Devotionals – Page 4 – The Welcome Home

The Engrafted Word

teacuppamela Many years ago, I had the great privilege of meeting, and then getting to know, the dear Florence Turnidge. That meeting and subsequent friendship would become for me a living example and enduring encouragement. Florence had such a love for the Word of God and a zeal for the truth. My only regret was not meeting her sooner — well, that, and not keeping the habit of regularly memorizing scripture. To this day I find, stashed throughout our home, evidences of her ministry: Bible memory cards — key verses printed on cards for memorization.

After I began memorizing Scriptures, I came to realize the great benefit and blessings the come through the engrafted Word. I came to see that it’s the only Word one can read in the dark—and it’s been, in the darkest days, powerfully realized. So, why haven’t I devoted more time and attention to Bible memory work? Slackness. My own slackness — and I see it so clearly when I face situations and react or respond in fear rather than in faith.

And then I consider that the Lord is not slack–no, not at all. And as I seek to be like Jesus, I remember that I must determine to know Him and His ways and that this is a daily walk, this walk of faith. So I think of His admonitions: “Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” –2 Chronicles 15.7

And I reckon this with more of the Lord’s character: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” —2 Peter 3.9

So I wonder again: why have I not spent time diligently engrafting the Word of God? I know I must — I run into situations all the time where I need to instantly bring to mind the Truth as so much error is vaunted as “truth” and so much “religion” is presented as “biblical.”

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” –James 1.21

While we were attending a recent conference, I made a note to memorize a particular chapter and even highlighted my note to do so. That note, tucked into many pages of notes would perhaps have been forgotten unless one of the men in our prayer meeting had mentioned he’d had a real prompting to memorize Scriptures. Ah… my own notes came back to mind. Isn’t it interesting how the Lord works when He’s prompting something in us–it’s often accompanied or confirmed by another witness. And then, just yesterday, I had yet another affirmation to hide His Word in my heart as I was seeking to be an encouragement to another sister regarding guarding the heart and mind from the subtle attacks of the enemy.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6.10-20

O, and the latest passage that was impressed on my heart? Isaiah 26. And I will press on to engraft that word on my heart. Thank you for reading today… may you always be blessed.

The Provision of the Lord

teacuppamela

Marveling the sweetness of God and His provisions… our yard is filled with things that seem to be here for ‘whateverailsya’!! Sweet that He would provide for me very specific herbs/remedies in abundance.

♫ Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

The more I study (and read the labels on my *purchased* tinctures) I see what the Lord has *already* provided here in abundance!! Massive abundance! I am brought to tears at the goodness and mercy of God on my behalf. Incredibly, different herbal remedies I have needed (and have purchased from my healthfood store) are here in abundance. Just to consider this is so humbling. As I consider my favourite flowers… Hydrangeas! Well, the hydrangea root is an ingredient in a tincture I regularly use for kidney/bladder issues. Then I think on many other ingredients listed on the bottles and tinctures I have in my cabinet and fridge. Garlic. Burdock. Dandelion. Juniper berries. English Walnut. Black Walnut. Cleavers. Raspberry leaf. Chickweed. Plantain. Lavender. And, ta-dah! Just discovered the medicinal benefit *willow tree* bark — acetylsalicylic acid – aspirin! Isn’t this incredible to ponder?!?!

Before we bought this home, during the search for a home for our family, my sister-in-law suggested that I make a list of things to present to the Lord — a list of my heart’s desires for our family home. On the top of that list, I asked the Lord for a willow tree and space for the children to run and play. How sweet of the Lord to provide for me in ways I knew not — and gave me desires He would later fulfill or reveal. All the while we’ve lived here, year after year I’ve discovered new things about Him and His precise provisions for me – for my husband and children. Interestingly, it seems I’m just discovering them as I need them—-generally after I’ve purchased an herbal remedy, I will look up the different herbal ingredients and that’s when I discover that God’s already provided what I need and mercifully shows me what to do next. His care is unending and His love, eternal.

