Dear God, SEVEN

Dear God,

This week has been so filled with activities, family, and friends, that I am so grateful for all that you have provided for me in my life. I love that You always make Christmas such an important time of the year for us to pause and remember the birth of our Savior.

But, for me, when I remember the birth of our Savior, it reminds me even more of the grown man. The Man who walked this earth, sinless, and made a promise to return again and take us home to abide with Him forever and ever.

With the celebrity and news that infiltrated into our daily lives, me see how many are scared and confused by the news that our world is headed for calamity. The movie 2012 has been a mega-hit, and made man certainly ponder what is to come in our future. Will the earth suffer cataclysm, after cataclysm? Will an asteroid hit us, and burn up the land to destroy 2/3 of mankind? Will a tsunami hit and flood the world and destroy all living creatures, as well as man, woman and child? Well…..at least we know the answer to one of those right now. The promise that You made to Noah, was proof enough for me, that a flood will not destroy our earth again. I do not know what the future holds—-but I know who holds my future! You, Jesus.

Revelation holds so many clues for us to grasp and instructions for us to interpret. We know that the mark of the beast is revealed as 666. That his name is that of a number. We can only speculate at this time about how his identity will be revealed, but we know if Your word includes this message, then we must not discard this important fact. But the final book of the bible also give us a clue as to the number that is significant to You also. That is the number 7.

In ancient Hebrew we are told that this is a sacred number, and that it shows completion and represents fullness. We know that the number seven (7) appears fifty-two (52) times throughout the book of Revelation. I believe that this is significant, and perhaps a clue as to understand the importance that surrounds our destiny here on earth. It all began in Genesis, as we are told in Chapter 2:2-3, “By the seventh (7) day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh (7) day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh (7) day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

In Leviticus 4:6 we are taught about the instruction of the sin offering. You told Moses how to instruct the people to bring a bull to the tent of Meetings and make an offering before the Lord. The priest must be anointed, then take the bull’s blood  and carry it into the tent of Meeting, and he was to dip his finger in to the blood and sprinkle some of it seven (7) times before the Lord, in front of the curtain of the sanctuary. This ritual was made not to show that there was power in the blood of bulls, but instead that man must obey your commands and follow your instructions. No animal would be the sacrifice that could cover sin. Only the Lamb of God, Jesus, was the true sinless sacrifice that would have to come and be slayed for the sin of all mankind. This was a ceremonial ritual for those who chose to obey God’s law and repent for their atonement.

We just understand that when Daniel was having his dreams of prophesy, he was attempting to understand sights and visions of things he just did not comprehend at that time in history. This must have been frightening, yet terribly exciting to know that You were allowing him the priviledge to seeing, what was to come. In Daniel 9:25-27, we learn of the seventy “sevens” (7).  “Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler,, comes, there will be seven “sevens”, and sixty-two “sevens’. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two “sevens” the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood. War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one “seven”. In the middle of the “seven” he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple, he will set up an abomination that causes desolation until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”  This is such a graphic reminder that the actions of the anti-christ will make, and the fallen who have hardened their hearts. I know that when the rebuilding of Solomon’s temple draws neigh, that our world is in it’s final hours. We must look to the clouds, NOW, and understand that prophesy is being fulfilled each day. We are at war, we see flood, famine, moral degradation, and sin being simply laughed at. Those who choose to follow Your commands, are being made fun at, by those who want to serve only themselves and their fleshly desires. I pray that those who are in doubt right now, will come to the saving knowledge that there is a way out. That One man did come and endure all, and yet remain the sinless sacrifice for each and every single person who has ever lived. I am so thankful, God, that You chose to bring salvation to a sick and dying world.

Our heroes of the bible are such humble men. We see in Genesis 41, where Joseph is instructed by Pharaoh to interpret his disturbing dreams. How many times do we take the fame and attention on to ourselves when we are able to do something remarkable in the sight of so many? We want the recognition that comes with being the one to answer the question that others only stumble on.  But Joseph was careful to always say that You, God were giving him the answers to explain the dreams. In Genesis 41:2 “Pharoah was standing at the Nile, when out of the river there came up seven (7) cows, sleek and fat, and they grazed among the reeds. After them, seven (7) other cows, ugly and gaunt, came up out of the Nile and stood beside those on the riverbank. And the cows, that were ugly and gaunt ate up the seven (7)  sleek, fat cows. Then Pharoah woke up.” He fell asleep again and had a second dream; ” Seven (7) heads of grain, healthy and good, were growing on a single stalk. After them seven (7)other heads of grain sprouted-thin and scorched by the East wind. The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven (7) healthy full heads. Then Pharoah woke up. Joseph never took credit for what You were trying to reveal to Pharoah in his own dreams. Joseph knew that on his own, he could never understand the meaning to such obscure images. You revealed to him that the seven (7) good grains and good cows stood for seven (7) years of great abundance, but the scorched grain and the ugly cows represented seven (7) years of famine. The seven(7) years of famine would ravage the land, and thus the seven (7) years of abundance would be forgotten. I must take this as a reminder also that when hardships come our way and we are in a time of “famine” ourselves, that we must remember back to the days of harvest and abundance. For You are a fair and honest God, who loves his children and only wishes to grow and mature us in the words that You leave for us to study with veracity. I choose to learn as much as I possible can before Your imminent return.

