What thoughts come to mind?
The sweet aroma of a freshly cut tree,
Seasonal decor adorning each house,
Beautifully wrapped packages,
Precious ornaments representing years of memories,
Shiny lights shimmering around every corner,
Shopping malls filled with people,
Singing along with your Christmas favorites.
Yes, each one is a sign of the Season.
But LOVE....
This is the TRUE SIGN of the Season.
I have spent the last week reading 1 John. God used my time with Him to remind me of some precious Truths.
First, John reminds us that we ARE children of God. Before Jesus, love was a matter of obeying the law, of keeping score. But after Jesus, love is different. We know a new love, agape love. This is love just for the sake of love. It expects nothing in return. God loves us with this kind of love.
Do you know that the moment you accept Christ into your heart, you have eternal life? By saying "yes," in this life, you have the guarantee of life with your Father in Heaven forever! John 3:36 says,
He who believes in the Son has everlasting life.
Note it says "has" NOT "will have." It is ours...NOW!! Again, read John 5:24,
I tell you those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
LISTEN TO GOD'S PROMISE...THE PERSON WHO HAS ACCEPTED GOD'S GIFT OF FORGIVENESS AND HAS BELIEVED IN JESUS AS HER LORD AND SAVIOR HAS ETERNAL LIFE...NOW!
This is our HOPE as we walk through suffering and dark times.
This is our HOPE as we enjoy the rich blessings God has poured out upon us.
This is our HOPE as we question is God even listening.
This is our HOPE as we step out in faith to trust and obey.
This LOVE, this GIFT...it is our HOPE!!!
My prayer for us during this Christmas Season is that we would remember and never forget God's great LOVE, His GIFT of eternal life.
Sweet friends, may we stand on our tippy toes each morning, eyes looking intently upward, to catch a glimpse of the GLORY that is one day going to be revealed in us when we enter eternity and become like Christ.
In His Great Love,
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8 comments:
I love 1 John! Thank you sweet friend for this beautiful message!! I look froward to "hearing" you teach through your blog!!
I was Soo excited on Monday! Two of my favorite "Wendy's" were on the front cover of my P31 magazine!! And one of those precious girls had her hand in the candy jar!!!! Imagine that!! And...that is the SAME polka dot ribbon that's on my wreath for the front door! I wanted something fun on it this year!!
Love ya!
Susan
love seems like such an elusive and unattainable item. not to mention often-times so very conditional! at least this has been my history. I struggle and struggle, agrue with myself - those demons that shreek in my head - how can this king, the King of kings, offer unconditional love, without question, to someone as undesirable as me?! I can't reconcile this concept, and I spiral in joyless chaos.
Oh my, I never realized it says "has" instead of "will have." POWERFUL!
Thanks for sharing!
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
OK, I have not gotten my P31 Magazine yet with all you wonderful gals on the cover!!! I love mailboxes in December, now I will open ours every day with excitement until it arrives. :)
Eternal life NOW! And I love how God's Word defines "eternal life" -- John 17:3
"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." TO KNOW GOD! I just love that!
Wendy: I just love your heart for God and for His Word! You always refresh the saints here wiht the Truth!
Love and prayers,
Sharon
I have been a Christian for many years. Intermittently, I thought I felt the presence of God but for so long, I feel that I do not feel him near. I know that a "feeling" isn't necessary but I guess I sometimes still wonder am I really a Christian?? I say this b/c I just don't feel like I feel or exhibit what other Christians do. Does this sound crazy to anyone or can you relate to what I mean? I try to read the bible but my thoughts take over and drown out the words. I try to pray often and distractions creep into my prayers. I have often tried to get involved at church but then someone or something deters me and I no longer want to go for awhile. I have a desire to grow closer with the Lord and to have a sense of peace with my salvation but am not sure how to have this. I pray for it, I do! Any advice, anyone? :)
Traci,
Thank you for sharing so honestly from your heart!! First, to be a "Christian," all you have to "do" is ask God to forgive you of your sins and accept the forgiveness offered by His Son on the cross.Period. Nothing more required.
After that day, you are His Child, His Princess. You receive the presence of His Holy Spirit the moment you do that. The Spirit of God, the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead...all that power lives in you. The rest of your life is an amazing journey of transformation.
We don't have to "exhibit" anything or "act" in a certain way. Simply open your Bible each day...even if only for a few minutes and read. Stay in one book at a time (maybe John or Matthew). Ask God to speak to you as your read, to teach you, and to use His Word to change your life. He will be FAITHFUL to do this, Traci!!! You are not expected to be perfect or to fit a mold. God made you just as you are, and He will slowly transform areas of your life as you grow closer to Him.
Go back to church and don't go to meet people or to receive anything. Go simply to spend time with the Lord and to worship Him. Pray for Him to bring believing friends into your life. Try to find a Bible study. I don't know the kind of church you go to, but I recommend finding a Bible Church...non-denominational...maybe with a worship band. Where do you live???
God promises in His Word in Jeremiah that when you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him. I pray you will believe that for yourself today!!!
Love,
Wendy
Wendy,
Maybe I have not been "seeking him with all my heart" but I have accepted him, just have not dove into the word and allowed myself to grow closer. Hopefully that makes sense. I do enjoy non-denominational services and have a great church nearby with an awesome worship band and many opportunities. You are so right in how we should go to church to spend time with the Lord instead of focusing on the people there. So many times the people let me down (hypocrisy,etc but we are not perfect, right?!) but that should not be important!
Thank you for your response. Your daughter, you, and your family are in my prayers. Enjoy this holiday season, as I know that your daughter's surgery is approaching. It will all be okay! :) I have just found out that I could possibly have MS but I am awaiting to see a neurologist to find out more. I think this news has definitely caused me to have an even stronger desire to grow closer to the Lord-not that we shouldn't want that regardless. Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you and God bless!
Love,
Traci
A glimpse of our Awesome God - to dwell in His Presence - to be aware of His Presence through out the day - to know He is my portion and confidence is my heart's desire.
Traci - meditate on Jeremiah 31:3 - ... I have loved you with an everlasting love, with lovingkindness have I drawn you.
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