MY Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.......John 14:27

Kay at Thrive Christians has been doing a series on "peace". I've been following her along, and today when my Daily Bible Verse arrived in my e-mail, the above verse is the verse for today.

The peace that this verse speaks of is not peace of our own making. The key word here is "MY"--referring, of course, to the peace of Jesus.

Jesus' peace is not something that can be found in a store, in the purchase of something new that will make us temporarily happy. Yes, it will make us feel happy for a short period of time, but that happiness is fleeting. It is not the peace and joy that Jesus offers us.

This peace and joy is in our hearts and minds--the trust, faith and knowledge that no matter what comes our way in our day-to-day lives, God is in control. We can bring these concerns of ours to God. He is there, He is listening to us, and He will answer us.

We can feel peaceful in spite of the turmoils of our lives. Jesus has left us with HIS peace, the peace that surpasses all human understanding.

This peace is not something that can be purchased by us at a store--it is not of this world. In fact, we have been purchased by Jesus at a price that we could never afford.

One of my own personal goals for this year is to turn to Jesus quickly with my everyday problems, no matter how small. Sometimes I think that my small problems are insignificant in the greater realm of life. So, I wait, and the peacefulness that is there and available eludes me.

As an example, this morning when I looked at the weather forecast I noticed that we are to be having dangerously high winds today and tomorrow. My daughter is flying to Texas tomorrow. Instead of worrying about this, I gave it to God--turning to Him instead of to my own worry and concerns.

Many people are going through a time of uncertainty--job stability, economic challenges, personal life changes--all things that could create fear and dread in our lives.

I am going to be actively seeking the peace of Jesus. He has never let me go--even when I was far from Him. He loves me, He loves you.

We are sons and daughters of the King. God wants what is the best for us.

What about you? Are you going to be seeking HIS peace?

Beth

Weekly Memory Verse

I've been putting this off long enough!!

I have been telling and telling myself that I need to memorize Scripture--just a verse a week. Not too hard, right?

Well, I apparently need some accountability in this because I have fallen short of my goal time and time again.

Scripture memorization is very important. This way when we need to call upon the Lord, when we are facing a temptation (just like Jesus in the desert with Satan), when we are speaking with someone about perhaps a problem, perhaps leading them to Jesus, God will bring these Scriptures back to our minds--instant recall--and we will have them right there in our minds--readily available.

So, I have decided that today is the day!! I'm going to memorize one verse a week--starting on a Monday. Then next Monday, I'll type that verse from memorization and move on to another verse.

Then comes the question: "How do I choose which verse to memorize?"

I have a Daily Bible Verse e-mailed to me every morning. Included with this is a "Weekly Memory Verse". So, I have decided to use this verse as my memory verse.

Here is this week's verse:

For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5

Anyone want to join me in my quest??

Beth

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Are Signs

Peggy at Amazing Grace~~Mazes, Messes, Miracles is without internet service for the time being. She usually hosts Super Simple Sunday, and since she is not available I decided to post this regardless.

I was just reading at Internet Cafe Devotions, "The Road for a Year" by Angie.

And I know that God led me to read this on this particular day. I feel as though I am at a crossroads in my life--which way to go, where is God leading me next, praying for His direction in my life.

In the busyness of preparing for Christmas, I have not been listening as closely to what God is saying to me. God is still here, still working in my life. But, I have allowed myself to be pressured, feeling stressed, tired and worn down, irritable. As a result of this, I have missed the small moments--the moments when God is telling me "Stop, look and listen!! I have something to tell you and you're not hearing it!!"

Today God has posted a stop sign in my life--a sign from God in the road of my life telling me to stop, be still and listen for His voice. So, I will be still and wait and listen. I will be quiet and listen to others around me as He speaks to me through them.

I do have plans for the day--time spent with my daughter--precious few moments that we have together before she leaves to return to Texas. I will follow through with these plans, but I intend to truly listen to what she is telling me because I have missed her, missed time spent with her in both of our busyness.

Stop over and read what Angie has written at Internet Cafe Devotions. What sign is God posting in your life today?

Beth

And after I posted this, I just "happened" to read the Bible verse for today that is in the sidebar!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

This Christmas

As my Christmas gift to you all, I'd like to share a poem by Joni Ames that I will be reading at our Christmas Eve service tonight. Tonight, tonight, it's Jesus birthday. I'm awestruck yet again!

