Alive and Active Life

Ready or not – Christmas week is here! Time to enjoy each moment. May I make a suggestion? Take it all in! Your preparations come together in a call. It’s a call for a life response to a beautiful Baby! 

This is the fourth and final in a series to prepare your heart for Christmas. Each week we light another candle in our hearts as a statement of preparation. (Notice each additional week’s article in this series has another candle lit in the main featured image.)

It’s time to give a full life response! Even with last minute preparations, choose to be alert and present. Jesus gives reason to celebrate! So engage gratitude and worship in this final week.

Advent #1 article, Prepare Your Heart and Advent #2 article, Who’s Got Your Right Hand, and Advent #3 – Time To Remember are the first articles in this series. They are packed with thoughtful ways to prepare your heart. Do click and read.

People miss important moments when they are too busy. They fail to see and hear what’s really going on. To be present in important moments means cutting other things away. It also means setting boundaries to protect your life response to God. And it means to focus.

God has something to say about being present as you live. “Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” (Is. 6:9-10)

These verses have a twist – a kind of riddle. God states the upside-down condition His people often live in. They hear but don’t hear; they see but don’t see. Then God engages in a bit of sarcasm “. . . make their hearts calloused, their ears dull, and their eyes closed; because if for a slender moment they actually get a clear picture of Me, they might turn to Me and be healed. They might make a life response (and we can’t have that, now, can we?!).”

God is disappointed when you don’t seek Him with your heart. He wants to share special moments – “secrets” – with you, which is why you need to make a life response.

“Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3)

God is available to you and gives Himself freely. Do you see His face and hear His sweet voice this Christmas week? Have you paused enough to connect with the Lord as you prepare? Are you giving Him a life response?

Remember grammar class? Homonyms sound the same, but are spelled different and have different meanings. You can have moments of woe (terrible stuff) – or moments of woah (awesome stuff)!

There’s a passage that talks about woes. Is. 5:20-21 says, “Woe (terrible stuff) to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.”

But when you “set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts,” (1 Pet. 3:15) each moment turns into a woah (awesome stuff)! Christ has a way of turning things back right-side-up, turning the lights back on, bringing sweetness back into each day.

The warning word used for those who flip God’s reality upside-down is woe (terrible stuff). A dictionary defines woe as “anguish, grief, affliction, distress, despair.” So, it’s logical to conclude these will affect you if you do not live within God’s reality.

Why not have the right kind of woah (awesome stuff) by bringing your life into alignment with God’s? By setting apart Christ as Lord in your heart, you grow to cherish Him more, daily. Life becomes a woah! And this requires a life response from you.

God went to such extremes to reconnect with people and give the extraordinary gift of eternal life! Just amazing!

Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, and let us settle the matter. Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow. Though they are red as crimson, they will be like wool.”

Christmas means God invites you to “come and reason together” with Him. Because Baby Christ becomes the stand-in sacrifice for sins, giving you freedom, eternal life, and adoption into His royal family, you have an incredible Christmas gift!

This Christmas, Reach Back to Emmanuel as your life response.

1 Cor. 6:20 says, “You have been bought, and at what a price! Therefore bring glory to God both in your body and your spirit, for they both belong to Him.” Jas 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Come alive each moment of your life. Because of Baby Jesus, you can have an Alive and Active Life at Christmas and all year. Let go of everything else, and choose Christ as your First, Most, and Best gift this Christmas.

What is your life response to His generosity?

It may sound crazy – but you come alive by giving up your life completely. “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it.” (Mt. 16:25; Mk. 8:35; Lk. 9:24) You gain by letting go.

That seems counter-productive. But consider with me. When you surrender your life completely to the God who created you and to His original design for your life, you actually gain your true self. You become who you were intended to be. Why not be the real you?

Because God loves you and has purpose for your life, you can be assured your life has value and meaning attached to it. Part of the adventure is you finding out what that looks like. Yours is the joy of discovery as you see how incredible life becomes as you let Christ live in you. Woah!

In fact you can’t ever be the real you until His life is in you. That’s the original design for humanity. And Jesus – God-man – is the exact picture of what that’s like. It’s so helpful to study His life, to get to know Him, to pray for His transformation, and to build His character into your heart.

So, come alive! Step back and let Jesus step forward in your life. As you let His Spirit govern your responses in the details of each day, you find yourself making an incredible life response back to God.

Wouldn’t you agree that to come fully alive is the best Christmas present you could ever receive?

To claim the peace Jesus gives, to have joy in your heart even when you might not have happiness, to know the contentment of pleasing God! These are the things that make life rich and precious.

There is no better way to celebrate Christmas than to make a life response back to God. You can do this by fully participating in each moment from your heart. Make this Christmas an altar where you “give up what you cannot keep to gain what you cannot lose!” (Jim Elliot, missionary)

Consequently, you will discover things about yourself you never knew. With growing knowledge about God and love for Him, you will discover secrets about the greatest Person there is. There is no substitute for the deep and abiding companionship God offers to those who love Him back. And the best way to love Jesus back is to make a life response.

Start this New Year by taking ownership of your choices, do these things:

Once you’ve made up your mind to submit to God in all things, you will truly begin to enjoy your life. Since you are choosing to do your life His way, the most amazing “win” takes place. You take power away from dreams, goals, and ideals that began to entangle you and keep you prisoner. Instead you become FREE.

In this place, Jesus fulfills your dreams, helps you meet your goals, and blesses your ideals – His way!

“It is for freedom Christ has set you free.” (Gal. 5:1) This is living. This is a life response you’ll never regret!

Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.

Christmas is almost here! Whether you tend to prepare ahead – each week leading to Christmas – or you dare to load all the stress into days before, including shopping on Christmas Eve, it’s time to remember Emmanuel in your hustle and bustle.

This is the third in a series to prepare your heart for Christmas. Each week we light another candle in our hearts as a statement of preparation. (Notice each additional week’s article in this series has another candle lit in the main featured image.)

So, which person are you? The planner or the procrastinator. Do you schedule – or do you wing-it? Perhaps you are a mix.

For review from Advent #1 article, Prepare Your Heart and Advent #2 article, Who’s Got Your Right Hand – “The Christmas Advent Season has been celebrated for years. Historically, an advent marks the arrival of a notable person or event. Often, a wreath with candles has been used during Christmas Advent, lighting a new candle on each of four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. Even if you choose not to use a wreath with candles, there are simple, thoughtful ways you can prepare your heart.”

