Christmas Ponderings

Merry Christmas everyone! As I have been reading through the Christmas story once again, I was struck by the beauty of the love of Christ all over again. God's love is beyond anything we can even begin to imagine or explain. God sent His One and Only Son, Jesus, to earth to give every person the opportunity to spend eternity in heaven with Him. How incredible is that?

The point that struck me this year is that not only did God send Him, He came willingly. Picture it with me for a moment. Jesus, Son of the Most High God, left heaven for us. Jesus was in the most perfect place. There is no sickness, no death, no unmet needs. The temperature is always perfect, the atmosphere always full of love, there is no sin in heaven. Yet this Jesus, left all of that behind, humbled Himself and grew in the womb of a teenage girl to be born in this sin-stained world, full of anger, hatred, dirt, and sickness, knowing that He would face ridicule, beatings, and death for us.

He had everything and gave it up for us...He gave it up for you. You were worth it. You were on His mind as He was nailed to a cross. See the babe didn't stay in the manger, but grew up and gave up His life to set us free. This is love - "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, " (Romans 5:6-8 NKJV).

Don't leave the babe in the manger. Jesus grew, lived, died, was buried, and is resurrected. He is alive and seated at the right hand of the Father. Pray and accept His promise of eternal life with Him today. May He bless you and keep you this Christmas season.

Love With Abandon

 "Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind'." Matthew 22:37 NKJV

This commandment is not new. This commandment didn't start with Jesus. This commandment was instituted from the beginning of time. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," Genesis 1:1. When God created the heavens and the earth He also created everything in them. There is nothing here that was not created by God Himself.

When He created Adam and Eve, He told them they could eat from every tree except one. They broke the commandment and disobeyed God. Eve listened to the serpent who asked a simple question and distorted the truth (for further study see Genesis 2-3). Rather than trust her loving Father, she believed the lie and caused all humanity to be born sinful.

Loving God does not mean just being a soldier and following orders to the letter, nor does it mean being a puppet and allowing someone else to pull the strings. Loving God is a choice we all must make for ourselves. Will we choose to love God, or not? Will we choose to obey God, or not? See, God being God, loved us enough to give us a precious gift (though some may call it a curse) called free will. He will not force us to choose Him or to love Him, we must make that a conscious choice for ourselves. Loving God means following His will and His way for us because we know He loves us and so we, in turn, love Him.

Can you choose to follow Him wherever that may mean? Would you choose Him over anyone or anything else? That is the reality of what He is asking. Jesus gave us this commandment first because it is the most important. When we put God first, the rest will come together. It may not seem so at first, but do you trust Him? Do you believe that He knows everything and sees everyone and every situation? Do you believe that He works all things for good, no matter how bad it looks?

Take time today to seek God and love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind. Pray and seek Him. When we do, He comes close to us. If you don't see it or feel it, keep striving because He is right there. He loves you precious one. He created you and has a plan for you. Put Him first and as Charles Stanley always says, "Obey God and leave the consequences up to Him."

Filling Up

I've been reading through the book of Proverbs. It amazes me how simple some of these verses are. The simplicity leaps off the pages and turns my thinking to wonder how humanity has gotten so far away from laws and commandments that our Creator put in place to keep us safe and make us good citizens on this earth, and one day in eternity with Him.

When did things go awry? I guess we have to go back to the Garden of Eden and examine the hearts of the first created humans. Eve thought God was keeping something from her-something good. The serpent whispered silky lies in her ear, seducing her to believe lies that would wound all of humanity.

It still happens to us today. God's Word tells us we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27), yet many of us tear ourselves apart and speak terrible things about one another. God's Word tells us that if we are in Him, we have the fruit of the Spirit which is, "love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control." (Galatians 5:22-23) Yet how many of us truly have all of these. These fruit are there, ripe for the picking if we would just reach out and accept the gifts Jesus died to give us. "Abundant life," John 10:10 says. That is what Christ came to give us. Yet, like Eve, we scorn it and toss it back as a worthless trinket.

