Devot. Christmas, Part 3

Hi Folks,

Merry Christmas to each you and your families!  Well, we are a day away from Jesus' birthday.

As I did last week, I challenge you to find yourself a good Bible believing church and go to a Christmas Eve service or church on Sunday to focus and prepare your heart for celebrating our Lord's coming to earth-the True Reason and Meaning of the Season.

Below are a number of devots. that center on Christmas, but also Rest, Peace and a Reminder that God is with you.  I know that Christmas is not always easy for everyone, so I included some devots. to remind you that God is with you,

whatever you are going through (the past few weeks have also had devotions of comfort as well if you look back).

I pray that each of you can find a devot. that speaks to your heart, and where you are spiritually with the Lord this week.  Pray you would gain encouragement, stronger faith in the Lord, comfort and joy as we prepare Him room in our heart for Christmas.

Lord bless you and yours.  Merry Christmas! 

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/articles)

CHRISTMAS:

Mary: A Prepared Heart That Receives God's Promises:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/mary-a-prepared-heart-that-receives-gods-promises

The Shepherds:  A Praising Heart that Celebrates God's Presence

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/the-shepherds-a-praising-heart-that-celebrates-gods-presence

Simeon: A Peaceful Heart that Holds Salvation 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/simeon-a-peaceful-heart-that-holds-salvation

Anna: A Praying Heart that Trusts God's Word

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/anna-a-praying-heart-that-trusts-gods-word

When Glory Was Birthed in a Barn: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/when-glory-was-birthed-in-a-barn

Let All the Earth Rejoice:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/let-all-the-earth-rejoice

PEACE/REST:

In Pursuit of Peace: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/peace/in-pursuit-of-peace

Finding Rest: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/finding-rest-in-the-christmas-rush

Embracing Peace:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/embracing-peace-in-the-busy-holiday-season

A Reminder About Who is Really in Control:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/peace/reminder-about-who-is-really-in-control

God Restores and Brings Joy:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/peace/god-restores-and-brings-joy

Stop, Kneel and Pray:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/peace/stop-kneel-pray

Remember Who God Is:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/peace/remember-who-god-is

Devot. Christmas Part 2

Hi Folks,

I hope you are having a great week!  

We are one day away until Christmas (Or as I say to the children in my life, "One week until we get to celebrate God's Birthday!  Wow!!!).  

Indeed, that is a thought.  We who are sinful human beings have been given the chance to celebrate the greatest event in history-God, the Creator of all, coming down to earth in human flesh just for sinful mankind.  Wow!  We certainly don't deserve it.....but God in is great love for us and "...while we were yet sinners,.... died for us" (Rom. 5:8).  It's mind blowing if you ponder it long enough....

Below are devots and a section of "practical articles" that may be useful to you as well.

During this week before Christmas, I would challenge you to start thinking about going to a Christmas Eve service.

Go to a church that preaches from the Bible and will bring the True Meaning of Christmas to the forefront, not just have traditions and rituals, but opens up the Bible and share the Christmas Story.     My parents and I started doing this when I was a child and it would not seem like Christmas Eve or Christmas to me without going to a service that sets my mind and heart on the Lord and His birth. 

Here is a link to look for a good Bible believing church in your area: https://thejourneyheavenward.blogspot.com/p/resources.html

Scroll down about 3/4 of the way and look for  "Good, Bible Believing Churches-Within the Us and Overseas" and that will give you a place to start.  Or google your area for Bible or Baptist churches.  Those churches are the ones that stick the closet to  sharing God's Word.   You and Yours a very blessed week!

(Devots. and Articles Used by Permission.   Taken from https://www.dayspring.com)

Devots. 

When Glory was Birthed In a Barn:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/when-glory-was-birthed-in-a-barn

Let All the Earth Rejoice:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/let-all-the-earth-rejoice

Counting On Joy:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/counting-on-joy

Embracing Peace:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/embracing-peace-in-the-busy-holiday-season. 

Bless Your Friends This Christmas Season: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/bless-your-friends-this-christmas?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20191215BlessYourFriendsThisChristmasArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Practical Christmas Suggestions:

Creating Family Traditions: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/creating-family-christmas-traditions

Best Faith Filled Kids Gifts: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/best-faith-filled-gifts-for-kids

Celebrate Advent With The Kids:  (This was a very cute idea!!! Loved it!)

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/celebrate-advent-with-shepherd-on-the-search

New Nativity Scene Tradition:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/christmas/how-to-set-up-your-nativity-scene

Devot. Christmas Part 1

Hi Folks,

Hope you are having a good week!  We are expecting snow in my neck of the woods tomorrow, so it looks like Christmas is truly around the corner!   

I have several devots. below for you:  Anything from finding rest in the Christmas rush (will need this one myself:), getting though Christmas if it ins't easy for you right now, and 3 others, all emphasizing different areas.