Something I find rather interesting is that some manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20 recorded. This is the recorded days following the resurrection of Jesus. When Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalen, she was so excited that she went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard her say that Jesus was alive, and that she had seen him, they did not believe her. It is in my query, that I wonder if this is because Jesus had previously cast seven (7) demons out. Were they hesitant to believe someone who had once, had seven (7) demons dwelling inside of her? While some question how You promised to be with them, even after ascension, I know that You were right beside them, just as I know that You are right beside me. I know that Your spirit of love and promise will never leave me nor forsake me. I thank You, God, that You did perform miracles that can not be explained, but that through faith we can believe.

Your significance is brought to us through your word in the book of Revelation. We see seven (7) churches, seven (7) lampstands, seven (7) stars, seven (7) seals, seven (7) trumpets, seven (7) crowns, seven (7) bowl judgements, and also seven (7) kings. You do nothing by chance, You created this entire universe with exact measures and minute details that boggle the minds of science and physics. Yet, You created our world and all that surrounds us….every living thing…in just SEVEN (7) DAYS!

God, help me to understand that no matter who or what tries to defer me from my appointed task of learning and following Your precepts, that I will always long to know You better, and to come to the understanding that LOVE= a number greater than seven (7)…..LOVE + JESUS= INFINITY!

Sincerely I finish with Matthew 7:7,

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and ye shall find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  There is simplicity in Numbers! And, all we have to do is read Your word to find the promises that bring joy to our souls!

Gina

Dear God, American Idol

Dear God,

Winter is settling in and that usually means more time inside than out. We become a slave to that square box that consumes our time and attention. We all seem to have our favorite television programs, but one in particular is known by pretty much all Americans….it’s American Idol.

I have to admit, I do get anxious for the new season’s to start. I think my favorite episodes are when they show the very beginning, with the auditions. They make you laugh, sometimes till you cry, and others are talented beyond belief. No matter if your age 7 to age 70, we seem to get hooked on this pop culture phenomenon.

I do however, seem to get a bit concerned with those who are so excruciating crushed when they don’t make the cut. They want the fame, wealth and stardom that comes with being chosen for that coveted title. Tears flow, and expletives fly when they are told, “You’re just not Idol material.” We have put so much glory on becoming someones idol, that we forget just who is being emulated by winning this competition. This show has the potential to make one famous, rich, and lavish them with so much attention that they could very easily become self-absorbed quickly. If they are made to feel that they are  prestigious and important, then their ego’s may go unchecked. Some have used this opportunity to glorify You. I absolutely love Mandisa! She is one of my all-time favorites. There is also George Huff, and many more, who have been able to speak You name on air…and give the glory of that opportunity to their Savior. This is an amazing way to tell others that their talent isn’t for self recognition, but rather a God-given talent and they intend to use it, to further spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. I commend them for this!

I think that so  many of us have the perception that worshipping idol’s was simply something that was done by the pagan communities and was deferred to as devil worship. Simply not true. Your word tells us that worshipping an Idol, is as simple as putting something, someone, or anything in place of higher value than You, God. If an action, or a person, steals our affection and attention from our Savior, enough so, that it becomes more important than giving our hearts to You, then we are worshipping an idol.

There are so many things that can come into our life that we never think of as idolatry. We can have relationships, our careers, or even our hobbies that stand in the way of giving our full committment to You, our God. It is when we take our focus off of what is real, and what is important beyond all other circumstances, that we may become unaware that we are falling into the snare that is waiting for us.

We don’t have to bow down to carved images and chant, to be victims of Idolatry. It is not always false gods, and primitive images that try to steal away our devotion to the one and only true God. We tend to forget that anything that takes us away from the worship of the one true God is the definition of Idol worship. Help me to always remember that time is a gift, and how I choose to spend it, will ultimately affect how much devotion I am giving to You. If I have ten minutes a day, where I say to myself, “I bored, there’s nothing to do.” Then, I am rejecting the opportunity to give that ten minutes to reading the bible and praying for the needs of others.

