These past few weeks have been quite exhausting dragging out decorations from all sorts of places that I never thought they would be. Putting up festive lights, creating fun budget friendly displays, sprucing up the house and scheduling in all the things we want to see or do this Christmas season were added to the daily list of "musts" that already packed our days. You would think I would know better and not fall into the same old trap year after year.
No matter how organized I am or much I want to cut back, it seems other things creep into the "main event" leaving little time for the spiritual life I want to live or reflect. Do you find that to be true in your world as well?
I am well aware of how getting ready for the holidays can cause a person's temper to ignite from all the activities, and no one wants to be around when that happens. There is a good remedy for preventing seasonal stress, overload or burn-out, and that is keeping a flame burning bright for the Savior ... the real reason for the Christmas celebration.
Our Heavenly Father is ready to put His favor on us so that we don't end up "burning the holiday candle" on both ends so to speak, but we have to put our focus back on God and others before He can.
Whatever plans we make, the Light of God needs to be burning so bright from us, that our testimony does not get ripped apart with all the gift wrapping when things get a little out of control! That will take Holy Spirit focused living and God's Daily Favor in order to be achieved!
Lesson Learned
Several years ago, I learned a valuable lesson on real seasonal 'burn-out", when God turned a bad decision to shop on a holiday into something quite wonderful. He also knew that the information I gained from my brief encounter with "Scott" would serve me well when a situation I was confronted with in 2021 became a reality in my own neighborhood.
Thankfully, the "least of these" lesson recorded in Matthew 25:40 was engrafted into my heart. Being led by the Holy Spirit, I responded without hesitation and did not miss what I had in the past.
This holiday season prayerfully seek the Lord as to what you can do for others in your community as well as your loved ones. Read more about my encounter with Scott and what you can do to reflect the Season of Light, which is Christmas, in my teaching "Start A Soul Fire."
"... and the King will answer and say to them, Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you did it unto Me." (from Matthew 25: 31-44 NLT) Read what the people did that caused them to be blessed (shown favor) by God.
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.
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At 2 a.m. I was still awake. Sitting up in bed I began my nightly conversation
with the Lord replaying the day’s activities.
“What in the world did I do today? I was busy the entire day, and all I have to
show for it is decorating a little in the living room?”
Continuing to brow beat myself the Lord had me mentally
walk through the day.Practically
falling asleep from exhaustion this took a while.Seriously, I just finished putting the linens
away after the final laundry washing and pretty much couldn’t think past the
last hour!
When I went through the list, there were dozens and
dozens of tasks completed that no one would ever notice or realize needed to be
done but me. Most things only took a few
minutes, while others (like working with the rescue cats) took hours from start
to finish. In between larger tasks came
those small “must do’s” as the day progressed.
Looking back on my day, I recall feeling pretty good and singing
carols while hauling stuff from one place to another.
Even when the washer overflowed, instead of
thinking “what a mess” I jokingly said to hubby as he swept the three inches of
water out the back door, “Washed laundry room floor – check!” (As if it was another thing marked off my to
do list!)
The devil was trying to make me feel bad about taking
time to do the things that are temporal and for the most part, don’t really
matter eternally. With office work done,
I had to keep in mind that the things I was doing were for the family and
community, which in God’s eyes, are important.
Having a guilt trip over the events of the day was purely
from the enemy. My soul was at ease no
matter what it looked like to others, knowing I had already committed my works
to the Lord at the beginning of the day asking Him for guidance, favor and
direction concerning the path I should take in everything I did.
“All the ways of a man are
clean and innocent in his own eyes (and he may see nothing wrong with his
actions), but the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents of the heart
and knows the truth.
Commit your works to the Lord
(submit and trust them to Him),
and your plans will succeed (if
you respond to His will and guidance).”
Proverbs 16:3-4 AMP
Neighbor Watch
Reviewing what we accomplished opened my eyes, revealing what
appear to be facts isn’t necessarily the entire truth. So many things take place in our lives that
others will never see, yet they are vital for everything coming together in the
end.