Pray you find one that fits where you are spiritually this week.  

Also have a few links below if you are still working on  shopping for Christmas or looking ahead to after Christmas shopping :). 

Under my title "Gifts that Keep on Giving" are ministries I try to give/buy from to each year in some way and have found it to bring Christmas joy to my heart, knowing my gift is helping someone else.  Hope the links are useful to you!

Lord bless you and yours this week!

If you are still looking for Christmas gifts that have a Christian meaning, I would recommend: 

https://www.dayspring.com

https://www.christianbook.com/?utm_content=%2F&utm_campaign=cbd.com&utm_source=referral

GIFTS OF THAT KEEP GIVING: 

https://www.persecution.com/christmascare/?_source_code=GSA19K1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_rfvBRCPARIsANlV66OlEBiupVcbEDkbvYTDR8km0TFo2pfpWcaLYK49dvDh6eBawR2C7ToaAlkREALw_wcB

(I love this last site b/c what I give financially or materially goes directly overseas to persecuted families and children in need.

The books and DVDs they offer for the kids and teens gives them true stories of men and women of faith to pattern their own life

from, something of substance; the Christmas Care packs-which are so fun to pack with kids, friends or family!- go to Christmas overseas who are in desperate need of new clothings and meds; the money I give towards Bibles enables a Believer, adult or child, to have a Bible in their own language who may have been waiting years for one! I can also give in someone's honor and VOM will send them a card on my behalf.) 

Note: At the top, right hand corner of the site, there are 3 vertical lines.

Click the lines and it will give you a list of ways to give, donate Bibles, pack or sponsor Action or Medical Packs, Kids of Courage gives resources for the kids (books, dvd you can buy on men and women of faith.) 

This 2nd site is also very worthwhile as well and helps take care of the needs of orphans overseas who are in Christian schools.

(I usually purchase a Bible for a child and it's only $5!). Either site would be a fun way of getting the family involved,

or even helping your children donate part of their allowance towards helping a child in need, see where they would like to give it.

 https://dwministries.org/christmas-wish-list/

If you are an animal lover like myself, this place allows you to give in a variety of ways (the tabs on this link give a variety of ways to shop for Christmas gifts as well, but the link below is a favorite of mine: 

https://store.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/collections/253-gifts-that-give-more/the-animal-rescue-site?adId=203161&placementId=515286&gg_source=ARS&gg_medium=house&gg_campaign=Ad-Universal_Nav_gifts%20that%20give%20more_txt&_ga=2.241754437.692846727.1575918035-192927836.1530891574

Devots. Used By Permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com)

Finding Rest in the Christmas Rush:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/finding-rest-in-the-christmas-rush?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20191208FindingRestintheChristmasRushArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Hope for a Difficult Season:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/hope-for-a-difficult-christmas-season?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20191208FindingRestintheChristmasRushArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

A Christmas Far from Family:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/a-christmas-far-away-from-family?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20191208FindingRestintheChristmasRushArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

What To Write in a Christmas Card:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/what-to-write-in-a-christmas-card?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20191204WhatToWriteInAChristmasCardArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Faith-Filled Stocking Stuffer Ideas: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/faith-filled-stocking-stuffer-ideas

Devot. Preparing Your Heart for Christmas

Hi Folks,

Welcome to the first week of December!  

I have 4 devots. below: One gives the Gospel account of Christmas, how it all started,

and the other three give ideas of how to spiritually prepare your heart, home and family for Christmas.  

I also typed out a few ideas below of how my family and I prepare as well.

You know, in order that the True Meaning of Christmas is present in our homes and lives and comes through clearly, some planning and thoughtfulness goes into it!  With that in mind, I loved the 2nd devot. 

Pray the Lord blesses you and your family this weekend! 

Ways My Family and I Celebrate and Express the True Meaning of Christmas: 

1. Set a manger scene within or without your home (or wear it-my mom has a beautiful manger scene pin that she wears as soon as December hits).  I promise, it won't hurt to showcase the true meaning of Christmas:)

It's a reminder of what is truly important, real, the reason for the season, a reminder of the enteral hope that can be found for those who put their faith and trust in Jesus as their Savior.   

I've shared before that for the young people I have in my life, as soon as it hits December, I put up a number of different manger scenes.  I then take Jesus out of the manger scene and hide Him.  Every so often I will put Him in the manger scene for a child to find, but no one knows when I may stick Him in, so students have to look every week for Him!  If they find Him in one or more manger scenes, then they get to pick a trinket out of my "treasure box."  The kids absolutely love this and anticipate every year!

My parents did this with me as a child and I'm very thankful. I loved it as well.   It built up the True Meaning of Christmas in my heart and mind and built up the excitement for His birthday and finding Him in the manger on Christmas Day.  We even had "Happy Birthday, Jesus'"

parties.  We would celebrate as you would for any party, but celebrate with Jesus specifically in mind.