Sometimes we think that only cult members justify their worship of Idols, by saying that they are honoring those whom are deserving of praise, because they belive it will bring satisfaction to their god. This brings no satisfaction. This only puts more power into the hands of the one who wants us to venture further and further away from You.

Exodus 20: 3-6 “You shall have no other gods before me”.” “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

Let us not forget, that nothing is more important than You. Nothing deserves more time and honor than You. No one can take away pain, suffering, heartbreak, and depression, but the truest one who gives us a choice to worship Him. I thank You, Jesus, for giving us every opportunity as American’s to make You the Idol of sincere praise. You are the only image that can bring joy and happiness to a lost and dying world.

Jesus!  You’ve Got My Vote!!

Gina

Dear God, ….and the “eyes” have it!

Dear God,

It brings such comfort to me, as well as others, to know that our loved ones who have passed on, will be spending Christmas with our Lord. We tend to feel more at peace when we imagine them looking down from heaven and keeping an eye on us. We know that they have arrived at their final destination, where pain will reign no more. It brings comfort to know that the great “I” am–has His “EYE” upon me.

2 Chronicles 16:9 tells us that, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”  Just knowing that You have Your eyes upon me, brings great comfort. I know that it is Your presence that abides with me when I am sick, when I struggle, and when I need the mercy and grace from my forgiving Savior.

We can be assured that You bring love to our hearts, but You also delight when we obey Your laws. In Psalm 119:18, it states, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” By obeying Your word and living our life to the principles that You mandate in the bible, we know that we can live a life that is pleasing to You, Jesus.

Although we can not even imagine the full extent of beauty of Your heavenly dwelling place, we are able to see the majesty of Your creations. The words from a particular verse in Psalms are found in a beautiful song that brings joy for its listeners. Psalm 121:1 says, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from?” When we look towards the hills we can see how every detail of creation must have been so important to You. Perhaps this is why when we look above, we know that we are communicating with such a powerful force. A force that brought life to an empty world, and a life that changed humanity forever.

I know that once we take our eyes off of You, we allow for sinful temptation to squeeze itself back into our lives.  In Psalm 141:8, “But my eyes are fixed on you, O’ Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge-do not give me over to death.” Without salvation, we are destined for death, both physical and spiritual. I thank You, Jesus, for taking that burden away and bringing life…not death to those whom accept Your promises.

Yesterday, we spoke of wisdom, today You lead me to Proverbs 3:7, that discussed the further benefits of wisdom. Verse 7, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. “ If we start to credit ourselves with obtaining wisdom, then we loose sight of the source of all wisdom. Jesus Christ. The beginning and the end of all wisdom.

I realize that sometimes we tend to stray from our path. We look for happiness at the sides of the road. We sometimes take our focus off of the straight and narrow. Proverbs 4:25, “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Lord, allow my eyes to gaze only unto the path that You have paved for my life.

We must fix our eyes on the hope that is not seen by the human eye. Today’s generation is fixed on the material things that are believed to bring contentment. But, in I Corinthians 4:18, we learn that if we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Our eternal hope is based on the love that only a heaven father can provide. My heart see’s Your love, and even though my eyes do not witness Your presence, I am acutely aware that You never will leave me, nor forsake me.

As Your disciples, we are given instruction on how to endure in times of trouble. Hebrews 12:2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and the perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Verse 3, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” You have given us power over oppression, because You were able to keep Your eyes upon Father God, and endure the painful cross of death, just so we might live. That is a love that is too  indescribable to put into words.

Finally, we have the knowledge that one day, we will cry no more. Revelation 21:4 tells us that “You will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” That is a promise that we can bank on. For my eyes have seen the glory of the Lord!

Well, The Eyes have It!!,

Gina

Dear God, Wisdom of the Ages

Dear God,

I thought that growing older, meant that wisdom was an assumed perk. As I age each year, I try to reflect upon my past, and strive to never make the same mistakes twice. It is with certainty, that I can confess that this is not always the case in my life. However, Your holy word confirms that You understand our human condition. You lived it, just as we do, and, You allow for our free will to make mistakes and learn form that behavior. While Your life remained sinless, we have the examples of how to defeat sin and overcome our afflictions.

