The iPhone has a wonderful feature in the Photos app that will create little videos from your stored photos and videos – and set them to music. You have editing capability, so if a photo is included of something you don’t want in the finished product, you can remove/exchange it. I have been working on a video today that captures our “people” and activities in 2019…and I smile every time I watch it.
Let’s be honest…there is no such thing as “perfect” anything. And while the video may depict smiles, laughter, celebrations and more…this year held its own set of heartaches and disappointments, including the loss of family members and dear friends – and hardships and challenges for many. But as believers in the Most High God, we can still shout praises to Him. We can still find reasons to be joyful and sing – and worship our LORD!
I don’t know what 2020 will hold for any of us. I hope we will look at the photos and videos next December 31st and declare that…”This was a really good year!” We should do this, regardless of the story they tell. The LORD is good! His love and faithfulness will last forever. We belong to Him, and He cares deeply about each of us. This is reason to praise Him and be joyful – in every situation and circumstance!
I don’t mean to imply that your feelings don’t matter…or to suggest that you should pretend everything in your life is great when this is not how you feel in the least. Trust me when I say that there have been times when New Year’s Eve was anything but a joyful day in our lives. But this season of sadness should only be a temporary stop. The God who made us, loves us, and nurtures us each and every day wants to meet us right where we are and give us His strength, courage, hope and peace. And that is reason enough to praise Him and be joyful.
I wish you a “video” filled with happy memories and all good things in the New Year. I also wish you a year lived out in the presence and abundance of God’s love and care. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, for He is truly good! As you ring in the New Year tonight, remember to thank God – for everything! May God bless and keep you this New Year’s Eve – and in the coming year.
When Greg and I built our house almost 13 years ago, we left a small cedar tree along the bluff line in the back yard. It wasn’t much of a tree those first years. In fact, we had some really big ice/snow storms that caused this little tree to almost bend in half. The weight of the snow and ice was so heavy that the branches bowed over double. But Greg did not give up on this tree. He attached a protective brace and sling that pulled it upright – and held it there for months until the tree strengthened and adapted to its original posture.
Today, that cedar tree is strong, sturdy, and a haven for songbirds all seasons of the year. I like to think that the roots run deeply and not only secure its position on the bluff line…but that it also serves to stabilize the soil there and “hold things together.”
As I read this Psalm again today, I thought of our cedar tree and how it represents our lives in Christ. Surely there have been times when “storms” have burdened our “boughs” and laid us low. We have all been bent double at times with temptations, chaotic situations, illness, sadness, and challenges of every sort. But God has stood ready to undergird us…to strap on a protective brace that would pull us upright…and to nurture us until we could stand tall and proud again in His presence.
Nothing will ever compare to the protection and nurture of our Heavenly Father. The God who cares about a lowly cedar tree in our back yard and enables us to save it stands ready and more than able to rescue each of us and set us on the path that He has chosen. And I am truly grateful for such amazing love and care…what about you?
I probably should have these verses tattooed on my forearm where I can see them every time…especially the first three phrases. ”Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything…and thank Him for His answers.” If you and I could simply learn to do these three things…everything about our lives would change – for the better!
I hope I can remember these wise words from the Apostle Paul…and continue to bask in the peace of God that is far more wonderful than my mind can understand. I pray that I will continue to let God handle MY worries along with the other cares and concerns that I earnestly bring before Him. I pray that He will keep my heart quiet and at rest as I trust Him daily – in all things.
As we near the end of this month and begin not only a new year – but also a new decade, I pray that we will all practice worrying less and trusting God more…that we will pray about everything, thank God for His answers. I pray that we will trust Him to cover us in His peace and quiet rest. Let’s remember to give everything to God…and to take time to be still and feel His presence and peace. God has great things in store for each of us…let’s bask in His blessings and peace, so that we don’t miss a single one of them!
