Sunday, December 22, 2013

Christmas is For-Giving

Christmas is a beautiful time of the year. It is a time of wonder and giving. It is a season when family members come together and enjoy the warmth of one another's company. But for some, Christmas stirs up negative emotions. I believe that some who are reading this blog have been hurt from the words and actions of others. My prayer for you this Christmas is that you would know the healing power of Jesus' love.

During Christmas, we celebrate the birth of a King. Jesus, born in a manger, lived a perfect life, and then paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. When He hung on that tree, He experienced stark separation from God the Father. He allowed His heart to be broken so we could receive healing in our own hearts. He lives in the hearts of those who have invited Him in. But He can't fully express Himself through us if we harbor unforgiveness towards others.

The only way to have a heart that's whole and free is to learn to forgive others – in fact, Christmas is for-giving. When we forgive, we set ourselves free from the chains that bind us, and we give God's love to others. When we forgive, we can look to the Holy Spirit to show us how we should love the person who has hurt us. We become like a flower that opens its pedals to the world. God wants the fragrance of His love to flow through us. He does not want us to be closed to others. He wants us to be an open door.

Sometimes forgiveness is a process that begins with a choice – an act of faith that is not dependent on the way we feel. We may have to bring our hurts before the Lord more than a few times, but eventually, with His help, we can forgive.

This Christmas, let's allow the love of God to flow in us and through us. Let's take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and to show us if there are any areas in our heart that need God's healing touch.

Dear Holy Spirit,

I ask you to to search my heart. Please show me if I am holding unforgiveness against anyone. Come and heal me Lord. I choose to forgive those that have offended me. Make my heart an open door. I receive your healing, Lord, in Jesus name, Amen.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The Holy Spirit is His Name

He’s my Helper, He’s my Guide
He has come alongside
He’s our Lover and our Friend
He’ll be with us till the end

His power none can tame
The Holy Spirit is His name
He can resurrect the dead
He reminds us of what Christ said

He brings glory to the Lamb
He is the Great I Am
He is patient, He is kind
He is Truth, He does not lie

He’s the One who lives within
Frees us from the will to sin
Sends us to the lost
Points us to the cross

The Holy Spirit is His name
He’s not interested in fame
If we keep our consciences' clean
His heart we will not grieve

The Holy Spirit is His name
Through His power we are changed

We love you Holy Spirit
You are precious to behold
Like the wind we feel you
Though we do not see Your form

Come Oh Holy Spirit
Come invade our space
Welcome Holy Spirit
We long for Your embrace


Friday, December 6, 2013

In the Middle

                                          This post from the past encourages us to take joy
                                           in our daily work....                                       

                                          Here in the middle of the mundane
Your Presence can be discovered
In the center of our daily grind
We can honor You

When we work as unto You, Lord
                                          Joy rises
We can find purpose
In a day well spent 

We will work quietly with our hands
For You reward honest diligence
With Your abundant blessing 

I am a co-laborer with You
In business and ministry
For You ordained both 

Thank You Lord
For including me in Your divine plan
Amen