How can you experience the true meaning and pleasures of Christmas under holiday season strain? Here’s a secret: in each development today, take time to remember Emmanuel.

What does the name “Emmanuel” mean? Simply – God with you. He is all around you – and inside you if you have given your life to Him. He has gone before you and is your rear guard. So, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (Jas. 4:8)

Emmanuel helps you:

Taking time to remember to come close to Emmanuel helps during the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

Since it’s one thing to talk about ideas and quite another to carry them out, let’s review a chain of responses found in a healthy relationship with God:

When you take time to remember Emmanuel, this chain of responses happens even when you’re not aware. Further, it develops a habit of turning to God in details. And finally, it launches you into Christmas!

Is. 26:7 says, “The path of the righteous is level; You make the way of the righteous smooth.”

God promises to make a level, smooth path for His faithful children. However, this doesn’t eliminate hardships or sorrows. It means each “next step” is level enough to place your foot.

Consequently, most Jesus followers find this challenging because it’s uncomfortable to walk by faith when you can’t see where you’re going.

Does walking by faith, one step at a time, mean you don’t look ahead, plan, prepare, or have a schedule? Of course not. But it does mean –

– are best after turning to God for guidance and input. However, this may mean you wait – which gives you time to remember.

One step at a time funnels into four conditions:

“One step at a time by faith” means you take time to remember your choices back to God matter.

Since life can get pretty challenging, we sometimes journey a rough path, even during celebrations. However, you always have –

So, no matter how “rough” your path, claim by faith that it is level and smooth, using Is. 26:7. Because God will never break His Word, you can trust Him. Listen to this Scripture:

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 Jn. 4:18)

It’s time to remember you are made perfect as you step into God’s love by faith.

Sometimes it helps to look at things through the other person’s position. So, what is God’s position about Christmas?

Let’s consider: Christ came into our world to take responsibility for God’s holy, appropriate anger. Why did God have this anger? Well, people walk away from His love, His commands, and His goodness. Then, fear and doubt grab their hearts. This morphs into rebellion and creates a huge chasm between a loving Father and His deeply-loved children. Any good parent would be mad about that!

So, Christ became a man – Emmanuel – to flesh-out God’s love for you . . . and be an example “how to” trust Father, “how to” handle fear and doubt, “how to” be human in God’s original design, and “how to” be God’s child and friend.

Jesus also displayed “how to” remember the truth about God. So, while preparing for Christmas, consider God’s position.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Mt. 11:28-30)

Because Baby Jesus grew up in the human family, He understands life’s demands. Adding busy holiday deadlines and activities, you can still live inside His promises. So, to enforce rest in stressful times –

“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is. 9:7)

God has made Himself available to you through His names. This Scripture gives four names to help prepare your heart for Christmas. Let’s look at each one.

You have a reputable, loving, wise Counselor with you every moment to give you direction. You don’t even need to make an appointment. His expertise extends into all life scenarios, relationships, problem-solving, and life-planning. Why not run everything through Him before you make decisions?

Being human, you may often feel you lack power – energy. Consequently, Emmanuel is Mighty God. There is no greater power. And He offers all His resources to you.

Whether you have a good earthly dad or not, you have a fabulous Father for all eternity. Because you are adopted into God’s family through Emmanuel, He is very invested in your life.

In a world of turmoil, you need peace. When you prepare for Christmas, there’s no one better to connect with than the Prince of Peace to learn “how to” embrace peace.

The “Aha” Moment:  Everything you lack, He provides. When you take time to remember, you can Prepare For Christmas Without Missing It. And you can successfully navigate every day of the year.

Although we are close to Christmas, you will benefit from two top-notch resources we offer for Christmas preparation. Thumb through them this season, and pull them out every Christmas to come.

1. Get practical action steps to make your preparations easier and meaningful. Prepare For Christmas Without Missing It. (e-book)

2. Prepare your heart with meaningful, short snippets each December day. Celebrate Advent: A Life Response To Emmanuel. (paperback, e-book) Much of today’s content came from this resource. This book is our most-loved and used. Why not find out why?

Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.

We’re in a series to help prepare your heart for Christmas. Each week we light another candle in our hearts as a statement of preparation for Christmas. (Notice each additional week’s article in this series has another candle lit in the main featured image.)

This is the second article in the series. With Christmas closing in, it’s time to consider your right hand.

In Advent #1 article Prepare Your Heart For Christmas, we said – “The Christmas Advent Season has been celebrated many years. Historically, an advent marks the arrival of a notable person or event. Often, a wreath with candles has been used during Christmas Advent, lighting a new candle on each of four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. Even if you choose not to use a wreath with candles, there are simple, thoughtful ways you can prepare your heart.”

So, why are we discussing your right hand in a series that prepares your heart for Christmas? Well, Scripture uses the right hand as a symbol of –

God uses His right hand as a gesture of love and support as you navigate life. Incidentally, He offers to strengthen your right hand with His right hand so you lack nothing – especially helpful to remember during this busy season!

God wants Advent and Christmas to be a special time between you and Him.

So, who’s got your right hand as you prepare for Christmas?

Is. 41: 13 says, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid . . . for I, Myself, will help you . . .”  

That verse states God will help you at all times – including during Christmas. He wants to share wisdom and friendship with you. So, you don’t have to fear or be dismayed. Relax into Him during these days and weeks of preparation. He promises three things: (Is. 41:10)

Therefore, you can have confidence and peace even in busy holiday times as you prepare your heart. Jesus will guide you in this busy season. He offers comfort in losses and resources in need.

So, turn to Him for help as you make preparations.

Let’s explore five ways you can keep your right hand well-attached to God’s right hand.

God identifies Himself as your God. He – “takes hold of your right hand” – like an intimate friend. Even more, He says – “Do not fear; I will help you.”

Do you need help holding things together? Is it ever overwhelming to keep things on track? Sometimes fatigue, expectations from others, or even keeping meaningful traditions creates added strain. In all these situations, Emmanuel wants to help. . . as He holds your right hand!

Hear the Scripture – “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord . . . will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak . . . Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Is. 40:28-31)

This Scripture is saying – God:

During demanding times, you need this kind of help. Especially when you are working hard to make this season meaningful for others who are special to you. You want them to know Jesus, to see how Christmas is a key to relationship with God, and to fathom God’s love proved in a manger. 

You need a powerful, loving right hand holding your own when you are tired, lack understanding, run out of strength, or feel weak.

Let God place His right hand on your right hand.

