"Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
This time of year should serve as reminder of all that Christ was during His time here on earth as well as what He has continued to be to each of us the past 2000 years. Unfortunately something gets lost in translation and we get sucked up in the commercialism of Christmas instead of the Spirit of Christmas. This time of year should be a reflection of what Christ offers us; He offers us grace, he offers us peace and he offers love...all of these are his gifts, his presents to us. As Christians we are to be Christ-like, to be Christ-focused and to be Christ-centered in all we do. He called us to be Holy just as He is Holy. Have we kept Christ in CHRISTmas or have we placed under our trees other gifts that seem more attractive? Many Christians like to take phrases and reuse them, nothing wrong with them, but if we don't bring them into our hearts and apply them then that is all that they are, phrases. Such as Jesus is the Reason for the Season, Keep Christ in CHRISTmas... and on and on. We can say these phrases often and probably most really mean them but how do we apply them into actions to others not only at Christmas but every day of the year?
We can take the blessings of Christmas and use the celebration of our Savior's birth to open new doors, to begin to minister to hearts who have never received Christ or maybe just have forgotten what it means to receive God's present of life eternal. We can take the lights of Christmas that we all love to look at this time of year and turn them into light's for His Holiness, sharing that light with others letting them know Christ is the light of the world and without Him we would remain in darkness.
God is calling us to be Holy, to be His gift to the world. You are a gift to this world, you were designed for a purpose and plan that only you can fulfill. The Holy Spirit surrounds you and guides you. What gift(s) can you share this Christmas season with another, maybe a neighbor, a friend, a family member or maybe even the person who you don't even know? God is calling, He is asking you to make your attitude that of gratitude and to share His gift of Holiness especially in this season of new life.
Christmas Blessings,
Heather
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Contentment, Philippians 4:11-12
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
First let me begin with apologies for not taking the time to share with you lately. Time has somehow gotten away from me and in that I found that I had little time to get on my computer and share the things God has been sharing with me. Perhaps appropriate with tonight's word to be content in all things.
I have had quite the journey so far in life and I find more stress and grief in being discontented in what I already have at the present moment whether it be in material things, financial gain or in recognition for the work that I've accomplished. In all these things I find discontentment and an unsettling of my spirit. This spills often into other areas of my life, the more stressed I become the more I affect the relationships around me. If my spirit is at a state of unrest I become irritable and negative and begin a chain reaction to those that I have in my life and even those I encounter outside of my home. My discontentment sows seeds of discontentment instead seeds of contentment and joy from the Father.
God has always provided for me. Even during those more difficult times when I thought the need simply was not going to be met, He shows up, He provides and He reminds me that He never forsakes me. What I still work on is being content in all things that He does and even in those things He does not do. Sometime being told NO is the best thing for me. Being content is difficult I think for many of us. We see what others have and think we need that too, or why does sister so and so or brother so and so have so much and I struggle just to get by. The real question is why are you comparing your life to sister and brother so and so? Does God not provide for all your needs and then some?
Today our sermon at church reminded me that things here on earth are so temporary, my true gain is in Heaven where I will spend eternity. But what I must remember is that what I sow here on earth I reap in Heaven... I don't want to have an eternity filled with discontentment.
What have you been complaining about to God that you don't have that you think you just can't live without? Is that really the case or have our desires become so great that we can't find true contentment in the things that the God of this universe has provided for us to meet our needs? Has greed begun to creep into places of your heart that are saved for places of charity? Begin to focus on being content in all things this day.
Blessings,
Heather
First let me begin with apologies for not taking the time to share with you lately. Time has somehow gotten away from me and in that I found that I had little time to get on my computer and share the things God has been sharing with me. Perhaps appropriate with tonight's word to be content in all things.
