What Does Your 2024 Look Like?

Posted on January 4, 2024 by Patricia Bradley

Happy New Year to you all!

Can you believe it’s already 2024? Where did 2023 go? I know where my 2023 went–writing two 95,000-word books — Fatal Witness and Deadly Revenge and launching the first book in the series, Counter Attack! Not planning on doing that again. 🙂

Another thing I don’t plan on doing is missing my posting date! That happened on December 21, and I have no excuse other than I thought my date was the 28th.

One thing I did was to read through the Bible. There is a story behind that. Nineteen years ago I worked in the schools, teaching abstinence to middle and high school students. At one small school, the teacher seemed different. Calmer, happier, and I asked what her secret was. Her answer surprised me.

“I’m finishing my tenth year of reading through the Bible,” she said.

Oh, wow! was my response. That blew me away. I’d read the whole Bible in bits and pieces, but never from start to finish, let alone in a year. Then she did something else that surprised me. She challenged me to do the same thing. Never one to back down from a challenge, I accepted.

In my bookcase was a copy of the Chronological Bible a friend had given me at least five years prior. January 1, 2005, I opened the Bible and started the day off reading in Genesis. As the days passed, I continued to read each morning the passage for that day. It amazed me how much better my days went. That’s not to say I didn’t have problems, but I was better equipped to handle those problems.

The year ended and I had actually met the challenge the teacher had issued me. I also understood so much more about the Bible as a whole, reading it chronologically.  I saw God’s love like I never had before. In the Old Testament, His people worshipped, then fell into sin, and He corrected them, and they repented. Then the cycle repeated itself. I didn’t see their sinning as much as I saw God’s immeasurable love. I saw David, a man after God’s own heart, worship and write beautiful poetry only to fall into sin. For me, Psalm 51 is one of the most beautiful that he wrote. It’s one I’ve often prayed for myself.

But I’ve read through the Bible, you say. Read it again. You’ll get something new each time you do–I should know. This is my 18th year to read it. For years I used the Chronological Bible, then in 2021, I read it in the Seasons of Reflection Bible. It gives an Old Testament selection, a New Testament selection, and a Psalm or Proverb. Last year, I also read the OT & NT selections in the online Enduring Word Commentary.

This year I plan to use the Seasons of Reflections Bible again, this time doing a study on the psalms and proverbs featured each day.

So…for 2024, I want to issue you a challenge much like that teacher almost 20 years ago issued to me:
Make this the year you read through the Bible. It’s God’s Love Letter to us, our how-to on daily living. 

This first appeared on ptbradley.com/blog

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Should “gentiles” Be Capitalized? by James R. Coggins

Posted on January 3, 2024 by jrcoggins

The Hebrew word translated “gentiles” in the Old Testament is gowy or goy. It literally means a “massing.” The same word is used to describe herds of animals or locusts. It suggests large numbers. In English, we still use terms such as “the masses.” In the New Testament, gowy is translated into Greek as ethnos, meaning “race, tribe, nation, people.” An image sometimes used for gentiles in the Bible is the sea—massive, powerful, chaotic, unpredictable, and dangerous—in which every drop of water is indistinguishable from the next.

There is also another word in the Old Testament: am, meaning “tribe, nation, people.” The New Testament uses two words for this concept: laos, meaning “people” (from which we get our word “laity”) and ochlos, meaning “throng, rabble, company, multitude.” The Israelites were God’s chosen “people” (am), chosen out of all the other peoples (am).

So, should “gentiles” be capitalized? No. The gentiles were not a specific nation or people but rather non-specific people, the “other people,” those who weren’t Israelites or Jews, the undifferentiated mass of humanity. There is a sense that the gentiles were looked down on as “not special” or “not chosen.” The Hebrew word is not necessarily negative, but certainly not positive, perhaps neutral at best.