I pray the Lord will be your All in all, your provision and peace and that He’s demonstrating Himself strong on your behalf today. May you always be blessed.

When God Intervenes

teacuppamela

Do you ever stop and wonder what the Lord has spared you from facing or what things He prevented or protected you from? Have you ever wondered about ‘near misses’ or things that would have happened had God not intervened on your behalf?

I’ve been thinking about these sorts of things again today as I reflect on an incident that happened yesterday. I’d changed the sheets and bedding and was just finishing tucking in the quilt when something caught on my shoe. Looking down to see what it was, I could find nothing and so I got down to smooth my hand over the carpet to feel for whatever it was that had caught on my shoe. Much to my surprise (and amazement, really!), there on the carpet was a needle. I marveled… here I had been sick in bed for days, many times a day up to the bathroom or out to the kitchen and back to bed again, day after day. And, day after day that needle had to have been right there — right there were I stepped down over and over again — but, obviously, I never stepped on it.

Now, if you know me, you’d know that this is one of the things I am nearly psycho over: needles. Sewing needles, that is. I’m generally meticulously careful to keep them put away, and everyone in my family hears this line when anyone is sewing: Have you ever heard about the times when I was a little girl? They glaze over and nod, mmm hmmm — probably thankful I don’t repeat the whole tale. But they know it.

For when I was a little girl, we’d just moved into a new home and as I was putting things away in my new bedroom closet, I felt the stick of a needle in my foot. Shocked, I went to tell my mother that I thought I’d just stepped on a needle! Thus, a trip to the hospital where an x-ray revealed that, indeed, I’d stepped on that needle and it had broken in my foot and needed to be surgically removed. Obviously not too traumatized by the incident, I continued to go barefoot — it was Southern California, after all.

Well, just a couple of weeks later, while visiting my father in a nearby city and after being there a just a few days, I again stepped on a needle — in the other foot. I didn’t know it at the time and would later learn that he couldn’t handle and/or was very dramatic about anything having to do with pain or blood or crying. I was taken to the hospital to, again, have a needle surgically removed from my foot. Interestingly, what I really recall from that was that the needle insertion for the anesthetic was more painful than stepping on and breaking that needle in my foot. And, the ride home included ice cream and the next day for a preplanned trip to Disneyland, I had to ride in a wheelchair and be carried onto each of the rides.

So the point is that that needle had been right there beside our bed for some time… a week? two weeks? longer? And the Lord had protected me from what has been a lifetime concern. I took time to acknowledge that yesterday when it happened and have many times since… just thanking the Lord for His watchcare over me, for His mercy and kindness and for saving me from and protecting me from things I’ll never know. And today I’ve continued to think on different things that He’s spared me from, different “near misses” from accidents, to missteps, to consequences for foolish actions and on and on.

Last night as I went upstairs to the different beds to say goodnight to the children (I know… they’re mostly all grown now, but since they’re still home I try to be there to tell them goodnight). As I walked around the girl’s bedroom where they were all ready for sleep, I said to them how grateful to God I am for giving them such a safe and peaceful room, such a pleasant place to rest — that He has been guarding and guiding them.

And as I returned to our room, the thought washed over me that God has done this for all of us. Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, wherever we go… He’s already there – already watching over us. He’s already gone before us and whatever happens has first sifted through His capable Hands and has already been part of His providential plan for us.

Maybe you can think of different times where you know that God clearly intervened on your behalf and spared you or provided for you providentially such that you know that you know that only He could have done that… that He alone is the Lord.

Whose Plans?

teacuppamela It’s sure a beautiful Springtime day here in the Snohomish Valley — it’s the kind of day that puts thoughts of rains and flooding to a very distant memory — though such a great possibility only a few short months ago. It’s funny how quickly a current reality can totally erase or totally eclipse another, isn’t it?

