Writing out my hurt

You are as sick as you are slick for never picking up the phone

I text my heart to you at two in the morning cuz I can’t stand the dial tone

You got me shook up as fuck the way you left me in the cold

But it’s summertime baby, can’t freeze me, the temperature don’t get that low

Hoping to - learn from you - the truth of what I did that caused this turn in you

In the morning you were begging me to come your way

But that night you told me you didn’t have nothing to say

Cuz I discovered your flaws and the lies that you told

You a tall glass of water but not a fuckin drop you could hold

You created a facade for me - a fairytale for your princess

From the once upon a time you planned an end nightmarish

And I cradled up in your love lullaby fell deep in sleep in it

Introduced yourself as a Que dog... found out you’re just a bitch

And no disrespect to the name you claim, it said nothing of your character

The lies you live a constructed false reality - a story you tell and you are just a character

I suppose when you cast me in a supporting role you never expected me to take lead

Warnings in your mind must’ve told you to rewind but you never took the heed

You kept going without knowing that I’d pick up on your trail

Weaved a web of a deceit so sticky you got trapped in it as well

But I will not remain forever the victim, I was silent for so long now I shout

I will scream “how could you do this to me” until you hear me out!

And you being out, I thought at least perhaps there’s another woman involved

Come to find out, that was the reason for it all

Everyone around is suspicious of your lies and lack of alibis

They may dismiss it for trivial shit, but me? Oh, no, I won’t compromise

I see you for what you are, I believe you’re crazy and pathetic

I’d diagnose your lies grandiose as fuckin schizophrenic

Did the voices in your head tell you that she’s on to you?

So you desert me without out warning but you said you’d never hurt me

Funny how many people who told you that you don’t deserve me

But you thought that you would keep on going to let that be denied

But as the time passed you realized this wouldn’t last no matter how hard you tried

No one will ever understand how quick you flipped that shit

Cut me out your life as if we did not exist

But hell hath no fury like a woman scorned by a demon so blind

And heaven has seen no rebellion like the one for love denied

I’m coming for you like I’m gunning for you 

And you can’t even imagine what I’m gon do

Fall to my knees and left my head and pray 

That my Lord and my Savior takes my pain

And He whispered in my ear “My child, weep not for our love is divine

I take no offense that is to my children against... my daughter, vengeance is mine.”

You don’t know my name

Staring at me inquisitively from across the room

Hesitating to approach; at that distance I am aloof

Watching me dance to some old school beats

Thinking I’m trying to be cute; it’s my femininity

You don’t know who I am

Assuming I’m some girl with snobbish ways

Unknowing the struggles I’ve seen; these are better days

Simplifying without information formulating first impressions

Not considering the smile that I wear is victory over depression

You don’t get my steelo

Misunderstanding my grammar for a person of privilege

The pride I have for my race; is the reason why I am this.

Why am I having this conversation; you seem not to understand

I’m weary of the assumptions coming from mouths of the Black man.

You decided I think I’m too good for you to step to me

I seem to have it together, you don’t want to mess with me.

“That kind of woman will probably always be by herself

She seems so independent like she don’t need nobody else.”

Yes, I heard those words and imagine my chagrin

If that is what we’ve come to, what a state of mind we’re in.

I’ve been to college

Shouldn’t I sound like it?

But bet that up, Yo--I’m from ‘round the way

Say I sound like “whitey”…why do we think that way.

Pronunciation, alliteration, enunciation don’t belong to whites

Control of the English language is also an African American right.

I also know about double-dutching in the parking lot of the projects

Sitting on the stoop till late at night

Reading books by my window

Cause we didn’t have any lights.

Popcorn for dinner ‘cause momma got it free

Didn’t miss school; two guaranteed meals.

In the summer no food to eat…

Those summer days living in the trailer park

Roaming the ‘hood playing games

Until it got close to dark

Hoping someone asked me to stay the night

A hot bath seemed a luxury;

Yeah….“all my life I had to fight”

U Say I’m too proper and sound like a know it all.

I believe I represent my People and I try to answer their call.

That call to self improvement; self-respect; higher education

I want Us to be seen in our glory as the true essence of civilization.

I don’t look down at you if your phrases sound kinda strange

So why do you look at me crazily ‘cause my first language isn’t slang.

I don’t have it all together; but everyday I have to try

Never imagined to my own people; I’d have to explain why.

The beauty of expression isn’t owned by hip hop artists on the mic

Off camera most speak with perfect diction, don’t believe the hype.

As much as I want to;

I can’t dumb down for you

And no, I don’t want to be alone in my life

Playing stupid isn’t the way for ME to become a wife.

I want a man with some guts anyway

If of my intelligence you are afraid

Stay over there; you were right not to approach me

Strength’s more than muscles; a mental athlete is more my speed

That doesn’t make me a snob nor does it mean I’m stuck up

So you think, I think I’m all that…guess what?

I ‘on give a f***. (espressomysoul)

Vision

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world
to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Ephesians 1:4
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, do you still wonder about why or where I've placed you on this earth? Do you question My intentions—or My work in your life? Perhaps it is because you don't yet share My vision. Behind the scenes I am working out all the details of My world—and how you fit into it—so you can know, like Esther, that you were here "for such a time as this." Be patient, My child. Catch My vision. Follow Me daily, and you'll see a glorious future unfold.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Long before we entered the scene, before You ever revealed Your plan for creation, You chose us to shine and give praise to You, Lord. In the beginning, before we were ever born, You adopted us as Your own. Even when I'm clueless, Lord, I trust You. You know what You're doing. You are truly a God of vision.

SIMPLE TRUTH

We hope, dream, and make our plans, but the future belongs in God's hands.

On Our Way Home

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7).

Have you noticed how hard "re-entry" is?

One of my favorite movies is “Apollo 13” in which we first heard those famous words, “Houston, we have a problem,” an understatement, to say the least. The astronauts faced seemingly impossible odds of getting back to earth but refused to give up the fight until they splashed down in the waters of home.

Life is much the same. We are often thrust into a daily life of foreign and often frightening worlds, shaky circumstances, and impossible trials with no obvious way of escape. It seems like we will never get home and our world will never be right again.

I have discovered a truth that surfaces in my heart every Christmas holiday. We all come into this world with a sense of being lost. Tucked into the corner of our souls is a feeling of restlessness, a longing for home, for something eternal. That longing will never be satisfied outside of a relationship with God. God holds each today and every tomorrow in His hands. Nobody and nothing can fill the “God-shaped” hole in our hearts.

I have come to cherish that desperate heart cry that drives me to my knees and into the lap of my Father. Each and every time I come to Him, He whispers, "It will be all right. You are not home - yet."

I do not want this broken and torn world to be my final home, but merely a place I am passing through. While I am here, I have a God-sized job to do, an extraordinary mission to complete and a wonderful purpose to fulfill. Is that awesome or what? Absolutely! But it is only the beginning of the eternity for which I was created. It doesn't get any better than that, my friends.

So as you dive into your hectic schedule, remember that one day, we will be home - with Him - but until then, let's celebrate here! Guard your hearts and mind by filling them with God’s Word. Hold fast to the true meaning of the season and don’t let go/ Look for ways to share the message of the manger, embracing that longing for home as a sweet reminder that one day we will celebrate His birth in Heaven. What a Christmas that will be! And we are on our way home!

Let’s Pray
Oh God, I love You and am so thankful for the hope that eternity holds because I know You. I am not alone, nor will I ever be. I will lack nothing because You are my Provider. I can sing in the midst of the storm because You are sufficient. I praise You and long for Home. But while I’m here, help me to be all that You created me to be.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!

Is Fasting Necessary?

But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:21

Is fasting necessary? And what does prayer with fasting do that prayer alone can’t accomplish? I don’t know about you, but fasting is difficult for me. My flesh does not like anything being withheld from it. If my flesh could talk, it would make comments to my spirit like, “You don’t really love me. Why are you holding out on me? This fasting thing just hurts, there isn’t anything really to it.”