It’s the same with God working a situation out for our
good. We don’t see all that He is doing
to make things “happen”, but sure enough, He’s at work.
Let me give you an example of God working in our favor if
we obey and commit our life to Him even when we don’t realize it.
Several years ago, a local department store was having an
after Christmas sale. Nothing unusual
except this time holiday lights were marked down 75% - 90%, which NEVER
happens! We didn’t really need any more
lights at that time, but I was thinking “maybe down the road” right?
They were going like hot cakes with one man loading his
cart with most of the type lights we use.
Grabbing the remaining boxes, we were happy with our purchase of less
than $1.00 a package.
Fast forward to 2020 the week of Thanksgiving. In early fall we put up Christmas lights in
our front yard but don’t turn them on until Thanksgiving night. Our new eight-year old neighbor watched along
with his four-year old sister as we tested them making sure all lights we working
correctly.
Adding his insightful opinion on our all white display,
he rode his bike up the driveway and stopped halfway. Looking at our accomplishment he only said
four little words, “Needs a little color!”
My husband and I couldn’t help laughing, but you know … he was right and
that led me into action.
Before the Parade Passes By
For years I’ve wanted to put lights up in our back yard, but
it never happened even with the new lights sitting in a box on the porch. Time was usually the issue, but not this year
because of COVID restraints!
God said that when we commit our plans to Him, He will
always work things out for our good and His glory (despite what the devil is
trying to stop). Well, you know that day
when I was feeling guilty about not getting anything done for Christ, we were
putting up colored lights in the back yard for the community and neighbors to
see when they passed by the street.
There’s a good reason behind this other than being
festive. Due to the gathering boundary restrictions,
the city Christmas parade route has been changed to spread the crowd out farther
passing by the back of where we live! So,
before the parade passes by, the lights have to be in place.
With attention being driven to the colored lights and
displays, people will see the Jesus signs and we’ll be able to give out gospel
packets practically without leaving our home!
When those lights where on sale we didn’t know how they would be used,
but God knew and he gave a little boy the bright idea!
When God Establishes Your Work
There is a passage in Psalms that like Moses, I pray this
over our family daily in asking for God’s will and blessings over our
activities.
“Let Your work appear to Your
servants, and Your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our
God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm
90:16-17 NKJV)
No matter what I do (or want to do) I want it to be God’s
will and have His blessing on the project.
If He isn’t a part of what the plan is or have His hand on mine to guide
me, I don’t want to do it, because it won’t amount to anything. Without His blessings there isn’t any favor
on my efforts, which means it was all for nothing and a big waste of time. How uneventful and depressing would that be?
When we bring our ideas to the Lord and He gives us the
go ahead, God makes sure that the work is “established”. He causes it to happen, because it has
lasting or “eternal” value to Him, which brings Him glory.
Other translations transcribe the Hebrew word “beauty” as
God’s gracious favor, confirming the work and endeavors of our hands to prosper
or succeed securely.
The Bible explains that the work of our hands is
important and God will cause our efforts to succeed if they line up with His
Word and Will.They will also fail if all
we want to do is selfish and for our own desires.
“The hand of
the diligent will rule (lead or become a leader), but the lazy man will
be put to forced labor.” (Proverbs 12:24 NKJV)
Ephesians 2:10 tells us that “we
are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” That sale on lights was the “before” part which
God prepared for this year! In putting them
up, we were “walking” in His good work …which also happened to be fun!
When you let God into your life and plans, He establishes
your work through favor and success.
This Week’s Christmas Challenge:
Consider Your Work
It’s fun to shop for gifts, decorate, bake and do all the
things that go into the making of our version of what Christmas or any holiday should
be.There is no sin in wanting to make
events better, but it is sinful when they take away from doing good works that
lead people to Jesus.
Doing things that are kind count, but not toward eternity. They count for here on earth. Good works that point people to Jesus count
here and for eternity, because our focus in on God not ourselves.
Our challenge this week (and always really) is to ask
ourselves what do we consider the “work of our hands” to be? How important is the work to God, others and to
ourselves?