I have had quite the journey so far in life and I find more stress and grief in being discontented in what I already have at the present moment whether it be in material things, financial gain or in recognition for the work that I've accomplished. In all these things I find discontentment and an unsettling of my spirit. This spills often into other areas of my life, the more stressed I become the more I affect the relationships around me. If my spirit is at a state of unrest I become irritable and negative and begin a chain reaction to those that I have in my life and even those I encounter outside of my home. My discontentment sows seeds of discontentment instead seeds of contentment and joy from the Father.
God has always provided for me. Even during those more difficult times when I thought the need simply was not going to be met, He shows up, He provides and He reminds me that He never forsakes me. What I still work on is being content in all things that He does and even in those things He does not do. Sometime being told NO is the best thing for me. Being content is difficult I think for many of us. We see what others have and think we need that too, or why does sister so and so or brother so and so have so much and I struggle just to get by. The real question is why are you comparing your life to sister and brother so and so? Does God not provide for all your needs and then some?
Today our sermon at church reminded me that things here on earth are so temporary, my true gain is in Heaven where I will spend eternity. But what I must remember is that what I sow here on earth I reap in Heaven... I don't want to have an eternity filled with discontentment.
What have you been complaining about to God that you don't have that you think you just can't live without? Is that really the case or have our desires become so great that we can't find true contentment in the things that the God of this universe has provided for us to meet our needs? Has greed begun to creep into places of your heart that are saved for places of charity? Begin to focus on being content in all things this day.
Blessings,
Heather
Monday, November 29, 2010
Eternal Life, John 10:27-28
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."
Today I thought often about my loved ones who won't be with us during the holidays. I can choose to be saddened for a moment but rejoice in knowing that they have already entered into Eternal life. The good news for those who believe is that one day we'll have a great reunion where we'll never part again. The turn of the seasons sometimes are a little harder on me. Perhaps they remind me that life here goes on. I've chosen lately to focus on the beauty that each season offers. I am reminded of the laughter of my loved one in the cool spring air. I can see their smiles in the sunshine of the summer. The fall with the changing color of the leaves demonstrates how the passing from this life can leave its mark behind as a beautiful reminder of the life once had here with us. And the winter, a time of drawing people together on cold snowy nights warming by the fire. How often is the death of a loved one done just this? Drawn all that love for that bright "fire" together, setting off embers of memories of a life that touched us and made a difference.
I don't ever tell anyone I understand their pain. We may be able to relate, may have gone through a similar loss, but we never really understand the depth of someone's loss. I'm comforted to know that God knows my pain, He experienced loss and He allows me to hear His voice of reassurance that I have eternal life with Him and with my loved ones beyond this world.
What is God reminding you of right now? Are you allowing Him to comfort you? Are you dwelling on the loss and grief allowing it to rob you of this life, this fleeting moment in time, where you are building your own fire to spark in others love, friendships and memories? Or are you seeing the beauty in each season resting in knowing that one day you will have eternal life with Christ and those you love?
Blessings,
Heather
Today I thought often about my loved ones who won't be with us during the holidays. I can choose to be saddened for a moment but rejoice in knowing that they have already entered into Eternal life. The good news for those who believe is that one day we'll have a great reunion where we'll never part again. The turn of the seasons sometimes are a little harder on me. Perhaps they remind me that life here goes on. I've chosen lately to focus on the beauty that each season offers. I am reminded of the laughter of my loved one in the cool spring air. I can see their smiles in the sunshine of the summer. The fall with the changing color of the leaves demonstrates how the passing from this life can leave its mark behind as a beautiful reminder of the life once had here with us. And the winter, a time of drawing people together on cold snowy nights warming by the fire. How often is the death of a loved one done just this? Drawn all that love for that bright "fire" together, setting off embers of memories of a life that touched us and made a difference.
I don't ever tell anyone I understand their pain. We may be able to relate, may have gone through a similar loss, but we never really understand the depth of someone's loss. I'm comforted to know that God knows my pain, He experienced loss and He allows me to hear His voice of reassurance that I have eternal life with Him and with my loved ones beyond this world.