Be blessed and inspired as you read Joni's poem. All my love, HisFireFly

This Christmas - by Joni Ames

On that first Christmas Day, He came,
A babe inside the hay,
A star above, the only sign
To show the world the way

On that first Christmas, just a few
Knew Jesus Christ was born
And only some beheld His face
That first bright Christmas morn

On that first Christmas night He lay
At the mercy of the world
Rejected from the very start
As His life was unfurled

His parents had to flee with Him
And find a place to hide
Where He would not be found and killed
Though many people tried

But now He's not a little babe
Wrapped, hidden, in the hay
He's risen up as King of Kings
To show the world the way

He isn't in a stable, dark,
Where no one else can see
He's risen to the throne of God
Where He was meant to be

He doesn't seek the world's grace
They kneel at His Name
And everywhere, because He lives,
The world is not the same

This Christmas He is not a child
Who seeks your mercies, fair,
But He is Lord of all the Earth
His grace, with you, to share

He doesn't run from anyone
Nor play their silly games
For even Satan has to bow
At the mention of His Name

This Christmas, take Him from the hay
And place Him on YOUR throne
For He's King of Kings, and Lord of Lords
So crown Him as YOUR OWN

Soon He'll break the Eastern Sky
Returning for His Bride
And all who still turn Him away
Will have no place to hide

Care enough to give the best
To family and friends
Give to them the Good News now
Of life that never ends

Show them there's a better way
Not mapped by any man
Let them know they have a choice
To live Salvation's Plan

Jesus Christ WAS once that child -
But let the good news ring! -
THIS Christmas, let the whole world know -
HE REIGNS AS LORD AND KING!!!

While You Were Sleeping

Today is the last day of Holiday Expo at the Internet Cafe. These are my thoughts and perspectives on the day we celebrate Christ's birth!!

To read others' thoughts simply click on the button above, and maybe you'd like to join us in your feelings about Jesus' birth.

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origns are from of old, from ancient times.".....Micah 5:2

Bethlehem--small and insignificant among the clans of Judah. This area was even considered to be unclean and out of touch with the rest of the clans of Judah. And yet, God chose this place for the birth of His precious Son--the one who would come to save the world.

Do you feel yourself small and insignificant sometimes? If you do, then I have to say to you to rejoice in this!! God has a great history of taking small and insignificant people, small and insignificant places, and using them to display His glory and greatness!!

Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape...1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

We must be watchful and aware--Jesus is returning!! We do not know when, but I don't want to be caught sleeping!!

Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you're lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had came
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark
There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping

Are we as a nation going to be sleeping with no room for our King?


Beth

Super Sunday

For unto us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will on his shoulders.

And he will be called

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR,

MIGHTY GOD,

EVERLASTING FATHER,

PRINCE OF PEACE.

Isaiah 9:6

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting

Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child

Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home

Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence

Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born

So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy

Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world

Be sure to visit Peggy at Amazing Grace~~Mazes, Messes, Miracles for more Super Sunday participants. Stop by and visit and join in!!

Oh, and visit me at warmHarte and met my new "grandson"!! Another special child to welcome to the world!!



Beth

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

As CHRISTmas day approaches, I'm finding my thoughts directed more and more to the birth of Jesus, His life, His mission on this earth, and yes, ultimately His death and tremendous sacrifice for us.

My thoughts are being drawn to the birth of my own son. I am remembering the first time I held him in my arms, how he looked and smelled, how precious he was (and still is) to me.

I have to admit that the very first time I was able to nestle him closely to me that I fell instantly in love.

Suppose, just suppose, someone had come to me and said, "Okay, you've carried this child, you've given birth to this child, oh, you love him so dearly. Now, he has a greater mission on this earth. You need to raise him and give him away to the world. And, it won't be easy--this life of his. He will suffer persecution, torture and a painful death all for the sake of others."

And, I am thinking about Mary--how she felt at the birth of Jesus. Yes, she was chosen by God. She must have felt blessed by this alone. I am sure she was joyful holding Him for the very first time, holding Him close to her--the Son of God. But, did her heart ache also at the thoughts of what this child would suffer? Did she know? Did she realize?

We are celebrating Jesus' birth this coming week--a wonderful gift from God. He was sent to us so that we could see God in the flesh and learn how to live and conduct our lives.

The greater gift is Jesus' death and resurrection--the sacrifice of His life for us so that we can have forgiveness of our sins and spend an eternity with Him in Heaven--God's great sacrifice of His ONLY Son for me, for you, for all of us.

Has anyone ever given you such a gift? The gift of their own death for you? The gift of an eternal life spent with them in a perfect place such as Heaven? The gift of grace, mercy, peace, joy and hope in your life?

Do you know this gift? Have you received and accepted this gift from God?

If you haven't, I have to ask you--What is holding you back?