The daily practice of Bible reading opens the mind and the heart to grow more like Jesus. That is truly our calling. I encourage you to begin reading daily, prayerfully for Jesus to fill you with the Spirit allowing the truth of God's Word to penetrate your heart and make a lasting change from the inside out. Claim the fruit of the Spirit, walking daily in it and see the difference living in His will can make. Why not start right now!

May the joy of Jesus fill your heart and soul to overflowing. With blessings,
Natalie

Unlikely Messengers

We are quickly approaching the celebration of the birth of the Lord and Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. The days are quickly rolling by and most people are completing last minute shopping, cooking, cleaning and visiting. During this time, I encourage you to take your Bible and find a nice, quiet place. Open your Bible to Luke chapter 2 and read through the Christmas story carefully and prayerfully, asking God to reveal His truths to your heart.

In studying verses 8-18, I can picture this story unfolding. The angel appearing in the night sky, the shepherds frightened within an inch of their lives, then the awe they must have experienced as a whole host of angels sang praises to welcome and announce the birth of a long-awaited Savior. Amazing grace!

Meditating on these verses I realize the shepherds were not the most likely people for God to use-at least in the mind of many. Shepherds were lowly people, not those born of royalty or status. Just meek and humble men trying to earn a living to raise their families. Yet God chose to reveal the Messiah's birth to them first.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29, states it well, "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence." NKJV

Do you ever wonder if God can use you? Do you think you are not good enough, smart enough, thin enough, pretty enough, fill in the blank? Realize that God can use you. When He calls, He equips. No, you can not do it on your own, but with God, nothing will be impossible (Luke 1:37). There is nothing He cannot accomplish, and no one is out of His reach. I love this promise from God. Trust me. I am no one special. I praise Him and thank Him for salvation and life. He is my All Sufficient Father. Trust Him with your life and make Him yours today. Allow Him to use you as one of His "unlikely messengers".

May God richly bless you and be near you this Christmas season and throughout the New Year.
Natalie

A Gift for the World

"For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

We are now into the second week of Advent. The days continue to quickly slide by and the countdown to Christmas is on. The more I read and study my Bible this Christmas season, the more in awe I am of God's great love for us. That He would send His One and Only Son to this earth to live and then die for our sins...

I love this Scripture. The description of who this Baby would be is absolutely amazing. To think of Christ being born in a stable, not a nice barn as most of us in North America are accustomed to, but in a cave: dirty, dingy, dark, and dank.  It is very humbling. What a place for the Savior of the world to be born! Yet, Scripture reveals the truth to us (Luke 2:7).

As we stroll-or run-through the days leading up to Christmas, may we remember it's not about the gifts or the toys, the gadgets or the food; Christmas is about the gift of our One and Only Savior of the world, coming to us as a babe, growing into a man who would give His life for us. Let's make it personal. He gave His life for you. If you were the only person, He still would have given His life for you. He loves you, dear one.

He is extending His hand to you right now. Will you hold on and give Him your heart, your all? Will you allow Him to be your Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace? When you think of Jesus, don't leave Him in the manger as a helpless babe. He is alive. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for you and for me (Hebrews 1). Remember whose birthday we are celebrating. Have you figured out what gift you will give Jesus this year?

The Promise of Eternal Life

If you knew your life would be over tomorrow, what would become important to you in that moment? Would you consider what you did not have or would you wonder if your family and friends knew how much you truly loved and cherished them? Would you thirst for more stuff or would you be content with what your life was? Would you think about eternity and what that really means? Are you ready to meet Jesus face to face and answer the questions, "What have you done with the gifts I have given you? What did you do for Me?"

Revelation reveals the end of the earth as we know it and the beginning of the beauty of God's promise of eternity with Him. Revelation 22:12 says, "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done." {NKJV}

This is not just a nice story but reality for everyone. Everyone who chooses Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. John 3:16 reveals the promise, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." {NKJV}


Did you notice the word "whoever" in the above Scripture? There is a choice each one must make. You either choose the Lord Jesus as your Saviour or you don't. Choosing Jesus bridges the great gap that separates us from God the Father. There is but one path to Him, the path that calls us to put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I was watching a commercial about a new show that will discuss if we can live forever. My response was, "Yes of course you can, if you have Jesus in your life." It is exciting to think that life does not end when we die. Our life here with our friends and families may cease to exist, yet we have a home in heaven, with Jesus and the Father. There we will live eternally, without the stress or hurts of this life.

Have you made the choice that leads to life? If not, take some time and learn about Jesus and the promises He has made. Get a Bible and start reading it if you haven't already. Find a Bible teaching church that stresses Biblical truths and begin to pray, seeking God and His will. Give your heart and life to the Lord and may we meet one day in eternity.

With blessings,
Natalie

We All Have A Purpose

In Ephesians 2:10, Paul clearly states a promise God has given to all believers, everywhere in the world, across the centuries, past, present and future. Beyond that, His promises are for believers whatever your age or station in life. Hold this one tightly. Unwrap it as though it were the most precious gift-just as all the promises in the Bible are-and apply it to your life. Remember that these gifts and promises are not to place on a shelf and admire, but are to be used in your life.

Are you ready for the promise? Here it is. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

You are His workmanship- God has created you special and individual. You are not like anyone else in this world. He has designed and fashioned you to stand out and be all He has created you to be. Who are you created to be? That is something you need to take to the Lord in prayer. He is willing and able to show you if you would just ask. Seek His will and purpose for your life. He may not speak in an audible voice, but He might. He may not give you an answer in the moment you ask, but He can. The truth is we must first seek His face with a true and repentant heart. He will guide us and direct us if we will give our hearts to Him. Guard yourselves against the schemes of the devil. He is real and he wants to destroy you. If you listen to his lies you will begin to believe many things about yourself that are not true. You were created by God and God doesn't create any junk. Dear One, you are precious in God's sight. He loves you like no one else.

...created in Christ Jesus for good works-One thing I can tell you about your purpose with confidence is this; you were created for good works. Jesus came to this Earth all those years ago to show us how to live. He forgave those who hurt Him. He loved those who were in need. He healed the lame, fed the hungry, hung out with those who on the surface looked unworthy. Can we say the same? Good works can mean a range of things. The point is this. Through prayer and quiet in the Lord's presence, He will guide and direct you into the good works He has prepared for you. It is amazing what one act of kindness can do. For instance, when you take the time to smile or say hello to someone, there is the potential to make a huge impact on another life who then may make impact on another, and so on...

...which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.-From the beginning, God had a plan for your life. He created you male or female, placed you in the city, town or village in the part of the world, in the time and generation you are in for a reason. He knew what colour your hair would be, how old you would live to be and what your purpose would be. He does not want it to be a secret. Have you taken the time to truly seek His will and plan for your life. Know that His plan is perfect and when you are walking in it, there will be trials, but along with those trails come the joy of knowing the Lord.

Having a friend and personal relationship with Jesus Christ has held me up in times I felt I would be crushed under the weight of oppression I was experiencing. A personal relationship with Jesus is the one thing in life we all seek-whether we know it or not. Whatever you may be struggling with-and we all have struggles-realize that Jesus understands. If you don't believe me, read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible and see for yourself. He is there standing at the door of your heart, knocking and waiting. He is a gentleman and will not force you, but He will be there when you are ready to accept His gifts and promises.

May He be your joy and your strength. With many blessings,
Natalie

Grace Revealed

Easter is almost upon us and I can't help but think of the sacrifice that was made for believers once for all time. All those years ago, Jesus walked His final footsteps on the dusty paths of this Earth on His way to the cross. What must He have been thinking? I'm sure I don't know, but I know His heart must have been overflowing with love because at any point in time He could have called on "more than twelve legions of angels" (Matthew 26:53 NKJV) to come to His rescue and changed the course of life for all of us.