2. Send Christmas Cards by mail or ecards that say "Merry Christmas". Dayspring.com has a nice selection and it's so quick and easy! https://www.dayspring.com/ecards/category/view/category/103/

3. Say "Merry Christmas!", write it in your cards, sometimes you can find wrapping paper with it on it:). We have a front yard sign 

with Merry Christmas that lights up:)

(Read and Share.  Used by Permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com//articles)

The Promise of a Savior:

https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2019-12-02?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202019-12-02&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion

6 Ways to Prepare for the Christmas Season: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/6-ways-to-prepare-for-the-holidays?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20191201SixWaysToPrepareForChristmasArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/let-every-heart-prepare-him-room

Advent: A Season of Hope, Love, Joy, Peace

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/advent-a-season-of-hope-love-peace-joyutm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20191201SixWaysToPrepareForChristmasArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Devot. Thanksgiving!

Hi Folks,

Happy Thanksgiving Week!!  

The have a 7 devots. below for you to choose from all they all pertain to Thanksgiving.  

Give a look through and see what pertains to you the most right now.   

Thanksgiving can be a very blessed time celebrating with family, it can bring stress though, be a time to instill a godly legacy in your kids, grandkids or the "littles" in your life. This holiday can also be an opportunity to invite those without family or friends into your home for a meal, but also very hard for some folks, esp. if they do not a good relationship with their family or have recently lost a loved one.  

This devots. below handle these aspects and I pray that there is one that will comfort, bless and prepare your heart for the heart of Thanksgiving-giving thanks to God for all that we have.

I was listening to Thanksgiving sermon this weekend and I wanted to note one thing that I gained from it came from it and also include the link if you had time to listen to it in snippets on your way to work, on lunch break etc..(it's not long, but the message is very useful!) He used Ps. 136 as his reference passage.  Verse 1 states, "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."

The pastor said that this chapter was a responsive reading chapter. When people where gathered at the Temple in Jerusalem to worship in Old Testament days, if the Priest was reading this chapter, he would read one verse and then the people would respond with the words, "For His mercy endures forever!"   These specific words alone are used 36 times along in this chapter!!!  That is God's way of trying to tell us something important, get us to pay attention!  Verse 26 states, "Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever."

The pastor said that the last verse in the chapter was a way of saying, "Ok, now you know that you should praise the Lord for all He has done for you!  So, what are you waiting for??!!"   Indeed, what are we waiting for??? Why give thanks on one day?  Like I challenged last week, start to look for things to thank the Lord for each day, it could be as simple as clean water, a warm house or a green lights to work.  What you are thankful for does not matter, it is the "attitude of gratitude" that the Lord is longing to hear from you.

Lord bless you and yours this week!! Thanksgiving blessings!

Sermon:  Thankful or Entitled: 

https://www.faithcombible.org/sermons.html. (first link if you scroll down a bit)

(Read and Share devotionals.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/articles/)

Thanksgiving Prayer to Download and Share:

http://downloads.dayspring.com/thanksgiving-prayer.pdf?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20191124APrayerforSafeTravelsArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Thanksgiving Day:

https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2019-10-28?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202019-10-28&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion

Finding Peace in the Face of Family Stress:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/finding-peace-in-the-face-of-family-stress?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANE20191117WhenIt%27sHardtoBeGratefulOnThanksgivingArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

A Prayer for Safe Travels: 

http://downloads.dayspring.com/thanksgiving-prayer.pdf?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20191124APrayerforSafeTravelsArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Upping the Game for Your Grandkids, Make the Most of Your Time Together :

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/upping-your-game-for-the-grandkids?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNAEN20191113MakeThisTheBestThanksgivingEverARticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Table Manners and Ice Breakers:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/table-manners-and-ice-breakers?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNAEN20191113MakeThisTheBestThanksgivingEverARticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

    

Practicing the Powerful Art of Hospitality: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/practicing-the-powerful-art-of-hospitality?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20191020PracticingthePowerfulArtofHospitalityArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

When It's Hard to be Grateful on Thanksgiving:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/when-its-hard-to-be-grateful-on-thanksgiving?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANE20191117WhenIt%27sHardtoBeGratefulOnThanksgivingArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

5 Ways to Handle a Hard Holiday:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/thanksgiving/when-holidays-are-difficult?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANE20191117WhenIt%27sHardtoBeGratefulOnThanksgivingArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Devot. The Best Thanksgiving Ever/Leaving a Legacy

Hi Folks,

Happy Week Before Thanksgiving!!  

I have two devots. for you today and both have a great message/challenge.

The first on gives some practical ideas on how to make next Thanksgiving the best one you ever had (I really liked this one!!!).  The second devot. gives a challenge of how to pass down to your family a legacy of gratefulness to God.