Be sure and visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders for more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" participants. Maybe you'd like to join in!!

Beth

Super Sunday

I have my mind on shepherds, it seems!! I posted my "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" about shepherds, and I'm still thinking about them.

I've looked a little further into this--about the shepherd's staff--particularly used in Psalm 23--"Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me". In searching for information about this, I came across the following devotional:

The Comforting Rod

In Psalm 23 there is a line; "Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (Verse 4) What is the purpose of a shepherd's rod or staff? No doubt the shepherd uses it partly as a walking stick and to test the ground or path where he is leading the sheep. But mainly it is used for correcting or disciplining his little charges.

For instance, if a sheep is veering off the right path, the shepherd might reach out his staff to direct the sheep back to safety. He might use it to separate a quarrel or even to administer a quick correction for rebellion. Sometimes a well placed whack sets the record straight and prevents further trouble.

Is correction a comfort? Yes, it really is, isn't it? Most children will report (if they are being completely honest) that they feel safer and more loved if they are raised with discipline. I heard a girl say once when a friend's mother was grounding her for something; "I wish my mom would do that." What she really wanted was a mother who cared enough to correct her.

We have a Good Shepherd who cares enough to correct us. He's looking out for us every single minute. He's quick to use his rod to pull us back from danger and to direct us on to the right path. On our own we are likely to get in trouble but not with his staff there as a protection. Knowing his comforting rod is close and available we can direct our attention to gobbling up those lush green pastures.

(copied from Hannah's Cupboard: http://www.hannahscupboard.com/wake-apr05-7.html)

I have been thinking a lot about how Jesus feels when one of his sheep are lost. Does He just leave us there, trying to find our way on our own? or Does He search and search, send others our way to set us on the right path?

I have to admit that I've been a little lost the past few days. Did God just let me stay there in this lost state wondering what direction to turn, where to go, what to do next?

No, He sent out the search party!! He didn't just leave me there floundering around on my own. He surrounded me with my spiritual family (and that includes you!) to encourage me, uplift me and guide me on my way!!

God has never failed me, and He will never fail me!!

Even when I was far from Him, He still loved me and cared for me--every small moment of my life. I'm still finding ways that God provided for me when I had nothing that I considered "coincidence" at the time. Now, I know--it was God's loving Hand and guidance all along. How I praise Him for this!!

And what happens when the lost sheep is found?

Jesus takes us in His arms, embraces us, loves us, welcomes our return, and all of Heaven sings for JOY!!

THE LOST HAS BEEN FOUND!!!!

And here is the perfect song to go along with my past few days spent in negative thinking:

Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'REJOICE WITH ME; I HAVE FOUND MY LOST SHEEP.'

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."..........Luke 15:3-7

Abba,

Thank You for not leaving me alone in my negative thinking--feeling lost and alone. Thank You for sending the search party to find me and bring me to You for comfort. I now rejoice and rest comfortably on Your shoulders.

Thank You for searching for Your lost sheep everywhere. May they all come to You for the comfort, guidance and love that they need.

In MY Jesus' precious name--ALL GOD's PEOPLE SAY...............

AMEN

Be sure and visit Peggy at Amazing Grace~~Mazes, Messes, Miracles to see her Super Sunday, view all the participants, and join in!!

Beth

Understanding the reason

I am reading a story tomorrow night at our church Christmas Banquet that pops up every year when I search for Christmas stories. It does a great job of the answering the question about why Jesus would give up His life in heaven and come live here on earth with mortal men.

I pray that you are blessed as you read....

There was once a man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays, like Christmas. His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments.

One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked him to come, but he refused.

"That story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That's ridiculous!" So she and the children left, and he stayed home.

A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. Then another thump. He looked out, but couldn't see more than a few feet.

When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window. In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed.

The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside.

The geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them and they moved further away. He went into the house and came back out with some bread, broke it up, and made a breadcrumbs trail leading to the barn, but they still didn't catch on.

Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe.

"Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed. "Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?" He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human.

"If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud.

Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn - and one by one the other geese followed it to safety!

He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind:

"If only I were a goose, then I could save them!"

Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous!"

Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese - blind, lost, and perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of Christmas, he realized!

As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come.

Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer:

"Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!"

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

My friend, Peggy, sent me a devotional from "Women of Faith". At the bottom of this was what was called "Fun Fact". I found this most interesting and wanted to share this with you:

Did you know that during Bible times, shepherds were often considered outcasts in society? They couldn't participate in religious ceremonies, for example, because they were considered unclean. They were generally the poor peasants of their day and were often suspected of being thieves.