It should be pointed out that other nations have similar concepts. The Greeks divided the world into “Greeks” and “barbarians.” The Romans, following the Greeks, divided the world into “Romans” and “barbarians.” Europeans distinguished between themselves and “the heathen,” “savages,” and “the uncivilized.” The European aristocracy also divided the world into “nobles” and “commoners.” The aboriginal peoples of northern Canada call themselves Inuit (the people), suggesting that other people aren’t really people.

It is common among people to look down on other people. This is certainly the attitude many Israelites and Jews had. But that is not necessarily God’s view. When God said that the Israelites were His chosen people, it did not give them justification for taking pride in the designation. It did not mean they were superior. It simply meant that God had chosen this people out of all the other people. What made them special was not their own worthiness but simply God’s choice. The same applies to God’s New Testament people, Christians. Peter said to Christians: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV). This should not lead to pride but to humility, wonder, and gratitude. The apostle Paul said something similar in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29: “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” Paul also said: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Does God make distinctions between people? God has designated certain people as His people, but He invites and welcomes everyone else to join them.

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It’s A New Year by Tara Randel

Posted on January 1, 2024 by tararandel

Every year around this time we all say, “I can’t believe it’s a new year!” To say that time flies is an understatement. Another year, another season of life. God had created us in this particular point in time to live a life of honor to him and to care for those we love.

As you reflect on 2023, I hope you focus on the good memories. Sure, not every moment of the year was great, but those moments with loved ones and friends always find a place at the top of the list. Gratitude for all we have, all we gained, should bring a smile to your face.

Now, in this new year of 2024, there is so much to look forward to! I pray that all you are hoping for will come to pass this year, including health, happiness, job opportunities, extended family, anything you have your eyes on. 

I don’t make resolutions, but I am excited about what the future will bring. I know that as long as I remain grounded in Jesus, no matter what comes my way, it will be an interesting and spirit-filled year ahead.

Happy New Year!

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter.

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For the Season after Christmas by James R. Coggins

Posted on December 27, 2023 by jrcoggins

As has been my custom for the past two years, today I am filling the vacant space between Christmas and New Year’s with some of my own poetry, some of it serious and some more fun.

 

           Father Christmas

In the middle of the night,

when we were still sleeping,

Father Christmas crept in

and left us a present in the barn,

a baby.

            Seeing Through Glass Darkly

In the dead of winter,

When the rich and the prelates

gather in palaces and cathedrals

to discuss meeting the needs of the poor,

at night

Almighty God sends his agents

to paint stained-glass patterns

on the windows of their hovels.

            Making Melodye, Mocking Melody

Most of our store-bought Christmas carols

come dangerously close

to breaking the third commandment.

            Christmas Mourning

On Christmas morning,

after a moment or two of delight,

toddlers giggle and play

with boxes and ribbons,

while the carefully chosen presents

sit neglected on the floor.

On Christmas,

after brief moments of delight,

the children of God

delight themselves

with electronics and jewels,

while God’s carefully Chosen Present

is neglected, outside the door.

            After Christmas

It’s the season

when the dust is mingled

with bits of tinsel and lost sparkles

(reminders of imparted

love, joy, and peace departed)

until it all is swept away

in the routine of weekly chores.

            ’Tis the Season

’Tis the season to be freezin’.

            Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-choo!

That’s the reason we’re all sneezin’.

            Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-choo!

See the workplace silent keeping.

            Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-choo!

All the workers are home sleeping.

            Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-choo!

Cold and flu and common virus,

            Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-choo!

They’re the reason our boss will fire us.

            Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-choo!

Hear the classroom filled with hacking,

            Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-choo!

Noses running, voices cracking.

            Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-choo!

Hear the many sick before us:

            Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-choo!

Join the cough and sneezing chorus:

            Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-choo!

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New Beginnings by Peggy Webb

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Vicki Hinze

Gardenias in my garden

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”

                                                                                                      Isaiah 40:31

That is one of my two favorite Bible verses. It reminds me that life is filled with valleys as well as mountains; defeats and disappointments and well as triumph and joy. 