In Psalm 107, the Psalmist King David is imploring, begging, "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,  And for His wonderful works to the children of men!"   This statement is made 5 times in this chapter alone!!!  Oh that we would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness toward sinful man and for all that we have been blessed with!

I can never wrap my head around how Thanksgiving can be celebrated without giving Thanks to God in some way.  Does one just sit down, dig into Thanksgiving dinner without giving thanks to the One who has blessed that individual with food, shelter, family???  

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3 that in the "end days", the time before Christ returns to take those who have trusted Him home to Heaven, folks in general will have a spirit of ungratefulness.  My mom and others I have spoken to have stated that they notice how this spirit is pervading every aspect of life, whether it's not thanking someone for a gift with a note or even a text or just in general not saying "thank you."

Do you wish to leave a legacy such as this for your children, grandchildren, or those around you-a spirit lacking in thankfulness to God and others???    I don't think you would.   

I challenge us today to see where we are at in this area-giving verbal thanks at Thanksgiving, giving thanks to God everyday for "everyday blessings", encouraging others to look and give thanks for those blessings, and passing a legacy of thankfulness to God and others to the next generation.    Let's be the ones to give "thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" and then starting a chain reaction!!!

Lord bless you and yours this week!

Make this the Best Thanksgiving Ever:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/make-this-the-best-thanksgiving-ever?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNAEN20191113MakeThisTheBestThanksgivingEverARticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

(Read and Share.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/articles/)

How to Leave a Family Legacy: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/thanksgiving/leaving-a-family-legacy-of-gratitude

(Read and Share.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/articles/)

      

Devot. Servant's Heart, Grateful Heart, Veterans Day

Hi Folks,

I hope you are having a great start week!  Our devot. today is on having a servant's heart which is also grateful to God. Mark 9:35 and 10:43, Jesus sat his disciples down and had a talk with them on just this subject.  

A mother of one of Jesus' disciples came to Him, asking that her each of her sons sit beside Him in His kingdom, one of the left hand, the other on the right, showing that they had authority to rule and reign as well.   Jesus asked if they were prepared to endure what He would in order to receive this (in the context of this Scripture He meant torture and death, which He did endure.) These men, James and John said they were willing, and based on church history, they were martyred for their faith in Jesus. 

Jesus told them that they would indeed endure what He would suffer, but it was not up to Him to establish this sign of authority, God the Father already had a plan of who would rule and reign. 

The rest of the 10 disciples were not too happy that these other 2 guys wanted to rule and reign with Jesus, what about the rest of them!! Then Jesus said in Matthew 20:27-28, "but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.  And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (this was the ultimate point of service, dying so that others could be saved!)

Jesus served His disciples and the multitudes while on this earth, and was giving a general call to any who believed on Him to follow His example and serve to the point of giving ones life if necessary.  

This Biblical concept ties in perfectly to our national holiday this week-Veterans Day.   If you, a loved one, a friend has served our country, MANY THANKS from a grateful citizen!     Those brave men and women who have served embody Jesus' call to servanthood  to the point of giving one's life if necessary to save another.     

Even those of you who are family to a vet, have served as well!!  You have waited and prayed anxiously for your loved ones' safe return, missed quality family time, births, birthdays, special occasions as you faithfully supported the one you loved.  Many thanks to you as well!

In light of day, I have included a link that brought tears to my ears and inspired me. As I just said, the families of military sacrifice as well and deserve to be remembered in our prayers for their service.   This link is the short story of 3 amazing, heroic ladies who lost military loved ones in recent years and turned their grief into a blessing in a way to help others.  My hats off to these ladies!   https://video.foxnews.com/v/6101562864001/#sp=show-clips

As a closing note, if you, a friend, a loved one, co-worker has experienced loss, I know I've mentioned  Grief Share before and what an amazing blessing it has been to my parents and I when we experienced the loss of a loved one 15 years ago.  Other than our relationship with Jesus and His peace and presence in our lives  at that time, the other thing that tremendously helped us heal and cope was going through Grief Share.

It's a 13 week faith based program that walks a person through the stages of grief, how to handle flashbacks, the loneliness, even dealing with the personal possessions left behind.  I know many churches in the US host GF, and even host a special "Surviving the Holidays" GriefShare.  (which we and others also found useful).  Consider looking into one if you or someone you know has lost and hasn't dealt with it. I can promise you, you won't be sorry for looking into it.  GF also offers free, daily devotionals via email that you can sign up for on their website as well.  https://www.griefshare.org

I pray that as you consider the idea of being a servant, as Jesus was, and having a spirit of gratitude, the Lord would give you practical ideas of how you can live this out.  Lord bless you and yours this week!

Devot. https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2019-10-20?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202019-10-20&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion. (Read and Share.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/)