Isn't it amazing to think that God chose these people to be the first to hear the good news about Jesus? Of all the people in the world, of all the kings and people with wealth and power, or even just the regular folks, God chose to send His mighty angels to the shepherds, the outcasts and allow them to greet the Christ child.

No matter what you may think about yourself, or what others may think about you, God loves you so much that He sent His own Son, Jesus, just for you. Even if you were the only person on the earth, even if you were a thief or a smelly shepherd, God would have sent Jesus just for you. This Christmas and Advent, respond just as the shepherds did: run to Jesus,and tell everyone what you have seen!

It has taken me quite a while to do this post. I searched through all the usual CHRISTmas songs that would apply to this: "Angels We Have Heard on High", "Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night", "The First Noel", "Go Tell It On the Mountain", and yes, all these songs do relate to the shepherds first hearing the news of Jesus' birth.

But, they did not say how I am feeling at this moment or how the shepherds who were lowly, outcasts, probably dirty and smelly felt when they saw this spectacular sight from Heaven--God's angels coming to them to proclaim the birth of His Son!!

I can imagine they were thinking to themselves--"What? Why would God do this for us? We are nothing!!!"

And, I, too, sometimes think that: "Why would God do this for me? I am nothing."

So, I walked away from this post--walked away and prayed: "God, what direction am I heading in with this? What do YOU want me to say?"

And this was His answer:

Take these hands
And lift them up
For I have not the strength to praise You near enough
See, I have nothing
I have nothing without You

And take my voice and pour it out
Let it sing the songs of mercy I have found
For I have nothing
I have nothing without You

And all my soul needs is all Your love
To cover me, so all the world will see
That I have nothing without You

Take my body and build it up
May it be broken as an offering of love
For I have nothing
I have nothing without You

And all my soul needs is all Your love
To cover me so all the world will see
That I have nothing
That I love you, yeah
With all my heart
With all my soul
With all my mind
And all the strength I can find

Take my time here on this earth
And let it glorify all that You are worth
For I am nothing
I am nothing without You

Stop over and visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders for more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday". Maybe you'd like to join in this week!!

Beth

The Perfect Gift

Are you still looking for the perfect gift for someone who is difficult to buy for?

Why not be the "hands and feet of Jesus" this year?

Just stop by here, and you can see all the opportunities to give to those less fortunate than us, a true gift in the name of Jesus.

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me"......Matthew 25: 37-40

Beth

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A REALLY BIG PARTY!!

OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!

HE HAS TRANSFORMED ME FROM
A PERSON OF ANGER, RESENTMENT
AND BITTERNESS
INTO
A
PERSON
OF:
LOVE
JOY
HOPE
FAITH
TRUST
SECURITY
CALMNESS

COME TO THE PARTY, AND BE SURE TO PASS THE WORD!!

I was visiting Jennifer, and she had this invitation posted. She wants the word spread about this party, so please feel free to copy it. We want EVERYONE to attend!!

You are cordially invited to

A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25
but He's always around, so the date is flexible...

Time: Whenever you're ready.
(Please don't be late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun!)

Place: In your heart.... He'll meet you there.
(You'll hear Him knock.)

Attire: Come as you are... grubbies are okay.
He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about
new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He's
already paid for everyone...
(He says you wouldn't have been
able to afford it anyway...
it cost Him everything He had. But
you do need to accept the ticket!!

Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a
far-out drink He calls "Living Water,"
followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Gift Suggestions: ; Your life. He's one of those
people who already has everything else.
(He's very generous in return though.
Just wait until you see what He has for you!)

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth,
Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness,
Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power,
Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!
(All "G" rated, so bring your family and friends.)

R.S.V.P. Very Important!
He must know ahead so He can
reserve a spot for you at the table.
Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future
reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life."

Party being given by His Kids (that's us!!)!
Hope to see you there! For those of you whom I will
see at the party, share this with someone today!

P.S. Please feel free to post this invitation on your blog...if you like.

We want this to be the biggest birthday party for Jesus...so spread the word!!!

Super Sunday

It's Sunday, it's simple and it's super!! Time for Super Sunday with Peggy at Amazing Grace~~Mazes, Messes, Miracles!!

Visit Peggy to view all the participants, and maybe you'd even like to join in!!

Courtesy of Paul Lee at Heartlight.org

Have a wonderful Sunday!!

Beth

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

It's time for "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" with Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

"God is not a man, that He should lie,
nor a son of man, that He should change His mind.
Does He speak and then not act?
Does He promise and not fulfill?"

Numbers 23: 19

Be sure and visit Amy for to visit all the participants for "Then Sings My Soul Saturday". Maybe you'd like to join us!!

Beth