It also reminds me that God didn’t create a robot who would remain unchanged through any circumstance. He created man in His own image, capable of great love and joy, but also capable of despair and tears. The assurance in Isaiah is that God is always with us. For those who believe, He will provide exactly what we need to get through any situation. Sometimes that’s only walking without fainting, but it’s always enough. 

This is the time of year when most of us reflect on the past year and tell ourselves we’re going to do better next year.  We let the calendar dictate a fresh start.  By February or March, all our good intentions are forgotten. We’ve broken half our resolutions and feel guilty. 

The remarkable thing about new beginnings is that life gives us the opportunity to start afresh throughout the year. If we learn from every experience and lean on God, we make decisions to leave a stressful job and find a new one, to take care of our mental and emotional health as well as our physical health, to walk away from a toxic relationship, and so much more.

During these times, we know God is with us, providing strength to endure, because we’re leaning on Him. But He also tells us how to leave the old behind and start anew.

“No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise, he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.”

                                                                                              Revelation 21:5

A new beginning is exactly that. Leave the old behind. Shake the dust off your feet and walk away with your faith unshaken, your self-esteem and your character intact, and your heart willed with hope and the knowledge that the Lord God Almighty, the Wonderful Counselor is walking with you. 

God is good.

Peggy Webb

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What Happens Next by Mary Alford

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Author Mary Alford

By now, the presents have no doubt been unwrapped, the Christmas meal eaten. Family and loved ones have gone. For most of us, after December 25th passes, we put away the Christmas decorations. Christmas is over. But in the story of Jesus’ birth, Christmas didn’t end with His birth. 

No doubt, it had been a grueling trip. Imagine being pregnant and being forced to take a four-to-five-day on the back of a donkey.  

Once you arrive in Bethlehem, you’re tired and there’s no place to stay except a stable.

And then the moment comes, your Baby is born. The One you have been told would be the Savior of the world. I can imagine both Mary and Joseph would have seen the events that led them to Bethlehem and known it was through God’s own hand that these Biblical prophecies had been fulfilled.

 As the exhausted couple stared down at their Son shepherds arrived with another amazing story of how an angel visited them in the field and told them about the Baby’s birth. And how the angel was joined by a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God. The young couple must have been overwhelmed with everything they had seen and heard.

Yet still long after the shepherds left, the events that were foretold in prophecy concerning the Son of God’s birth were not complete. There’s more to the story written in prophecy. Much more.

While we don’t know how much time passed before the Magi arrived, we’re told that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were staying in a house when the Magi followed the star to their location bringing gifts fit for the King.

The gift of gold is significant because gold is a symbol of royalty and power. Frankincense is a resin that was used in ancient times for religious ceremonies. A gift fit for the High Priest, it’s a sign of worship and respect. The final gift mentioned was myrrh. Myrrh is a plant that was used in ancient times for its medicinal properties. Most notable in Jesus’ life, myrrh was a key ingredient in the mixture of spices that were used to prepare bodies for burial.

Once the Magi had delivered their gifts and started for their home, Matthew 2:13-23 tells of how an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take the child Jesus and his mother and flee to Egypt because Herod was searching for the Child to destroy Him. Joseph obeyed and remained in Egypt until the death of Herod which fulfilled the prophecy that “Out of Egypt I called my son.

After Herod figured out the Magi had fooled him and were not going to return to tell him where to find Jesus, he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi fulfilling what was said through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted”.

Once Herod passed away, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

So, Joseph took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. “So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene”. 

The birth of our Savior that Christmas morning changed everything for us, but there was so much going on. A story of obedience by both Mary and Joseph. Excitement as seen by the shepherds who were the first to see the Baby and proclaim the news. Wisdom and curiosity brought the Magi to follow the star and prepare royal gifts that would be fitting for the Messiah.

The story of Jesus didn’t end with the manager. It continued throughout His life, His death, and His resurrection. It continues through the lives He changed. And it was all planned out perfectly by our amazing God. 

Until next time, dear friends, many blessings!