This is a day of abundance…the day when we celebrate Jesus’ birth and the representation of hope and promise that this event brings to each of us. For some, “abundance” doesn’t even cover it – and if you saw the mound of tissue and wrapping paper in our living room last night, you would know what I mean. For others, this is a quiet day…spent with one or two people – or even alone – and there have been no tangible “gifts”.
Greg said when he delivered Meals on Wheels earlier this week, virtually every client had at least a couple of Christmas decorations in view. I read an essay this morning from a woman who “quit Christmas” so to speak. Her children were grown, the house was quiet, and she simply ceased all the decorating, baking and festivities and just let the holidays come and go without her usual fanfare – and work. I know people who have done this…and someday, I may be among them. But not yet!
I still enjoy the frills and festive reminders of the season. But the decorations, food and gifts don’t matter. What is truly important is that we remember Jesus…that we remind ourselves that He makes the difference in every situation and circumstance. Jesus is with us as we sit around the tree with squealing children who are wildly opening gifts. And He is with us as we hold the hand of a loved one who lies in a hospital bed or nursing home. Jesus is with us as we revel in the festivities and celebration of a delicious holiday meal…and He is with us as we choke down a meal while we mourn a profound loss.
Jesus is with us when all the “good” things in life are abundant…and when we are at our lowest points or in the depths of “poverty”. And in all these circumstances and situations, He makes us who we are and directs how we handle them. Jesus gives us strength, courage, and hope for the future. He promises us that He will always walk alongside us and carry our troubles and burdens. Jesus will help us make it through anything. And the icing on the cake is that He offers us the hope of Eternity spent at His table in Heaven.
For all of this, we thank Jesus today – and we celebrate Him. We can learn to be content in whatever comes our way, because He is the best present that we will ever receive…and the Gift that gives every.single.day. Take some time today to bask in the wonder and glory of the hope and promise that Christmas truly represents.
Spend at least a few minutes in conversation with Jesus…tell Him how grateful you are that He came to earth so long ago, lived among us, and died for our sins. Dwell on the promise of “Christmas” at His Heavenly table. If you have surrendered your heart to Christ, be glad that a seat is reserved there for you someday. If you have not yet done this, I cannot think of a more perfect time to secure your “reservation”.
Make this the best Christmas yet…and revel in the hope and promise of Christ’s presence this day – and forever and ever. Merry Christmas, and Happy Birthday to Jesus! All glory and praise are surely His.
Philippians 1:21-30
If I live, it will be for Christ, and if I die, I will gain even more. I don’t know what to choose. I could keep on living and doing something useful. It is a hard choice to make. I want to die and be with Christ, because that would be much better. But I know that all of you still need me. That’s why I am sure I will stay on to help you grow and be happy in your faith. Then, when I visit you again, you will have good reason to take great pride in Christ Jesus because of me.
Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and that you are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news.
Last night, I watched “Christmas at Belmont” on PBS. If you missed it, the show will be repeated tonight. Check the schedule, and if you cannot watch “live”, record it to enjoy later. You do not want to miss this! Of course, the program was made more special for me, because one of the students who perform is Jack Gardner, a young man from our hometown that I have known since before he was even born! The music and performances are incredible…from the orchestra, to the choir, to every individual singer and soloist. What an awesome experience it must have been to attend the program! It must have been even more exciting to be one of the performers!
While listening to this performance, I had the feeling more than once that “This must be what the music is like in Heaven.” And then I began to think about friends and loved ones who are celebrating Christmas in Heaven with Jesus – and how glorious this must be. Now understand, I am super excited about the three children who will visit us later today to celebrate and open gifts…and the adults who will accompany them. I love every day of the “Advent Season” and all the traditions and activities that surround it and enhance our celebrations. I am perfectly content to remain on this earth for a while longer.
