This Christmas slow down and take a moment to trust and wait

Luke 2:25-26
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ."

So we survived the so called "End of the World" yet again. In this modern life we seems to be always eager and rushing for things. Even our eventual demise we seem to be eager to embrace quickly and every year we keep announcing our impending doom.

This Christmas we should take time to reflect on what has gone and what is to come.
To clear our minds of thoughts of doom and gloom
To build our trust in God
And to remember the true meaning of Christmas
That God sent his Son Jesus Christ down to Earth
To give us Hope
And show us his Grace
To give us a sign
That God is in control
And we are in his care
Nothing we do will suffice to redeem ourselves
Everything we have is from God

He hath filled the hungry with good things

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.- Luke 1:53 

Just like if you were hungry and sought food to nourish your body, if you are spiritually hungry and seek God, you will always be fulfilled in spirit.

If you feel you are rich and have all that you need then you will not find any fulfillment and he will turn you away.

Be an empty cup to be filled,
Be a empty soul to be nourished
Then God will provide what you need
To be fulfilled.

Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?

 

Luke 12:6-7

New International Version (NIV)

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

It is nice to know that you are considered worthy to be cared for. Throw your worries to God and he has a plan to take care of you. This does not mean that you run accross a highway or step in front of a bus but to put your trust in God and do what you need to do.

Remember Asia in these trying times

Reprinting todays sharing that I received which I think was very timely.

We Will Not Fear

In these times of great uncertainty - with concern about things like war, terrorism, and the economy - let's always remember, our Heavenly Father is the Creator of the Universe. He formed the Heavens and the Earth out of nothing, and, as we place our trust in Him, He has given a basic promise: "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). His desire is for us to draw nearer in our love and worship, and allow His Spirit to remove all fear.

Psalm 46:1-3
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."

Although we are uncertain what tomorrow may bring, we ought to have confidence in the One who really controls tomorrow. If we believe Jesus died for our sin, rose again in victory over death, and is seated at the right hand of the Father - if we surrender our life to who He is and what He has done - our eternal home has been firmly established; "Our citizenship is in Heaven" (Philippians 3:20). As a child of the Sovereign King, as one who believes in our eternal future, we no longer have reason to fear; "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship" (Romans 8:15).

We no longer have a reason, but still we fear. The unknown is scary and makes us feel out of control. But as we pray for an end to violence, and as we strive to make this world safer, better educated, and more prosperous, we must understand there is only one true solution to our fear.

Our fear will only be removed as we love the Lord with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we understand that our life is not our own, we will love with a complete abandonment to His desire. We will pray and live each day with the surrender demonstrated by Christ; "Father...not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). As we live each day to bring Him glory and honor, fear WILL begin to fade: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear" (1 John 4:18).

Yes, these days contain some uncertainty. If we continue to focus on what we can see, there will always be uncertainties. But our faith, hope, and joy are in His eternal glory, not in this world which will one day pass away. Let's refuse to allow our fear of the unknown cripple our service for God. There is still much work He has for us to do. Let's pray that our love will increase, that our worship will intensify, and that we will boldly stand up and proclaim, "We will not fear!"

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries