Tag: Paul

  • What’s on your Christmas list?

    With Love Gift Tag

    In light of Christmas coming soon, several words intrigued me. Here are just a few which made me think of Christmas:

    • Rich
    • Incomparable Riches
    • Kindness
    • Gift

    Makes you think of the holidays and gifting times, doesn’t it? I looked up the word “incomparable” just to see what new concept I might uncover. The dictionary describes incomparable as:

    •  Beyond comparison
    • Matchless
    • Unequaled
    • Incapable of being compared to each other

    In this reference, Paul refers to God and His matchless gift of giving the ultimate sacrifice, His son Jesus Christ. There’s no better gift given than that of Christ’s blood shed for our forgiveness of sins. We also then can enjoy the gift of Hope for now and in the future.

    •  Is there a gift of kindness you could give to an unsuspecting person?
    • Can you think of a gift to give that does not have a monetary value to it?

    Dear God,
    Thank you for the ultimate gift of Your son, Jesus. None of us deserved such a priceless gift. I pray I’ll prove worthy. My desire is to focus on the real reason for the season and not be obsessed with the purchasing of many man-made gifts. I’m so thankful to be a part of Your family! 

    “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved … in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God …,”—Ephesians 2:4–8.

     

  • Are you content in your own skin?

    awesome sky

    Do I always rejoice? Am I continually thankful for what comes my way — always? That’s easy to answer: No! Should I be? Yes! The Apostle Paul, inspired by God, writes in the book of Philippians that I should be content in whatever life circumstances come my way.

    I tend to be more on the side of: why me? Why now of all times — haven’t I got enough on my agenda already? Sarah Young, who wrote Jesus Calling, says this “Bring your moments to Me, and I will fill them with vibrant Joy. Now is the time to rejoice in My Presence!”

    It doesn’t say to rejoice as soon as my body heals, or when I get a job,  a newer car or house. Or when my child isn’t in trouble at school. “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! (The Message)

    There are no options in that clear statement. All day and every day. Even the ones that stink and reek of loneliness, heartache, pain, or even boredom.

    What should I do instead of wallowing in self-pity? I do have healthy alternatives that I can consciously focus on such as:

    • Pray to God. Tell him my sorrow and concerns.
    • Refuse to linger on the negatives, instead, think on positive things:
      • Whatever is true
      • Whatever is noble
      • Whatever is right or reputable
      • Whatever is pure and authentic
      • Whatever is lovely
      • Whatever is admirable
      • Whatever is excellent or praiseworthy

    Result: the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:4). And isn’t that what we all long and hope for in this world … internal peace and contentment with God.

    Dear God, thank you for the reminder that you care enough to be there when I need you most. You are always near to me and close enough to answer my prayers. You are real. My fantasies are unreal and futile. Focus my thoughts and energy on constructive positives. I rejoice in the countless blessings you’ve given. You are all I really need. You offer Life, Joy, Peace and Contentment. No one or nothing else can fully satisfy!

    Do you feel like your world is upside down? That you don’t have a grasp on reality? Do you find yourself fantasizing about how your life could be more perfect or happy?

    “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds” — Philippians 4:4–7.