“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7
Your future is not a mystery. I can sit down and talk with you and in one hour tell your future, because you will have revealed the seeds for your future during our conversation. If we really believe that what we are planting today is what we will see tomorrow, then we would start planting what we want to see.
“All things are possible to him that believeth.” (Matthew 19:26)
Jesus is encouraging you and me to experience a limitless life. Dare to think limitless in some area of your life. Understand that there is more to you than meets the eye. Jesus sees the real person you are to become!
Why do people fear if they believe that the Creator of the universe lives inside of them? Why do people expect the worst when all things are possible to those who believe, as Jesus has spoken? Why do people think they will be in isolation, when Jesus said I will never leave you nor forsake you?
I can with confidence predict that we are more than conquerors in every situation as the scripture declares. Our greatest days are right ahead of us as we navigate the waters in these rapids of the river of life. Every river has a little rough water but no concern. The boat was designed for the rapids. This is when it performs its best!
Relax in God’s boat. Jesus is in the boat with you, so enjoy the ride as it carries you through some twists and turns this coming year. You will be the better for it!
I have walked the overcoming fear pathway for many years with nothing more than the Word of God in my heart, a positive confession in my mouth, and a small band of committed partners! I have seen His miracles and I know that God will not fail us! He is true to His Word! He is with us!
As we step into this brand new year set before us, remember what God has promised to His people: “Fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them (the obstacles of life): for the LORD will be with you!” Joshua 10:25 (emphasis mine)
Millions of people around the globe today, perhaps even billions, celebrate this Christmas Christ who lives in the heart.
This Christmas season, in whatever situation you find yourself, remember—Christmas is not a brightly decorated, commercial season, but it is rather a moment of time when God determined to put on human flesh and dwell among us.
Remember, the God who is the Creator of the universe and all that we see is not some ethereal, cosmic, mystic being. No! He is God with us, Emmanuel—the One who has come to live and dwell in our hearts!
We say to you: Merry Christmas! And may Christ dwell in your heart, and in your family!
This is the day before Christmas. On this day approximately 2,000 years ago Joseph was feeling very out of place, because he could not find lodging in Bethlehem for his pregnant wife. There is Good News for those who feel out of place in today’s world. Those who feel like they have misplaced their destiny, or replaced it with an ordinary “just get by” existence.
There is a place where nothing is impossible for you. There is a place where sickness cannot stay. There is a place where you are equipped with more than enough to answer every need of every good work. There is a place where peace, dignity and love rule in your daily walk. There is a place where you do as Jesus did.
Jesus is inviting you to stand in that place if you are feeling out of place like Joseph. That place is not far from you. It is called the Kingdom of God. Jesus said it is at hand. Paul said it is within you. When you call on Jesus He comes to live in you, and He makes you the place where all things are possible!
When you have an encounter with Jesus Christ and surrender your life to receive Him as your Savior and Lord, it is not just an emotional experience. It is not just a rational, intelligent moment of decision. It is not just a cleansing of your past and passport to your future.
The seed of God has been planted in you in the same miraculous way that the seed of God was planted in Mary to produce the Lord Jesus! You have to say yes to His will the same way Mary did. She did not understand but said, “Be it done unto me according to your will.”
Peter describes this phenomenon by declaring: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:23
You have a miracle in you! All His purpose and power is now able to grow and develop in you. This gives special meaning when we celebrate His birth at Christmas!
William Booth is not a name most people recognize. He was a prominent Methodist evangelist living in mid-19th century London, England. One cold night as he returned home from a service, he noticed the poor and homeless sleeping under the London Bridge and was overcome with compassion for them. He decided at that moment that he had to do something to help them, and The Salvation Army was born.
In 1865 He and his wife Catherine opened The Christian Revival Society in London, and “Food for the Million” soup kitchens, which fed large bowls of soup and bread to the poor. They established lodging houses to shelter the homeless from the bitter winters.
Christmas was always the most demanding time of the year and everyone needed extra help and encouragement. Because of this, General Booth would send a telegram each Christmas Eve to his weary soldiers all over the world, to encourage them in their work.
In what would be his last Christmas, he composed a paragraph of heartfelt words to inspire his troops, but then realized the cost of sending it would be too much. He edited the paragraph into three sentences, then one sentence, then three words—and realized even that would be too many.
Finally, he decided to send only one word…one word that would continue to inspire his army to win souls, feed the hungry and give shelter to the homeless.
That word was simply, “Others.”
This Christmas season remember that Christ came to dwell in your heart and in the hearts of people. Allow Him to dwell in you and live through you—and let this Christmas be an “others-minded” Christmas!
Joshua Blayhi says he had an encounter similar to the biblical account of Saul on the road to Damascus, where a bright light appeared and Jesus spoke, telling Blayhi to stop killing or he would die. Saul of Tarsus, who became Apostle Paul, was a persecutor of Christians and orchestrated the stoning of the first recorded Christian martyr, Stephen.
How could this be? How could these men break free of the desire to murder over and over again? How could their hearts and imaginations be so totally changed? The Apostle Paul would later state in the scriptures that we have all sinned, falling short of God’s glory. Certainly, not all are killers—but all are sinners. In the accounts of these two men we find the death of a sinner… But we also see the resurrection of a saint!
Becoming truly free not only required God’s forgiveness, but both Saul and Joshua Blayhi had to forgive themselves. Self-forgiveness is often a bitter pill to swallow. Although God’s grace had forgiven both, each daily faced the effects of their sin.
Neither Paul nor Joshua demonstrates any fear in declaring the good news. One man lived 2,000 years ago, the other lives today, but the same truth delivered both men and gave them strength to face their sin and devote themselves to helping people—and, in Joshua’s case, to seek restitution! Paul said to the church at Rome, “I am not ashamed of the gospel (good news), for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes!”
Today, Jesus offers you freedom from your past and hope for your future! You can be forgiven and you can forgive yourself!