Well, fasting without prayer is called “being hungry.” But fasting with prayer is called “feasting in a spiritual sense.” When we choose to make a conscious effort to put aside our needs of the flesh to concentrate instead on the spiritual issues that are nagging our hearts, God moves. Sometimes He moves the person who is fasting, by changing their desires, stilling their storms and flattening their prideful attitudes. And sometimes, He moves in the circumstances and moves mountains. Other times, He is able to work in others because of our ability to intercede while fasting.

Fasting with prayer is important because it causes us to focus while reminding us to pray. Every time we want to pick up something to eat, we pray instead. Fasting does not have to be related to food though. We could fast from watching television, listening to the radio, wearing jewelry or even lipstick. We can fast from anything that we are in the habit of doing, which then causes us to crucify the flesh and to concentrate on the spiritual realm.

As for me, I need to “almost fast” before I really fast. I need to prepare myself spiritually before jumping into this commitment. Crucifying the flesh isn’t easy and unless I am led spiritually into a fast, there are too many reasons to break it. But God is so willing to reward us when we fast, that the pain of denial is nothing compared to His blessings in abundance. The disciples once asked Jesus why they could not cast out a demon, He replied: “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.”

If you haven’t ever fasted, pray about it; God will lead you, and if and when He leads you, get ready - for He will move strongly in your life too

ONE BORN OF GOD

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin;
the one who was born of God keeps him safe,
and the evil one cannot harm him.
1 John 5:18
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, those called by My name don't make a habit of disobedience. I am the One born of God, and you are born of Me. You don't have to take in boarders when trouble and temptation stalk the rooms of your heart. When they show up, tell them you're closed—for renovations. I will take care of those who want to harm you. Though others may try to hurt your body and mind, your spirit is safe forever.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
You are God's miracle to us, the One born of God. Because of who You are, I can hide in the safety of Your arms, knowing that You will protect me from harm. Because of whose I am, I can rejoice in the knowledge that I am loved and celebrate Christmas every day.

SIMPLE TRUTH

When a door opens, make sure it is God who opens it

Silent Night

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Christmas Day. I imagine if you’re like most of us, you are still scurrying about with last minute Christmas preparations. What do you think the angels were doing on that first Christmas Eve? Do you think the heavenly host had one last choir practice before their concert on the hillside? Do you think God was making sure that everyone was in their proper places on the kingdom stage before the curtain rose to begin the grandest drama of all time? Do you think the Holy Spirit was hovering low over the entire world, stirring the hearts of men and women to receive the greatest gift of all?

I’m not sure what was happening in the heavenly realm the night before Jesus was born. But I do know that my heart is full of joy knowing that tomorrow we celebrate Jesus’ birth once again.

Perhaps you have sung the words to Christmas carols hundreds of times in your life. But today, I encourage you to pause and read the words to one of my favorites as if you are seeing them for the first time. Read slowly. Ponder the words. “Glories stream from heaven afar”…picture it. “With the dawn of redeeming grace”…savor it. “Christ the Savior is born”…celebrate it.

Silent night, holy night
All is calm all is bright
'Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, My heart quietly waits in anticipation of the grand celebration that tomorrow brings. Thank you for the gift of Your Son. Thank You for redeeming grace.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Jesus has said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). When I’m discouraged, His presence sees me through. When I’m lonely His presence cheers me up. When I’m worried, His presence calms me down. And when I am tempted, His presence will help me out.

A Box of Socks

Today’s Truth
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:22, NIV).

Friend to Friend
My sister loves socks! One day, we were shopping and happened to walk into a department store where neither one of us could afford to buy a single thing. We were just passing through, on our way to find the bargains we could afford. With a sigh and a wistful look on her face, Betty said, “I wish I could afford to shop in this store.” When I asked her what she would buy, she immediately replied with a smile, “Socks! I want a big box of socks. I would wear a different pair every day.” I could think of several things I would have liked to buy in that store and socks was not one of them. I guess it is a matter of perspective. What was important to her was not important to me.

I sometimes think my prayer requests are insignificant and unimpressive to God. After all, He is God. Does He really have the time or the desire to hear and answer my prayers? Yes! The truth is that if it is important to me, it is important to God.

Each Christmas, Operation Shoebox collects and sends over eight million shoeboxes stuffed with small gifts such as candy, school supplies, small toys, toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo to children across the world. In Mexico, hundreds of boys and girls gathered at the church in a small village, excitedly anticipating the arrival of their precious shoeboxes.

Delightful chaos erupted as bulging shoeboxes, wrapped in brightly colored paper and ribbon were passed into the small, eager hands of each child. Wrapping paper was hurriedly ripped into pieces and tossed aside, a smile spreading across the face of each child as their long awaited Christmas treasures were revealed. However, one little boy dissolved into tears as he lifted the lid of his box and peered inside to see what he had received for Christmas this year.

One of the Operation Shoebox volunteers spotted the little boy and hurriedly made his way across the church to see what the problem could possibly be. With the help of an interpreter, the volunteer asked the now sobbing little boy, “What is wrong? What is in your box?” With tears streaming down his face, the little boy said, “Socks!” The worker instantly understood and assured the little boy that he could trade his box of socks for another box that might have crayons, a toy or a piece of candy in it.

Alarm spread across the face of the child as he vigorously shook his head and quickly jerked the box away from the now somewhat confused worker. Clutching the shoebox to his chest, the boy began sobbing out an explanation to the interpreter who listened for a few moments and then, with tears spilling out of his own eyes, turned to the volunteer and said, “You won’t believe this!”

Taking a deep, steadying breath, the interpreter explained, “This little boy has a rare skin condition with which he was born. It seems to affect his feet more than any other spot on his body. The doctors have tried various medications and treatments but finally told the little boy that nothing will work and his feet will never heal unless he begins wearing cotton socks. His parents cannot even afford food for this boy; much less provide socks for their son. So, all year long, he has been praying for socks.”

Socks were at the top of the little boy’s prayer list. As a matter of fact, they were his list. The mere sight of ordinary cotton socks brought tears to his eyes as he stared in awe at the priceless gift in his hands – socks. You see, they were more than just socks. They were the profound answer from our extraordinary God to a child’s simple prayer. One unknown and seemingly insignificant boy in Mexico prayed. God heard him and said “Let me take care of you.”

No matter how small or trivial your prayers may seem, remember God’s perspective. If it is important to you, it is important to Him. And He will take care of you.

Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for the privilege of coming before You in prayer. I want prayer to be as natural to me as breathing out and breathing in. I refuse to believe the lie that my prayers are too small or unimportant for You to hear. You are my Father. You are my God and You long to hear my voice. I will bring every prayer of my heart to You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
Do you have your own “box of socks” for which you are praying? What is it?

Do you really believe that God will hear and answer your prayer?

Read Hebrews 11:6. How does your faith measure up to the faith described in this verse?

Today, pray in faith and see what God does

PRINCE OF PEACE

For to us a child is born. . . .
And he will be called. . .Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, how the world longs for peace! Just as I wept over My beloved Jerusalem and My people's rejection of Me, I mourn when men and women today look for peace—in everything but Me. As Prince of Peace, I was born not to rule government, but to rule and bring peace to hearts everywhere. I love when you look to Me for peace, My child. I give you My peace—peace with God and the peace of God, both found in Me.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Your arrival brought great promise: peace to all the world. Some came seeking an end to oppression; others expected a prince to rule. As Prince of Peace, You brought the only lasting peace—not with the world, but with God. And You came to rule in the heart, not on an earthly throne. Thank You for Your peace, Lord.

SIMPLE TRUTH

When Jesus entered the world, peace entered our hearts.