As I walked around outside for the first time in a week, I stopped at each of the different garden beds and then on out to the vegetable garden where my initial delight was slightly dimmed by the vision of all the weeds… all that needs to be done. And you know what song came to mind? The House at Pooh Corner song: “… So help me if you can, I’ve got to get – Back to the house at Pooh Corner by one – You’d be surprised, there’s so much to be done – Count all the bees in the hive – Chase all the clouds from the sky – Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh…”

And then it stuck me that there’s nothing more to be done than what’s been needed in years past. Same thing. From the beginning, year after year, it’s the same thing: we pull the weeds, we till the ground, we plant the seeds and water them well. Yet, each year I say the very same thing… sort of the inane, “you’d be surprised there’s so much to be done…” statement. And then I smiled at the thought of counting all the bees in the hive. But life’s like that — the surprising things that need to be done are generally more than we can do — like counting the bees in the hive. And yet, has God truly given us more than we can do? I think we’re the ones who lay on ourselves more than we can do and what God gives us to do is not more than we can do — because if we would remember: it is God that works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. In that same passage, the following verses admonish us to: “…do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” — Philippians 2.14-15

So what does the simple storybook song have to teach me in this? The things I fret over getting done: I cannot possibly get done. But what God gives me to do, I will seek to do without murmuring or complaining — for what He calls me to do: He will equip me to do. Ergo, if He hasn’t called me to do it, He hasn’t expected me to do it and, at this moment, hasn’t equipped me to do it and those frets and expectations came not from Him but from somewhere else! So then, I have to ask, if I’m fretting, murmuring or disputing over things I’m doing: am I doing what I’ supposed to be doing? Or, perhaps, am I doing things out of selfishness? fear? pride? envy? guilt?

Now, there are times when we do things or must do things that we feel we cannot possibly do but we know we’re to do them — I can think of many examples of this, and you probably can, too. These are steps we take in faith — but inherent in this is the fact that we lean on the everlasting Arms and trust in Him for His provision. These are the: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” times. You see? If we’re doing we’ve been called to do, even if we feel as though we cannot do them, He’s already there, and by faith, we are IN Christ by the faith OF Christ and HE has said HE work in us to will and do to of His good pleasure. That’s great and blessed assurance.

So when I see all that needs to be done, when I think of the many other things that also need doing, I have a couple of options. I can (and very easily so!) become overwhelmed at all there is to be done –OR– I can observe all these things, and acknowledge they are out there and evaluate them for what they are. And then, the Lord being my helper (calling to mind again, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” –philippians 4.13), I will do that which He guides me to do and leave off doing those things which are motivated by those other sources that are not of Him. This is hard sometimes because the spirit is willing, but the flesh is so weak. We’re so often more controlled by what others think than what God thinks — but, truly, you and I must consider our motivation when we list out all that we (think) we must do.

It’s been brought to mind so many times for me over the last week as I’ve not been well and have spent so much time in bed… all my fretting over what I shouldda, couldda, wouldda been doing had I not been laid low all these days… all my fretting didn’t get those things done and didn’t get me out of that bed any sooner. I realized as I was reading in the Book of John several days ago that the Lord had something for me there (and for such a time as this)… something for me to let sink down in my ears, to really take in: Jesus repeated, on many occasions, that He did only the will of the Father. And so must I: for the express purpose of being Christlike: doing that which the Father directs–doing the will of God. As I purpose to concentrate on health, I must also concentrate on motivations — the what and why of all my doings. I hope you’ll be encouraged as I am for the will and work of the Lord in each of our lives… and that you’ll join me in waiting on His plan and purposes in His time. So let your light shine…

Being conformed…

teacuppamela

Earlier today I was reflecting on some of the unlikely ways God conforms us to the image of His dear Son — and some of the unlikely tools He chooses to use to work that conformation in us (and maybe even through us from time to time). I asked my dear mother in law if she’d send me the quotes she was sharing with me as we talked about God’s work in our lives — I’ll share them with you when she sends them.

