -Jesus, John 15:5

Having some time off from work and away from the usual hustle and bustle of my normal every day routine has been both wonderful and relaxing. It has also made me realize that no matter how busy I have been over the past year, I haven't necessarily accomplished a whole lot, despite my futile efforts.

God wants each of us to take the time to be still in his Presence so that he can strengthen us. Not just at Christmas time or during a vacation, but every single day.  When we allow God to enter our lives in such a profound way, we will actually do less but accomplish more.

As we prepare for the new year, let's plan to walk closer with God, depending on his strength and trusting him in every situation, every single day.

We can live in peace by walking in the light of his Presence!

Salvation Is Here

The same Lord gives generously to all who call on him.  Romans 10:12

My family is just getting settled back into our normal routines after another whirlwind tour of visiting our out-of-town family for Christmas and I can’t help but think of how busy the retail stores have been since Thursday with people returning gifts and making exchanges.

Thankfully, God has given each of us the 'perfect gift,' his Son, Jesus Christ.  This gift never needs to be exchanged or returned-it is truly a 'one size fits all' kind of gift.  If God were not a passionate and generous God, He'd make us do something to work for our salvation, but He doesn't.

God loves us without ceasing and gives to us freely; despite the fact that none of us deserve it.  He offers the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ to everyone who comes to Him!

The Power of Equality

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.  And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.  Romans 3:22

There are few things in life other than, say, oxygen, that are available to all people. The great thing about God is that salvation is available to all people.

It makes no difference to God what sins you have committed.  It does not matter who you are.  God loves all people equally and wants each one of us to be saved and live with him eternally in heaven.

When we decide that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and we ask for forgiveness of our sins, we are transformed into a new creation.  In God's eyes we become clean and pure again, just like everyone who believes.

We must share this with all people and love them into a relationship with Christ, to expand God's kingdom on this earth.

Love Me Tender

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.  Psalm 103:13

I sometimes worry that I may be too harsh on our oldest son, after all he's only six years old.  After his little brother was born, it seems like I have an unspoken expectation of him to act more mature than he really is capable of.  All of this helps give me some insight into how God must feel about me in my walk of faith...

God shows us all compassion by caring for us, providing for us, blessing us, and loving us.  When we trust him and obey him, he forgives us of our sins, which restores our relationship with him.

Thank you dear Father for your continuous tender love and mercy!

Glory to God in the highest and Merry Christmas to all!

Glory To God Forever

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:14

I can only imagine how many angels must have filled the sky that starry night that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.  The lights must have shined in brilliant radiance and the shepherds in the field could only gaze at the light in wide-eyed amazement.  

The King of all kings was not born in a palace, but in a stable.  Not just an empty stable, but one filled with animals, dung, and flies. He was not born in the capital city, but a small town called Bethlehem.  The first to proclaim Jesus’ birth were not royalty, but a group of shepherds who were in a nearby field.

The Christmas story was very different than the sanitary version we are so familiar with. In fact, Jesus’ birth was messy; much like our lives are.

This was all part of God’s divine plan to show each of us that life’s greatest treasure, salvation though Jesus Christ, is available to anyone and everyone-no matter what their status is, and no matter how messy their lives have become.