In my morning devotions today, You brought me to I Corinthians 2:9. This chapter of the bible is informative and instructional.  In verse 6 we read, “We do, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. Verse 7, “No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. Verse 8, “None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” However as it is written–

   “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”—-

God,You have revealed this to us through Your Spirit, who searches all things, even the deep things of God. Verse 11, “For who among men know the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him”? In the same way, no man knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

God, our foolishness is the result of non-communication with You. For it is Your love that allows our physical body to breathe and our hearts to beat. Your wisdom is far greater than anything that mere man could conceive. We do have the ability to learn, to enhance our minds, to grow in the wisdom that You provide to us. Each day I want to grow and learn more about You, Your word, and the knowledge that will come when I trust my days to the Savior who supplies my daily needs.

It was King Solomon who had all of the physical amenities that we on earth can enjoy.  In I Kings 4:29 we can read this. “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Verse 30 says that, “Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all of the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than any other man.” But, even he knew that this was not enough to make his life complete. We were designed to crave more than food, flesh, finance, and fortunes. We were designed to envelope the wisdom of the ages. I do not believe that the stories from the bible, and the detailed lives of those whose faith, and failures were recorded for posterity, were only for Christians to have faith. I belive that they are there as an instruction manual for the wisdom. If we seek Your face, and we attempt to overcome the temptations that plague us, then we must learn from those in our past. Those who denied You, and the consequences that followed them. But, also, for the great heroes that give encouragement and joy to everyone.

Psalm 111:10, “The fear of the Lord is he beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” In Proverbs I have learned the epilogue of how to become a wife of nobel character. In Proverbs 31:26 You tell us, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” I pray diligently that the words I speak will be thoughtful with the wisdom that reflects a woman of noble character.

Even Mary and Joseph had the responsibility of instructing their righteous Son. Luke 2:52, And Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men. This tells us that if we grow in wisdom, then we are growing in our relationships with man, and that brings favor to You, God.  In James we learn of the trials and temptations that will occur in man’s life. James 1:5 answers our question of what to do if we lack this quality. “If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But, when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.”

I want to walk in faith, not by sight, I want to learn all that You would have me to gain in spiritual knowledge. I ask for strength to accept that wisdom and insight do not always bring joy, but it does bring with it, the assurance that Your will is being accomplished. If we pray asking that our decisions be made with the wisdom of the King, then we will have the full assurance that we are learning immeasurable lessons for a lifetime.

Desiring the Wisdom of the Ages-that comes from Christ our Lord,

Gina

Dear God, The Star that Drew The Magi

Dear God,

The story of the nativity is perhaps the greatest means of relaying the love of God through mankind. We are acutely aware that even to those who choose not to believe in Your  diety, can still be moved by the presence of a nativity scene in a sanctuary. For it is the questioning of the genuinely miraculous birth to a virgin, that makes unbelievers mock. But, we must not doubt that such events transpired and that historical fact and science can validate such an existence to a celestial event in our solar system.

Astronomy is a fact based study of the stars, planets, our solar system and beyond. We must remember that Galileo studied the stars and was able to show definitive proof to others who were amazed at what lies beyond our scope of normal physical vision. Every generation has used the sky, the planets and the stars to equate time and to predict future events. We are even finding out how other cultures used such ingenuity to foretell exact calendar events for over a thousand years.

But, it is one particular night, and one particular astrological event that perhaps makes even the nay sayers take a second look at prophecy. For the star that shown so brightly in the sky, and led three prestigious Magi to travel many, many miles to meet the one who they believed would be the prophetic Messiah, for this is the star that overshadowed our King.

According to Julius Marathus, who was an entrusted friend to Augustus Caesar, he stated that in 63 B.C.E. the Roman Senate ordered that all male children born that year, should be killed. This decision was made, because astrological signs and prophecy’s suggested that this would be the time that the King of the Romans would be born. The senators wives, who were pregnant  were even told to not register the birth of their sons, in case their child would later be discovered to be the chosen one.  We know that the King of the Jews did not come from royalty or from a prestigious Government lineage. No, the King above all Kings was brought to us by the conception of the holy spirit over a young innocent virgin. A loyal man named Joseph, who at first did not fully understand that his betrothed had  not forsaken him to another. You chose this man of honor to be the earthly Father to raise Your Son, and to teach Him of His heavenly duties.  If we understand that angels appeared to both Mary and Joseph, we must understand that You allow for the supernatural to occur, to redeem that which You have shown mercy upon-Your children.

It is fact based historical knowledge that on that date in history, something had occurred that had not happened for hundreds of years before, and would not occur again for thousands of years later. The planets of Venus and Jupiter would align. For this great celestial event would mark an unbelievable astrological occurence that would be seen by all in the western sky. Also, noted was that the moon would be full during this enlightening timeframe. We are to understand that this is not mere coincidence. Your mind does not allow for something as awe-inspiring as this to be a random act of celestial happenings. You are the ruler of the universe. You designed the sky, the stars, the moon, and the planets. You knew that Your son would be born, what day, what hour, what minute. You knew that the great minds of the Magi would be so curious to find the answers to the prophetic scrolls that would draw them to the birth of a child. But not just any child, the Son of God, and the Son of Man. One child whose birth would change humanity forever.