I’ve been sincerely amazed at the ways God works His will and His purposes in my life / in our lives. It seems the most impossible, difficult and maybe even painful situations are the ones that bring the richest, choicest fruit in our lives. But they are, indeed, the situations or incidents we’d most likely attempt to avoid (or choose differently) or reject. But God doesn’t choose differently, when He works a work or plans to work a work, He has very precise purposes for the things He allows to happen in our lives — even, and not surprisingly, our most foolish or careless decisions can be used to bear rich fruit for our good and His glory.

It’s a good thing we don’t choose the tools of our training or the methods of our sanctification — well, I’m thinking if we did/could/do attempt to choose them, our attempts would/do fail to accomplish His purposes. First, we’d reject the tools and then we’d reject the method — thinking and reasoning that our method and our tools would be ~~easier better~~ wiser. Our ways always seem at the time: mo bettah. A fool is wise in his own eyes…

Today I was thinking of the ways the Lord has taught me to love my children in the way He loves them. For it was easy to love them in the way I could love them. But along the way, He’s allowed situations to occur to teach me to love them in His way. He’s allowed situations to occur or come to pass that would mold me or are molding me into the woman He’s created me to be. The Lord has sought to use tools I wouldn’t have chosen — actually can’t choose to use. And yet, in His mercy and in His kindness He is working that I might be conformed to His image. He’s also lavished grace on me (and them!) that I continually can be used in their lives, that I can continually grow and adapt as the mother they need me to be — doing what HE would have rather than what I might choose or neglect to choose to do. And by His grace, He enables me to press on in faith that He who has begun a good work in me will complete it…

He seeks to conform us to love, to be forbearing, to be kind, to be patient, to be peaceful/peaceable, to be gentle, to be temperate and so on. All of these qualities are the fruit of the Spirit – and we all desire to have these characterize our lives -but they’re not the fruit of self, they’re the fruit of the Spirit and they’re not planted, cultivated or increased by the flesh — again, they’re of and by the Spirit of God.

So as I was seeking answers/fruit in some different areas, it seemed to hit me today like a ton of bricks… the answers I’m seeking — the fruit I’m desiring — is not [going to be] my doing! It’s God’s doing! It’s God’s work: in His timing, by His will in His way. And so as I was seeing the dawning of His work in some specific areas, I began to see this truth: God chooses the fruit and He chooses the tools He uses to bring it about. I want to be so yielded to Him that I will not resist the methods of His choosing and the tools He uses as He works His marvelous will in my life.

Wherever you are: begin (again) there.

teacuppamela Now, this seems like such simplistic advice — it’s so obvious that it’s almost laughable. But when you stop and think about it, it’s true for lots of us that we cannot start fresh when we’re in the middle of something — or that because we’ve already messed up the beginning or have failed to accomplish the previous task, we’re sort of stuck into thinking we cannot just pick up and move on.

At the thrift store (or in my cabinet) I occasionally see notebooks or undated planners that have writing or notes in the first few pages. You know, like some mother had best intentions to start journaling or keeping a diary or baby-book or whatever and then “life” happened and entries didn’t continue. So, rather than just beginning (again) there — one of two things usually happens, the book is taken to the thrift store as a way of sort of gifting the problem book to someone else — that, or the previously written pages are torn out and the resolve to journal begins (again) there.

I know this because this has been my story in the past (actually I may do it again someday). But somewhere along the way I began to just write wherever I left off or in whatever journal/notebook was handy. I know this is a sort haphazard way of doing things and certainly messes up any semblance of order one might be seeking to achieve, but in the end, a written account is what’s desired and that’s what’s important. Get it written down and don’t get caught up so much in the process or presentation. Besides, the journaling is for your own mental sorting out and not for other’s opinions anyway.