What is God reminding you of right now? Are you allowing Him to comfort you? Are you dwelling on the loss and grief allowing it to rob you of this life, this fleeting moment in time, where you are building your own fire to spark in others love, friendships and memories? Or are you seeing the beauty in each season resting in knowing that one day you will have eternal life with Christ and those you love?
Blessings,
Heather
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Commitment, I Kings 8:61
"And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”
This week I thought God would be leading me towards being thankful and although I am thankful for so many blessings what He's laid on my heart is that of commitment. In all things that we are called to do, we are to be totally and fully committed to them. This may be in service, in work, and most importantly in our relationships with others and with Christ.
Times are not easy for many right now and along with growing stressors come relational issues where we want to simply give up. It's easier to give up than to hang in there and really stand strong in the things that come against us and try to tear us apart. Too quickly we are willing to just throw in the towel and say the person or the situation isn't worth the effort. Wow, am I thankful that God isn't so weak. He never gives up on us and is completely committed to walking this life with us even when sometimes we want to say we're done, this is too hard. How many times have we said in our relationships, I just can't do this it's too difficult? Did God promise you that life would be easy if you accepted Him? No, He said His burden was light but He didn't say it was easy. What in life that you've ended up cherishing has been easy? I can't really think of a single thing, even bringing in new life through birth is hard, it's painful but oh so beautiful. I don't know of a single mother who would think the pain wasn't worth seeing their beautiful new life in their arms.
God sees the struggles, He sees the heartaches and He knows your desires. He can see you through, He can strengthen relationships that you think cannot possibly sustain the latest tragedy or misunderstanding. He doesn't give up, He is committed to you. The God who created the Heavens, who created the beautiful sunsets and all the beautiful tapestries of this life is fully committed to all of us. He NEVER gives up, even during our times when we feel we just can't anymore.
Where are you in your journey? Have you given up hope? Have you been lacking in your commitment to activities, prayer time, relationships or perhaps even to yourself and your well being? As Christians we are called to be Christ like, to be Christ followers, to be His hands and His feet in this world. All of that requires our full commitment. If you are feeling weak, remember where your source of strength comes from. Don't give up, our God never will.
Blessings,
Heather
This week I thought God would be leading me towards being thankful and although I am thankful for so many blessings what He's laid on my heart is that of commitment. In all things that we are called to do, we are to be totally and fully committed to them. This may be in service, in work, and most importantly in our relationships with others and with Christ.
Times are not easy for many right now and along with growing stressors come relational issues where we want to simply give up. It's easier to give up than to hang in there and really stand strong in the things that come against us and try to tear us apart. Too quickly we are willing to just throw in the towel and say the person or the situation isn't worth the effort. Wow, am I thankful that God isn't so weak. He never gives up on us and is completely committed to walking this life with us even when sometimes we want to say we're done, this is too hard. How many times have we said in our relationships, I just can't do this it's too difficult? Did God promise you that life would be easy if you accepted Him? No, He said His burden was light but He didn't say it was easy. What in life that you've ended up cherishing has been easy? I can't really think of a single thing, even bringing in new life through birth is hard, it's painful but oh so beautiful. I don't know of a single mother who would think the pain wasn't worth seeing their beautiful new life in their arms.
God sees the struggles, He sees the heartaches and He knows your desires. He can see you through, He can strengthen relationships that you think cannot possibly sustain the latest tragedy or misunderstanding. He doesn't give up, He is committed to you. The God who created the Heavens, who created the beautiful sunsets and all the beautiful tapestries of this life is fully committed to all of us. He NEVER gives up, even during our times when we feel we just can't anymore.