It’s not wrong to do things for yourself, because
sometimes it’s needed and God delights in giving us the desires of our heart. I’m not referring to those types of things,
but whether or not we are doing something purely for wanting to “leave a legacy”
so that others think highly of us.
How are we using our hands to make a positive difference
in the life of others? Are our actions
bringing eternal security or merely earthly gain?
Furthermore, don’t let satan take you on a guilt trip in what you are
doing for your family and community that demonstrates the love of Christ. It honors and pleases Him.
When we purchased colored lights several years ago, we
didn’t know the plans God had for us or them.
To us, it was a bargain and we couldn’t pass up that great sale! God knew differently.
What is “different” about your life this year, besides
COVID-19? You see, God already knew
about COVID beforehand and has prepared His people for such a time as
this!
Are there good works God can establish through your hands
with His favor? Take a look at what is
happening in your community “before the parade passes by” in your life. Believe in the promises of God. Commit your works to the Lord and they will
be established!
Maybe you don’t know the
Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life
also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information
on becoming a child of the Savior.
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Well,
maybe it’s not exactly one like he spoke of in Romans 7 where he continued to
do things he didn’t want to do, but it sort of went against my character of not
putting myself into certain situations if I can help it.
For
example, the very thing I don’t like to do I found myself doing … grocery
shopping on a Saturday morning!Contrary
to what I wanted, we had to make the trek and changed our plans.Bundling in layers of clothing we cranked up
the car heater and headed off to the store.
It
was bitter cold out so my husband insisted on dropping me off at the door in
front of the store before circling around to find parking. We agreed that I would sit on a bench near the
restrooms and wait for him.
Busy, Busy, Busy
Serpentining through the crowd I walked toward the bench, and for reasons which only God
knows, I started talking out loud.
“Wow, why is it so packed here? The place is so busy!”
A
worker who happened to be walking by answered, “It’s the third … social security checks were issued.”Not expecting anyone to actually respond I
said, “Oh.”
Locating
the bench near the rest rooms, I was surprised that no one was sitting on it,
especially due to the amount of people in the store.I settled in and took a quick look in all
directions to see what was happening.
“Ooops … that can’t be
good.”This time I was only thinking it as the
store went dark losing power three times!Suppose it was from all the money they were
making at the checkouts that the computers couldn’t keep up with it?I guess we’ll never know.We did see several armored vans and police
cars out front … hmm.
Shutting
Out Christmas
To
my right was a small rectangular table with a stack of forms and a laptop
computer.A well-dressed woman from the
Medicare office (an insurance company selling supplement policies) was situated
behind it in anticipation of a prospective new client.
Shortly
after a middle-aged lady looking disheveled and weary, approached her area with
a few questions confessing that she was almost in tears when Facebook shut down
for several hours.Her life was getting
too complicated and insurance was the last thing she wanted to discuss.
The
agent and the customer struck up a conversation based on the fact that they
were both 57 years old and had husbands that needed surgery. Neither of them
looked their age; one looked younger the other much older. You can probably guess which was which.
Not
that I was eavesdropping, but it was impossible not to hear the conversation
with sitting only a few feet away from the impromptu station. Turning my body
sideways away from them, I kept looking around the room so it didn’t appear I
was tuned in to what was being said.Frankly I doubt the customer even noticed anyone else, because of her
one-on-one attentive audience.
Back
and forth the two ladies debated about the insurance policies and their
families.However, the saleswoman
couldn't get a word in edgewise that her husband needed his arm “rebuilt” and
she never got to explain what that meant either. Every time the Medicare agent’s
mouth opened the woman standing went into a tailspin over her home life
situation turning the conversation back to her.
Patiently
the insurance lady sat there and let the woman spill everything that was on her
mind about her family.Her point was
made clear … she had basically shut out Christmas and everything else.
No Time for Christmas
Her
voice heightened, repeating the conversation she told her grown children
earlier that day.
“There will
be no holiday, because I don’t have the time.
Come get
your gifts and leave because I can't take care
you and your
father. I don’t have time to do Christmas.”
