The Path to Humility

Effectively using God's gifts involves years of obedience, perseverance, and endurance. We must be careful to keep our hearts open to God's direction and live a life pleasing to Him. That requires a life of humility patterned on the attitudes and actions of Jesus.

We must use our gifts for God's purposes - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3. For example, rather than using our testimony to demonstrate our spiritual superiority, we might try humbly sharing it with people who could use a simple word of hope.

Embracing the humility of Jesus entails sitting in His presence, praying, reading God's Word, and allowing the Scriptures to infuse and transform our lives. With our Lord's guidance, we must take on "the very nature of a servant." Philippians 2:7

God has blessed us so that we can be a blessing. We must strive to do all out of love, not out of conceit or pride.

 

No longer Condemned

If our Lord Jesus could forgive the adulterous woman for what she did, then surely we can forgive others. Forgiveness is a cleansing tool God uses to purify us, as God's vessels, so that we can go forward, refined as gold, to do what the Lord has called us to do.

All of us would like to be perfect and never make a mistake, but we are imperfect human beings. Some marriages end in divorce. Some Christians stumble and fall. Some believers give in to temptation.

To be sure, God does not put the divine seal of approval on our sins and failures, but through Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and accepted. While Christ points us to the ideal, He refuses to close the door to those who sometimes fail to attain the ideal.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

His Faithfulness

 

 

 My new book Living by Faith will soon be published. It was written to help others know the power of a journey filled with trusting in the Lord. In the thirty five years, I have been writing for publications - I have learned to be led by the precious Holy Spirit.  

 

 Christ came as light, joy, and peace. How can we receive this light?  By receiving Him into our lives and being transformed daily by His Spirit.  

 

 When people lose the light of Christ in their lives - depression, pain, and misery come in. When they are filled with His Spirit and dwell on Him, the love He has for them will pour out so others may see and believe.  

 

 If Christians carry the burdens of others, they will not think so much of their own problems. Everywhere we look there are others worse off than us. When we pray for them, love them, and help them, we will get our minds off ourselves. 

 

 Learn to live above the circumstances. So what if things are not going smoothly? Accept them and move forward. We need to focus on God rather than on our problems. When we are grateful for all He has done and remember His faithfulness, His perfect peace will replace our worry and fear.

 

 

 

A Time of Hope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we celebrate Easter this Sunday - it comes with a feeling of renewal - a renewal of spirit and a refreshing of life. A time of hope during a time of uncertainty.

 

I enjoyed writing Living by Faith. The idea was inspired last year when I decided to share a selection of my devotions and articles. In the thirty five years I have been writing, I have learned to be led by the Holy Spirit. It's all about Him! May it encourage and inspire readers to spend time in His presence.  

 

When I complete a devotional, article or book, the first thing I do is take a look at it. Not just a quick glance, but one that is long, concentrated and thorough. First, I look at the words as a whole and then I turn my attention to the details. Although I realize I am the author who created it, I need to view it through the eyes of the reader. In other words, before I sign my name, I must be sure I am satisfied with it. If not, I need to make changes.

I do the same thing with my life. Going over what I've done, how I responded, and what was done creatively as well as the things I didn't handle as well as I should. The most important thing is to put God first each day reflecting on changes we can make that will please Him. If we pray and wait on His direction, He will lead us.  

Let's celebrate this most wonderful time of the year - knowing Christ has risen and if we have accepted Him as Lord - we shall reign with Him forever.

 

 

 

 

Visiting the Holy Land

One of my most favorite places to visit was the Holy Land. I'll never forget my trip to Israel many years ago. Seeing Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, The Sea of Galilee, Garden of Gethsemane and other places in the Holy Land.     

Jerusalem was our first stop on the bus tour then on to see the Western Wall, the lovely Churches and Dome of the Rock and Nazareth the home of Joseph and Mary. We had many places to see on our tour and such a short time to visit. Another area in the Holy Land that grabbed my attention was when we crossed a bridge over the Jordan River. Today many Christians are being baptized in this river.  “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River” (Mark 1:9 NIV).

Bethlehem was one of the most treasured places we visited. One of my favorite souvenirs was an olive wood nativity from Bethlehem. I wrote a  children’s book The Olive Wood Manger - it’s a keepsake for my grandchildren and photos of this nativity. 

After touring several ancient sites, we went on a small boat across the Sea of Galilee. Enjoyed a delightful Saint Peter’s fish dinner. Much of the ministry of Jesus occurred on these shores. 

 

Visiting the Garden of Gethsemane still brings back a time of solitude.  The garden is at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Walking where Christ walked was the highlight of this trip and a place I'll always remember every time I read God's Word.

Memories are made to last forever!

Easter Week

Let’s take this time - Easter Week - and forget about our problems and remember what Christ did for us. Before the miracle of the Resurrection came Good Friday, the day our Lord suffered and died on the cross.

Turn your heart to Christ this week - for this is the beginning of all our victory. Spend time in God's Word and seek Him during this time of staying home. Reach out to someone on the telephone or write a letter to someone. Many are hurting and need a touch from the Master. 

Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God, walked out of that cold tomb and right into our lives. God took the worst that could happen and made it a wonderful gift to mankind.

The most important thing is Christ is not in the tomb. "He is not here; He has risen." Luke 24:6.  

Our Holy, Trustworthy God

At present, the world is hurting because of a virus that has invaded our land. Financial markets are being wracked by crises related to debt and economic instability. Unemployment is high in many parts of the world; people are worried about the future.

No matter what we are facing or may face in the future, God is still Lord of all creation. He is still reaching out a hand of grace, comfort, strength, and forgiveness to as many who will receive Him.

At this time, we cannot lay hold of answers to all our questions about life - with its suffering and trials. But, we do know that God is still our Holy, Trustworthy Lord.

Today, with all the turmoil in the world, there are many Christians who live in obedience to God's Word. He continues to strengthen and sustain those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.