Rest

"But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster." ~I Kings 5:4

There comes a time when God puts our enemies under our feet. Indeed, He gives us a period of rest so that we may concentrate on the work He has set before us. God's gift of divine rest offers us freedom, peace and protection. And it is ours through salvation and obedience in Jesus Christ.

There is complete trust available in God's divine rest. So much so that Deuteronomy 25:19 tells us to forget about the enemies who attacked us when we were weary and worn out.

David declared in Psalm 62, "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him" (vs. 1). "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him" (vs. 5).

Sometimes, we must take authority over our frantic souls and command them to rest, to come in alignment with the living word of God. Little wonder the word "rest" appears 275 times in the Bible. Consider its many definitions:

Rest is a period of refreshing, a freedom from exertion and anxiety, a stopping place for shelter. To rest means to restore energy, to be supported against something (like the shelter of the Most High), to depend upon someone (like Jesus) for action or as a burden or responsibility, to rely on something (like the Holy Spirit) for proof or explanation, to conclude the presentation of evidence in a case (as in it is finished!).

Divine rest comes after a fulfillment of a promise, or completion, as in the case of King Solomon (I Kings 5:4) and as in the case of the Israelites taking dominion over the Promised Land (Joshua 1:13-15). It allows for restoration, a new beginning. It ushers in God's glory (Is. 11:10), and it is rewarded to those who are righteous in the Lord and see the journey through.

In Jesus, we can rest secure from all that burdens or threatens us. Indeed, He is our way and our truth. He is our friend. And He assures us that His unfailing love rests upon us, as we put our hope in Him (Psalm 33:22), just as The Father assured Moses that His presence will go with him, and He would give him rest as he journeyed forth in obedience (Exodus 33:14).

If we are prone to over work, the Lord may have to make us lie down and rest like the sheep in the fields (Psalm 23). There was a season one year where the Lord spoke Psalm 23 to me repeatedly through various resources. I finally got the message.

Sometimes it's easy to forget that the Lord and His angels work on our behalf to position and align us, others and circumstances for His perfect timing, His perfect will. What we think we should be doing is not always God's agenda. He has taught me to lay down false responsibilities by praying every day, "Lord, I surrender my agenda to You. Have your way in my day."

Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29).

If you are in need of divine rest, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any unconfessed sins, and confess them. Then declare Psalm 91:1-2 over yourself, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty" and Isaiah 32:18, "My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest."

May God's unfailing love rest upon you, and may you enter into His resting place safe, secure and highly favored until you journey home to have eternal rest with Jesus.

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THE WAY

Thomas said to him,
"Lord, we don't know where you are going,
so how can we know the way?"
Jesus answered, "I am the way."
John 14: 5-6
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, have you lost your way again? Do you sometimes feel like a three-year-old child standing in a huge shopping mall alone, separated from its mother? When life confuses you, and you don't know which way to turn, run home to Me. I hear your cries. You may wander away. But I never will. I am the way. Follow My footprints, and you'll never lose your way home.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
You are my bridge over troubled waters, the path to light my feet. Without You in my life, I have no direction, Lord. I depend on You for my road map of life. You not only show me the way. You are the way.

SIMPLE TRUTH
Jesus—don't leave life without Him.

Needed: PATIENCE AND STRENGTH

I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. Acts 26:17-18

These words of Jesus were spoken to Saul of Tarsus en route to Damascus at the time of his conversion. Saul – later Paul - is now sharing them with King Agrippa as a personal testimony. Though God would rescue Paul, he still suffered many things for the sake of the gospel.

One of the biggest challenges to remaining faithful under persecution is the need to stay free from bitterness. Some forms of persecution are particularly hard to forgive.

Elina’s father is a pastor near Dhaka, Bangladesh. Extremists have been trying to drive him and his family away. One frightful night, they presented Elina and her family with the ultimate challenge to their faith. Elina shares her story:

“That night, I woke up because I had an exam the next morning and I needed to study. When I had to go to the bathroom, there was no one with me. Some boys came and they just moved onto me. They touched me and then they took me away, but I couldn’t scream because they held my mouth.

One of those two boys raped me while the other sat there. Then I tried to run away, but I couldn’t because they caught me again. Then the other boy raped me. The boys said, ‘If you tell somebody about this, we will kill you.’”

When she arrived home, Elina shouted for her dad. The two of them brought her case to the police, but they were told she had no proof. Elina and her father believe the boys paid off the police, and they’re still awaiting justice despite a medical report confirming her story.

Elina says, “They did this because we are Christians. They don’t want us here; they want us to be Muslims. They are trying to drive us out. It was difficult for me in those days. I just wanted to fly away or commit suicide, but my dad comforted me. He told me, ‘Pray more and more, so God will give you more patience and strength.’ It really helped me work it out…I have forgiven them; I have nothing against them in my heart.”

Through the prayer and support of her family, Elina is finding God’s strength amidst her pain. As a testimony to her Savior’s redemptive power, Elina has extended His grace to the boys who violated her. Still, her journey to healing is far from over; a poignant reminder of the need to pray and send encouragement to our Christian sisters facing this heinous form of persecution.

In their response to persecution, Bengali Christians like Elina send a message to us in the West: a message of faith, hope and love—even for their oppressors so they might respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ and receive His forgiveness.

RESPONSE: Today I too will pray for patience and strength to be a witness even to my enemies.

PRAYER: Pray for young Christian girls like Elina who face great personal challenges to be a witness.

Recognize the Devil’s Lies and Claim the Promises of God

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

The devil wants you to live your life from an empty cup. He wants you to think that God’s cup of grace has dried up for you. He wants you to be disenchanted with God. Most especially, he wants you to feel that God is a cosmic killjoy…that God is always thinking of ways to rob you of joy and peace. Satan knows that if you start to feel negatively about God, then he can have his way with you in other areas.

Take courage. Be strong. Jesus has won the victory for you! Send those lies back to the pit where they came from and claim the promises of God.

Wish someone the peace and joy of the Lord today.

Whose Problem is It?

See if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:24 (NASB)

One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to convict us of wrongdoing. In my life, there have been things I have been doing for years and years, never thinking much about it. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, I start getting convicted. When the Lord starts working with us on these behaviors, thoughts come to mind like, "Maybe I should not do that any more" and "Why do I do that?" Personally, I do not like these thoughts because I know how long I have been on this path and it is embarrassing to think that I might have been wrong all those years. Who wants to be wrong?

At these times, the Holy Spirit is the One who is working with you. God's standards are different than man's. Behavior that might be completely acceptable to others may not be acceptable for you in the Lord. However, it is the Lord's responsibility to change you. He is just letting you in on what He is doing. Our responsibility is not to suddenly change our behavior (as if it were that easy), but to yield to what the Spirit wants to do with your behavior.

If there is something in your life which you believe the Holy Spirit is working on, be thankful. It is confirmation that you are God's child. The Lord will not force His will or His best on you. But He wants you to be willing to yield to His leading in that behavior. I pray things like, "Lord, if this is a conviction from You, I ask that You will remind me before I do it again." The Lord hears all your prayers and He wants to work with you. He will not convict you and let you fix it by yourself. He wants to do the work by His Spirit, not by you in your flesh. It is in the Spirit that God gets the glory. If He led you into conviction, He will be responsible for leading you into a different behavior. Rest, Trust and Relax. You will like who you are when He is done.

BREATH OF THE ALMIGHTY

But it is the spirit in a man,
the breath of the Almighty,
that gives him understanding.
Job 32:8
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, apart from Me, you have no wisdom, and life serves no purpose. My Spirit, the breath of the Almighty, blows through your heart, soul, and mind, and fills it with heaven's thoughts and desires. Every time a positive thought is born; each time your heart swells in love toward another; whenever you experience an "aha!" moment of truth; the breath of the Almighty has been at work. It is My Spirit that draws you into My very presence.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Your Spirit is the breath of the Almighty, the One who gives me life, the One who determines my purpose here, the One who helps me understand spiritual truths. You fill up my God-shaped vacuum, Lord. Thank You for breathing on me, Holy Spirit.

SIMPLE TRUTH

Sweet breath comes from putting His words into our mouths.

Prayer

Dear Father, You have shared so many good things with me. Let me fully appreciate them all. Show me the wonders of this world, and let me receive them with the wonder and amazement of a child. Amen.

Too Stressed to be Blessed This Christmas?

Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one…
Luke 10:41-42

Do you feel a big rush at Christmas time? Do you have so much to do, and so little time to get it all done? Many have shopping to do … and parties to attend … and pageants to participate in … and trips to take to visit relatives … and food to prepare … and work to finish up … and more and more to get done before the Big Day. Sometimes the Christmas rush can steal your joy and peace, and you secretly long for it to be over.

WHAT’S ON YOUR “TO DO” LIST?

Martha of Bethany was a dear lady who loved Jesus, yet she got all worried and bothered in her service for the Lord. She was cooking a meatloaf dinner for Jesus, and she wanted it to be just perfect. “I’m fixing meatloaf for the Master,” she said. At first the emphasis was on her guest, the Lord Jesus, but slowly her emphasis shifted to the meal.

She lost her joy and peace because she got all focused on her meatloaf rather than her Master.

She was mad as a hornet that her sister, Mary, had left the kitchen to sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to His word… and she told Jesus to reprimand Mary and get her back to work. Surprisingly, Jesus gently reprimanded Martha. He told her that Mary was in the right, and she was in the wrong.

What was Martha’s problem? Her priorities were not His priorities. Her “to do” list had lots of things on there that Jesus did not think were very important. She was worried and bothered because her plate was so full of stuff … stuff that God never authorized. Could that be true of you?

CHRISTMAS INVENTORY

The key to a joyous Christmas is to make sure you stop and look at your “to do” list. Is your list crammed full of what you think is important, or what He thinks is important? Are you worried and bothered about things that really don’t matter that much? Are you focused on the meatloaf, or the Master? Is the main thing still the main thing for you?

Despite what the world says, Jesus really is the reason for the season. Take time every day to get alone with Him. Sit at His feet in quietness and adoration. Read His Word and talk to Him from your heart. Play some praise music and sing those words of worship back to Him. He inhabits the praises of His people.

You will be amazed at how your stress level will melt away to perfect peace as you keep Christ first and foremost in your Christmas. Remember, He is the Prince of Peace. If you are not experiencing peace right now, it is because the Prince is not reigning in your heart. Follow Mary’s lead and yield to Him today. You will be so glad that you did!

SHELTER FROM THE STORM

You have been a refuge for the poor. . .
a shelter from the storm.
Isaiah 25:4
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, a storm spells different things to different people. Whether it's a job loss, a shattered reputation, a sick child, or a bankruptcy, I am a shelter from the storm. Any panic you feel isn't caused by what you're going through. Those emotions stem from what you believe—precisely what you believe about Me and My capabilities. Do you believe I'm able to help? Will you let Me hide you from the storm?

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
You're the cavern by the ocean; You're the lighthouse on the sea. You're the towering oak with leafy arms; You're the cabin in the woods. Wherever danger lurks; wherever winds blow, You are my shelter from the storm. I can hide in You, Lord, until the storm has passed.

SIMPLE TRUTH

Faith is holding on to God's dreams—and letting go of your own.

Forgiveness: The Great Mandate

The Bible’s central theme is God seeking and saving those in dire need of forgiveness. Jesus willingly died on the cross for you and me, even though we often don’t feel a need to be forgiven. And even though you and I all too often continue to exhibit a rebellious nature. Through faith in Jesus, God forgives us in spite of ourselves.

But there’s more. God’s forgiveness is a creative force. It spills out to you when you receive it and affects every one of your human relationships. You see, forgiveness is both a gift and a command of God. It’s God’s gift to us that allows us to have everlasting life; at the same time, God tells us He won’t extend that forgiveness to us if we’re not willing to forgive others.

Remember. . . we don’t deserve God’s forgiveness, and neither should we expect others to deserve ours.

For Thou Art With Me

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

There’s nothing, my friend, that will bring you more face-to-face with God than going through the dark valleys of life. When you are there, you are going to cling to His garments and hold onto His hand. You won’t stray far from the fold in the dark.

Do you believe that He is with you? The ultimate Sovereign is your loving Savior. You will not have to cross Jordan alone. You will not appear before the judgment of the Holy God alone. You are not going to die alone.

What a joyful promise! You are not alone! Write these words on a card and post it in a place where you can see it all the time:

“I am not alone. God is with me.

Omnipotent God—Held by His Love and Grace

“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 24

Have you fussed and fumed through life’s challenges, wondering if the Sovereign Creator of the Universe was on vacation? I have a message for you: The God who hung the stars, the God who poured the oceans, the God who raised the mountains, the God who knew you before you were knit together in your mother’s womb, this sovereign God is your Savior. He is your King, and He is in control.

When you are plucked from the depths of sin, you are placed in the very hand of God! You can’t climb up into the hand of God; you are placed into the hand of God. Hallelujah! Our efforts didn’t get us there. His grace placed us there. And His love will keep us there forever.

Read Psalm 139 and rejoice in the truth that God has created you and will make a way for y

Unbending Truth

So put away all falsehood and “tell your neighbor the truth”
because we belong to each other.
Ephesians 4:25 NLT

Oswald Chambers advised, “Never support an experience which does not have God as its source, and faith in God as its result.” These words serve as a powerful reminder that as Christians we are called to walk with God and to obey His commandments. But, we live in a world that presents us with countless temptations to wander far from God’s path. These temptations have the potential to destroy us, in part, because they cause us to be dishonest with ourselves and with others.

Dishonesty is a habit. Once we start bending the truth, we’re likely to keep bending it. A far better strategy, of course, is to acquire the habit of being completely forthright with God, with other people, and with ourselves. Honesty is also a habit, a habit that pays powerful dividends for those who place character above convenience. So, the next time you’re tempted to bend the truth—or to break it—ask yourself this simple question: “What does God want me to do?” Then listen carefully to your conscience. When you do, your actions will be honorable, and your character will take care of itself. (100 Days of Prayer)

A person’s character is determined by his motives, and motive is always a matter of the heart. - John Eldredge

Right actions done for the wrong reason do not help to build the internal quality of character called a “virtue,” and it is this quality or character that really matters. - C. S. Lewis

God never called us to naïveté. He called us to integrity. The biblical concept of integrity emphasizes mature innocence not childlike ignorance. - Beth Moore

A solid trust is based on a consistent character. - John Maxwell

Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me see the truth, help me speak the truth, and help me live the truth— today and every day of my life. Amen

Understanding Relationships

In the Bible, the supreme feminine image is ascribed to the church. Before the church is ever seen as mother, though, she is first revealed as a bride. In the Old Testament, the commonwealth of Israel is the bride of Yahweh. In the New Testament, the church is the bride of Christ.

The resulting familial imagery is somewhat strange. God is the Father; Christ is the Son. As the Son of God, Christ is then referred to as our Elder Brother. The church is His bride. In the language of family, this would then mean that the church is our sister-in-law. But no one speaks of holy sister-in-law church.

We, both men and women, are given the title "bride of Christ." I am male, yet I am part of a body that is described in feminine terms. What is stranger is that the same entity that is called bride, of which I am a part, is regarded as my mother. I cannot be my own mother.

These images are not the result of a jumbled mass of nonsense or confusion. It is not a matter of nonsense to refer to the church as mother. Though we are born of the Spirit, it is chiefly within the cradle of the church where we are birthed into spiritual life. If the church is not our birthplace, it is surely our nursery. It is in her bosom that the means of grace are concentrated. The church nurtures us unto mature faith.

Coram Deo: Living in the Presence of God

Reflect on how God has used the church to birth you, nurture you, and mature your faith. Thank God for this divine process that is at work in you.

For Further Study

1 John 3:1-2: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."

John 1:12: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.

Beyond Bitterness

Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do.
“I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
Romans 12:19 MSG

Bitterness is a spiritual sickness. It will consume your soul; it is dangerous to your emotional health. It can destroy you if you let it . . . so don’t let it!

If you are caught up in intense feelings of anger or resentment, you know all too well the destructive power of these emotions. How can you rid yourself of these feelings? First, you must prayerfully ask God to cleanse your heart. Then, you must learn to catch yourself whenever thoughts of bitterness or hatred begin to attack you. Your challenge is this: You must learn to resist negative thoughts before they hijack your emotions. Matthew 5:22 teaches us that if we judge our brothers and sisters, we, too, will be subject to judgement. Let us refrain, then, from judging our neighbors. Instead, let us forgive them and love them, while leaving their judgement to a far more capable authority: the One who sits on His throne in heaven.

Revenge is the raging fire that consumes the arsonist. - Max Lucado, 100 Days of Prayer

Bitterness is a spiritual cancer, a rapidly growing malignancy that can consume your life. Bitterness cannot be ignored but must be healed at the very core, and only Christ can heal bitterness. - Beth Moore

Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious. - Phillips Brooks

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. - Corrie ten Boom

Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, free me from the poison of bitterness and the futility of blame. Let me turn away from destructive emotions so that I may know the perfect peace and the spiritual abundance that can, and should, be mine. Amen

Jesus Is Victorious Over All

“For He hath put all things under His feet. . .” 1 Corinthians 15:27

Praise God! The story has a happy ending! He is risen! Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God at this very moment, interceding on your behalf (Romans 8:34). And His prayers are always answered. When the problems of your life are over your head, remember they are under His feet. Where is His head? It is in the heavenlies, interceding for you. Where are your problems? Under His feet. Jesus is alive and waiting in the wings to return for you!

Is there someone in your life who is struggling? Write them a note of encouragement and use Romans 8:34 as a closing verse of hope.

Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
"You were really out of line back there."

Alan looked over at Barbara and nodded. He had been angry about a mix-up at the bank and had taken out his wrath on a poor, innocent teller. His temper often got him into hot water. Without a word, the two turned around and headed back to the bank. Though the line was long, Alan waited until he could return to the same teller, where he then apologized.

We need to have loving friends around us who will let us know when we are doing something wrong. If we are to grow, we need to have our shortcomings pointed out to us, so we can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Loving, constructive criticism will not hurt us; in fact, it will make us feel better. Love each other enough to criticize, for in caring criticism is the seed of maturity.

Prayer: I do so many foolish things. I allow my own emotions to get the best of me at times. Channel my passions into constructive streams, and show me the better ways to go. Amen.

The Marketplace Psalm

"LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?" (Ps 15:1).

In February 2001 Sales and Marketing magazine did a survey and found that among those surveyed:

58% cheat on expense reports
50% work a second job on company time
36% rush closed deals through accounting before they were really closed
22% list a "strip bar" as a restaurant on an expense report
19% give a kickback to a customer*
If Psalm 15 were the core value of every business plan and purpose statement and reviewed with every employee before hiring, the workplace would be a very different place. What type of person can live in the presence of God? The psalmist tells us:

"He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken" (Ps 15:2-5).

Are you blameless in your approach to your work life? Are you truthful in all your dealings? Do you treat customers, vendors and fellow employees as your neighbor? Do you say what you do truthfully and do what you say? Do you follow through even if the outcome may not be positive? Will you lend money without usury to a friend and refuse a bribe? If you can say yes to these questions then you are a Psalm 15 man or woman and you can dwell on God's Holy hill.

Friend, pray that God makes this psalm a part of your life and begin to ask God to show you how to live this chapter in all you do. Amen.

Authority

To the only God our Savior be glory,
majesty, power and authority,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jude 25
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, My intimate relationship with you does not preclude the need to respect My authority and leadership in your life. Without it, your life would be like a ship on a storm-tossed sea. Keep following My commands. They will keep you on the right track. And if anyone questions your beliefs, tell them about Me. I am the only real authority that brings freedom.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, even nature waits in hibernation, resting in Your care and listening for Your voice so it can rise once again. Your voice has authority, more than any teacher or ruler who ever lived. I join all of Your creation in honoring You and Your authority.

SIMPLE TRUTH

Some of us are confused. Instead of letting Christ be Lord over us, we think we are to lord it over others

Solving Problems

People who do what is right may have many problems,
but the Lord will solve them all.
Psalm 34:19 NCV

Life is an exercise in problem-solving. The question is not whether we will encounter problems; the real question is how we will choose to address them. When it comes to solving the problems of everyday living, we often know precisely what needs to be done, but we may be slow in doing it—especially if what needs to be done is difficult or uncomfortable for us. So we put off till tomorrow what should be done today. The words of Psalm 34 remind us that the Lord solves problems for “people who do what is right.” And usually, doing “what is right” means doing the uncomfortable work of confronting our problems sooner rather than later. So with no further ado, let the problem-solving begin . . . now.

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. Unsolvable without God’s wisdom, that is. - Charles Swindoll, 100 Days of Prayer

You’ve got problems; I’ve got problems; all God’s children have got problems. The question is how are you going to deal with them? - John Maxwell

I choose joy. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical; cynicism is the tool of a lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God. - Max Lucado

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines. - Robert Schuller

Today’s Prayer
Lord, sometimes my problems are simply too big for me, but they are never too big for You. Let me turn my troubles over to You, Lord, and let me trust in You today and for all eternity. Amen

The Holy Spirit in You

I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD. Ezekiel 37:14

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we receive His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God and He is a gift from God the Father that allows us to have a relationship with the Lord. The Spirit of God intercedes for us in prayer as He uses words that enter into the throne room of God when we can only moan and groan. He is our Counselor, our Teacher, our Comfort and our Guide. But the most important eternal promise we receive when the Spirit of God is placed in us is the seal of our salvation as we come alive spiritually for eternity. Amazing!

Do you realize the power you have living inside you? That power raised Lazarus from the dead, healed all kinds of diseases and delivered souls from bondage. That same power is found in you through Jesus. Jesus shows us this power through His indwelling peace. When we receive the Spirit of God, we have peace with God, not peace as the world gives, but the peace of God that surpasses understanding. It is peace that "settles" you. No matter where you are or what you are struggling with, God has settled your soul to have peace with Him.

The peace of God is a promise for you today. Claim it, speak it and live in it. Throw off the distractions of illness, financial loss, negative comments, guilt, and self-condemnation. And let the peace of Christ dwell in you richly. Nothing can interfere with the love Christ has for you and the peace that is yours by knowing Him. All these things on earth will pass away, but your security for eternity is fixed. Fix your eyes on Jesus by reading His Word. Get a verse today that you can claim as a promise and live beyond the struggles. Cast your cares upon the Lord for He cares for you.

DAYSPRING

Through the tender mercy of our God;
whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us.
Luke 1:78 kjv
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, as surely as the sun descends, it will rise again the next day. I am your eternal dayspring, the rising sun of every morning. I am the One who shone on the world with My birth, and I am the One who shines in your darkness. I visited the world with My salvation. But I live in your heart daily, making you more and more like Myself—so you can shine for My glory.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
I face the midnight hours, tossing from the day's weariness. Worries stand in line, begging for attention. But all night, behind the scenes, You are intercepting my thoughts. When the dawn greets me, I feel refreshed. You, the dayspring, have renewed my heart.

SIMPLE TRUTH

Our light shines best when the Son is in full view.

Honest to God

How is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?
—ACTS 5:3

A church with a heart for the poor held a pledge campaign to raise money for people in their community. Church members were generous, making large and sacrificial pledges of money.

One couple made an especially generous pledge, but when the time came to write the check, their pledge seemed too extravagant. Privately, they agreed to donate a smaller sum. The following Sunday after the offering was taken, the pastor noticed that the couple's check was smaller than he remembered their pledge to be.

"Is this what you pledged?" he asked them.

"Oh yes," they assured him. And then they dropped dead.

This might sound implausible, but something very similar to this happened in the time of the apostles when Ananias and Sapphira shortchanged a pledge they made to the Jerusalem church. The issue wasn't that God needed the extra drachmas; it was that the couple was dishonest before God.

As the apostle Peter said to Ananias, "You have not lied to men but to God" (Acts 5:4).

Lying damages a relationship. If you have been tempted to lie to God, ask yourself why you feel the need to hide the truth. Speaking the truth to God not only strengthens your relationship with him but also prepares you for trustworthy relationships with others.

Prayer

Lord, I want to be completely honest with you—about my sin, my feelings, my doubts, and my joys.

Becoming Wise

He who walks with the wise grows wise . . . .
Proverbs 13:20 NIV

Wisdom does not spring up overnight—it takes time. To become wise, we must seek God’s wisdom and live according to His Word. And, we must not only learn the lessons of the Christian life, we must also live by them.

Do you seek to live a life of righteousness and wisdom? If so, you must study the ultimate source of wisdom: the Word of God. You must seek out worthy mentors and listen carefully to their advice. You must associate, day in and day out, with godly men and women. And, you must act in accordance with your beliefs. When you do these things, you will become wise . . . and you will be a blessing to your friends, to your family, and to the world.

When you and I are related to Jesus Christ, our strength and wisdom and peace and joy and love and hope may run out, but His life rushes in to keep us filled to the brim. We are showered with blessings, not because of anything we have or have not done, but simply because of Him. - Anne Graham Lotz, 100 Days of Prayer

The theme of Proverbs is wisdom, the right use of knowledge. It enables you to evaluate circumstances and people and make the right decisions in life. - Warren Wiersbe

Indeed, wisdom and discernment are among the natural results of a prayer-filled life. - Richard Foster

The more wisdom enters our hearts, the more we will be able to trust our hearts in difficult situations. - John Eldredge

Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, when I depend upon the world’s wisdom, I make many mistakes. But when I trust in Your wisdom, I build my life on a firm foundation. Today and every day I will trust Your Word and follow it, knowing that the ultimate wisdom is Your wisdom and the ultimate truth is Your truth. Amen

Grace from Heaven's Bank

Romans 2:4
Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Understanding grace doesn't mean that you can sin without penalty. Understanding grace means that you never want to sin again. It is the goodness of God that motivates us to repentance and holy living.

I read of a rather unusual accountability partnership that demonstrated the power of grace over sin. Paul was trying to break his habit of using profanity. Swearing had become a second language to him and he desperately wanted to overcome it. He began meeting with another man from his church, and with Bill's help, set up an aggressive plan for purifying his speech.

Here's the plan: each Sunday Paul would report to Bill the number of times he had used profanity during the week and would put five dollars in the offering plate for each incident. The first week cost Paul one hundred dollars! Although the following weeks improved to some degree, he was not having the success that he desired, not to mention the fact that he was quickly running out of money!

After a few weeks, Bill had an idea that he thought might make the difference. He informed Paul that things were going to change the following Sunday, but he wouldn't tell him how they would change. Curiosity gnawed at Paul all week. A few times he tried to find out what the new plan was, but each time Bill simply responded, "Trust me, Paul. This new strategy will cost you less and challenge you even more."

Sunday finally arrived, and before the worship service began Paul looked more discouraged than ever. Bill knew his friend had failed again. This time Bill put a hand on his shoulder and said, "Paul, my new plan is called grace." Bill then took out his own checkbook, wrote in the church's name, dated it, signed it, and left only the amount blank. He handed the check to Paul and said, "Your sin still costs something, but you can go free on my account; just fill in the numbers—I'll take care of the cost. Oh, by the way, next week there will be more grace."

That first week of grace cost Bill fifty-five dollars, but the second week cost him only twenty. And there was no third week . . . Paul was so overwhelmed by the grace of Bill that his heart broke to think of his friend having to write another check to cover his sin.

It was only after the discovery of Bill's grace and love toward him that Paul was able to overcome his life-long, sinful habit of swearing.

If you are feeling overcome by sin today, look again to the cross. Counseling sessions, accountability, personal discipleship, and twelve-step programs won't be enough to ward off the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Only when you gaze upon the grace of God, realizing again that He paid the debt for your sin with the blood of His Son, will you find enough motivation to consciously quit your sin.

Christ handed you a blank check . . . how much will it cost Him today?

Prayer Point: Thank the Lord for His goodness—it leads to repentance. Thank Him for His grace—it is undeserved favor and love. Thank Him for His mercy—it withholds eternal punishment, which we so clearly deserve.

Extra Refreshment: Read Isaiah 53.

Ephesians 4:29-30

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

When you obey God it helps your relationship with Him grow stronger and more meaningful!

God is reminding us today that our Christianity is not simply a way of life or a club whose meetings we attend once or twice a week. No, we are in a living relationship with Him. The reason to make godly choices in our lives is not so that we don’t feel guilty; the reason to make godly choices is to grow closer to God, to walk with Him, to show we love Him above all else.

In today’s passage, God is pointing out that when we disobey Him it grieves Him. It hurts His heart of love for us. If we truly have made our relationship with God the most important relationship in our lives, then we will hate to hurt Him the most of all.

No Room

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (John 3:16, NIV).

Friend to Friend
I make room for things that are important to me. I eat two or three meals every day and sleep several hours each night even though my “to do” list is not much shorter today than it was yesterday. I will choose to play with a grandchild over cleaning the house any day of the week. I manage to find a place for that great piece of furniture I don’t really need – but really like. After all, it was on sale. I like watches. Don’t ask me why because I simply don’t know. I only need one watch, but I own several inexpensive ones. I will have lunch with a friend instead of running errands. And there is always room for chocolate! Silly examples – right? I wonder. I wonder what the innkeeper thought as he turned away the young man and his very pregnant wife that holy night so long ago. He had no room – it was that simple. Do we?

The Christmas season is almost here! Our calendars are already full, our bank accounts are closing in on empty and our hearts and lives are crowded with things we deem important, but have we made room for Jesus?

I simply cannot imagine a world without the presence of God and yet I often live my life as if He does not exist. A crisis hits, and I try to handle it on my own. I don’t understand the trials in my life while those who could care less about God seem to prosper. Instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness. Financial stress fuels worry. Instead of turning to God, I rely on what I can see and understand. I settle.

When I do cry out to God, He lovingly fills each dark corner with Light. His love flows over the pain like soothing balm and once again, I experience the manger. Once again, Jesus Christ steps into the smelly, unlikely and very ordinary existence that is mine to change everything – absolutely everything!

Jesus could have come to us in many ways. The simplicity of His birth is extraordinary and sometimes hard to grasp. Jesus could have been born in a mansion. He was, after all, a King. Instead, He came to a dirty smelly manger and His birth was announced by common shepherds instead of Kings -- the greatest of all miracles in the midst of total simplicity. Today, Jesus still wants to meet us in the midst of our simple daily lives. It seems too easy and too good to be true, doesn’t it?

It was Christmas Eve, and the family was preparing to attend the special service of their local church. Everyone was going except Dad, who was an honest man, a man who could not seem to wrap his logical mind around the story of God come to earth as a baby in a manger. He didn’t want to be a hypocrite, pretending to worship a Savior he wasn’t sure even existed, so he stayed home, built a fire to dispel the bitter cold of that winter night and began to read the paper, waiting for his family’s return. Hearing a knock at the window, he turned to see a tiny bird trying to reach the warmth of the fire. The man opened the window, but the bird refused to come in. Grabbing his coat, the man went out to the barn and opened the barn doors wide – but still, the bird refused to come in. The man thought, “If only I could be a bird, for just one minute, I could lead the bird to safety.” At that moment, he heard the church bells ring and finally understood why Jesus came to earth as a man -- to become one of us so He could lead us to eternal safety.