So, wherever you are, begin (again) there. If you’ve got a notebook you first began using five years ago — and you filled only the first third of the book, it’s probably still got a lot of life left to it, so begin (again) there. Maybe you have a beautiful journal that you began using last year but quit on the 5th of January. Get it… start using it and begin (again) there. O, who cares if one year’s gone by. In the later pages you can sort out what went on in the interim. The point is that you can just begin (again) right where you are. Today.

Consider these verses from Philippians 3.8, 10,12-15

…that I may win Christ… That I may know him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death… Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus… Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

You see? wherever we are, we just need to begin (again) there. Here are some things I’ve been thinking about in this last week or so. No, I didn’t complete my Bible reading for the year (read through in a year). It’s only the enemy who seeks to put me in bondage, reminding me of my failure and relegating me to start back at the beginning (adding to my doubt that I might finish it this year). Instead, I need to just press on… I need to begin this year (again) right where I am. And should I finish reading through, I can begin again regardless what the calendar date is. And my beautiful journal? I can write in it today — regardless the date of the previous entry. You see, it’s just bondage — unnecessary bondage — to keep feeling like a failure or to keep giving up. Galatians 5.1 says:

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,
and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

It’s early in the year and yet many are already feeling like failures for not keeping to “resolutions” or goals. Maybe you intended to lose those 20 or thirty pounds and you already feel like you’ve failed since you’ve continued in your holiday eating mode. Maybe you planned on getting up earlier, to start running, to stop being quickly angry, to keep your tasks done. And now, already, the fifth day of the year, you haven’t succeeded in achieving any of them and you feel like a failure. Be done with those feelings — they’re powerful and they paralyze — they’re not freeing at all — and you’ll never move ahead from where you are if you’re entangled by those failure-thoughts. Resolve that wherever you are today: begin (again) there. And tomorrow, wherever you are: begin (again) there.

Living Sacrifice

teacuppamela As I’ve been mulling over my previous post, it dawned on me that sometimes language is confining and that what we think is commonly understood is not necessarily easily conveyed or understood/accepted by others. I think we sometimes put people off by the very things we say, think or do. As if, our goals or what we do or say is the “end all – be all” and that’s not what was intended at all. So, that said, here’s the song that was playing in the theater of my mind as I read and considered all the different aspects or areas I’m seeking to lay on the altar before the Lord today and my petition before Him. May it be a blessing to you, as well.

Here’s the song, Living Sacrifice… by Betsy Benefiel

Living Sacrifice

I want my life to be a living sacrifice
A sweet smelling incense for my Lord
An offering of thanks, an offering of love
I want my life to be a sacrifice

In Jesus Christ I too am crucified
Dead to this world by finally alive
He gave new life to me, to live eternally
That I might let Him live His life through me

I lay my life now on Your altar Lord
And give to You what rightfully is Yours
My body, heart, and soul, I give You full control
I want my life to be a sacrifice

2013… Endeavors

teacuppamela

It’s a new year, a clean, fresh start… be done with lesser things, be a woman who seeks joy, peace and love — start today doing foundational things… and what are these, where can they be found, Who is the Source? The source is Jesus… Faith in the Living Lord Jesus and being found in Him… daily looking to Him; daily abiding in Him; daily watching at His gates and following in His Steps. All of these “Endeavor-To-Be’s” are nothing if not founded upon the Faith of Jesus and His Life in and through us — know this “in my head” and I seek to know it — truly know it practically: in my heart.

I pray as you read this that you’ll join me in this endeavor… that you’ll join me in seeking to press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ. We read this in Philippians 3.14 And for this calling, I seek to have my heart fixed: endeavoring to be, and do, these things in a renewed desire to be a living testimony of the Mercy and Grace of God… for He alone is Worthy. In the end, I know I want my life to be a living sacrifice. This has come to mind in recalling different women in my life whose lives were truly a living sacrifice of praise and because they were faithful women it was always evident that their lives were worthy of emulation. And so, when I think of these women — along with women whose life stories I’ve read — it’s as though God gave me living pictures to bring to remembrance.