Oh
my … the turmoil that she must be dealing with in making decisions and trying
to please everyone.Unlike Christians, “Christmas”
as the world knows it isn’t a time of comfort and joy, or peace that the angels
proclaimed with the birth of the Savior Jesus despite the complications in life.At least it wasn’t for her family this year.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14 KNV)
Had
she ever experienced Emmanuel – God with her?On the other hand, if she was a child of God had she forgotten that
CHRISTmas is with her ALL the time? Through Him she would have the strength
needed, regardless of whatever day it was?
"Christ is the One who gives me the strength I need to do whatever
I must do." (Philippians 4:13 ERV)
This
Too Shall Pass
Listening
to their conversation I was humbled by the favor of God on my life and the
peace I receive knowing that His grace and mercy encompasses me.For the past month (November) it has been a
revolving door between the hospital and doctor's offices for my husband. Literally we had only four days unscheduled on
the calendar which contributed to not being able to post as usual.
My
husband was placed on a list for emergency surgery and we were preparing for
it.On Tuesday, November 27th
he was in so much pain that he couldn't do anything.
All
the signs pointed toward more kidney stones, but after tests the urologist
couldn't find anything on the x-rays and felt it vital for hubby to have a
CT-scan and undergo immediate surgery. The doctor explained that some of his
medications can affect other organs so he needed answers that only an operation
could provide.
This
meant getting off heart medicine for a short time which wasn't the issue,
giving those nasty three-foot long (not really but he says they feel like it)
Lovenox self-injections were. Not only are they extremely painful but super
expensive as well. Insurance only covers a fraction of the cost and he would
need six of them.
If
the doctor got in there and saw nothing it would all be a waste of money, but
even more it would be putting my husband at an unnecessary risk. The whole
thing was unsettling in my spirit and I felt that rushing this was all getting
ahead of God.Instead, we prayed.We prayed fervently!
God
heard our prayers!Wednesday, the
following day, hubby passed three kidney stones with absolutely no pain! People
had been praying for his health and over our medical expenses (finances). I
would tell you the story about the stones but he won't let me. It's absolutely
hilarious!
Waiting
for A Good Report
With
the situation now changing, neither of us felt right in our spirits about the
surgery even though the doctor still wanted to go through with it based on
hubby's past history. Our next
appointment would reveal the deciding factor. Now we had to wait over the weekend.
Monday
morning after having the CT scan done at the hospital, we met with the
urologist surgeon - or should I say his Nurse Practitioner. All the tests came back with "good
reports" so the surgeon canceled the operation passing the case on to his
co-worker who said with a smile, "See
you in six months!"
While listening to the ladies in the grocery store battle over their husbands
it made me sad and happy at the same time.I wanted each of them to hear good reports as well, but sensed that they
weren’t counting on it.
I
was so happy to have heard a good report for my husband, but sad that neither
of them made room for "Christ-mas" to work in their lives. The
events, circumstances, situations and issues of life caused them to shut out
Christmas, the very thing they needed to help get through it all. Did they even
know that “Christ”-mas favor was available to them for the asking?
Angels
Declare Peace
Earlier
we looked at a verse in Luke 2 from the King James translation.I’d like for us to re-examine that passage to
help us understand why favor is a part of Christmas that shouldn’t be shut
out of the celebration.
If
we read Luke 2:14 from the Amplified translation, which is claimed to be the
closest to literal Hebrew or Greek, we can see that there is a greater promise
to those who choose to believe that Jesus is God’s Son.
“Glory to God in the highest [Heaven], and on
earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His
favor]. (Luke 2:14 AMPC)
When
the angels made this declaration, they weren’t referring to physical peace on
earth between the race of man, but rather a spiritual peace.The peace they were declaring was that
through Jesus, salvation had come to earth for those who believe in the Son of
God.Only through Him would there be peace
between God and mankind.
“For Christ Himself has brought peace to us. He
united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in His own body on the cross, He
broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.
He did this by ending the system of law with its
commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by
creating
in Himself one new people from the two groups."