If Jesus hadn't died on the cross we all would be getting what we deserve, death (Romans 6:23). Because of His sacrifice, we have the choice to spend eternity with Him. Have you made your choice? You may think you have all kinds of time, but only God knows the time you will leave this earth. It is reality. We are all born and we all die. There is hope though. Hope in a risen Saviour who went to the cross and died for the sins of anyone who will humble themselves and pray for the forgiveness that only Jesus can give (John 3:16).

But the story didn't end there. It didn't end on the cross. The story continued. Three days later, Christ rose from the grave. He defeated death and the grave. He defeated the enemy of humankind. Jesus defeated the powers of sin in our lives. We can choose to live our lives in obedience to God (Romans 6:12-14). Isn't that an exciting promise? Looking toward Easter, what better gift could you receive than the one Jesus holds out to you now - the gift of eternal life with Him. He is holding it out to you, waiting for you to accept it.

If you would like to accept His gift of salvation here are the steps from a post I wrote last year titled The Greatest Promise.

If you are not a Christian but would like to join the family of God, the steps to becoming part of the family are very simple. The first thing one must do is admit that they are a sinner because we all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We are all sinners and make mistakes. It does not matter how many good things we do, we are still sinners. With this admission we also need to realize that the penalty for being a sinner is death (Romans 6:23). We neither deserve to live eternally, nor do we deserve forgiveness, yet God has so graciously provided a way. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we can come to Him.


The next step is to believe with everything in you that Jesus Christ died for your sins (Romans 5:8). He died for each of us, but it is important that you make it personal. Can you say, Jesus Christ died for my sins, and truly, completely in your heart know it and believe it? If you are struggling with this truth, I recommend you read the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Read them praying that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes so you may see the truth of what Jesus has done for you.

Last but not least; you must commit your life into His capable hands (Romans 10:8-10). Confess to the Lord that you need Him to lead and guide your life. Give your life into the hands of God and let Him make the changes He desires in your life. He created you and has a plan for your life. Will you submit to Him and give Him full control?

May this Easter find you at peace and part of the family of God. Wherever you are, whoever you are remember, God loves you. He adores you and as one of my favorite hymns says, "Jesus blood can make the vilest sinner clean."

May God bless you and keep you.
In Him,
Natalie

Blessings For The Day

Lately, each day I get up, I realize spring is just around the corner (getting closer by the day). Each morning the day gets a little longer and a bit brighter. Today the sun is shining and there is so much heat in the sun. What beauty and majesty and hope! God is so good. All we have to do is look around to see His hand everywhere. The painted sky at night: seriously, who could think to put that many colours in the sunset but the Almighty Himself? The beauty of a child sleeping soundly. The laughter of a friend you haven't seen for a long span of time. So many wonderous things God has blessed us with and we so often don't take the time to appreciate it because we are so busy. I encourage you to take the time to notice and praise the Lord for the little things in your life that you take for granted. Even the things that don't seem so great right now. Thank the Lord for the good and the bad. Thank Him for the triumphs and the trials. He has created them all. He wants to do something wonderful in your life. Give it all to Him, praise Him always. Change your outlook and He can change your heart. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV emphasis mine).

This Is The Day

This is the day that the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NKJV Happy Valentine's Day It is Valentine's Day, a time to let those special people in your life know they are special and loved. How do we do it? Well, that seems to be different for everyone. For some it's a simple, I love you, for others it is candy and flowers. Still others wish to make a spectacular event of the day. Cards, gifts, dinner and special time with their special someone. Today is the day that the Lord has made. He has ordained it special not because it is a holiday but because it is another day He has given you. The love of God is so much bigger than Valentine's and much bigger than we could ever begin to comprehend. How big is it? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life - John 3:16 NKJV (emphasis mine). If you are struggling today because you think no one loves you or that you are all alone, cling to the promises of the Lord. He loves you with an unending and enduring love that knows no limits. Call out to Him in faith and He will hear and answer you. This is the day!