And so, today as I was mentally gathering the different virtues that characterized them — I realized there are so many qualities I have long desired to see bear fruit in my life and in order for that to happen, it occurred to me that I must prayerfully set my life on the altar that I might die to self, die to past failures and regrets, unmet expectations, disappointments, bitterness, shame, envy — all of these things, for they stand in the way of the fruit of the Spirit. When I allow any of these things ‘place’ in my life, it’s as though I invite the devil in for tea… to do and say, act and control anything he wants… it’s as if I let him set up housekeeping in my life — and I know that I know that I know I don’t want this to be the case. And so, God being my strength and my guide, my help and my source… I lay my life down at His feet that He might raise me up to be a vessel He uses, a vessel that gives Him glory and honour. Thus, my resolve is to have a life well lived and fully yielded to Him…

I Endeavor to…

Be in the Word daily.
Be in prayer daily.
Be thankful for each day and for whatever each day brings.

I Endeavor to…

Be a woman of the Word.
Be a woman of Prayer.
Be a woman who Seeks the Lord.
Be a woman who Listens for His Voice.
Be a woman who Obeys His commands.
Be a woman who is Faithful.
Be a woman who Believes.
Be a woman who Trusts and is Trustworthy.
Be a woman who Loves her Husband.
Be a woman who Loves her Children.
Be a woman who is Wise.
Be a woman who is Discreet.
Be a woman who is Respectful and Respectable.
Be a woman who is Thankful.
Be a woman who is Godly.
Be a woman who is Content.
Be a woman who is Chaste.
Be a woman who is Discerning.
Be a woman who is Kind.
Be a woman who is Honest.
Be a woman who is Gentle.
Be a woman who is Charitable.
Be a woman who is Modest.
Be a woman who is Grateful.
Be a woman who is Hospitable.
Be a woman who is Generous.
Be a woman who is Prudent.
Be a woman who is Merciful.
Be a woman who is Industrious.
Be a woman who is Courteous.
Be a woman who is Careful.
Be a woman who is Thorough.
Be a woman who is Honourable.
Be a woman who is Just.
Be a woman who is Good.
Be a woman who is Considerate.
Be a woman who is Forbearing.
Be a woman who is Honest.
Be a woman who is Resourceful.
Be a woman who is Meek.
Be a woman who Waits.
Be a woman who Listens.
Be a woman who is Gracious.
Be a woman who is Healthful.
Be a woman who is Diligent.
Be a woman who has a Tender Heart.
Be a woman who is a Living Legacy.

I Endeavor to…

Be a woman of Hope.
Be a woman of Joy.
Be a woman of Peace.
Be a woman of Patience.
Be a woman of Kindness.
Be a woman of Gentleness.
Be a woman of Temperance.
Be a woman of Inner Beauty.
Be a woman of Purity.
Be a woman of Grace.

I Endeavor to…

Be a sweet woman… a woman who seeks to be a sweet, fragrant offering… a memory maker… a sweet, sweet, memory maker. I want to gracefully move through the seasons of my life… fully in season… fully engaged… everywhere I am, I want to BE there…all there.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas
by – Carroll Roberson

On the first day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: salvation full and free.

On the second day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the third day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: Peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the fourth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: love for all men, Peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the fifth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the sixth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me; power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the seventh day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the eighth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the ninth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the tenth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the eleventh day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a thousand tongues to sing, streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the twelfth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: eternity to praise, a thousand tongues to sing, streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

Seize Opportunities

Seize the moment to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ the Lord. Our nation may have gone over the moral cliff and it seems that doors of opportunity to spread the gospel have been closed. Large numbers of individuals may have rejected God’s moral law, they may, in fact, reject you and the message of the gospel — but the doors are not closed. The darker the night, the brighter the light of one candle. Will you seize the moment and share the Light of the gospel to a dark and sin laden world? You have the life God has given you… how will you use your life today?
Only One Life
CT Studd

Two little lines I heard one day,Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Consider the opportunities you might have this Christmas season…