The very heart of Christmas is Emanuel, God with us – with me – and withyou. Christmas is not a date on a calendar. Christmas is a way of life that celebrates the presence of God in the simple, ordinary happenings of daily life: where we go and what we do -- the smile we give the harried stranger or the patience we choose in the crowd of impatient shoppers -- the love that prompts the secret gift or the heart that constantly celebrates His birth through every sparkling light, every beautifully wrapped gift, each special meal, every card, phone call and visit. God is with us – if we choose to make room for Him.

Let’s Pray
Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life. Thank You for sending Your Son to earth as a tiny baby in a manger. I celebrate the birth of Jesus and the gift of life that He brings. I choose to receive Your gift of love and forgiveness for my sins. I now surrender everything I am or ever hope to be to You. Please take control of my life and direct my paths. I promise to follow.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
Read John 3:16 once a day and look for ways to share God’s love with the people in your life.
Give a gift to someone you don’t know.
Invite a needy family into your home for a special “Friends” dinner.
Offer to take an elderly neighbor shopping.
Put your faith into action by making a step-by-step plan to keep Jesus at the heart of your Christmas season.

GUILT OFFERING

And though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days.
Isaiah 53:10
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, if there had been another way to cover your guilt, My Father would have chosen it. But it took My life, a willing sacrifice, to pay for the sins of all My children. No longer would the high priest lead the scapegoat outside the tent to appease a Holy God. Instead, I became the once and for all guilt offering. I was led "out of the camp," to the outskirts of Jerusalem where I was crucified for you. Just for the love of you, My child.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
You were the scapegoat for my failures, Lord, the guilt offering sacrificed on my behalf. You, who knew no guilt; You, who were never tainted by sin; You, whose very name spelled purity and holiness—You gave Your very life for me. Can I ever thank You enough?

SIMPLE TRUTH
We're a special part of God's own heart

A Work to the Wise

Proverbs 2:2-6
Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Mankind has been seeking wisdom and knowledge since the beginning of time, but most people never find it. Why? Because in their pride and arrogance, they have sought for it inside themselves, rejecting God and His Word.

In their minds, wisdom is easy to come by rather than being a treasure that must be sought. Just listen to the best-selling advice of Oprah Winfrey, whom thousands of people follow:

Our real power comes from knowing who we are . . . and that begins with looking inside ourselves in silence. I've always believed you really need no gurus, no leaders, no guides—just yourself. You have all your own best answers. What you're trying to find is already there. Be still and know it.

She could not be more spiritually deceived. Psalm 46:10 does not say "Be still and know yourself," but "Be still and know that I am God." The Bible doesn't teach that our real power comes from within ourselves, but quite the opposite. In John 15:5b, Christ says, ". . . apart from Me you can do nothing," and in Philippians 4:13, Paul states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." In other words, our power and wisdom come from Christ, not from within ourselves.

So who's right—Oprah or the Bible? Are the answers to life deep within your own heart, or deep within the heart of God? In Jeremiah 17:9, the prophet leaves no room for hesitation on this answer when he proclaims, "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?" Put differently, because of sin and our fallen nature, wisdom does not dwell within us. Instead, our hearts are sinful, evil, and prideful. Oprah is tragically mistaken . . . wisdom must come from outside ourselves.

James promised that ". . . if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" ( James 1:5). David wrote, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).

These passages leave no shadow of a doubt as to where true wisdom is found. We are in a world of darkness and in desperate need of light; how distressingly foolish to think that light can be found inside us. Not so! God is that light, and only by coming to know Him through His revealed Word will we be able to gain wisdom.

So, God is the ultimate prize. Seek after Him with all your heart, and along the way, you will discover . . . wisdom.

Prayer Point: Think of ways in which God has given you wisdom in the past, whether it was in making an important decision, turning from a sinful habit, or encouraging a friend. Thank Him for the light you needed to make the right decision or to take the next step. Don't hesitate to pray for more wisdom—you will need it today!

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The path of obedience is full of blessing!

There is no better life than the life lived in fellowship with God. No matter what success you experience in the world, no matter what honors are heaped on you in the secular sphere, no matter how much money you have or what pleasures you enjoy — none of these things will ever come close to the inner peace and sense of inner satisfaction that you will feel when you are walking with God.

God is reminding you today that He is waiting to pour out His blessings on your inner life (and often your outer life too). He is waiting for you to choose the pathway of obedience, which is also the pathway of blessing.

We Are All Role Models

You are the light that gives light to the world. In the same way,
you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see
the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14, 16 NCV

Whether we like it or not, we are role models. Hopefully, the lives we lead and the choices we make will serve as enduring examples of the spiritual abundance that is available to all who worship God and obey His commandments.

Ask yourself this question: Are you the kind of role model that you would want to emulate? If so, congratulations. But if certain aspects of your behavior could stand improvement, the best day to begin your self-improvement regimen is this one. Because whether you realize it or not, people you love are watching your behavior, and they’re learning how to live. You owe it to them—and to yourself—to live righteously and well.

A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian, and most of all, his family ought to know. - D. L. Moody, 100 Days of Prayer

Let us preach you, Dear Jesus, without preaching, not by words but by our example, by the casting force, the sympathetic influence of what we do, the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to You. Amen. - Mother Teresa

Our walk counts far more than our talk, always! - George Mueller

We are to leave an impression on all those we meet that communicates whose we are and what kingdom we represent. - Lisa Bevere

Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, help me be a honorable role model to others. Let the things that I say and the things that I do show everyone what it means to be a follower of Your Son. Amen

Understanding Kingdom Authority

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

A police officer weighing 160 pounds may effectively stand before a tanker truck and with an uplifted hand say, “Stop, in the name of the law.” The police officer certainly couldn’t stop the truck with his physical force. He is appealing to an authority greater than himself — the law — to back him up. Your authority over Satan is the same way. Your authority does not rest in your strength. You cannot overcome Satan with your power but rather with Kingdom Authority from God. And you have that as a child of the King. You have His authority to overcome every attack of Satan.

Sing of the power of the Lord. Find a hymnal and sing or meditate on the verses of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”

Colossians 1:15-16 (NIV)

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

Job 42:7

It came about after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has.”

Do not accept everything said by others until you are confident it is the will of God for you!

In this passage God is rebuking several of Job’s friends for the counsel and advice they gave him. Job’s friends loved him and cared about him, and they spoke very confidently about what God was saying to Job. But they were wrong. Their message didn’t really come from God.

When you are seeking God’s will and someone says that God has given them a message for you, don’t reject it and don’t accept it. Rather, open your heart to God and let Him know you are listening if He wants to speak to you through this person. Then weigh what they are saying to you against the word of God. God will NEVER contradict His word.

You should also seek the counsel of other godly people. But above all, ask the Lord to give you a conviction in your own heart about His will for you. Listen for His voice above all others. Even though a number of Job’s friends all agreed, they still were not giving God’s message to him.

A Life of Fulfillment

For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us
as silver is refined . . . we went through fire and through water;
but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
Psalm 66:10–12 NKJV

Everywhere we turn, or so it seems, the world promises fulfillment, contentment, and happiness. But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete. Thankfully, the fulfillment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting.

Sometimes, amid the inevitable hustle and bustle of lifehere- on-earth, we can forfeit—albeit temporarily—the joy of Christ as we wrestle with the challenges of daily living. Yet God’s Word is clear: fulfillment through Christ is available to all who seek it and claim it. Count yourself among that number. Seek first a personal, transforming relationship with Jesus, and then claim the joy, the fulfillment, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep.

