New Beginnings

New: To get rid of the old and welcome the new.

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead." Philippians 3:13. 

REFLECTIONS...As the New Year approaches, we often look back over the past year and reflect on our experiences both good and bad. Some of us had the best year ever and are praying for God's favor in the New Year. For others, everyday seemed like a challenge. Lord willing, we've made peace with the bad and are rejoicing with the good. We move on! The blessed truth is, every moment is a fresh beginning. God wants us to do a new thing in our lives. Stay away from what might have been and look at what can be. "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11.) He wants to deepen our hunger for His will and His word. Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction. Our life does not get better by chance. This is true in our homes, our heart, and our lives. Every moment is a fresh beginning. 

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19.

"And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that never were." 

May God bless you in the New Year,

Jo 

 

The Wonder of Christmas

The Wonder of Christmas

Wonder: A feeling of admiration caused by something beautiful.

"For unto 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. 

(Isaiah prophesied of Jesus birth 700 years before His birth.)

Christmas...is almost here. Our trees are trimmed, our gifts are wrapped, anticipation stirs the air. Many Christians are preparing their hearts for Jesus birth. An event that was so beautiful, so incredible, so incomprehensible, that it would literally change the world forever. A monumental tasks for a tiny baby. This perfect and precious child that was conceived by the Holy Spirit was sent to earth to save His people from their sins. He took it upon Himself our humanity. He was born in the shadow of the cross to redeem us from our sin. What if Jesus had never been born, would it have made a difference? EVERYTHING!! We would have no atonement of our sin, no resurrection from the dead, no hope of eternal life, and no Savior to call a friend. The night Jesus was born Mary must have held her baby close. Kissed His soft cheek, and wept quietly in the wonder of it all. 

"Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. Luke 2:13-14.

"When we lose our wonder, we are prone to wander."

May you have a beautifully blessed Christmas,

Jo

 

Indescribable Gift

Indescribable Gift

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15.

Christmas...For most of us, our trees are trimmed, our gifts are wrapped and there's anticipation stirring the air. This is a perfect time to put aside our Christmas preparations, gather the family, and reach for your Bible where the story of the Christ Child awaits us. I wonder what God, our Heavenly Father felt when He made the decision to send His only beloved Son to become the Savior of mankind that we might live through Him. He gave the most precious thing He had to give. "This is My Beloved Son...(Matthew 3:17). One can almost feel the weight of that choice on His heart. Jesus left Heaven and all it's beauty, said "goodbye" to His Father, and started on a journey to earth by means of the Virgin Mary. He lived and taught and then He willing died on the Old Rugged Cross, rose on the third day and now sits at the right hand of His beloved Father in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, we are son's and daughters of a most high God. Thanks be to God for His..."Indescribable Gift!"

"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love; not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."1 John 4:9-10.

"May our hearts prepare Him room, our lives reflect His presence, our homes radiate His peace."

Sweetest Blessings to you and yours,

Jo