What’s Your Word?

        I thought it would be a good idea to pick a word to concentrate on this year; a word to define my outlook on the year.  After much thought, (there are sooooo many appropriate words for my life!) I decided on the word ‘faith’.  I looked faith up in the dictionary and its’ meaning is “a strong or unshakeable belief in something, especially without proof or evidence”.  Perfect word for me!

        I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a “Thomas” at times.  I know what the Lord is capable of, I’ve seen Him work in my life and all around me, but at times, there’s still that doubt.  When I pray for certain things I know that He is able and will answer my prayers in His time and His own way, but there’s that gnawing feeling of will He really?  I want to pray for things this year and have the faith to back it up.  Just because His ways or time is not mine, I know I’ll get my answer!  What’s your word for this year? 

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

Hebrews 11:6 KJV

“A Savior, Which is Christ the Lord”

1	And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all  the world should be taxed.
2	(And this taxing was first made when Cyre'ni-us was governor of Syria.)
3	And all went to be taxed,  every one into his own city.
4	And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David,)
5	to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6	And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7	And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8	And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9	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.
10	And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11	For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12	And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13	And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14	Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:1 – 14 KJV

"Shhh...Listen..."

     We have had a "Polar Express" week in my classroom this week.  There's a part at the end of the book that talks about the bell, and the boy says that there was once a time when the bell rang for all his friends.  They could all hear it, but as the years went on, the bell grew silent for most of them.  It still rang loudly for him, however, because he still believed. 
   
     It hit me that that is kind of like the call of Christ.  He calls to all of us at different times in our lives.  Many hear the call and choose to ignore it, hoping that it will 'go away'.  What a sad, scary, desperate state to be in when we can no longer hear the call of the Lord:  He has fallen silent.  Then there are those who sort of believe in a "higher power"...the call grows fainter and fainter until it falls silent all together. 

     I'm so glad that I still hear His call.  I hear it when I pray, I hear it when I praise Him, I hear it when I wake up, down through the day, and when I fall asleep.  Sometimes His call wakes me from sleep, and other sweet times, it puts me to sleep.  Sometimes I hear His call almost audibly, and other times I can only hear it as a soft whisper.  But I never fail to listen for it.  I pray that I, as well as you, never get to a point in our lives when we no longer hear His call.  "The bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe."

                                                  "Quench not the Spirit."
                                                 1 Thessalonians 5:19 KJV

Plans

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.”

Jeremiah 29:11  NIV

Dear Lord,   

Thank you for having a plan for my life.  Not just any plan, a specific plan that only applies to me.  I might not see Your plan all the time or understand Your ways or timing, but I’m trusting You to put Your plans in motion for my life.  I want to have the faith to understand that Your plan is the best for my life:  I know it will be for my good.  Grant me the determination to carry out Your plans.

I’ve laid my life in Your hands as an open book for You to write.  And when life seems to be at a standstill, gently remind me that You are still in control of my future – You are still busy writing on those pages.  I’m trusting that throughout the pages of my life’s book, Your fingerprints will be evident.

Amen. 

Praise

          A few weeks ago, my sister and her family came in (late) to church, while we were singing congregation songs.  She was carrying my nephew who was sleeping on her shoulder.  It didn’t take long for the noise to stir him and he woke up.  He turned around, sitting on her lap and immediately began to smile and clap his hands to the music. 

            As I watched his chubby little hands, I got tears in my eyes.  I want to be like that…able to praise God at any given moment.  I looked back at my hymn book and really let the words I was singing run deep down to my core.  It wasn’t long before I started clapping my own hands!

“I will Praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart;  I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.”

Psalm 9:1