“Comfort My people, says your God . . . He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.” (Is. 40:1-2, 11)

Because God is concerned about comfort – His resources are immediately available – if you believe. Since He offers His right hand to your right hand, why not draw close to Him in your heart?

God speaks comfort into your life. He promises to swap out double blessing for sins. As your Shepherd, He carries you close to His heart, leading in your busy days (or even difficult days) with strength and gentleness.

So, what barriers keep you from God’s comfort? Remarkably, a tender shepherd came in a manger, pursued a cross, became your sin and sacrifice – all to tear down all barriers. So, it’s up to you to keep these barriers down. Nevertheless, God will help you do this.

Therefore, it’s critical to stay close to God and choose comfort!

Let Him comfort you with His right hand on your right hand.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord . . . says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee . . . Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!” (Is. 30:15-18)

Baby Jesus grew up wrapped in humanity to pay for sin and model how to partner with Father. And do, in this life where there is precious little peace, quietness, and confidence – these qualities can be yours.

You are given one life span and a free will. Since your will is all you have control over, how are you managing your will? Are you going to flee from God on some horse? What is that horse? Why not accept His amazing help?

You can know Emmanuel as a dear friend. Then peace, joy, and comfort are yours – even in stressful times.

Let Him place His right hand on your right hand by turning to Him.

To keep your stride and remain fresh as you prepare for Christmas, grab God’s right hand by faith. On a practical level, that means – agree with God. He promises to – “. . . meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)

God provides a foundation for your life. However, it’s up to you to build on it. Is. 28:16 says, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.” (Is. 28:16) So, in your stressful busy times, perhaps even painful, sorrowful times – agree with Him by turning to Him.

God designed your heart. When you agree with God, you gain a place of rest. Then, you find strength rising in your heart to meet demands of any scenario.

So, what keeps you from God’s provisions? What keeps you fleeing on your horse?

If you dismount your horse and turn to Him in faith, and if you trust Him for His intervention and provision, you will find everything you need, including contentment.

Agree with God.

Let Him place His right hand on your right hand by agreeing with Him.

Our world desperately needs peace and not just at Christmas. Peace is a gift God gives. Do you live in His peace?

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” (Is. 26:3)

Since God is for you, depend on Him in all life scenarios – even busy holiday times. God designed rhythms of life to include cycles of need. You are not sinful for having needs. Sin enters when you seek to meet your needs outside of Christ – or when you let your needs control you.

Why not let God meet your needs His way and in His timing? He loves you and is already aware of everything you need.

Consequently, the one who trusts in Jesus will not be put to shame. Let your cycles of need propel you into God.

Let Him place His right hand on your right hand (your power center) in your times of need.

2.  Prepare your heart with meaningful, short snippets each December day. Celebrate Advent: A Life Response To Emmanuel. (paperback, e-book) Much of today’s content came from this resource. This book is our most-loved and used. Why not find out why?

Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.

You prepare for Christmas in so many ways. But how do you prepare your heart?

Advent

The Christmas Advent Season has been richly celebrated for many years. Historically, an advent marks the arrival of a notable person or event. Often, a wreath with candles has been used during Christmas Advent, lighting a new candle on each of four weeks leading up to Christmas Day.

Even if you choose not to use a wreath with candles, there are simple, thoughtful ways you can prepare your heart.

This is the first in a series to help prepare your heart for Christmas. Each week we will light another candle in our hearts as a statement of preparation. (Notice each additional week’s article in this series has another candle lit in the main featured image.)

It’s challenging to prepare your heart for Christmas. This treasured holiday is a time for celebration, cheer, friends, family, and worship. However, because Christmas has become highly commercialized, it takes skill and pensive preparation to fully participate in the hustle and bustle without losing it’s meaning.

Let’s contemplate preparing your heart. God esteems three qualities that help prepare your heart for Christmas.

Your assignment this week? I want you to put pen to paper or use your device to explore what you think God values about these qualities?

To best explore how to prepare your heart, let’s start with the term “resting place.”

God created you and knows you inside-out.

“You have searched me, Lord, and You know me . . . when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts . . . discern my going out and my lying down . . . You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and You lay Your hand upon me.” (Ps. 139:1-5)

God can choose anywhere to live. So, it’s significant He wants His “home” – His resting place – to be your heart. What a privilege and responsibility! He lovingly made you for Himself with glorious original design to make your life purposeful.

But there’s another “resting place.” Where is your resting place? Your resting place – is in God’s heart! How does this happen?

Well, humility, a contrite spirit, and respect for God’s Word determine whether you will be God’s home – His resting place. They also determine if you will choose your resting place in God.

Opposite ideas are pride, personal agenda, and lack of esteem for God’s opinion. Consequently, you are in control of these choices.

Why not choose to be humble, contrite, and respectful to prepare your heart for Christmas.

Because of what God is doing through Christmas, reaching to connect to you through Jesus, we need a special name for Baby Jesus.

God’s name for Baby Jesus has you in mind. Is. 7:14 and Mt. 1:23 both say, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Emmanuel (which means ‘God with us’).” Emmanuel is the special name for Baby Jesus.

Emmanuel: God with you! Think of it! You never need to be alone again. You have a dear life Companion you can trust.

We’ve talked about a special name for Baby Jesus. But what about keeping traditions at Christmas? They are so important to people. Jesus, Himself, intentionally kept meaningful traditions when He lived on earth. However, He always brought something fresh and new into traditions.

If you let Him, Jesus will fill your life with fresh “newness” even as you keep meaningful traditions.

To live in Christ is to live inside a miracle. “I no longer live but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20). Prepare your heart by letting Emmanuel bring newness to meaningful traditions.

Let’s explore four ways you can prepare your heart to connect with God, enjoy meaningful traditions, and experience something new from God this Christmas:

Waiting on God is active faith. It is also expectation. In fact, I wonder. Is it even possible to wait well without some level of expectation?

Let’s consider. True expectation is:

Consequently, waiting on God is both a privilege and responsibility.

Waiting for Christmas with active faith and expectation helps safe-guard your holiday preparations. You can connect with God, enjoy deeply meaningful traditions, and anticipate something new from God.

Life has lots of good in it. Still, everyone has their share of bad news, disappointments, and losses. Sometimes Christmas has sad times. But if you draw close to Emmanuel, God promises amazing exchanges. Have you heard about the gift exchanges God offers in Is. 61:3? He says He will exchange:

To claim your wonderful gift exchanges, let go of your losses and preferences. Instead, connect with God. Enjoy deeply meaningful traditions. Anticipate something new from God.

