Monday Meditation~What's New for You?

And He that sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Revelation 21:5a (KJV)

In words written long ago, this revelation still holds true for us today.

God continues to make all things new.

As you look down the road of 2013, He holds great new-ness for you. The new year offers us the opportunity to "Forget the former things; [and] not dwell on the past" (Isaiah 43:18 NIV), but ponder the "new thing" (Isaiah 43:19) He has in store for us.

I'm praying for your "new"! As we look toward the future, let's cling to His promises together!

Your Season is the Reason

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10 (ESV)

What is your season like?                               

Christmas is proclaimed to be the "hap-hap-happiest time of the year," but for many happiness seems beyond their reach. They are in a season that isn't bright or merry. I can't even begin to imagine the sadness filling the hearts of those in the community of the Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Broken hearts and spirits are not just found in stories that make the headlines, but in the hearts of your neighbors and friends. Even your family.

Illness has taken some captive. The death of loved ones...recent and even long ago...can rekindle the blaze of mourning at a time when it just feels like that loved one should be present. Loneliness overtakes many and the ache of a heart that's been broken cries louder than the tunes on the radio.

But Jesus came.

For your season.

Prophesy was fulfilled as He entered the world as an innocent babe...One who came with great purpose...to preach good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to comfort those who mourn-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Yes, your season is why He came.

He came to bring life...everlasting life...abundant and to the full.  It is personal. He came for you.

It is my prayer that you feel His presence tangibly as you walk through Christmas and the new year to come. May He bless you beyond measure.                                                                             

Wednesday Worship~This Little Child

As we walk through this Christmas season in which many hearts are experiencing sorrow instead of joy, may we remember that the little Child born on Christmas Day is our source of hope for joy and peace in our tomorrows. Eternity beckons us. And we know that we can trust Its calling because of "This Little Child."

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come to His people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David (as He said through His holy prophets of long ago)..." Luke 1:68-70 (NIV)

Wednesday Worship~I Need a Silent Night

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests."

Luke 2:14 (NIV)

 

Are you caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday?

 

Or is the flurry of activity~worthy of a snowplow~one that piles up in your life all year long?

 

Are you in need of a "silent night"?

 



I pray that time of resting in His presence for you...silence in the daytime or in the midnight clear...His peace drifting over you like a wispy snow.

Does your need for peace go even beyond that?

Maybe Christmas with all of its trappings buries you in the depths...and you somehow can't summon up the joy required?

I'm praying for you to hear the voice of the angel through the chaos and noise that surrounds you saying, "Fear not." For on that night the Prince of Peace was born...the Prince of your peace...and "Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come...." (Habakkuk 2:3) I pray for your Christmas to be wrapped in the assurance that "The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace." (Psalm 29:11) May you feel His strength, peace, and presence today.

Wednesday Worship~Jesus is Alive

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)

Do you need hope today?

Hope was born that Christmas night...in the face of a baby born in a manger.

I pray for that hope to shine in your heart today.