Happy New Year!

 Here I am at one minute before the hour marking the close of 2014 and beginning of 2015.  Don't have much to say, as this little guy says it all.  No matter what comes your way, never give up!  Trusting God for an exciting New Year!

The Life I Live

As we enter into a new year it is important to reflect upon the one we are leaving behind. The older I become the more important it is to me to have a life well-lived, especially as regards my Christian testimony "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)

This morning I listened to the first part of a series of teachings on the Book of Acts. It's always interesting the way God works in me.  The title was "Waiting Upon the Lord" and this seems to be what I have been doing for quite awhile now.  Sometimes I wonder why He wants me here, and I really wonder what possible good I can do for Him.

This first teaching was on Acts 1:1-5 and the speaker poses this one question: "Is the gospel of Jesus Christ going to the ends of the earth from your Jerusalem?" or more succinctly, "Do I believe in the resurrection, and does my life show it?"

Over the past 24 weeks I have been involved in the teaching of Francis Frangipane through In Christ's Image study.  Whenever you purpose in your heart to grow closer to the Lord and set your face to seeking more of Him, you will no doubt encounter more obstacles along the way to test your resolve.  I knew this going into this study, and I still chose to do it.  Interestingly it was during this same time that I finally decided to open my home to a small Bible study every other Friday, so you can imagine the anger being hurled my way by the enemy of our souls.  So now I am at yet another crossroads in my life where I need to decide, "Do I continue into Session 2 or wait awhile, take a breather?"  I think you all know the answer to that one if you know anything about me at all.

If nothing else the one thing about which I am passionate is being transformed into the image of Christ.  I want to touch the lives and hearts of others and show them that I not only believe  in the resurrection, but I know that He lives in me and working through me can change the world.  He does this through the lives of all who believe, put their faith in Him, and allow Him to change them into vessels for His use.  The love of God poured out for all to see and to all who long for a better life.

In our world today it is often difficult to love people who do abominable things in our eyes, yet to God there is no difference - sin is sin, none greater than the other.  If we can ask Him to forgive us, how can we not show the same love and compassion for another?  I know, sometimes the personal hurt caused is so deep this act of faith seems so impossible, but it can be done through a conscious act on our parts to love others as He loved us and gave Himself for us. The world will see and know Him through our love for one another.

The speaker also made this point - "Our lives are an open book, being read by all we see, being recorded by God. How will your story read?"

I can only speak for myself.  It is my prayer that regardless of the mistakes and wrong choices I've made, that from this day forward my story will be His story working through my life. As we approach the day of Christ's return there must first be the gospel of Jesus Christ going to the uttermost parts of the earth.  Also, the church of Jesus Christ as a whole needs to be purified, walking in unity, so that all may see the love for one another, in spite of cultural or denominational differences. The Bible speaks so clearly that we will be known as His disciples by the love we show to one another. That means working together for one common purpose, not concerned for self, but for His glory alone.

So let the work begin in me, and I pray through me, by the power of His indwelling Spirit. "Fore apart from Him, I can do nothing."

Shine On

Today marks the anniversary of my parents' deaths and the day my precious uncle is laid to rest.  I know they have already reunited in Heaven and are singing and rejoicing with the angels in the presence of our Lord and King.

Although it is a sad day, because we always miss the ones we love, it is a day of happiness for the life they now live, the one we have the hope of sharing if we merely place our hand in the hand of the One who loves us, who gave His life so we may live eternally in peace with Him.  It is beyond all imagining this life He offers to us if we simply believe and accept Him.

I have such cherished memories of my Uncle John, all engrafted on my heart since childhood. So many who knew him appreciate the warmth of his smile and the generosity of his spirit. He loved to laugh, and he loved his family well. Above all he lived his faith before all he met, a legacy we can pay forward.  As he touched each of our lives in a special way, so we need to share the hope with others. 

As we approach Christmas Day it is my prayer that we find new strength, new faith and hope in the dreams Christ has given to each of us.  Miracles do exist today, and it is my hope that we can look within ourselves to understand the meaning of this message.  We are candles set upon a hill, and they should never be hidden. Shine forth in darkness this Christmas and bring light to the world.  Never doubt His presence; never doubt His love. He lives.

Something to Consider

"Who would we be.. if just one percent of the people of the world were 

 complaint free? War would be laughed out of the room... just imagine 

people would speak more kindly... courtesy would be invited back 

into our homes.. our kitchens... We would care more about our children.. 

everyone is our child we would stop hating others... it would be 

just the beginning ~ of paradise. ~ " 

Maya Angelou

Yesterday, December 5, 2014 marked the one year anniversary of Nelson Mandela's passing, so it is proper and fitting that I write about my experience and convictions I hold dear today.  This month has already been difficult as bittersweet memories come to mind. I had an upsetting day yesterday that fueled my fire somewhat, that and my sole desire to live my life as Jesus would have me.  People so carelessly speak the words of love and respect or quote the scriptures so freely without regard for the meaning in each word, the breath of life and hope in each syllable. I happen to believe those sacred words and trust in the Author and Finisher of my faith.  To serve Him as His emissary in this world is often a path of tears and misery, but it is worth the momentary hurts to realize our days on this earth are fleeting.  We live with the hope of eternity lifting us up when our spirits are low, because we not only believe, but we trust, and eventually know, because we have come to know Him as Abba Father.

In this morning's reading in My Daily Walk bible I read these words:

"One way to measure the depth of your religion is to look at the breadth of your concern for others."

These words are so true, yet there are those who would not agree.

Today my heart remains heavy, because I care so much for the welfare of others. I have heard these words spoken to me so many times along this "road less traveled" that "If you don't take care of yourself, you will be unable to help others." Again these words are very true, but they can also become an excuse to avoid seeing and meeting the needs of others, or daring to reach out in friendship to another ragamuffin along the way.  I am a misfit, a ragamuffin, and I am proud to be called dysfunctional in this regard, because in living my life I can give comfort to those who are hurting, degraded, who have lost their way, and I can offer love and acceptance.  Our actions are more important than our words, because seeing the life lived out inspires more than a promise that eventually fades into forgetfulness, unfulfilled.

I become very passionate when I speak about my life, because regardless of the countless mistakes and wrong decisions I have made along the way, my life has been guided since I was a child, and I was never abandoned in the spiritual sense.  I have always been keenly aware of His presence even when I did not tangibly feel it.  So if I can do one thing for the rest of my life it would be to treat others kindly, offering love and friendship to others each day.  I can remain confident and strengthened by the support and love of my fellow man, especially on days more difficult than others. I can continue to put one foot in front of the other and walk in determination, offering support, guidance, and hope in being counted with the One Percent who gives 100% of myself.  It is my privilege, and honor, so I offer it you, dear readers, as something to consider.