Today’s scientist have found positive proof of such an event in history. It has been researched by some of the greatest minds of todays astrological findings, from some of the most prestigious universities. We now know without question, that these two particular planets did align, and could therefore, be the sign that persuaded three highly intelligent scientist, to travel a remarkable distance to see for themselves, what they believed would draw them to the honor of presenting gifts to the much-anticipated Messiah.

The glory and hope of Israel was born in a stable, and three highly favored scientist believed with such integrity that they must look to the stars and follow it to where this Savior would lie. I know that many believe that they arrived on the night that Mary gave birth to you. But, we understand that You were approximately two years of age, when these men found their way to Your doorstep. For them this magical star was the sign that they had been awaiting for so many years. Their studies were their life. They spent their days studying astrology and the meanings to their relationship to man’s future. The books of Matthew, Mark and Luke cover so much of the same stories, that we must interpret this to mean that their significance is highly important to us. We must study to show ourselves approved unto You, Lord. I desire to learn everything that I can to bring me closer in my relationship with You.

This same star led these visitors to bring gifts that would normally be given to great Kings of wealth and highly favored recognition. The Gold that was given, was always a valuable commodity throughout time. The incense of Frankincense was considered a fragrant gum that was drawn from the bark of a tree. The Myrrh was used as a perfume and a spice and was highly valuable during this time. We later see why such extravagant gifts were offered to a small child.

When Herod gave the order that all male babies be destroyed, an angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and warned him of the sinister plan of a jealous Ruler. It is believed that these valuable gifts from the Magi, were used to help this modest family flee to Egypt. They may have also helped them to live with their essentials taken care of, until they received word that Herod had died, and the impending threat was over.

This enormously bright star–was the majestic sign that brought knowledge of the unveiling of a great kingdom. This star shone brightly over the cool evening air that soothed Mary as she held her son… the Son of God. This star drew the Magi to the most important birth that was ever documented.  In Matthew 2:7, Herod secretly called and found out from the Magi the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said that he too wanted to worship him. It was with Your acknowledgment in their dreams, that they knew they must not return to Herod with the exact location of the child. Your protection followed him everyday of His life. From Starry night, to conquer death in mornings light.

Praise be to the One who spoke each star into existence. Praise to the One who aligned them so that the Magi could follow it to the home of a small child that would change the world forever.

Gina

Dear God, What Shall I Do?

Dear God,

As I sit and look at my computer this morning,  I see where several of my friends are struggling with situations in their life. They are dealing with marital problems, health issues, depression, loss of faith, financial struggles, and are looking for answers to their question, “What shall I do?”

In James 5:13, You have given us instruction in the prayer of faith. Verse 13 asks, “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the leaders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that yo may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Wow! This is such an awesome answer to that very question, “What shall I do?” Christ, You are the great holy healer, the deliverer of depression, the one who transfers our troubles into triumph. I am so grateful that You hold us in the palm of Your hand. We all seem to struggle with problems and pain at different points in our lives. But, You are the epitome of that very struggle. You came to us…not as a mighty warrior to fight against the great deceiver…but as an innocent baby in a manger. Your entire plan was designed so that You could live as an example to those who believe that You are the true Messiah. For what better role model to look to…than the one who lived the same life we do, and yet thwarted off every single strike by the evil transgressor?

Without Your humble beginnings, then the weary could not relate to Your  birth in a stable filled with animals. No elaborate Inn would even take Mary and Joseph in for the night. Without Your example of surviving without financial gain, then we could never see ourselves as making small amounts of wealth, an opportunity to serve You without prideful ambition. Without Your life spent traveling without a permanent home address, then the homeless could not see that it is not the four walls that hold us together, but the love of a Savior. Without Your temptation from Satan, himself, we could not even begin to understand how he attacks at our weakest moments. When you were exhausted and hungry in the desert, Satan chose that time to come to You and present his tricks to make You sin. Your physical body would be so vulnerable and Your mind weary with torment. But, You showed us how that we simply need to focus our heart, mind, and soul to God the Father. His grace was sufficient for You…and will always be for us as well.

We must remember our brother in Christ, Elijah. His faith sustained him through trials and trouble. In James 5:17-20 we are again given answers to “What shall I do?”

     Elijah was a man just like us. he prayed earnestly that it would not rain and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again, he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this, “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from the death and cover a multitude of sins.”