Mary

http://www.maryalford.net  

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Merry Christmas by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on December 25, 2023 by Nancy J. Farrier
View of Hong Kong from our morning walk.

Merry Christmas to you from Hong Kong. Those are words I never thought I’d write or say, but this year we are in Hong Kong to celebrate our daughter’s marriage. She married last April, but they are having a reception for her husband’s Hong Kong family and we were invited.

This is my first time outside the United States and it’s been amazing. The city is huge, but very welcoming. The people are so nice and the food is fabulous. 

On our first day here, we were taken on a tour of Kowloon, the northern part of Hong Kong. As part of the tour, we were taken to the offices of the Young Life ministry. It was fascinating hearing about their outreach to junior high and high school youth. I was impressed with the many facets of their ministry and how they were able to interact with the young people to tell them about Jesus and His love for them. The young woman in charge said they are rarely in the office because they are out working with kids and reaching out to them at the schools.

On Christmas Eve, we attended church with our son-in-law’s family. The church youth put on a very entertaining program with a godly message. It was so fun. The worship and message reminded me of my church back home. The enthusiasm for Jesus shone in that church. 

One of the things that’s impressed me most with this culture is their way of taking time to eat together, to share their thoughts and experiences over food, not being in a hurry. I am reminded of how often Jesus broke bread with people in the Bible and taught lessons during the meal. 

Twice, Jesus taught and then had the disciples break up fish and loaves to give to the people. He ate and taught at Mary and Martha’s house. Even at the end of His ministry, He sat down with the disciples and shared important teachings during the last supper.

Maybe we should consider a meal together as more than just the food we’re eating. Yes, the food can be great nourishment and tasty, but the conversation is more important than what is on our plate. What are we conveying to those who are sharing our meal? Are we complaining about circumstances? Are we talking about worldly things that don’t really matter? Consider those conversations and what is being said.

Yes, we can talk about those other things—maybe not the complaining so much(smile)—but we can talk about sports, or books, or movies, etc., but we also need to bring up Christ and the gift He’s given us. We should be excited to share Him with those around us, even when sharing is hard. A meal together is a great time to touch on Jesus and who He is.

We don’t have to wait to travel somewhere to share Jesus. Here in Hong Kong, I’ve been considering John 3:16 and that God so loved the whole world that He gave His only begotten Son. The whole world. We have the opportunity to share that wonderful message whether we’re at home or some amazing destination like Hong Kong.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and let someone know how much Jesus loves them.

City lights at night in Hong Kong.
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The Perfect Iron: A Christmas Devotional by Julie Arduini

Posted on December 22, 2023 by juliearduini

I was ten years old when Christmas bottomed out for our family. Although we didn’t give our situation a name at the time, alcoholism was destroying our lives one sip and forgotten promise at a time.

The tension was palpable. I even remember our Peekapoo, Pookey, walking tentatively around the house, never knowing when yelling would start.

We probably all walked that way.

Despite the fear that honestly has my gut health impacted to this day, somehow I managed to have some cash on hand to buy our mom something for Christmas. I suspect it was a job assigned to me, assigned by my Dad, me and my sister. I took that job seriously. No matter the tension, no matter the state of my parent’s marriage, it was going to be the perfect Christmas because mom would receive the perfect gift.

I ended up buying an iron. It felt like such an upgrade to the trinkets I bought in years past at the school store. I wrapped that beauty up and made sure it had a prominent place under the tree. I knew, I felt it in my bones, this present was going to change everything and bring peace to the chaos.

I don’t recall Christmas Eve what transpired, but I can guess that there was alcohol and a verbal skirmish involved. I do recall feeling like we were living inside a pressure cooker, and that lid was about to blow. That present under the tree for Mom glowed in my eyes. It was going to turn everything around. It was going to be perfect.

Christmas morning, Dad asked who should go first.

And my ten-year-old self blurted,

“Mom, do you want to open your iron now?”

I heard what I’d done as soon as iron was said.

