I love opening the mail and reading the Christmas cards. They come from people we love but many times rarely get to see or hear from. Some have pictures. Some are letters. But each one brings a bit of joy and encouragement with them.
There are always the pithy, cute poems and season wishes, but the ones I love the most bring reference from what really makes a difference…God Himself come to earth to be the Savior of the world.
As I sat this morning to read and spend time with the Lord, I read a typical passage for the day, the 20th of the month, and was struck with a precious thought. “This sounds like a Christmas card.” The words jumped off the page into my mind and dug deep into my heart. They brought comfort and wisdom. They made me think of family and other important things of life. But most of all, I knew that I heard from the Lord.
The passage was Psalms 20 from the New Living Translation. Read it for yourself:
“In times of trouble, may the LORD respond to your cry. May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm. 2 May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem. 3 May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. 4 May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans. 5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. 6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. 7 Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the LORD our God.” Psalms 20:1-7 (NLT)
Hear what God intends…He so desires to bless us, encourage us and let us know that we are part of His family and plan.
Be what God purposed…people of praise, people in His presence, people of prayer and deep, meaningful faith.
Share what God says…prayers will be answered, faith is vital, God can be trusted, He is safety and saving, always.
As I read this passage and took in the stuff for the day, there was a breath of fresh air rushing into my lungs and vision filling my head and head. I needed that. I needed to hear a word from God. And a Christmas card made it happen. No telling how many people we will be blessed because we mail a card, make a call, drive a few minutes, attend a service, give a gift, say a word or two, give a hug, spend some extra time or anything else like those.
Christmas is all about one thing…Jesus. As Mary, the mother of Jesus said, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." (Luke 1:38 NLT)
There are always the pithy, cute poems and season wishes, but the ones I love the most bring reference from what really makes a difference…God Himself come to earth to be the Savior of the world.
As I sat this morning to read and spend time with the Lord, I read a typical passage for the day, the 20th of the month, and was struck with a precious thought. “This sounds like a Christmas card.” The words jumped off the page into my mind and dug deep into my heart. They brought comfort and wisdom. They made me think of family and other important things of life. But most of all, I knew that I heard from the Lord.
The passage was Psalms 20 from the New Living Translation. Read it for yourself:
“In times of trouble, may the LORD respond to your cry. May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm. 2 May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem. 3 May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. 4 May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans. 5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. 6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. 7 Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the LORD our God.” Psalms 20:1-7 (NLT)
Hear what God intends…He so desires to bless us, encourage us and let us know that we are part of His family and plan.
Be what God purposed…people of praise, people in His presence, people of prayer and deep, meaningful faith.
Share what God says…prayers will be answered, faith is vital, God can be trusted, He is safety and saving, always.
As I read this passage and took in the stuff for the day, there was a breath of fresh air rushing into my lungs and vision filling my head and head. I needed that. I needed to hear a word from God. And a Christmas card made it happen. No telling how many people we will be blessed because we mail a card, make a call, drive a few minutes, attend a service, give a gift, say a word or two, give a hug, spend some extra time or anything else like those.
Christmas is all about one thing…Jesus. As Mary, the mother of Jesus said, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." (Luke 1:38 NLT)
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