God, please keep me filled with Your spirit of faithfulness. Help me to encourage those who feel defeated. I desire to lift up their hearts when life has brought them fear and anguish. Give me the ability to lend the truth of thine word to those who question themselves about what will come. I am an instrument of Your almighty hand…use me to Your glory.

What shall I do?……..I shall call upon the name of my Lord –who has ALL the answers  to lifes many questions,

Gina

Dear God, The Gift

Dear God,

Everyone is busily shopping for the perfect gifts for friends, family, and loved ones this Christmas. I have been searching for just the right gift for each person on my Christmas list. I decided that gifts should be about the recipient. I want to give them a gift that suits their personalities and is something that will also bring them joy. Some of the best gifts are those that we use throughout the years, and when we look at them each day–it brings to mind the giver.

Jesus, each day is a gift. Each person that we meet is the potential recipient of the greatest gift that we can choose to give. Our most precious gift that we ever received, was made to share with others. It’s never the wrong size, it can be given to young and old alike. It doesn’t require special wrapping, and best of all….it’s absolutely free. What could be better?~

I thank you God, that You loved me enough to share this priceless gift with me. Offering it to someone who never deserved it, and certainly could never do enough to earn it. You loved me before I was ever born, and already knew the day that I would be offered this gift and that I would receive it with great joy and gratefulness in my heart. Your gift began with a babe in a manger so long ago. You knew that Your gift would have to endure this world, full of sin and heartache. You knew that some of us would refuse to accept it, yet you still gave what was the most precious treasure to You–to be abused, battered, and eventually hung on a cross to die–all for the undeserving. Who of us would be willing to give our own child to someone who we knew would be so cruel…even unto murder itself? This is why You are God. You are the great giver to mankind. You delight in our joy, and You bring comfort to the broken-hearted.

This holiday season, many will be missing their loved ones who have gone on to reside with you in heaven above. I thank you God, for the peace that You have given to each of us. We can be certain that Your love is priceless, and Your grace is sufficient for all. Your gift is the most important one that each person may receive. I pray that I may have the opportunity to share this gift of mercy to those whom I meet this holiday season. I want to spread the name of Jesus Christ for all to hear. Our hearts are full of praise for the One who gave His life, so that I may live again.

Romans 11:29 tells us that, “For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” You have called us to worship and to spread the good news of a Saviors birth and imminent return. Romans 12:6 tells us that we all have different gifts. You have lavishly given to each of us, a gift that may be used to glorify our King. I Corinthians 12:4 says “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.” Your gift of the holy spirit is the source that brings peace to the troubled, weary, and broken-hearted. In I Corinthians 12:31 You tell us to “Eagerly desire the greater gifts. Your word tells us that the church is one body with many parts. We must remember that the building is just a place of worship. It is the unity of its congregation that come together with different gifts that design the church itself.  In I Corinthians 14:12 You give instruction that “Since we are eager to receive spiritual gifts, that we should try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” May each and every decision that involves our brothers and sisters in Christ, be amplified so that it is a blessing to You, Lord.

I am here by Your promise alone. That You are my heart and the keeper of my soul. I honor You with my love of one of my favorite bible promises that tell of  the gift of life……

     Ephesians 2:8-10 “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is THE GIFT OF GOD- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Thank You God, for loving me flaws and all. For preparing for my good work, and for the GIFT that was given to all,

Gina

Dear God, An Invitation…Please R.S.V.P

Dear God,

Tis the season to celebrate the birth of our King. This time of year always brings such joy with it. The frosty air, the snowflakes that blanket the earth with the sense that renewal is near to us again. The colorful lights that drape our Christmas tree’s, and especially the smiles that we see in our children’s faces as they await for that Christmas morn and the much-anticipated gifts that may finally now,be opened. But, I think for so many this time of year brings the joy that is shared when we gather together and enjoy the company of those that we love so dearly.

December brings with it, the realization that celebrations will be many. As well, for some, it is the traditional annual invitation that brings friends and family together. Tradition usually dictates whose home the gathering will take place at. I can remember as a child always going to Grandma’s on Christmas morning. Only… as much as I adored her, and the time we spent together, I really wanted to be at home, enjoying my new pajama’s and playing with all of the bright new shiny toys that I had just received. But, tradition always won out, and when we arrived, I was greeted with a giant hug and kisses from Mam-maw and soon the absence of the toys, took a backseat to the aroma of the Christmas meal that she had been preparing for days. For us, it was about the only time of the entire year,that all of the cousin’s, Aunts, Uncles, and in-laws would see one another. It truly was a time when I can recall very happy childhood memories.

