Monday, December 17, 2012

Dark Days and the Ultimate Christmas gift

In dark days like as of late with evil running rampant, why do some get mad at God and cast blame on him, asking him or his followers, 'Why does a good and loving God let these things happen?' My question is why do we not recognize who is truly to blame, who is truly at work? It is Satan, the Devil, who is at work. God sent Jesus to die for our sins and to conquer Evil, which he has done. The devil is still the ruler of this dark world and he is at work every day trying to turn us away from the truth that can save us. God gave us free will to choose, Him or sin (which is of Satan). I beg of you, in love for you, choose God and his son to be the ruler of your life. Do his will. Do not give the devil a foothold in your life. And let us remember this Christmas this gift of our Savior, that God gave to us all. Pay this gift forward and spread the good news and His love. 


Some verses from God's word that are on my heart in light of recent events in our world. Please read them, let them into your heart and let them work in you. 


Romans 1: 28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. 

(This is one of my most cherished chapters from God's word.)
Romans 12: 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.



Ephesians 6: 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.


Hebrews 2: 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too (Jesus) shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.


James 1: 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

Romans 15: 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


In closing I would like to say, if we stop living our normal lives because we are afraid from events that the devil has caused, then his plans are gaining a foothold. What we need more is to continue to lead our normal lives, despite our pain, and not be afraid but keep our awesome fear of the God of heaven AND earth. 




Thursday, December 6, 2012

a Christmas Song (or two) on my Heart ~ from me to you


Baby It's Cold Outside and I am Dreaming of a 
White Christmas, Dashing through the Snow along the City Sidewalks Dressed in Holiday Style. 
The Jingle Bells are Ringing, Ring-a-Linging 
while we are Rockin Around the Christmas Tree and the kids are seein Mommy Kissing Santa Claus underneath the Mistletoe. From our family to yours, 
We Wish you a Merry Christmas 
and a Happy New Year 
and 
Joy to the World.