But I don’t fear death – and there are days when Heaven looks pretty grand. Not a single one of us is immune to challenges. Some of you are facing them right now – from the first Christmas without a loved one to perhaps an injury, illness or hospitalization…to a holiday spent all alone as family and friends are scattered to the four corners of the earth, and more. Some of you may be struggling financially or with personal issues, while others may just be “over it all” and sick of the commercialization of this holiday season. And many of us are wondering where we are headed as a nation…and a planet.
Read the words of Paul again…be brave…have courage…and demonstrate faith in God in all things. Show others that God has not only blessed you…He is preparing the path for what lies ahead – and His plans are perfect. Live in such a way that others see that you are facing each day with hope and joy…that you don’t fear death, but you aren’t afraid to live, either!
Someday, we will celebrate Christmas in Heaven…and I have no doubt that incredible festivities take place every.single.day! The choirs are even more glorious…the orchestra beyond belief…and you and I sing with the voices of angels! Today, our mission is to live like we are Heaven bound…to celebrate the life that God has given us, embrace it fully, and show others how to do the same. We will all “celebrate” the next few days in different ways, but the end result should be consistent…that Jesus is reveled and glorified and held high…that God is exalted – and His glory is heralded.
Merry Christmas Eve to each of you. Christ the Lord has come…sing Hallelujah! Be joyful and triumphant – and give God all glory and praise!
I think 2011 was one of the last years that I served a “formal” meal on Christmas Eve. That was the year my Mam-ma Polly fell on our driveway as she got out of my mother’s car. She hit her head and received a concussion…and she spent two nights in the hospital under observation and care. Mam-ma had already spent the first six days of December in the hospital because of congestive heart failure. That year, I wrote Christmas cards as I sat beside her bed. Baking and other projects were delayed and tucked in between visits to check on her. And Christmas Eve dinner was eaten in shifts, as we took turns sitting in the ER with Mam-ma while a kind nurse tried to help me get her admitted to a room.
I don’t tell you this so that you will feel sorry for us. I share this to say that as I sat with my grandmother on Christmas Eve night – and again Christmas Day – I gained a totally new perspective on Christmas. This woman who had worked so hard all her life – and loved sincerely and appropriately – had taught me much. I know she wasn’t perfect…but her life was “bountiful in fruits from the soul”. We shared many happy Christmases together…and now, it was time for me to love her appropriately and tend to her needs.
This week, there will be a lot of love and celebration. Excited “children” of all ages will gather to celebrate, eat, unwrap gifts, laugh, sing, and revel in the joy and “magic” of Christmas. But a lot of people are also “celebrating” Christmas in unconventional ways – and not by choice. Hospitals are filled with sick folks – and the medical staff who will attend to them. There will be funerals – and grieving families. Police officers, firefighters and EMTs will be on duty to keep our communities safe and secure. Some will “celebrate” alone and unnoticed.
I have discovered that “Christmas” is not about where or how we celebrate…it’s about how we love – and not just in December. Paul is telling us that his imprisonment gave him a new perspective. And while I have never been “imprisoned”, I’ve seen a few things in my lifetime…and they have influenced me and my Christian discipleship – hopefully for the better. And for the record…we now celebrate with a Christmas dinner of take-out pizza and pasta served on paper plates…and nobody complains!
My message to you is this…don’t run from the unhappy, unpleasant, “bad” things in your life. Let God use them to mold your discipleship. Let your “life experiences” give you a new perspective as you relate to others. Empathize with the person whose loved one is hospitalized, because you know firsthand how this feels. Comfort those who are grieving, because you have been in their shoes. Offer encouragement to the ones who are undergoing some hardship, a discrimination, or a heartache. Reach into your own well of experiences – and how God carried you through them or helps you to cope even today – and lift someone else. Be a living, breathing example of the love of Christ. Be “bountiful in fruits from the soul” – and give others a reason to do the same.