God, Your word tells us that we have been given a very special invitation. We have been invited to the home of the most highly majestic King. We aren’t required to bring covered dishes, or fancy wrapped gifts in tow. No, we are simply invited to be a part of the greatest event that history has ever known. This invitation is free for everyone to enjoy. There will be family, friends, strangers to one another, and children from all walks of life there. Some will have known the King their entire lives and share the stories of memories that changed their circumstances forever. Some will be new friends. Barely having met and accepted this enormously privileged invite. Perhaps they spent their whole lives never even knowing that such a King even existed as ruler of the Universe. For them, this is so overwhelming, that they will just sit back and be amazed and speechless as this honor is presented. For others, their relationship has been rocky for many years. They were introduced to the King and were quite impressed with his promise of love and fidelity, but they chose to seek other relationships that brought pain, heartache, and left them feeling alone, hopeless, and even depressed by the actions that they partook in to be a part of the social hierarchy. Never realizing that there is no greater privileged seat than the one that sits beside this King. For others, they had heard of this King’s invitation, but for reasons that truly didn’t matter, they decided to postpone, waiting another year or perhaps even longer. They heard stories of how this great King was changing attitudes, saving lives, feeding the hungry and healing the broken-hearted. But, their lives became too busy with work, obligations, family responsibilities, fretting over situations that kept them from making the call to visit the friend that befriends all.

No matter what path our lives take. No matter how busy our lives become, we must always make time to open and accept the invitation that has been sent. Your word tells us in Matthew 22:14, “That many are invited but few are chosen.” You are the King who has graciously invited every person in the world to come to You. But… You have also chosen a few to lead the celebration. To be the ones that write out the invitation and explain where we can find our way to this wonderous party. Those that are chosen will have the responsibility to tell others of how this is the most important decision that we can make. We must not decline this generous offer. We must not make other plans, and simply ignore this opportunity. We have to put all other duties aside, and RSVP to the greatest event that human kind has ever seen.

In Matthew 25:35, You tell us that “You were a stranger and we invited You in.” How many times, do we look at someone and immediately make assumptions that they are not good enough to be invited to our fancy parties? Do they not have the attire that is requested for this party? Will they not speak with the same knowledge as the other invited guests? How can we base our presumption on an individual, simply by their outward appearance? First impressions, are not always the actuality of an individual. I know that I have not always had my best foot forward when meeting people for the first time. In fact, I have more often took that same foot…..and inserted it into my mouth! But, that’s what is so great about the Host of this celebration. This King see’s beyond the exterior and see’s the heart of the man instead. Oh, how I pray that I will always seek to do the same. Your example should be our only model to emulate.

In Luke 14;12-14 Your word tells us how to be the perfect host or hostess. One Sabbath when You were eating at a Pharisee’s home, You spoke to the host saying, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do , they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But, when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

God, You are The King! You are the Host! You are the one who has given all that He has, to make a way for all who desire to join You for that blessed invitation to the wedding supper that will take place when You return to take Your treasured family home to spend eternity with their creator. This is the most important invitation that we can ever accept. Denying that opportunity, simply doesn’t mean that we will have another one later. It means that when we are asked to dine with the King, we must realize what it truly means to be an honored guest to the only one who bled and died for the sins and the misdeeds that we commit everyday. Many without punishment. We take our lives for granted here. We make choices that ultimately affect our destiny. That is why this important invitation must be accepted without delay!

I thank You, Lord, that my name is on the guest list. I praise You that You chose to include a sinner like me, to dine and celebrate with the King in the Majesty of Heaven’s corridors. I will be waiting for Your return, and when the trumpet sounds, I will know that I have returned my RSVP, and that we will have the most spectacular celebration of a lifetime.

Accepting the invitation to dine with the Host that changed my life,

Gina

Dear God, Mary, Did You Know?

Dear God,

When You awoke me at 3:36 am this morning, quite abruptly, I should have known that there was a specific reason. You usually speak to me the most intently when I am at my quiet  moments of solitude. You brought to my mind the beautiful lyrics of the song, Mary, Did you know? This song speaks so intimately to mothers everywhere. I will never forget the emotions and feelings that accompanied the experiences of pregnancy. I can only imagine the whole sphere of emotions that fell upon the young teenager who was already betrothed to Joseph the carpenter. I’m sure that in such times as those, for a young lady to have to inform her parents, family, and friends of an immaculate conception must have been full of fear and anxiety. But, we must acknowledge that if she was specifically chosen by God Himself as the carrier of the Christ child, then You knew that she would have the spiritual faith and strength to accept such an awesome responsibility.