Where are you in your journey? Have you given up hope? Have you been lacking in your commitment to activities, prayer time, relationships or perhaps even to yourself and your well being? As Christians we are called to be Christ like, to be Christ followers, to be His hands and His feet in this world. All of that requires our full commitment. If you are feeling weak, remember where your source of strength comes from. Don't give up, our God never will.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Favored, Luke 1:28
"The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
This scripture is about Mary, the mother of Christ. But if we sincerely look at our lives, the angels could be saying the same thing about us. We are a highly favored people. God tells us in His word that He will never leave us or foresake us that our hope is secure in Him. Talk about favor. We are reminded again and again not to worry, not to be anxious in ANYTHING and why, because we ARE highly favored by the King of Kings, our Heavenly Father. We stumble so often, we fail, we get a little off track and well let's face it, sometimes we get a lot off track but what does our Daddy do... He comes running to us, arms open wide because we are His beloved favored children.
There have been many times in my life where I thought, now you've done it Heather, you reall have messed up now and God just won't forgive this mistake. I begin praying and immediately the enemy starts with his taunts and says, nope, this sin is just too big to be forgiven. But what does the word tell us, our sins are as far as the east is from the west. If that doesn't give us cause for celebration I don't know what does.
I can fail over and over and you can stumble and fall, but all we have to do is come back to our God with a repentent heart and because of His favor, we are forgiven and set free from the bondages of sin. How incredible is that? How reassuring and comforting to know that this world may turn against us, our loved ones here may give up on us and say hurtful things because we fail, but our God who never has failed simply says, what sin my favorite child, my beloved. Have you ever really thought about it? YOU are the most precious being in God's eyes, you matter.
Have you forgotten that you already have found favor through the bloodshed of Christ? Are you still trying to "make things right" before fully committing your life to Him, trying to be "perfect" to the only perfect one? YOU are highly favored. Embrace that.
Blessings,
Heather
This scripture is about Mary, the mother of Christ. But if we sincerely look at our lives, the angels could be saying the same thing about us. We are a highly favored people. God tells us in His word that He will never leave us or foresake us that our hope is secure in Him. Talk about favor. We are reminded again and again not to worry, not to be anxious in ANYTHING and why, because we ARE highly favored by the King of Kings, our Heavenly Father. We stumble so often, we fail, we get a little off track and well let's face it, sometimes we get a lot off track but what does our Daddy do... He comes running to us, arms open wide because we are His beloved favored children.
There have been many times in my life where I thought, now you've done it Heather, you reall have messed up now and God just won't forgive this mistake. I begin praying and immediately the enemy starts with his taunts and says, nope, this sin is just too big to be forgiven. But what does the word tell us, our sins are as far as the east is from the west. If that doesn't give us cause for celebration I don't know what does.
I can fail over and over and you can stumble and fall, but all we have to do is come back to our God with a repentent heart and because of His favor, we are forgiven and set free from the bondages of sin. How incredible is that? How reassuring and comforting to know that this world may turn against us, our loved ones here may give up on us and say hurtful things because we fail, but our God who never has failed simply says, what sin my favorite child, my beloved. Have you ever really thought about it? YOU are the most precious being in God's eyes, you matter.
Have you forgotten that you already have found favor through the bloodshed of Christ? Are you still trying to "make things right" before fully committing your life to Him, trying to be "perfect" to the only perfect one? YOU are highly favored. Embrace that.
Blessings,
Heather
Saturday, November 20, 2010
God Provides, Philippians 4:19
"My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Meeting needs means different things to different people. But for me getting my needs met reflect around the basics of not just physical needs, but my emotional, intellectual as well as my spiritual needs to help me stay in balance. When one of these needs is a little off, I find that I'm a little off in dealing with life or even with people. God shares with us that He will meet all of our needs, sometimes we just forget to stop and ask Him. Our Father wants to hear from us, He wants to know that we are aware of ourselves and the work He's doing in us. When we become aware of ourselves we will know when we are a little off in one particular area and we can begin praying that God show us what is lacking or what it is that we need to be doing to restore the balance in our life again. This life is not easy, He never promised it would be but He did promise life everlasting. We just need to continue to ask for direction, ask for our needs to be met according to His riches in glory. He afterall is a loving Father and wants His children happy and whole, blessed and filled with great joy.