There is nothing too big for Jesus…not even loneliness, sickness or grief at Christmas time…or the heartaches of the divisiveness of this world. At every turn, we have had opportunities to share His love this Christmas season. This will continue in the days ahead – and throughout the new year and however long you are granted on this earth. What will you do with the gift of your “imprisonment”? How will you demonstrate to others what God has done in your own life – and what He stands ready to do in theirs? How will you make Jesus Christ attractive to all and get them in on the glory and praise of God?
I know you are busy – this is a hectic time. But stop today to give some thought to your witness and how you love with the love of Christ. Make this the year that your perspective on Christmas changes and becomes more synonymous with the teachings of Jesus…then carry this forward in the days ahead. Celebrate Jesus this Christmas season…really celebrate Him. Let others know that He truly is the reason you “love much and love well.”
Luke 2:25-32
That day a man named Simeon, a Jerusalem resident, was in the Temple. He was a good man, very devout, filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly expecting the Messiah to come soon. For the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen him—God’s anointed King. The Holy Spirit had impelled him to go to the Temple that day; and so, when Mary and Joseph arrived to present the baby Jesus to the Lord in obedience to the law, Simeon was there and took the child in his arms, praising God.
This morning, I read this Bible story to the 2nd and 3rd grade Sunday school students. It’s not the Christmas story we all know so well. In fact, you might have missed this one altogether – or perhaps you don’t really remember it. That was the case for me.
In this passage, we meet Simeon, a man who had been told in a vision from the Holy Spirit that he would meet Jesus Christ before he died…even though Jesus had not yet been born. Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to Jerusalem to be consecrated (as was the custom). Simeon was at the temple when they arrived, and he knew immediately that this was the Christ Child. And wonder of wonders, Mary placed this baby in his arms!
Imagine for a minute…no one other than Mary, Joseph, and Elizabeth really knew that Jesus was coming. Angels led the shepherds, kings and villagers to the stable in Bethlehem. But nobody knew to be at “the right place at the right time” to meet the Son of God…and I would venture to guess that no one new that Mary and Joseph would be traveling to Jerusalem. There were no cell phones or Facebook to herald the trip and their arrival! Yet Simeon was there…because he was almost always at the temple, doing what he could to serve God and love others. He was ready for the gift of Jesus…and God delivered.
I asked the children today to tell what they were hoping to get for Christmas. We passed out toy catalogs from Walmart, and as the kids thumbed through, they pointed to many items that were “the one” they wanted! Then I reminded them that they have already gotten the greatest gift they will ever receive…Jesus. And if they have made Christ the Lord of their life, confessed their sins and promised to love and serve Him, they are destined for Eternal Life in His presence. Nothing will ever top that…no other “gift” will ever be that good or important.
This is a season where we get caught up in so many things…from decorations to food to parties, parades – and the perfect gift. In truth, we have already received the Perfect Gift if we’ve received Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. And if this is the case, we should be modern-day “Simeons”, as we anticipate meeting Jesus face-to-face. We should be busy sharing His Good News and helping everyone we meet to understand that the greatest Gift they can ever receive is a New Life in Christ Jesus.
There is room for fun and festivity in this holiday season…as long as we first make room for Jesus. When Mary placed the baby in Simeon’s arms, scripture says he immediately began praising God. Will you praise God for Jesus this Christmas? Amidst the wrapping paper, bows and tinsel, will you recognize the glory of the Christ Child who came so long ago – and how He changed our lives forever?
Is Jesus truly the Reason for the Season – and all throughout the year – in your heart, words and behavior? Do people know you as a redeemed Believer who follows the teachings of Christ – and puts them into action in your daily living? What is truly the greatest gift you’ve ever received…and is this evident to others? God has essentially placed His baby in each of our arms, just as much as Mary handed Him to Simeon. Are you as excited about this Gift as you should be? What is YOUR greatest “Christmas Gift”?
Philippians 1:3-8
Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy. This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it. God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.