To me, I ruined the only good thing that was going to take place that year. No perfect Christmas. No perfect family.

I was crushed. There was laughter, but not the kind that deflated the tension.

I hated that Christmas.

I also don’t love to iron. But maybe that’s me.

Why do I share this story?

Because when I look at some of my favorite Christmas movies, from Arthur’s Perfect Christmas to Christmas Vacation to Christmas with the Kranks—perfection is the goal. As an author, I can share what drives a good story or movie. Conflict. And any time a person strives for perfection at Christmas—whether believing an iron will serve as a magic wand to heal a hurting family—or Griswold exterior Christmas lights being the symbol of a perfect family celebration as hilariously played out in the movie Christmas Vacation—disappointment is coming.

Julie Arduini

I don’t know all your personal lives but I know Christmas magnifies loss. Change. Financial troubles. Job transition. Relationship issues. Grief. Depression. Anxiety.

If you don’t surrender this season—your life—and all you are and dealing with to Jesus—you’re going to burn faster than my mom’s iron. Perfection isn’t attainable. We aren’t Jesus. If you’re spending more money than you have to delight a child or grandchild who actually needs to hear they are loved, and told about Jesus and His love, are you really celebrating the reason for the season? If you’re staying up past midnight to ice those cookies so they look bakery perfect, chances are you’re bleary-eyed and miserable. If this is your Christmas with the kids who otherwise split their time elsewhere, are you planning, planning, planning so every moment is filled and just perfect but your insides are tied in knots?

Maybe it’s time we look at my iron and put down the expectations. Give up the fantasy that you can create a perfect Christmas. Mary didn’t birth her Savior in a penthouse suite at the Hilton. Nothing about His birth sounds perfect except the Child. He was born in a feeding trough in a barn during a time the Israelites were oppressed and baby boys were hunted to be killed.

If Mary, Joseph, wise men, angels, and shepherds can rejoice at such a less-than environment, can’t we?

In Ecclesiastes 4:6, ESV it states,  “Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.”

If our focus is on Jesus and His birth, all the wonder that comes with it, we should be glowing this season. But out of worry and stress do we often look like wrinkled pants in need of my mom’s iron? If my family back then had known Jesus as a Savior with warm, open, loving arms, I suspect our lives would have looked different, even if alcoholism was present. I feel sad for that little girl that was me, and for anyone today who feels the same.

If we put Jesus first, I can’t promise there won’t be adversity or the unexpected. I can promise His peace will pass all understanding. A peace I can’t even define, and I love words. If you’re trying to plan events, juggle the calendar, buy the stuff to fill the fear, chaos, or pressure, whatever it is thinking you must make the perfect Christmas, my prayer is you find me or one of the team tonight and ask us to pray with you.

Ladies, ditch my childhood iron and the perfect expectations you should not be putting on yourself. Place everything about you and your daily life at the feet of Jesus. And have yourself a Merry Christmas.

***

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It’s My Birthday! By James R. Coggins

Posted on December 20, 2023 by jrcoggins

This blog is being posted on my birthday. It is noteworthy that I was born so close to the winter solstice.

I once asked my sister, “Did you notice that the days kept getting shorter and darker until I was born, and then the days began to get longer and brighter?”

She said, “No, I had not noticed that. But I had noticed that when you were born, it was the darkest day of the year.”

It all depends on your perspective.

I once asked my mother which of her three children was her favorite.

She said that I was special because I had come home from the hospital on Christmas Eve.

But then she said that my sister was special because she was born first. And my brother was special because he was born last.

Mom should have been a diplomat.

It is appropriate to show some sympathy for those born in the last days of December. Their birthdays are always overshadowed by Someone Else’s birthday. They often get just one present instead of two. And in those hectic days, no one is going to volunteer to organize another party.

The Bible tells us that those of us who believe in Jesus become children of God.

But it is not always easy having Jesus as your older brother.