What needs today do you need met? Have you asked Him to meet you where you are today and take care of your need(s)?
Blessings,
Heather
Meeting needs means different things to different people. But for me getting my needs met reflect around the basics of not just physical needs, but my emotional, intellectual as well as my spiritual needs to help me stay in balance. When one of these needs is a little off, I find that I'm a little off in dealing with life or even with people. God shares with us that He will meet all of our needs, sometimes we just forget to stop and ask Him. Our Father wants to hear from us, He wants to know that we are aware of ourselves and the work He's doing in us. When we become aware of ourselves we will know when we are a little off in one particular area and we can begin praying that God show us what is lacking or what it is that we need to be doing to restore the balance in our life again. This life is not easy, He never promised it would be but He did promise life everlasting. We just need to continue to ask for direction, ask for our needs to be met according to His riches in glory. He afterall is a loving Father and wants His children happy and whole, blessed and filled with great joy.
What needs today do you need met? Have you asked Him to meet you where you are today and take care of your need(s)?
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Firm Ground, Psalm 62:1-2
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken."
I found this scripture comforting today. A day where I find the ground beneath me shaky and weak. A day that I am reminded that my strength doesn't come from within me, but from within the God who dwells in me. It is in HIM that I find my rest, it is in HIM that I can build my fortress when the world doesn't seem very stable. One thing I've learned the last 10 years or so is that some days I'm not going to feel very confident or strong and that's ok. Some days I may just be a little off, maybe a little emotional or maybe just physically run down. In these days I turn to my Father and simply ask for an extra helping of His blessings for the next day so that I can continue to do His call in my life. But I don't waste time beating myself for feeling weak or at the end of my rope in a situation or in life. I think the world can do enough beating for the both of us. Instead you can turn to His word and read scriptures like this one today and know our God has us craddled in His arms and will rock us just as a mother with a newborn until our soul quiets and we can regain all that we lacked today in the tomorrows.
Are you feeling not quite yourself? Maybe struggling with a situation or relationship and feel you're simply on sinking ground? Are the rains of life pouring down so hard that sometimes you just want to give up because all your strength is gone? Give yourself a moment, give yourself a slice of time to allow the Father to scoop you up in His arms and say to you: I am your rock, I am your fortress, I am your strong tower in which you can hide yourself in. Today let me be your God, let me be your Abba Father and allow me to give you strength for your tomorrow.
Blessings,
Heather
I found this scripture comforting today. A day where I find the ground beneath me shaky and weak. A day that I am reminded that my strength doesn't come from within me, but from within the God who dwells in me. It is in HIM that I find my rest, it is in HIM that I can build my fortress when the world doesn't seem very stable. One thing I've learned the last 10 years or so is that some days I'm not going to feel very confident or strong and that's ok. Some days I may just be a little off, maybe a little emotional or maybe just physically run down. In these days I turn to my Father and simply ask for an extra helping of His blessings for the next day so that I can continue to do His call in my life. But I don't waste time beating myself for feeling weak or at the end of my rope in a situation or in life. I think the world can do enough beating for the both of us. Instead you can turn to His word and read scriptures like this one today and know our God has us craddled in His arms and will rock us just as a mother with a newborn until our soul quiets and we can regain all that we lacked today in the tomorrows.
Are you feeling not quite yourself? Maybe struggling with a situation or relationship and feel you're simply on sinking ground? Are the rains of life pouring down so hard that sometimes you just want to give up because all your strength is gone? Give yourself a moment, give yourself a slice of time to allow the Father to scoop you up in His arms and say to you: I am your rock, I am your fortress, I am your strong tower in which you can hide yourself in. Today let me be your God, let me be your Abba Father and allow me to give you strength for your tomorrow.
Blessings,
Heather
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