GOD'S LOVE! GOD'S GIFT!

GOD'S LOVE! 

God's Gift. The time came. Good news brought.

Praises. Wonder. Thanks. Love.

Keep yourselves in the love of God......(Jude 1:21)

Tea in hand, I read Margie's card again and again.  Then, I picked up hubby's Bible and read more good news.

The Savior, the Messiah came. (Luke 2:11)

The Son of Man will come again.....in glory! (Luke 21:27)

ALL IS CALM!

Calm!

These days is "calm" used much any more in our multi tasking society?

Do we know how to be still?

Be still before the Lord?? (Psalm 46:10)

In today's terms, is this God's way of encouraging us in our time of worry, busyness and anxious thoughts? "Relax. I got this." (Psalm 94:19)

His consolations certainly can bring "bright" to our lives and delight to our souls.!

JOY! JOY!! JOY!!!

JOY to the World! How about JOY in the world!

Where does JOY begin? Years ago I learned that true JOY begins with Jesus. The Lord is our cup of blessing as He is always with us. JOY continues as we serve others well...as God loves us, by putting others before self. Self is last in the recipe for JOY. True JOY comes to us as we put Jesus and others first.

This acrostic has helped me remember that.

Jesus

Others

  Yourself

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

NATIVITY!

Nativity aka creche. A tableau representing the scene of Jesus Christ's birth. Jeannie Jones and Karen Martin did an exquisite nativity tablescape that caught my attention.

During Christmas these displays open our hearts and bring brightness to our inner being! 

Years ago nativity scenes could be found in community spaces, on courthouse lawns and even on floats in annual parades. In 2022 the few seen are often on lawns of the town churches. "O Come let us Adore him" ring from the mouths of carolers as they took the old familiar carols to doorsteps in the neighborhoods.

Yet, there is a remnant who continue to "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness." (1 Chronicles 16:29)

BEST GIFT EVER!

We spend time and money searching for the perfect Christmas gift.

We fret. We fume--often for naught.

Immanuel--God with us.

For the best gift, share Jesus.

He's the true gift. The "best yet."

He keeps on giving.

ANSWERED PRAYER!

No prayer is too small or insignificant to be heard and answered by God.

Some are answered immediately.

Sometimes we must wait. 

Others are not quite the answer we had sought.

There's an answered prayer here. Look closely!*

It's only significant to me. Hubby knew so he searched. He found it yesterday. It was after I accepted the loss. Acceptance. Then Gad answered  It was like a "trust" lesson.

Call unto me and I will answer thee and shew thee great and might things which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3, KJV)

When our prayers align with God's will (Thy will be done.) and purpose He always answers for our good and His glory. 

*Look carefully in the top right rectangle & it's in the lower left corner of that rectangle.

N.O.T.E.

N.O.T.E. An acrostic follow-up as I pay attention and consider His ways.

Studying God's Word is more than a "plop and drop" experience. Although at times I have done that as well. God can always meet me right where I am. 

When really studying God's word and searching and finding a  scripture for further understanding.....I read, mark, sometimes highlight, chew on it and inwardly digest it (Jeremiah 15:16) 

I need to read through a scripture for context. Prayer follows and continues. I notice words or phrases jumping out. I observe around me ways God is leading me; I talk to the Lord. I embrace and respond accordingly. 

Notice

Observe

Talk

Embrace glory (Joyce Ann Evans) as we respond to what God has taught us

To God be the glory as I take n.o.t.e. and live it out.

SUNRISE SUNSET!

Sunrise. Sunset. 

Many theater goers recall those words from "Fiddler on the Roof." It's an analogy of time flying by as the fiddler watches his children grow.

As we age, time seems to fly by for us as well. We know the importance of celebrating our moments. Making the most of the time we have with the ones we love most. 

Where is the LORD in that hierarchy of our affections? Do we begin and end each day focusing on him?

From the rising of the sun to its setting, 

the name of the LORD is to be praised. (Psalm 113:3

This Texas sunset reflects His grandeur.

TAKE NOTE!

Take note.

Pay Attention.

....Love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12b)

 Words preceding John 15:12b let the reader know this is a command of God.

One should not only pay attention and take note......but also heed.

Heeding is the act of obedience which is key for all of God's commands.

Take note....Loving one another is a privilege!

PEACE NEEDED

Peace is always needed for a healthy life but it seems to be needed even more as Christmas approaches. And so I pray---peace for others!

(Picture hanging in Chatios Memorial Chapel, The Cove 2013)

Today I prayed Numbers 6:26 for a squad of others!

the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (ESV)

For more meditating on that one verse, consider the AMP version.

The LORD lift up His countenance (face) 

upon you (with divine approval, 

And give you peace (a tranquil heart and life)

Peace, offered from God's Word,  feels good no matter which version you consider.