You Are Perfect In All Of Your Ways....

In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the young ruler who thought he had it all together and was perfect in his own eyes ran up to Jesus and says," What do I have to do to inherit eternal life"? Jesus says go and sell what you have, give to the poor and follow me. With that directive the young ruler left saddened because he had much. In his eyes he was perfect, but God saw what he was lacking, and called him out on what to do, but it was too much to ask.....

Mark 10:17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But at these words [a]he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

What I am proposing this Christmas is for us to learn from this young ruler's mistake and to give others a lasting gift of love by sharing our resources with the least of those around us. Instead of giving another tie, socks, shoes or some trinket that will be set on a shelf, give a gift to an orphan or a widow that otherwise would not have any gifts this Christmas in honor of that person and share the love of Christ that is lasting. The perfect gift of giving....

Won't you join me this Christmas and help shine the light of Jesus to a lost and hurting world? There are many opportunities in your community, and or around the world. A few favorite charities of mine are the Samaritans Purse, Salvation Army and World Vision. A smaller more personal project I have started is in Kodaikanal, India. Our cat's name is KC and since she was such a pivotal point in our going to India and a testimony to God's protection in our travels, I have used her initials as the acronym for the out reach. "Kodaikanal for Christ".

I challenge you this season to get involved where ever you are and make a difference with your gifts. Together we can change the world, one city at a time....

Kodaikanal For Christ: All gifts sent to me go directly to Mercy Home, and Kodaikanal Christian Orphanage. Your dollars multiply 60 times when you give. Email ckskrmetta@yahoo.com for details.


World Vision: http://donate.worldvision.org/ways-to-give/gift-catalogcampaign=119351201&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand%20-%20Top%20Performing&utm_term=world%20vision

Samaritan's Purse: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uEMMylOyuI

Godspeed and Merry Christmas to all.....

Grace Wins Every Time....

Have you ever had a chance to pay someone back for a wrong and then allow them a pass, by letting it go, allowing them to exit without a scene, or were you bent on proving that you were right and having the last word? I think if you are like me, it has taken many seasons of life to learn to let it go, even when you know you are right. Proverbs 19:11 "A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense."

Somewhere along the way we learn, thankfully, that not having the last word as difficult as it may be, is often the best way for lasting friendships, marriages, and relationships with our kids, co-workers and friends. I had a good friend once say, "Ya know, as soon as I learned to say, you're right, I was wrong, I am sorry, marriage got so much easier." Of course he was half joking about how to get a long in marriage, but in reflection I think he was on to something....

My husband and I often reflect on how pleasant it is to live in a place where people answer to a higher power, whether in the states or overseas. It appears the people as a whole are kinder, quieter, compassionate, helpful, courteous on the streets, not honking and yelling, but stopping to letting you pass, holding a door open, going out of their way to help, praying before a meal whether in public or in private. What would the world look like today, if we as Christians modeled this in our homes, in the workplace, and on the roads where we drive?

God's word however takes it even a bit further. It says we are to love our enemies, and to pray for those who persecute us. Matthew 5:44. He not only gave this directive in word, he then modeled it in deed, by dying on the cross, not for anything he had done, but for us, you and me.  He gave us mercy, he allowed us to escape the judgement we all deserve, he took our punishment.

Grace, it really is all about grace. Not my way, but God's amazing grace. Even as Christ prayed his final prayer, knowing he was about to endure extreme suffering he submitted his will to Gods', knowing that the temporary suffering as difficult as it was, would yield lasting fruit. "Not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22:42.

 Lord, help us to reflect you in all we think, say and do. Help us to show your grace even in the face of persecution and hardship. Help us to forgive those who trespass against us, as you have so graciously forgiven us, and let your light shine, that others may see you in us and consider accepting you as their personal Savior, by how we live, in Jesus name I pray.....

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQqZltmA0eM

Speak Life...

As a teacher, parent, colleague, wife, neighbor, etc., I have seeds that I am scattering though the words I say and the things I do. As I think about what to share with my daughter before an all important test that seems to be bigger than life to her, I am called to "speak life".  It makes me more sensitive as to what I say with an understanding that it can have a profound impact on where her hope is.

As Christians are we pointing to the author and finisher of our faith in all we say and do? We all have roles in this life, but where do our words and actions point others too? Are we speaking hope and life to those around us?

 I am challenged this morning to speak life. Listen and be encouraged with me in your walk today....

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeBv9r92VQ0