Find satisfaction in him who made you, and only then find satisfaction in yourself as part of his creation. - St. Augustine, 100 Days of Prayer

We are never more fulfilled than when our longing for God is met by His presence in our lives. - Billy Graham

We are made for God, and nothing less will really satisfy us. - Brennan Manning

Our sense of joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment in life increases, no matter what the circumstances, if we are in the center of God’s will. - Billy Graham

Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, when I turn my thoughts and prayers to You, I feel peace and fulfillment. But sometimes, when I am distracted by the busyness of the day, fulfillment seems far away. Today, let me trust Your will, let me follow Your commands, and let me accept Your peace. Ame

Psalm 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

The potter sat at his wheel, turning the clay into beautiful pots. It was hypnotizing to watch. After a time, the pot looked as though it were emerging directly from the potter's hand. With love and care, the potter put his style and mark on every piece he created. Each piece was different, but each bore the striking mark of its maker.

We, too, are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are individual, yet we bear the stamp of our maker. God's image dwells within us all. With love and care we are fashioned, emerging from the Father's hand, and one day we will return to Him, where we will be afforded a place of honor and love. God's works are marvelous, and His Spirit fills them all.

Prayer: By Your hands I came into being. Make me useful, Lord, to do that which I was created for. Then, when the time comes, I may stand before You, fulfi lled and confident that I have served You well. Amen

GUARDIAN

Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, learn to pick your battles. Is it really worth losing a friend or loved one over things? Can you fix others' problems by playing God in their lives? Can you retrieve a poison dart once it hits the target? Let Me be your guardian. I'll station My angels like an armed guard around your mouth and your heart. And My Spirit will seal your lips before you make a costly mistake. It will help if you hide My words in your heart. That's where ugly thoughts are born.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, my lips can either be like a fresh spring or a bitter stream. You are my guardian, keeping watch not just over the door of my lips, but through the window of my heart. With my words, with my heart, with my life, Lord, I want to praise You.

SIMPLE TRUTH

Loving words are like buried treasure. When we find them and give them away, they bring great delight.

The Cleansing, Healing Work of the Holy Spirit

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for Thou art my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14

There are two kinds of wounds to the human psyche. One is sorrow; the other is guilt. Sorrow is a clean wound. Somehow your heart will heal as the Holy Spirit applies His healing balm. He will pour in “the oil of gladness.” Time and the grace of God will heal. But guilt is dirty and will never heal until it is confessed and cleansed by the antiseptic of Calvary. A slave only fears his master’s whip, but a son fears his father’s displeasure.

Are you suffering under a load of guilt? Allow the Holy Spirit to expose your sin. Then confess it and experience the joy of forgiveness in Christ.

Be on God’s Side

The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites and prophesy against them. Say to them 'Hear the word of the Sovereign LORD. This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because you said "Aha!" over my sanctuary when it was desecrated and over the land of Israel when it was laid waste and over the people of Judah when they went into exile, therefore I am going to give you to the people of the East as a possession.'" Ezekiel 25:1-4

In the first half of the book of Ezekiel, God rebukes His people for their attitudes toward Him. The Lord uses words like stubborn, hard-hearted and rebellious to describe His people. The Lord speaks through Ezekiel and tells the people to understand that their choices come with consequences. If they make good and righteous choices that honor God, they will be blessed. If they make poor and wicked choices that honor themselves, they will be punished. As the story continues, the reader knows what choice the Israelites made because God starts talking about the judgment that is to come upon them.

In Chapters 25-27, God redirects His message and begins proclaiming judgment on the nations that punished the Israelites. God warned His people to turn from their sins and to turn back to Him. They did not heed the warnings and God allowed the other nations to invade Israel (just as He said would happen). But then God judged the nations that came against His people because they did not show respect towards the Lord or towards His people during their captivity. That is amazing.

If you are God's child, He desires that you walk with Him and love Him with your whole heart. If you do not, you will not lose your salvation but you will have to live with the consequences of making bad choices. Those consequences are usually inflicted upon us by other people. But those people will not get off easy in their unjust deeds and prideful attitudes towards you. They, too, will have to suffer the consequences for how they deal with you, God's child. God is always on your side. He wants you to walk with Him and He will go out of His way to warn you. God is amazing. I always want to be on His side for He always gets the last word.

INSPIRATION

For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man,
but men spoke from God as they were carried
along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:21
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, no one ever speaks the truth about Me without My Father revealing that truth to them. They are not capable of knowing Me apart from My Spirit, which draws them to Me and indwells them with My presence. I inspired the prophets to speak only the words I told them. A true prophet's words came to pass because My Spirit breathed them into the heart. As I was with them, let Me be your inspiration. Think and write thoughts that only glorify Me.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Just as You inspired writers and prophets long ago, You are my inspiration today. You breathe into me the fresh breezes of Your love and goodness. Each day brings a new opportunity to catch Your blessings. And Lord, there are so many!

SIMPLE TRUTH

Prayer is a gift we can give, when words are too deep to be spoken

The Trumpet Game

“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV)

God adores you too. Just because you are His child. His sweet daughter. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1a).

Have you considered that perhaps God isn’t longing for you to come to Him with perfect, polished prayers that have fifty-cent words and flowery language? Have you thought about the pleasure God experiences when you simply approach him just as you are, warts and all, because He loves you? He delights in your attention. He takes pleasure when you go to Him simply because you are His.

I love how the psalmist responded to God’s love:

Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—

who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

(Psalm 103:1-5)

Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, Thanks for this reminder of Your love for me. Thanks for seeing me as precious and special. I’m amazed by Your love. I’m overwhelmed with thankfulness that You made a way for me to know You through Jesus Christ. Help me to come to You as I am each day…without pretenses, pride, or perfection, but simply with Your permission to just be me…because You love me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Zephaniah 3:17 again silently
Now read it again aloud
Now read it aloud three more times and insert your name after each ‘you’ –
“The LORD your God is with you (insert name here), He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you (name), He will quiet you (name) with His love, He will rejoice over you (name) with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17(NIV)

Confession and Compassion

Matthew 9:13
"But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Do you want to sense the maximum attention of God? You must first give Him your maximum attention.

Do you want the Lord to be available to you? You must first be available to Him.

Do you want to touch the heart of God? You must first be available to His moving.

If you want to be part of God's effort to rebuild our broken world through the redeeming gospel of Christ, you must be willing to become part of God's solution—whatever it may be.

Isn't it easier just to pray, "Lord, do this. . . Lord, bless that . . . Lord, help him [or her] . . . Lord, provide in this way . . . Lord, minister in that way"? But what if you heard a voice from heaven that said, "Of the five requests you just prayed, four of them are up to you!"

God's work often requires your willingness. In the parable of the Good Samaritan it becomes clear that anyone who claims the name of Christ is not merely to pray for someone, but to pray for wisdom to know how to help.

Compassion for the lost and needy among us is what draws God's attention, for it comes from a heart modeled after His own.

With this in mind, is it any wonder that the average Christian really doesn't want the maximum attention of God? He or she really doesn't want to become part of His divine solution because it may cause a bit of discomfort or uneasiness.

It is one thing to get on your knees and pray for God to bless a person, but it is quite another to follow up that prayer with a letter, a phone call, a visit, an invitation, a gift.

If your compassion does not extend beyond your prayer time, it isn't genuine.

If we are to gain God's special attention as a co-laborer with Him, we must share in His anguish over the fallen world around us.

Aren't we rather self-centered to expect God to share our distress over what we care about if we don't share His distress over His concerns?

Let's not create a double standard in our thinking and living, but wholeheartedly imitate God's standard—following up with acts of sincere compassion after our prayers.

When we begin to pray and act in this way, we can be sure that God is not only hearing us . . . but He is pleased with us!

Prayer Point: Pray for someone you know who is in need, whether it is physical or spiritual, but start your prayer by asking what you can do to help meet that need. Don't just ask God for the solution—ask Him how you can become part of the solution.

Extra Refreshment: Read Luke 10:25-37.