(Ephesians 2:14-15NLT)
Good
will, eudokia in Greek (pronounced yoo-dok-ee’-ah)
means God’s good pleasure.It is His
good pleasure to give favor because of His delight, happiness in the
relationship He has with man/woman.
The
birth of Jesus brought happiness to God because through His Son redemption was
being satisfied so mankind could be reconciled back to Him.Can you imagine this?How do you feel when your family relationships
are thriving and in right standing?Good
… right?
As
His children are redeemed back into His Kingdom through salvation, peace is restored between God
and His creation in whom He gives free favor, grace from and over sin and
death.
“And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human,
incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us;
and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only
begotten Son receives from His father, full of grace
(favor, loving-kindness)
and truth.”
(John 1:14
AMPC)
Christmas
Favor is on Earth
What
the angels were proclaiming was essentially Christmas Favor has come to earth
in flesh form through Jesus, the Christ the Anointed child.When Jesus was born, the fullness of grace
(favor, truth and love) became fixed in our lives as it was from the beginning
of Creation.
“Glory to God in the highest [Heaven], and on
earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His
favor]. (Luke 2:14 AMPC)
Good
will favor from God requires something to be done by faith alone in The
Messiah.God’s good pleasure or good
will isn’t available to an unbeliever, so peace will never be a part of their
lives.It can’t be because Jesus is the
Prince of Peace and without Him there will never be peace with God.
For
us to not make time for Christmas based on circumstances (no matter what they
are) is really removing peace, favor and mercy from our lives.
All
Our Troubles
Preparing
for any holiday can be taxing on emotions, with making sure everything
falls into place. Friends, I know it can
be difficult, even seem impossible, but the last thing we need to do is cross Christmas
(the real reason for celebrating) off our to-do lists.
Understanding that finding favor from the Lord is something we need daily and
is important if our prayers are to be answered. My husband and I didn't start
praying when his pain began, but fellowship with the Lord daily.We make time for Christ-mas (Christ the
Messiah who saves, heals and delivers) each day through joint prayer, biblical study
and worship.
When
believers include Christ in their lives, God equips them with what is needed for
the time at hand.It may not be easy,
but He is always there to help us as we go through the “storms” that come with
living.
The
Bible tells us that when a believer cries out to the Lord, He hears us and
delivers us from all our troubles (Psalm 34:4-5). When my Pastor quotes that
verse, he poses it like this:
Pastor:
How many?
Congregation:
All.
Pastor:
Some?
Congregation:
All.
Pastor:
A few.
Congregation:
All.
Pastor:
All our troubles.
Our
Christmas Challenge:
Make Time for Christmas
There’s
no denying that we love all the holiday lights, music, decorations, and home coming celebrations
that add to our joy of the season. Yet as the events and festivities rush
through our day, don’t forget to make time for the Who in Christmas – Jesus.
Those
ladies in the store found it easy to share their burdens with one another, but
found no real peace, comfort or answers when their conversation ended.They weren’t looking for a Savior that was
born in Bethlehem, but their hope was in doctors or something else.
What
are you facing right now? Instead of shutting out Christ making no time for
Christmas, call out to Him.
The Deliverer has already come and conquered any problem you will ever face. When things start to get busy, stop and remember you are surrounded by God's grace, mercy and favor. As His child these blessings are with you all year round not only at Christmas, but because of Christmas!
God
sent a Messiah, His name is Christ-mas (Christ the Anointed Messiah - He redeems,
saves) to deliver us from the works of the enemy.It is His good pleasure that you live in
peace, joy and love through the gift of grace and favor.
“Glory to God in the highest [Heaven], and on
earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His
favor]. (Luke 2:14 AMPC)
Maybe
you don’t know the Living God that I know but would like to have this kind of
favor in your life also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information
on becoming a child of the Savior.
*Unless
noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.
Note:
Emphasis may be given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and
is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God.
When
used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we
give him no place in our lives.
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental
or physical issues but is geared toward spiritual awareness.
Content
and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Disclaimer
Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Unless
noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible
Version provided by Bible Gateway. Image
credit: CustomerCrowdNo ChristmasPeace Angel Creative Common License if not specified.
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