A couple of nights ago, my mother’s sister-in-law, Doris, enjoyed visiting with a grand-daughter and several other family members. She retired for the night – and woke up in Heaven. I didn’t know Doris all that well – she lived in Memphis and did not visit often when Mother was still living. We’ve kept up with each other on Facebook, but I have not actually seen her in almost four years. But Doris drove herself some 3 hours to Heber Springs – and stayed several days when Mother was hospitalized before she entered Hospice care. Doris was a tremendous help to me and others during that time. In short, this almost-90-year-old was a dynamo – and a bright light in God’s Kingdom.
Relatives have been posting pictures of Doris on Facebook, and I finally commented to one and asked, “Did she ever stop smiling?” Indeed, Doris glowed with the joy of the LORD…and every time I prayed for her, I had a smile on my face. I’m sure she had adversity in her life. Just in the last few weeks, she was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer that she said was the result of taking Advil…so she must have had aches and pains. But one would never know this to know Doris. So again, when I prayed for her, it was with a thankful, joyful heart.
I am sure that you know people who bring a smile to your face when you think of them. You probably have “success stories” in your prayer history…those that make you grateful for how God redeemed and restored them. Perhaps you have a “Doris” in your circle of friends and loved ones. The question is…are you that person for someone else?
Do you shine with the love of Christ? When others think of you or pray for you, do they have a mental image of someone who radiates the joy of living for Jesus? Do they recognize a person that is living in the light of Christ, humbled by His grace and mercy and eager to represent Him well to others? Do they think of someone in whom God is doing a good work?
I know that countless people in this world will miss Doris…and I am among them. But every time I think of her, I smile…and I know she now sits at the feet of Jesus and basks in His personal smiles and hugs. And I am grateful that I knew her…that I got to experience her Godly influence and example. I want to be a “Doris” in this world. I want my example of Christian love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, inclusion, compassion and joy to cause others to smile…and to be grateful. I am a work in progress…what about you?
I saw an old friend in the grocery store yesterday, and he remarked about the shirt I was wearing. He read it aloud, “Merry Christmas.” I pointed out that the word Christ was in bright red, while the other letters were in green, so it was meant to say, “Merry CHRISTmas.” He laughed and said, “Yes, I got that!”
The thing is, we say this phrase all throughout the holiday season…but it doesn’t always mean “CHRISTmas” when we say it. I’m afraid this has become a universal phrase that means everything from “Happy Holidays” to “I hope Santa brings you what you want” to “enjoy the food and festivities of this season.” Sometimes, the last thing on the list is Jesus.
As I read this blessing from Numbers today, I thought, “This is the best ‘interpretation’ of ‘Merry Christmas’ ever!” As you say “Merry Christmas” to others, think of this phrase as an “abbreviation” for Numbers 6:24-26…”May Jesus bless and protect you; may His face radiate with joy because of you; may He be gracious to you, show you His favor, and give you His peace.” THIS is why we celebrate…this should be the full intention behind the greeting “Merry Christmas”!
As you go about these next few days and greet others in the season, think of this verse as you say, “Merry Christmas”. Truly wish others the blessings and protections of Jesus…and the desire that His face radiate with joy because of them. Demonstrate His love and care in your own smile and demeanor…and in your peace and patience as people frantically scurry around you. These two verses are a mouthful to say to everyone we greet in this holiday season, but their meaning can be fully expressed by the way we speak and act.
“Merry CHRISTmas” can truly represent Jesus, if we are careful and intentional. What will your words and actions convey?
For those of you who have followed my devotionals for a while, this may be “old news” of sorts. But every December 18th, my thoughts turn to my paternal grandparents, Polly and Truman Chandler. On December 18, 1932, these two married. My grandmother (20 years old at the time) got a new dress for the wedding…bought by her older sister’s husband, who drove Mam-ma Polly to a nearby city to make the purchase. Mam-ma said she wore that dress for virtually every occasion for a long time afterward…her one “decent” garment. My then-21-year-old grandfather had a serge suit, but he wore coveralls to the house where the wedding took place, because a heavy, deep snow had fallen, and he didn’t want to ruin the suit. So he carried it in his arms and changed when he arrived. Nowadays, as I drive through the area of our county where this all took place, I try to envision what that day looked like for these two young people. I do know that their early years together were a challenge…and “treasures” were meager.
My paternal grandparents and my dad, probably around 1941.
My grandmother’s journal indicates that they had little to no furnishings in the first years. In one entry, she talks of getting “new” newspapers to cover the walls of their tiny wood-frame home, and she was thrilled with the new “décor”. Both of my grandparents worked multiple jobs all of their lives…and yet, I thought they were rich because of their continual generosity and “can-do” attitudes. They were no strangers to hardships…the loss of a baby, failed crops, illness, injury and grief, and much more. Yet these experiences did not define them.
My mother talked often of finding my Mam-ma reading her Bible while sitting with us when we were little. I remember my grandfather reading the Bible at night after a long day of work. Their well-worn copy of God’s Word always sat on the coffee table in their modest living area. My grandparents were people of deep and abiding faith. They knew where their real “treasure” was stored.
My grandparents farm house.
On December 21,1981, just one year before my grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary, a fire broke out as my Mam-ma fried sausage for Sunday breakfast and Pap-pa tended to his cattle. When the ashes cooled, very little had been salvaged…vehicles, some clothing, the mantel clock and family Bible – and a few items that a passerby grabbed from the front door. The fire burned so hot that even cast iron skillets and a claw-footed tub were reduced to ashes. At the ages of 70 and 69, my grandparents were forced to completely “start over”.
I miss the “treasures” that I recall from childhood visits to my grandparents’ farmhouse…and often I will see something that triggers a happy memory of them. I was given a vintage set of Christmas candle holders that spell “NOEL”…and my grandparents always had these same candleholders (in a different color) on their mantel during the holidays. Not long ago, I saw an image on the Internet of a painting that I recognized immediately as one that hung on the wall of the farmhouse…and I was immediately a little girl again – looking at that picture and dreaming of what would hang on my own walls someday. If you visited my house today, you would surely decide that I store my “treasure” here on earth in the abundance of “stuff” that fills our home. But I assure you, I know what is truly valuable.
It is said that there are dates and experiences in your life that change you forever. “The Fire” was one of those for my family. I can still hear my dad saying, “It’s okay…they are safe and alive, and that is all that matters.” And he was right. I know that all the precious mementos – and the “things” that we all think we cannot live without on this earth – can all be reduced to ashes in a matter of minutes. I can tell you from experience that we might mourn the loss of some of them in a way. But my grandparents understood that their real “treasure” was stored for them in Heaven…and at the end of the day, what we have on this earth is just “stuff”.
It breaks my heart that our family had to go through such a devastating event. But we learned so much from it. We saw the generosity of people we didn’t even know who came together to shower my grandparents with all of the basic necessities of life. Friends provided them with a house to live in for several months, and my dad’s builder friends worked feverishly to build them a new home in record time. I believe that this deepened the faith of many of us as we focused on each other, rather than the things of this world. I know that this bolstered my gratitude to God for providing such an abundance of love and care in countless ways – some of which I still discover even today.
When I get to Heaven, my grandparents will be living in a mansion the likes of which they never knew on this earth. The heartache and loss of their challenging life will all be dissolved, and we will rest at the feet of Jesus – and feast at His overflowing table. Nothing else will matter. I don’t know your story…but I do know that what is truly imporant is the “treasure” we are all storing for our Heavenly home. Is this your focus? Do you believe that what lies ahead is exceedingly better – and more important – than what you “treasure” on this earth? Isn’t it time to reorganize your priorities and concentrate on the things that will matter for all of Eternity?
I believe with all my heart that God has abundant, incredible things in store for those who love Him, serve Him and keep their life in Christ at the center of everything. Are you grateful to Him for this amazing promise? Isn’t it time you started to live like you are?
Daily Devo Time 