I can remember with such clarity the endearing months that I carried my precious babies. Each new day, holding my hand over my stretching stomach to feel the little life that had begun to grow inside my womb. This was a miracle in the making. It took enormous faith to withstand the trials that came when my pregnancy proceeded with the possibility of miscarriage. I treasured every single second of it, knowing that even if it were short-lived, and unfortunately twice it was, that I was also experiencing the greatest gift that You could ever bestow upon a woman. Four pregnancy’s still brought me two of the greatest joys that my heart has ever known. I Thank You for them everyday, Jesus.

I have several friends and a family member who are expecting a child soon. This is such an exciting time in their lives. The questions that run rampantly through their minds about the identity of their unborn child. What will he or she look like? Whose personality will they resemble? Will they become an athlete or a renown scholar? Will they impact the world with their success, or will they quietly serve You with a meek heart that speaks loudly for their Savior’s ear alone. We anticipate the arrival of the new little souls with the wonders of how our lives will forever be changed, by simply adding their existence into this world.

Certainly Mary could not have anticipated everything that her child would accomplish. I have often wondered if she was acutely aware that she would only have him for thirty short years. In that time, with prophets and men of faith living to celebrate an 800th birthday, this would be synonymous with loosing a mere child. Was she understanding that night in the quiet cool  breeze of a stable, with her faithful new husband by her side, that she would deliver the “deliverer of all mankind?” Did she kiss his tiny face and stroke his soft fine hairs upon his head, and fully understand that this was to be the Messiah that was anticipated by their people for generations? I believe that You did perhaps enlighten her to the knowledge that she now had accepted the enormous responsibility of raising the King of Kings.

As I lay awake for the next several hours, You spoke to my heart. You reminded me of the faithfulness of a dear family who is dealing with such an incredible loss. You reminded me that it is not only the son that made an amazing and graceful impact on the world, but also, his parents. For both Mary and Joseph had the task of guiding their son into the ways that You designed for them. They had to teach him of the laws that govern us, and the paths that would be needed to follow His  journey to eternal destiny. While You were always with Jesus, You also allowed Him to experience the world around Him. It was completely necessary for Him to experience everyday life as a human being. To be faced with the same challenges that we all are faced with. To be exposed to sin and yet be given the tools of faith to overcome the temptations that surround us daily. It is only by this example of purity, that we can then have the hope in our faith, that we shall indeed overcome sin as well. You have always had a purpose for every living soul that has been born unto this earth. Your plans are simple, yet we often tend to complicate the trivial. I have to overcome my compulsion to want perfection. I want to strive to always put Your will above my own want and desires. I am sometimes impatient, and try to find solutions to problems, that simply need to be followed through with solid, unwavering faith. You know a mothers’ heart better than anyone. You designed it to be the most important organ that controls our body. Without it, we simply couldn’t survive. For a mother, our hearts abundantly overflow with an indescribable love for our children.

Did Mary know the answers to all the questions that she must have pondered from conception to delivery? We may not know until we meet one blessed day in the corridors of heaven. I simply know that our entire existence changed in those nine months, and the birth that seemed like a scandalous story of those times, turned into the greatest love story ever written.

The child that came on Christmas morn, is the same who endured the mocking and scorn…But, for me alone-You would still have died, so love lives on..and Your Blessings Abide,

Gina

Dear God, What IF Instead Of?

Dear God,

What If Instead of….

What if instead of dreaming of  Prince Charming–we put our hope and dreams in the Prince that has a second coming?

What if instead of waiting for the bough to break and the cradle to fall… we waited for the child who Started it All?

What if instead of our heroes being caped crusaders….we immulate a child named David who became a Giant Slayer?

What if instead of reading stories of genies who granted three wishes…we read the story of someone who fed 5000 with only two fishes?

What if instead of spending our money on frivolous things….we told others of the gift that unleashes sin’s chains?

What if instead of watching television with a mindless stare…we watched the sky and awaited for the King of all things Fair?

What if instead of complaining of things we can not change…we changed the things that make us complain?

What if instead of reading the morning paper…we read the word of God that brings Him favor?

What if instead of ignoring perfect strangers…we looked them in the eye with the love of a baby from the manger?

What if instead of spending the weekend sleeping in….we arose early and took breakfast to a friend?

What if instead of letting hurt control our emotions…we let our heart defer to God’s devotion?

What if instead of leading a life of sin…we chose to change our minds and let the healing begin?

What if instead of waiting on trouble to come….we fell to our knee’s before it had begun?

What if instead of denying our Lord today……WE CHOSE TO ACCEPT HIS GRACE AND SAY…..”YES LORD”

To my Lord who chose to love - ”instead of” letting sin swallow me–

           I praise You, God…For Your Grace that is Always Free,

Gina