However, you must “let go” to “pick up.”

Scripture instructs and encourages when you suffer, especially during holidays.

“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, I do this.” (Is. 48:10-11) God wants you to be His holy resting place, so He is refining you.

“I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged Me.” (Is. 45:5) You have a decision to make. Will you let God be your safe resting place?

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Is. 43:2-3a) God is saying He will walk with you through every difficulty and help you.

Is. 45:9 says, “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker.” Agreeing with God means not quarreling with Him.

Questions about quarreling:

Instead of quarreling with God, choose to agree with Him. He is –

Why not agree with God? If you do, you can connect with God, enjoy deeply meaningful traditions, and anticipate something new from God.

Life was intended to have rest in it. God established every 7th day to be holy. Planning special “down times” throughout the year also helps you rest. And there’s so much value in a good night’s sleep. God created rest as part of our life rhythm.

Mt. 11: 29 says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

God wants you to rest regularly, including at Christmas. It’s up to you to build this into your preparations. This may mean – “less is more.” Simplify your planning. Choose your most meaningful traditions. And open your heart to receive something “new” from the Lord.

God goes straight to relationship. So, rest in your dear Friend, Emmanuel. When you do, you connect with God, enjoy deeply meaningful traditions, and anticipate something new from God.

2.  Prepare your heart with meaningful, short snippets each December day. Celebrate Advent: A Life Response To Emmanuel. (paperback, e-book) Much of today’s content came from this resource. This book is our most-loved and used. Why not find out why?

Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.

As I’ve been preparing for a mostly traditional Thanksgiving meal, I’m reminded how much planning and preparation goes into special celebrations we treasure. These are added onto regular, daily activities and responsibilities. So, managing everything during holiday seasons is critical. Additionally, focus on the many reasons to be “thankful while busy” keeps you centered.

In a world where the pace continually increases (even with all the inventions, gadgets and gizmos, and time-conserving tools we have), time is still precious. There’s never enough. Everyone knows their time in life is limited.

Unfortunately, people seem to pack their time more and more. Consequently, this creates issues – particularly when adding planning and preparation for celebrations into already busy days.

The worst part? We get so engrossed in everything, we forget to be thankful while busy.

Let’s talk about those amazing resources. If these are so helpful, why are they not making a greater difference? Why is the battle with time still a daily reality?

I’d like to suggest several reasons – and there are definitely more:

Let’s face it. You never have enough time, right? But everyone has 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some have figured out how to invest their greatest resource – time!

Since time is a resource that disappears as it happens, it only makes sense to strategically invest in and maximize that “space” into something that will last.

It’s different than a garden. If you don’t sow seeds in soil this year, you can often sow them next year. But time that passes is gone forever. You can’t get it back next year. This makes time a resource more valuable than gold.

No one knows how many years they will live. Some people are blessed with a full life. In this period of history, that’s around 80-90 years. You may know someone who made it to 100. Similarly, you may know someone whose life ended while they were young – perhaps even a child.

Time in life is limited. How you live each day matters. Since time is only maximized in the moment it occurs, blessed is the person who lives with that understanding. Further, since God values a thankful heart – and a person who practices gratitude is more balanced – healthier is the person who sincerely practices being thankful while busy.

Being thankful is a command from God. The Creator has the original design blueprints. Thankfulness is a basic component of human design. Consequently, being grateful helps people live healthier lives. Since this is true, learn to be thankful while busy.

God has given you everything you need to live on a practical and spiritual level. 2 Pet. 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 

The person who trust God for all their needs (physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, relational) is the recipient of the divine power this verse promises. Plus, they get to know the Lord better and live inside God’s glory and goodness.

So, being thankful while busy starts with an invitation. Have you accepted this invitation?

You know how busy life is – addressing basic provisions for daily living. Food, clothing, housing, bills, medical, etc. If you have kids, you know the added dimension of their needs. Education, support, training, opportunities, etc. God cares about all basic physical life needs. As you trust Him for these things (the faith thing), He provides.

Interestingly, God cares about other provisions, too. He made you a whole person.

First thing is to remember God is active in basic resources.

Second thing is to realize what flows from your character and free will. Did you know you have full control over the kind of person you become. It’s your privilege to decide what character you exercise daily. How you:

Thankfulness is NOT a feeling. You may not feel emotions that resemble thankfulness. The good news – you don’t need feelings to be truly grateful. Thankfulness is a decision you make to be increasingly aware of God’s presence and your blessings even during great upheaval or disappointment.

Practicing thanks is more an intellectual exercise than an emotional one. And it is a spiritual discipline. However, the more you practice it, the more thankful you become. It changes you! As perspective shifts into gratitude, your heart comes alive.

What you practice is what you become! Why not become a person rich in gratitude?

Some bonuses from choosing to be rich in gratitude:

I’m reminded of the story of Mary and Martha. It was so special to have Jesus and His disciples come for a meal. By this time, it’s likely both women had figured out who He is – at least somewhat.

Picture with me. Martha is flying around her kitchen. She is organized and prepared by getting her turkey several days before. She did preparations the night before – like the dressing, cranberry sauce, pickle tray, and maybe cooking sweet potatoes ahead of time. Oh yes – she likely baked delicious pies several days before.

BUT – she’s still flying around her kitchen.

On the other hand, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening intently, fully engaged, straining to hear every word. Wondering how those teachings apply to her life, she is still thankful and eager.

I believe both women give something to consider. Too often Martha is rebuked. But let me say – someone needed to plan, prepare, and be sure the meal was ready for guests. Let’s not be too hard on Martha. Instead, let’s drill down into Jesus’ meaning.

Jesus wanted both sisters to know He is their best provision.

Perhaps Jesus was also saying – Martha should be thankful while busy. Maybe a simpler meal would suffice. How about not being grumpy? (Have you ever been grumpy?)

Although Scripture doesn’t say, I’ve often wondered if Mary should have pro-actively helped Martha. Then both could sit and interact with Jesus.

The Lord looks at the heart.

Jesus offers rest. We should take it. But do we?

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Mt. 11:29)

How are you applying the idea of rest while you are thankful while busy? This may/may not mean a nap. It does mean the state of your heart.

Since Christmas is right around the corner. We have 2 resources that help you prepare both your heart and celebrations – while in the hustle and bustle! Order soon so you can use them!

2.  Prepare your heart with meaningful, short snippets each December day. Celebrate Advent: A Life Response To Emmanuel. (paperback, e-book) This book is our most-loved and used. Why not find out why?

Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.

Sometimes I wonder about prayer. How to pray most effectively. Do my prayers make a difference? Similarly, I wonder how to deepen relationship with God. In our physical, visible, daily reality – going after invisible qualities can be hard to define. Do you ever wonder about how to deepen your relationship with God? Or do you wonder about prayer?

Scripture teaches to have child-like faith when it comes to prayer and connecting with Jesus. Mt. 28:3 says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

These two words, change and become, seem critical to prayer and relationship with God.

Change – suggests no stagnation. A godly life will flow, which requires flexibility. It also says the quiet part out loud: it’s your decision. Unless you engage the process of change, you won’t become.

Become – is an artful word. It has the flavor of growth, the capacity to do better, a hint you never quite get there. It’s a lifetime commitment. It also suggests you choose to (or not to) participate. And it suggests there is an ideal to become like.

Whenever I find myself wondering about prayer and deeper relationship with God, I do several deliberate things. Of course, I’m definitely always learning and growing in faith. But I do them!

First, I turn by faith to God who gave me His Word and promises. He loves me (and you) deeply, sealing His love through the death and resurrection of Jesus. As I consider this wonderful reality in daily issues, something shifts inside my soul. My heart enters a kind of rest, assurance, and wonder as I step away from myself to focus on God.

Turning to God challenges me to think bigger than my own considerations. This makes it easier to slip into surrender.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20)

However, turning to God means stepping around other things, like –

For this step to be meaningful and life-changing – I must pour my soul into relationship with God by faith. Since my response back to God always comes up short to the measure God pours into relationship with me, I simply give my best. Let God be God. Simultaneously, let me be me.

Only when I’m honest can I connect with God in deeper ways.  Ways like –

This authentic step into intimacy with God means baring my heart to Him. He already knows everything about me. (Ps. 139:2) As I draw near Him, I interact with His immenseness – from my humanness.

Since my honesty with God is my Reach Back to Him, it’s my Life Response. It’s prayer and relationship.

I love a short verse that captures how Jesus viewed His Heavenly Father. In fact, this verse challenges and changes me continually. “Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.’ “ (Jn. 11:41)

This statement changes me because of several reasons:

Remembering God is worthy of my worship and hears me – changes both prayer and relationship.

When His disciples didn’t understand His words about prayer and relationship with God, Jesus said to them, “. . . I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.” (Jn. 8:28b)

Jesus always stood with God. That meant He most certainly often stood alone while on earth.

Considering He did only what God taught Him, Jesus took a position of a learner. Notice the word “taught.” Stunningly – the Creator of all things who knows everything, the Great I AM – learned from His Father. Consequently, this set Him apart from others. In a sea of humanity, Jesus was alone.

Some things should not be allowed in the life of a Jesus follower. Questions and “wonderings” are understandable. But deep respect and faith in God’s goodness must accompany questions and wonderings. This keeps a person sweet like Jesus, and it represents Him well.

Because they can quickly turn into other problem things, the following has no place in a believer’s life:

These are serious issues to God. Consequently, they are dangerous for humans, even for a few minutes. So, I work to limit my time in these issues to “0” minutes! Since I know I can’t trust myself, I’ve simply decided – “0” minutes!

However, this doesn’t mean I don’t wonder or have questions. In fact, I’m pretty sure I have more questions in my older years than as a young adult. Yet, I also have more perspective now. Like –

Well, it only takes a little consideration about God and about the enemy to figure some things out.

My enemy – the one who – –

Jesus Christ – the One who – –

Those bullet lists help me “keep my head in all situations.” (2 Tim. 4:5a) Or at least help me work at it. They also help me think Scripturally about prayer. Simple things –

After “visiting” my questions (spending “0” minutes with things that morph into doubt), I intentionally dive deeper into relationship with God by faith through prayer. I don’t understand many things. Yet, with all my heart – I desire to please God and bring joy to His great heart.

In this content of lists, I have a question list for you:

Prayer still makes a difference. And relationship with God is an incredible privilege.

Since Christmas is right around the corner. We have 2 resources that help you prepare your heart and celebrations – while in the hustle and bustle! Order soon so you can use them!

2.  Prepare your heart with meaningful, short snippets each December day. Celebrate Advent: A Life Response To Emmanuel. (paperback, e-book) This book is our most-loved and used. Why not find out why?

Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.

While I recently re-read a favorite author, I was encouraged to keep pursuing something God placed in my heart years ago. So – what is that something? “Rise Up Higher.” And what’s the relevance with the world in such upheaval? Well, I can tell you this – it’s a really good place to live – with many practical applications. So, I hope you will be encouraged with this content.

God is up. He is higher and greater. Interestingly, God wants to raise you higher. Scripture says, “. . . as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Is. 55:9)

God made you in His image as a “being with ways” and a “person of thought.“ Yet, He also created you as His dear child and friend. Not only are His intentions toward you good; they are tender.

So, it’s natural for Him to want to raise you up to be all you can be. His original design for your life is uniquely special. Why not be the real you?

However, “rise up higher” doesn’t just happen. You choose it. Because you are part of the thrust that enables you to rise up – a being with ways and a person of thought, you must embrace the call to rise up.

Will you answer this call to rise up higher?

Take a look around. Listen to the news. Catch global weather reports. Get up-to-speed with world medical challenges. If you are informed, you know we’re facing troublesome times. Seeing the sad state of the world, it’s easy to feel knocked down, discouraged, frustrated, and even angry – with no hope.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” Yet, His next words are an amazing promise. “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33) Jesus has overcome whatever conditions you face. Since that’s His promise, you are golden.

Realistically, how does this happen? I think it has to do with “rise up higher.”

Do you trust Jesus has overcome the world?

People were intended to have good lives and make the world a better place. Even so, that’s a far-reach as we notice current events, nations, politics, destructive weather, disease, and depraved motives. Because this is a fallen world, things are spiraling downward.

However, since Jesus has overcome the world, and since we are to rise up higher, here are starter steps:

First, rise up through humility. Both Jas. 4:10 and 1 Pet. 5:6 say to humble yourself before the Lord. Then He will help you rise up higher. Jas.4:6,10 says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” 

So, humility helps you rise up higher.

Second, rise up with good. Let’s unpack this.

Mk.10:18 says. “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.” Because Christ confirms all good comes from God, even if human motive is lacking, good is good (by definition) – and comes from Him. Only God is good.

So, pursue good to rise up higher.

A word about good. The world is blessed to live under many good conditions despite much devastation. God has not withdrawn His faithfulness, despite sinfulness. Case-in-point – God lets the sun rise and the rain fall on the godly and the ungodly. (Mt. 5:44-46)

The take-away? Embrace humility, do good, and rise up higher.

Do you practice humility and aim for good in all you do?

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13)

Since temptations and struggles are common to all people, what is the way out? Here’s a 4-fold approach.

Choose to side step obvious temptations! Whatever can be avoided – do it. Avoiding obvious temptations and struggles eliminates maybe 90% of problems.

Ask God to lift you to a higher plain – out of basal human temptations. On this higher plain, you can function with God-centered perspective instead of self-centered pursuits.

Consequently, you defeat your enemy by simply side-stepping obvious pitfalls.

As you ask God to empower you to rise up higher, be wide-eyed. Temptations and challenges are in this new plain, too. But they’re different. When you become aware of this, you see this plain is where critical battles are fought over issues of God’s Kingdom.

Since the quality of your inner and outer person partially determines the nature of these new temptations, they are more like temptations Christ experienced on earth.

So in summary, ask God to empower you. Be wide-eyed about these “different” temptations – like Jesus faced. Humbly invite Christ to be formed in you. 

As you rise up higher, you find much good to be done, right in front of you, daily. This higher plain is where your disposition (what you let rule your inner and outer person) decides what good you accomplish. Be alert. Look for practical ways to bring good to the world, like God does.

As you embrace Christ’s character, you operate on His plain and gain influence. Plus, you accomplish much GOOD.

When you rise up higher and face challenges on His higher plain, God supports and nurtures you. Recover lost life territory in this new place. Ask God to heal your soul. Watch God accomplish His interests even as He takes care of you.

Since, these “different” temptations and struggles match the power of a warrior’s character, don’t worry! When you stay in Christ, God promises – “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear (worship and respect) Him, and He delivers them.” (Ps. 34:7)

Because God’s Word says so, God will nurture and support you as you rise up higher and gain ground.

Jesus, your High Priest, is “touched” by your infirmities. As proof He cares about your troubles, Heb. 4:15 says, “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin.”

Further, Is. 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Jesus tenderly cares about your troubles. You matter to Him. Therefore, He makes Himself available to you.

As a result of exploring today’s content, I hope you see your option to rise up higher. You don’t need to be a victim of temptations and struggles. Since it’s in your reach to become like Christ and live on His plain, let Him transform you in the moment.

In conclusion, only you can engage your portion. Once you open your heart to the support and nurture God brings, you just say “yes.”

We’re pulling directly from the content. Consequently, here are several sets of questions:

Finally – PRAY specifically!

Since Christmas is right around the corner. We have 2 resources that help you prepare your heart and celebrations – while in the hustle and bustle! Order soon so you can use them!

2.  Prepare your heart with meaningful, short, devotional snippets each December day. Celebrate Advent: A Life Response To Emmanuel. (paperback, e-book) This book is our most-loved and used. Why not find out why?

Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.

* Various ideas in today’s content come from Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, Sept. 17-19.

This week in many communities, you will hear the phrase, “trick or treat.” Fall is in full swing. Candy. Caramel apples. Cider – hot or cold. Chilly air and colored leaves (in some geographies). Hayrides. Some folks decorate their yard for Fall. Others prefer a Harvest Party with games, costumes, stories, and pumpkins. But these festivities don’t change the reality – trick or treat is real life.

The tricks in real life are real and can be overwhelming.

Honestly – there are times you feel you’ve been tricked as you see how life has taken twists and turns you didn’t want and couldn’t have predicted or prevented. Sometimes you just feel sad. Tricked. Too many losses, and you don’t know what to do and who (if anyone) to blame. Life’s sometimes cruelty can feel discouraging.

Here are some examples of times when people may feel they’ve been tricked in life. There are many more:

The trick in real life is to figure out where the treats are.

Every once-in-a-while, you find life hands you a pleasant surprise. Treats sometimes drop in on people, and in such a broken world, it’s often unexpected.

Here is a list of treats that make life so much better. There are many more:

Troubles and trials of life can seem overwhelming. We’ve already articulated how everyone feels “tricked” at some time or other. We also mentioned how one of the best tricks of life is knowing where the treats are.

It is helpful to remember both tricks and treats co-exist alongside each other in life. Treats don’t eliminate tricks in this shattered world. Still, tricks don’t have power to eliminate treats still present all around you.

There is a life skill that empowers and enables you to go forward whether you’ve experienced a trick or a treat. This life skill is knowing where to find the treats in a life that is also littered with tricks. This skill involves specific characteristics anyone can practice.

Let’s look at each in more depth.

Perspective affects your entire outlook in life. It has the power to decide how you get through. Sometimes, it even affects the outcome. Perspective also determines what you see and how you interpret things that happen. And finally, perspective has a lot to do with the kind of character you develop. In other words, perspective literally helps determine the kind of person you will be. That’s a lot of power!

Let’s review this list of power and influence perspective has:

Adopting a perspective that matches Scripture is exercising the life skill of knowing where to find treats that co-exist alongside tricks in life.

Since it’s hard to sin when you practice gratitude, being grateful should be at the top of your list. I mean – you really have to work at messing things up when you are thankful, cheerful, and trusting God’s goodness. This is true even when things go terribly wrong. Death, disease, loss, destruction. Those are real conditions – like terrible tricks. Truly, this world is full of them. But the presence of awful circumstances does NOT eliminate the reality there are still blessings alongside those sufferings.

Blessed is the person who figures this out. Because they are practicing the life skill of noticing treats.

A hurt, angry, discouraged, negative disposition tends to see tricks first, longest, and sometimes only. However, a courageous, open, positive, optimistic disposition tends to see rays of hope streaming through the dark night. The person who practices positive outlook is the one who finds unexpected treats tucked here and there in hard times.

A positive outlook also has capacity to form your very disposition. That’s big! So, the question is – what kind of outlook do you have?

The person who adopts a positive outlook even in the face of the tricks of life is practicing the life skill of knowing where to find treats.

Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away. But My words will never pass away.” (Mt. 24:35; Mk. 13:31; Lk. 21:33) Jesus never lies. So – the logical conclusion is that when everything around you is falling apart, as the tricks of life are penetrating your defenses, you have a very strong position with God’s words. They will never pass away.

Scripture is full of incredible resources and eternal truths. In fact, God’s Word abounds with treats in a very tricky world. Here are three dearly loved treats committed Christians recognize:

That’s a list you can do something with. These are treats you can cherish and be grounded in. The psalmist continually proclaims how he loves God’s Word and trusts whatever God says. He even welcomes – asks for – God’s rebukes. Check out Ps. 139 – especially verses 23 and 24.

Welcoming God’s correction as a treat helps you become extremely agile, strong, flexible, and grateful. You also become “God-centered” instead of “self-centered.”

The practical use of God’s Word in daily life is the life skill of knowing where to find the treats.

Your enemy has a name in Scripture – father of lies. His role from the beginning has been to trick God’s children. He tempts on two levels:

Once you get a feel for your enemy, it’s time to suit up. Do you put on God’s armor taught in Eph. 6?

What about prayer? Do you ask the Lord to help you, or do you try to tackle the enemy in your own strength? Do you mention names of others in prayer?

Remember: your enemy is the most skillful trickster that has ever existed. He fills life with unhappy, devastating tricks. Blessed is the Jesus follower who understands their enemy and cries out to God for assistance. “Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God, we will gain the victory, and He will trample all our enemies.” (Ps. 60:11-12)

The person who understands the tactics of the enemy is practicing the life skill of knowing where to find treats and how to handle tricks.

Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.

* Some of these ideas come from Oswald Chambers thoughts, My Utmost For His Highest, Sept. 17-19.

For centuries, people have used codes, acronyms, and gimmicks to help them succeed. When I work to memorize Scripture, I often need some kind of tool to get things in my brain. I want to share a tool that keeps my daily perspective centered. I remember it like this: G-S-G-S-R. And . . . it works!

This little tool has helped put God’s critical principles immediately in front of my mind. It’s simply 2-G‘s, 2 S‘s, and an R. During quiet times alone with God, I discovered G-S-G-S-R. I think it’s a keeper – a pearl!

Over the years since seminary training, I’ve used a Scripture dissection approach to tear into Scripture that helps pull out deeper keys and action steps. Doing this makes practical application easier in daily issues. If I don’t funnel God’s principles into tools that work well, sometimes the application becomes muddled or foggy as a typical day slips by.

So – back to the pearl. Certain key words kept jumping out at me as I studied Scripture through the years. Since life has many challenges, the power punch of G-S-G-S-R has been so valuable to me. You know what I’m talking about – that practical instruction or reminder you need – RIGHT NOW – in the moment.

A “good word” about using pearls to stay on course. If you remember back to geometry classes, it only takes a tiny degree off a starting point to veer WAY OFF your original trajectory line. That’s how perspective gets skewed. Just a tiny degree off God’s intended meaning of His Word, and the entire trajectory is off.

G-S-G-S-R, is a balancing tool. It’s pearl value promotes peace during turmoil, courage when afraid, confidence when unsure, and a strengthened faith in God.

After discovering and beginning to use G-S-G-S-R, someone was telling me about their challenge of keeping perspective, especially with daily and current world challenges. So, I told them about G-S-G-S-R. The tool I’d been using in my private life.

Weeks later, they connected with me again, and told me what a huge difference that simple “code-acronym-gimmick-hack” made each day. They said it was so practical and easy to remember – a game-changer. A keeper. A pearl. Further, they started telling others about this tool. Then they added – “You should write about this!”

So, we have today’s content.

In the world’s current state, everyone needs a good word. But it must also be a true word – credible and dependable. And it needs to make a difference! It needs to have a power punch! OR what’s the point, right? There is no better book to find a good word than Scripture. It’s always current, applicable, practical, and relevant. And Scripture definitely has a power punch.

Everything hangs on God’s words, but few people realize it. Jesus said the most amazing thing. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” (Mt. 24:35; Mk. 13:31; Lk. 21:33)

We have His words in two formats. The written Word – a tangible gift from God – is Scripture. The living Word – the pearl of great price – is Jesus. Both forms of the Word are current, applicable, practical, and relevant. They are credible and dependable. Plus, they make a difference.

G-S-G-S-R – it works! Try using this tool for a week, and you’ll find your perspective changing – if you engage it sincerely from your heart.

Each letter stands for a phrase often found in Scripture. These phrases make a powerful, noticeable difference in daily living.

G – Give thanks.

S – Sing to God from your heart.

G – Glory in His name.

S – Seek His face.

R – Remember what He’s already done.

At first blush, you wonder why these phrases work. Let’s dig deeper into each.

Besides the “heads-up” Jesus gives (Heaven and earth passing away . . . “end of the world” kind of stuff), the content of God’s Word contains –

Phrases like G-S-G-S-R stick in your brain and heart because they are guaranteed forever by Jesus. (His words will never pass away. “End of the world” kind of stuff.)

Two things are critical for practical application of memory tools like G-S-G-S-R:

As we explore each concept, notice every one is something you do – with all your heart by faith.

Giving thanks is a common theme in Scripture – and in Alive and Active Life. Why is giving thanks so critical?

Giving thanks recognizes God is the Giver and draws attention to all He has done. Giving thanks hints that God is good. But there’s more.

Giving thanks directly affects the heart, soul, and mind of a person. Essentially, this one action step, sincerely engaged, shifts perspective back on target with God’s intended trajectory for your life. Plus, it reminds you are indebted to God for all He has done.

Giving thanks changes you as you do it. This means that as joy, peace, calmness, gratitude flow from from a sincere heart something shifts inside you.

God punished the Israel nation numerous times for not being thankful, grumbling, complaining.

You may feel you don’t have a fabulous singing voice. No worries! You can sing to God from your heart. This instantly puts you in a place of worship. It pleases God that you trust His love and goodness enough to sing to Him. And it lifts your spirit almost immediately.

Sometimes, it helps to remember when life feels bigger than you – it’s NOT bigger than God. He is with you, He likes and loves you, and He has a purpose for your life. Plus, God works through your hardships like no one else can – when you turn to Him. “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) That’s worth a song from your heart!

Many people forget the arrangement between God and man is designed to be extremely intimate, personal, and individual. It’s at the very middle of being alive.

Why not sing to the One who breathed life into you, who walks with you and sustains you in all circumstances? It’s just the right response.

What does it mean to glory in something? Here’s an example.

When traveling to a favorite restaurant, you experience eager expectation. You arrive and order with confidence. Then, you wait while your mouth waters. When your meal comes, you take it in and relish every bite. Then you sit back and think – “that was fabulous!”

But it doesn’t end there. This experience climaxes as you “glory in it” to everyone you know. You post on social media or call a friend. Perhaps you immediately calendar your next visit.

To glory in something is to speak with assurance and joy, elated inside that this reality is your privilege. That is what it’s like to glory in God.

Do you proactively seek God’s face? Think of a dear friend or family member you trust and love being around. You seek being with them, look deeply into their eyes, anticipate their acceptance, welcome their ideas, and share your own.

Or picture an infant. As they drink their milk, they often look unflinchingly into bigger eyes, extend their arm and hand up to touch cheek, nose, mouth. No inhibitions, embarrassment, or shame. They seek intimacy and safety in the face of their provider.

Seeking God’s face is actually a miracle. Old Testament passages reveal people couldn’t go directly into God’s presence. The holy of holies was off limits except to the high priest once a year. Jesus changed all that when He was born. He made intimacy with God your reality – the miracle. But you must seek Him in order to have Him.

Scripture says, “Then you will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13)

Remembering what God has already done is like walking into the future backwards. You focus on what God has already taught you behind you, how He provided, what Scripture reveals about Him as you meet with Him each day. Subsequently, walking into an unknown future in this way means choosing full confidence in God.

So, remember God’s person, character, faithfulness, and provision. And, be encouraged. This cycles you back around again into –

Give Thanks. 

Sing to God.

Glory in Him.

Seek His Face.

Remember.

It works! And it’s worship!

Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.

Feathers have captivated people for centuries. Inventors and scientists have studied flight by looking at birds, wings, and feathers. Artists use various mediums to capture the beauty of feathers. Coincidentally, there are still folks who make down pillows and comforters with softest feathers. Kids adore fluffy, colored feathers for fun projects. Feathers have been used for insulation. At one point in history, the best arrows were made using feathers. Today’s content is about being under feathers.

Believe it or not, the Bible talks a lot about feathers and wings. Let’s look at just a few references:

If you review the previous verses about feathers and wings, you’ll notice a common idea. Let’s look at these verses in a bit more detail to see how “under feathers” applies in practical ways to daily life.

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”

In these references, Jesus’ teaching point is about a hen gathering her chicks under her wings when there is danger. Jesus compares this with the same desire God has for His children. When there is danger, when you need protection and comfort. When you need a “bigger guy” between yourself and a threat – He lifts His wings and invites you to “come under feathers!” Apparently, this instinct God has is a strong longing. In other words, God deeply loves you! He wants you under His feathers to care for you.

“He mounted the cherubim and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.”

This creative Scripture refers to God’s might, command, freedom, and pro-active flight through all the realms of creation – both seen and unseen. The word picture indicates He can ride the most powerful, astonishing forces. With a great high view, He rides effortlessly into your situation and helps steer you through trials and problems. He soars lovingly and confidently with resources through the winds of your dark, stormy days.

“Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings.” and “I long to dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.”

These two Psalms passages present a person needing help (the psalmist, you, me). After turning to God and “coming under feathers” by faith, he finds help, comfort, and protection needed. And because he’s now in a safe place, this person can sing for joy. In fact, he wants to stay there – to live under feathers. This person has trusted God’s promises and found refuge under the shelter of God’s very own wings. The under feathers word picture is his talking point, and it can be yours, too.

And then we come to my favorite: “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

This psalm presents the image of God using His wings to give His children refuge from harm, danger, and evil. He literally covers you with His protective feathers. So – you are under feathers. The verse closes with a strong witness to God’s faithfulness. A promise of a shield and rampart are introduced. Most of us know what a shield is – a piece of armor used both for defensive and offensive tactics.

But what is a rampart? Well, a rampart is a raised area, usually earth – perhaps covered by other materials, that forms protection. It’s a fortification or barricade. God says He is this raised-up-area of protection for you.

So, what exactly does God have in mind? Well, His interests involve people. Let’s start with you! Have you ever gone under His feathers? Do you enjoy the strong rampart of God’s love and care? Staying inside, under, and behind His raised up protection means you benefit from His barricade and fortification. All this you do by faith – not by sight.

Now let’s turn to others. Every person on the globe deserves the opportunity to respond to Jesus by faith. Yet, if people never hear about under feathers – if we do nothing to spread this good news – then Christ’s death is in vain. Everyone should be given the opportunity to know God loves them and wants to bring them under feathers.

Jesus reaches to all people of all cultures. He eliminates all boundaries of status, race, and culture between people even as He reinforces individual value and freedom. He welcomes anyone into His family as an heir with Christ. A child of God. This means that anyone who responds by faith to Jesus can come under feathers.

God started under feathers. There is a phrase often used in Scripture – “when the time had fully come.” So, when the time had come, a baby was born. When the time had come, Jesus died on a cross, was buried in a tomb, and rose on the third day. These things happened.

When the time comes, He will return to earth as a judge, all-powerful King, and gentle Friend of all who believe on Him. These things will happen. 

God’s feather covering became documented history at the cross. Jesus’ arms reached from one eternity to the other. The beam of a cross proves it. To every generation, God’s covering of wings makes hope a reality.

A white feather has often been associated with disgrace, cowardice, or shame. The tradition of giving a white feather is questionable – especially when given unjustly. Yet, even when possibly deserved, it’s hard to bear disgrace in life. To be misunderstood. Wondering what went wrong. Judged. Accused – justly or falsely.

For the person who trusts Him, God redeems all things, even a white feather. In fact, He is in the habit of giving out white feathers as a symbol of holiness, bravery, faith, and value. The beautiful, captivating form of a white feather is awe-inspiring. And that image represents how Jesus covers every person who trusts Him.

When you trust God’s promises for everyday problems and troubles, you earn a delightful white feather of practiced holiness. Why not start a collection? (Keep in mind, holiness only comes through Christ’s cross. Yet, we must respond with faith and action!)

As you stay close to Christ by trusting and obeying, even when suffering, you are given many gorgeous white feathers. This is because God is full of grace and mercy. He is loving, kind, and good. And He hands out holy feathers for your life collection:

We established God started “under feathers.” But the story drills down into the details of this broken life. Because Jesus received your white feather of disgrace and paid the severe price to cleanse, heal, and comfort you, He can also transform you. He invites you to come close. He lifts His wing for you and says, “Come under feathers! Stay close to Me.”

Jesus wants to:

* Portions of this article come from More e-Pistles For An i-Generation. This tool is available for purchase in our bookstore. It’s an excellent daily devotional tool to help you get into God’s Word and aim for excellence each day.

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