I’m not talking about me. I’m talking about that other James. The one in the Bible. It can’t have been easy for him. Imagine growing up being constantly compared to Jesus. “Your older brother wouldn’t have done that.” “Your older brother would have handled that better.” Definitely tough. Even though James knew his older brother loved him as only Jesus can love.

James clearly struggled. At one point, he thought Jesus was crazy (Mark 3:20-21). He didn’t believe in Jesus (John 7:5). But then Jesus appeared to him after He had been resurrected from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:7).

In the end, James became a leader in Jesus’ church and described himself as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1).

Being in Jesus’ shadow is not such a bad place to be. We are protected there. He set a good example for us to follow. He loves us and saves us. It is pretty wonderful having Jesus as our older brother.

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The Steady, Plodding Donkey by Delores Topliff

Posted on December 14, 2023 by dtopliff

I’m writing about donkeys today, seen frequently all over Israel—entering Jerusalem’s Old City gates and/or traveling networks of roads and trails everywhere—quiet, unassuming, but getting work done. In scripture, a donkey saved the prophet Balaam from the angel messenger’s sword when Balaam failed to hear God’s word. 

Imagine another shaggy donkey during census-tax season carrying Mary, great with child, bumping along the ninety-four miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem before our Lord’s birth—an exhausting and uncomfortable journey.

I love hearing this English carol, The Friendly Beasts, about the stable animals on that first Christmas.

Jesus our brother kind and good,
Was humbly born in a stable rude.
The friendly beasts around him stood.
Jesus our brother kind and good.

A brilliant star shone through the night
And filled the world with wondrous light
While friendly beasts stayed by his side
A brilliant star shone through the night

“I,” Said the donkey, all shaggy and brown.
“I carried His mother uphill and down.
I carried her safely to Bethlehem town.”
“I,” Said the donkey all shaggy and brown.

“I,” Said the cow, all white and red.
“I gave Him my manger, for a bed.
I gave Him my hay to pillow His head.”
“I,” Said the cow, all white and red.

“I,” Said the sheep with the curly horn
I gave Him my wool for a blanket warm.
He wore my coat on Christmas morn.”
“I,” Said the sheep with the curly horn. 

“I,” Said the dove from the rafters high.
I cooed him to sleep so he wouldn’t cry.
We cooed him to sleep my mate and I.”
“I,” Said the dove from the rafters high.

Every beast by some good spell
In the stable dark was glad to tell
Of the gifts they gave Emanuel.
The gifts they gave Emanuel.

As God’s life and strength carries us through each day, sometimes it may look small and unimpressive, but it crosses distances and helps us complete journeys. Remember, our Lord wasn’t born in a palace but in a place that made him accessible to all people everywhere and in all times.

A donkey carried our Lord again when He entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday—but we’ll consider that story closer to next Easter.

God bless you, your family, and our world with peace, forgiveness, and light through this Christmas season and far beyond. And may we have Balaam’s ass speaking here and there as needed in many world situations.

Delores Topliff

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Santa Jesus by James R. Coggins

Posted on December 13, 2023 by jrcoggins

He asked Santa Claus for a puppy. When he didn’t get it, he stopped believing in Santa Claus.

She prayed for a bicycle. When she didn’t get it, she stopped believing in God.

When the church encourages non-Christians to believe in Jesus with the promise that God will give them everything they need and want—in short, when the church presents Jesus as if He was Santa Claus—it will ultimately fail. People will not get what they were promised, they will be disappointed, and they will abandon the faith.

We should think clearly about what it is that will attract permanent followers to Jesus.

Some politicians try to become popular by promising to give people everything they need or want. It does not work in the long run because it results in an inefficient government and an unproductive society.

Winston Churchill, on the other hand, was a great leader. When he became prime minister of the United Kingdom at the beginning of the Second World War, he promised his people “blood, toil, tears and sweat.” But he also promised them a purpose and victory over the Nazis.

When the shepherds were told that Jesus, the Savior, Messiah, and Lord, had been born, the angels said that this was “good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV).  

When Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus to the temple, the prophet Simeon called Him God’s “salvation” and “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” But Simeon also told Mary, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:25-35).

When Jesus called the first disciples to follow Him, He didn’t tell them all the wonderful things He would do for them. Instead, He told them what He wanted them to do for Him: “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19).

When the apostle Paul was dramatically called to follow Jesus, God revealed to Ananias, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:15-16).

When He announced His own impending death, Jesus told His disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25).

When Jesus calls Christians to follow Him, He does not promise us that we will have an easy life or that all of our wishes and desires will be fulfilled. He promises us enduring value, an identity (as children of God and followers of Jesus), a relationship with Him, membership in the family of God, forgiveness of sins, a renewed heart, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a place in heaven, and an extraordinary purpose—to participate in building the Kingdom of God.

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Loss by Peggy Webb

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Vicki Hinze

“Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything.” C. S. Lewis on the death of his wife, Joy.

Loss happens to all of us, and the initial pain feels unbearable. The death of a loved one. The death of a dream. The loss of a home, a job, a community. 

Whether the loss is through death or divorce or the willful actions of others, it’s always hard. It feels as if you’ll be trapped in that awful moment, that unbearable situation, that unspeakable hurt forever.

No matter what the circumstances of your loss, don’t lash out. Don’t say things you can never take back If you are about to lose someone close to you through personal confrontation, don’t fling accusations and jump onto the defensive.  Listen. Ask questions. Be calm. What you say can make a bad situation worse.

Words have enormous power. They can heal, soothe, uplift, and inspire or they can lacerate like a sword, creating wounds that will never heal. 

We’re all children of God, muddling through this life with the tools we were given, both through birth and circumstance.

After a loss, it’s natural to turn to friends for support. Some people will hold your hand while you go through the stages of loss: grief, anger, denial, more grief, and finally acceptance. Others will be all too ready to throw fuel on your fire and stoke your anger until it burns so white hot it takes away all reason. Or they will give you dreadful advice that creates more chaos. That person is not your friend. Walk away.The One who is your friend is right there at your side, always. He loves you so much He gave His only son to die for you so you could have life, eternal.

In Carthage, Texas, there is a magnificent statue of Jesus, carrying one of His children. Behind the statue, a concrete walkway is set with two sets of prints that gradually become one. Engraved on the entrance to the monument is the beautiful poem, Footprints in the Sand.

Here is the last section of the poem:

“Lord, You said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way.

But I during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints.

The Lord replied, “My son, My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you.

During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.

In your times of loss, turn to God. He will carry you until you are strong enough to walk again.

God is good.

Peggy Webb

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Good Tidings of Great Joy by Mary Alford

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Author Mary Alford

Luke 2:8-10 – And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

One of the biggest events in human history, the announcement of the birth of the Messiah, didn’t come to the religious leaders of the time. Not to scholars. In an instant, Luke takes us from the manger to the pastures outside of Bethlehem where the announcement of the birth of Jesus came to lowly shepherds.  

Shepherds lived among their sheep to protect them from predators. They probably didn’t smell the greatest. These men were hard-working but not considered high up in the social world. They weren’t wealthy. They had nothing to bring the Baby King but themselves.

So why did God choose the lowest members of society to entrust the greatest gift of the ages?

Luke 2:11-14 – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

The shepherds eagerly shared the news about what they’d seen.

Luke 2:15-18 – And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

After they had seen the Baby, they spread the word concerning what they’d been told and what they’d seen.

So why did God choose the lowly shepherds to share this most glorious news? Not only because He knew they would be overjoyed to be the recipients of the news, and that they would eagerly share it with all they met, but I think God chose the humble shepherds to show us that God’s salvation is there for everyone.

Jesus came humbly into the world, born not to rich and famous parents, but a simple carpenter and a virgin. And the news about his birth was first presented to those who were considered lowest in society to let us know God loves us all. No matter who we are.  

Until next time, dear friends, many blessings!

Mary

http://www.maryalford.net   

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Christmas Gifts by Tara Randel

Posted on December 11, 2023 by tararandel

As we get deeper into December, it seems our time becomes more limited. Christmas shopping, decorating, party planning, all the holiday usuals take up our time. We focus on gifts that we will give to others, mostly family, friends, or those in our social and work circles. I’ve always tried to find meaningful gifts, something that will bring smiles to faces or a reminder of a happy memory, to the recipient.

Focusing on the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in the commercial push. We don’t think about what we can give God during this special time of year, our gift to Him.

My pastor gave a very illuminating message on this topic that I’d like to share with you. (My condensed version.)

What can we give to God?

Our hope in Him. No matter what is going on in our lives, hope can resonate. When we are thankful for our relationship with God, we can begin to hope that He will influence every step of our lives.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Our passionate pursuit. Do we seek and do we find?

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

When we want something bad enough, we will pursue it. Why not our relationship with God?

Our worship. A lifestyle of love and reverence, respect and devotion, to the one who created us. As my pastor said, we should ascribe value to something higher than ourselves.

In Mark 12: 28-30, when asked which commandment of all was the most important, Jesus said,

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

How do we worship God?

Heart and soul, our very best expression.

Mind, thinking about what Jesus wants in my life.

Strength, what we do for Him.

Wrapped up, this can be a gift to our Lord who has given us everything.

I pray that your Christmas is filled with happiness, joy, excitement, and most of all, a reminder of what Jesus has done for us and what we can do for Him.

Merry Christmas!

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Repairing Hearts Now Available by Julie Arduini

Posted on December 8, 2023 by juliearduini

Write Faster, Julie Arduini

Repairing Hearts Amazon (partial) review

I’m excited to announce that not only is the second book in my Surrendering Hearts series, Repairing Hearts, available, but reviews are coming in and they are so encouraging.

Repairing Hearts took a bit to write, thanks to random issues like my glasses were not right and my computer screen broke. When I tried to buy a refurbished laptop, it took three tries before we landed on one that worked.

Still, that doesn’t damper my excitement regarding Repairing Hearts.

Repairing Hearts continues the Hart sextuplets and their journey to discover their own identity and find a love like their parents shared. Jordyn kicked off the series with her need to surrender control. Now it’s Ryan’s turn. He’s got a bit of a temper, and prides himself on being a loner.

The problem with isolating himself from his big family is he needs them. He bought a house that’s an overwhelming money pit, and he can’t afford renovations. Brother Evan pitches a reality show idea, and suddenly Ryan and his brooding ways are trending on social media.

The reality show, Repairing Ryan’s Heart, was supposed to focus on viewers choosing a project manager to oversee the renovations. The actual show is more of a dating contest, and Ryan wants nothing to do with the drama.

I loved, loved, loved writing a reality show. It’s as cutthroat as you can imagine, and I learned in my research reality shows aren’t very real at all. Through that, Ryan learns a lot about himself, his faith, and his family.

No small-town romance is any good without a heroine, right? Repairing Hearts features a few ladies who are show contestants. My favorites are mean girl Raini Bly, and of course, the woman with a secret that will change the course of the series, BJ Wallace. That fiery redhead has Ryan’s full attention, but will her betrayal ruin the show, the Hart family, and Ryan’s heart?

You’ll have to read to find out!

Each book is a stand-alone, but I believe starting with Anchored Hearts gives you a comprehensive look into the Hart sextuplets. Now that Ryan’s story is done, after the holidays I start Building Hearts, and that’s Evan’s story. To continue to celebrate the Hart sextuplets 25th birthday, a second reality show features the siblings as they follow the project manager and work on renovations. Evan leads the adventure and of course, it’s not going to go according to plan…

The series is a small-town romance with Christian surrender themes. Both Anchored Hearts and Repairing Hearts are free for Kindle Unlimited. I hope you take a look, and if you enjoy, thank you in advance for leaving a review.

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