"Oh Holy Night"

What a beautiful song to remember our Savior. "Fall on your knees, oh hear the angels voices, oh night divine, when Christ was born, oh night divine!" Remember and reflect this holiday season and I pray God's blessing and favor on each and everyone of you. My hope is to see you again when I return from my travels after the first of the year. Listen and be inspired anew by, Celine Dion, Kenny Rogers and the Gaithers. The flavor of your choosing....God bless!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AgOMsXLCtw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PqvAdz5cYE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5el-SGM5q1I

God Is The Rewarder

There are many examples in the bible where God intervenes and provides for those who serve Him. The scripture reminds us that it rains on the just and the unjust, however God's children will never be forsaken. God encourages us in His word not to quit or give up, for when you least expect it He will show up. His ways are higher than our ways.

I was reading this morning a post from a former student on Facebook, where she commented that she had lost control of everything! Her dear friend responded so wisely, "Give God the control and He'll never let you down. We weren't meant to control our lives. He has a better plan than we could ever make :)" That is an exact quote! Wow is right! Bless that young lady for speaking truth to her friend during a time of seeming distress.

Are you in distress today, or are you in a place to be a blessing? Either way calls for action. Moving forward and not losing faith and hope during your struggles, recognizing that you are a child of the most high, or reaching out in your circle of influence to those who need a lift, or a word of encouragement, like this young lady did?

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12.

Psalm 25 video, from the mouths of babes....and kudos to an awesome dad! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZtqnm_f-SQ

Bless The Lord....

Psalm 103. A beautiful passage of God's faithfulness and our gratitude for all He has done and promises to do, not only for us, but our children's, children.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTe16UEN-Ag

Loving With An Open Hand

This past week while sharing with friends, we talked about the desire and need to be loved with an open hand. While listening to the radio a while back there was a pastor who reflected on the same message in terms of how we are to love the things and people here on earth. The message was that change is inevitable if we are to be used of God, and that means being able to let go of things we are attached to here on earth. If we view life here with a open hand and stewards of God's blessings instead of owners, then we do not get upset as things come and go in our lives.

This is easy with some things yet harder with others. The question to ask is, " Is there something I am not willing to allow to leave my life if that is what God asks of me?" Remember the rich young man that God loved who had done everything, right according to the law yet God said this to him in Luke 18:18-23.

[18] A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

[19] "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good -- except God alone. [20] You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"

[21] "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.

[22] When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

[23] When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.

Questions to consider. Are we missing out on God's greatest blessings for us because things are more important than surrender? Do we  trust God enough to let go of our "stuff" or relationships and let him become the center of our lives, for our good and the good of others around us? Do we love others with an open hand?

May we all be encouraged to take inventory of our lives today and consider where we may be holding on and not loving openly. Blessings to you and yours today as we show God's love to those around us, with an open hand.