Tag: Forgiveness

Christmas is the worldwide celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  He is our Lord and Savior and we honor and celebrate Jesus!  We all announce the birth of our children in a variety of creative ways.  God also announced the birth of His Son and it is very encouraging to read about the very creative and miraculous way His birth was announced!  I would like to share that with you during this time of celebration, so without further delay, may I introduce you to the historical record of the shepherds and the angels.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;  he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8-12

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the

highest,

and on earth peace to men

on whom his favor

rests.”

Luke 2:13-14

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

Luke 2:15-20

I once heard our previous Pastor give a sermon on this at Christmas and he talked about the status of a shepherd at that time.  Shepherds were considered “lower class” people in their society.  They were generally poor in material wealth and not many people would have considered what they had to say as of any importance.  It is beautiful and powerful that the Lord revealed angels to them and He chose them to spread the word about Jesus!  It is also a testimony of God’s power that people were amazed at what the shepherds said.  I’m sure people could see the wonder and amazement on their faces as God was in the midst of using them to spread the most important message the world has ever heard!

I’m also sure they felt a bit crazy telling people about angels announcing the birth of the Savior of the world to them.  I felt crazy telling people about my angel encounters too, but I’m glad they did and I’m glad I did too.  We must tell the world about our experiences with the Lord and glorify His Name no matter what people think about us!

It is awesome that God sends angels to help us and communicate God’s messages at times!  It is awesome God chose a few humble shepherds to witness His glory and tell the world!  It is awesome God came to earth as a man to die for us, so we can be with Him forever in eternal glory!  That is the powerful message of Christmas, and to that I say Merry Christmas to the whole world!

Grace and peace to you all!

“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.”

Isaiah 9:6

 

 

This is a very good word from Jesus.  I have never added a single hour to my life by worrying.  None of us have.  Believe me, as many of you know, I have plenty I could worry about.  I say this from what I have learned after many years of suffering, give it all to God!  Whatever it is, lay it down to the One who can carry it for you.  Lay it down to the One who loves your soul!  He will take care of us and meet all of our needs.  Just look at the pretty little birds and remember His words.

Have a blessed and encouraging weekend!

Grace and peace to you all!

Here is a new song called “Bring On The Holidays” that Toby Mac just put out for Christmas!  He just tweeted it out yesterday–enjoy and Merry Christmas!

The Lord has been speaking to me about my suffering and the plans He has for me.  He has been showing me that even my suffering is for my benefit somehow, and all the pain and anguish I have been through are still part of the good plans He has for me.  I have talked about the above Scripture before and the suffering Hezekiah endured and how He cried out to God.  I understand his heart and the anguish he suffered described in Isaiah chapter 38.  In His great love, God kept me from the pit of destruction and let me live too!  In His grace and mercy, He has put all my sins behind His back!

The Lord spoke Isaiah 38:17 to my heart along with Jeremiah 29:11 this morning.  He wanted me to see the connection and remember both verses together at the same time.  Why?  Because He wants me to trust in the plans He has for me, even when those plans require anguish and suffering.  He wants me to trust that even my suffering is beneficial.  When you follow Jesus, He makes beauty from ashes in every area of your life and nothing is wasted.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

We have to trust that even the suffering we endure as part of God’s plan will somehow prosper us and not harm us.  Somehow His plans will always bring hope and a future.  Yes, when we follow Jesus, even our suffering is for our benefit.  We might get angry and we might not understand, but He will see us through.  All we have to do is trust Him and keep walking by faith.  Easier said then done, but with God nothing is impossible and He holds our hearts.  Whatever troubles you are facing today, remember, if you know Jesus, then He is working on your behalf for your benefit!

May His will be done today and every day!

Grace and peace to you all!

In the midst of my troubles, the Lord gently spoke this verse to my heart as I drove the kids home from school today.  As we drove south and looked west to the Rockies, I quoted that verse to my kids and afterwards I said, “remember that every time you look at the mountains.”  I was choking back tears as I spoke that Scripture to them because at the same time I was teaching my kids, the Lord was speaking to my heart to trust Him.

He knows I have been struggling.  He knows I’m thinking about selling my truck, so we can pay bills.  He knows I was struggling to write a single word today because of discouragement.  My wife is working late tonight at the school, so it has just been the kids and I hanging out.  I was doing the dishes and I was thinking about calling the guy I know at the Chevy dealership in Aurora.  I was also thinking about listing my truck on Craigslist for at least $25K.  As I was thinking about these things while I loaded the dishwasher, I heard the Lord speak softly to me, “Don’t sell your truck.  I will make a way.”  As is the Lord’s way with me, He nudged me to repeat out loud what I had heard, so I did and said, “Don’t sell your truck.  I will make a way.”  I just smiled and said, “Okay Lord, your will be done.”

I don’t know what God is doing folks.  Celiac has really been beating me up lately and we are struggling financially, but I know He is going to make a way somehow.  I have been praying for a breakthrough for almost 7 years.  I trust what He told me today.  He reminded me to lift up my eyes to the hills and remember where my help comes from.  He touched my heart to the point of tears and I am humbled and encouraged.

Where does your help come from?  I hope it is from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth!  He loves you more than you can imagine!

Grace and peace to you all!

Hello everyone!  I wanted to take some time and share some photos I took with my good Canon camera in November.  I took the sunset picture above and the pictures that follow on the 10th between 5:07 and 5:09 P.M. Mountain Time.  I hope you enjoy the colors as much as I do!  When I zoomed in, the shades of purple were amazing!  God is amazing!  I will also share some pictures of a Rocky Mountain morning and the friendly animals that live around our home.  I pray the peace of the Lord enters your heart as you ponder the wonders of God in all He has created.  May His creation encourage and inspire you!  God bless you all in the Name of Jesus!

Praise the Lord!!!  All of that beauty in only two minutes!  God never ceases to amaze me!  You want to see God?  Look at His creation around you and He will show you His glory!

Here is sunrise shining on the Rockies in the West just a few days later.  This was just before 7 a.m.  It was cold and a bit overcast, but the rays of light still kissed the Rockies.

We have many animal friends that live in our neighborhood and many of them like to chill near our home and in our backyard.  The deer like to rest right behind our fence next to the big Austrian Pine trees we have.  Our yard offers them protection and warmth.  I thank God for that.  It’s cool to see them every day.  The babies are so cute!

Such a good mama!  Look at those big beautiful eyes!

Here are some of the little critter friends that like to visit.

That is a little Colorado woodpecker.  There is a different species that is bigger and that one likes to peck our house.  This little guy sticks to the trees.

Last, but not least, may I introduce the little squirrel and sparrow that live here.  The squirrels came into our area over the last few years as everyone’s trees got bigger.  Our neighborhood was a brand new development when we moved in 12 years ago.  There are only a few squirrels around, but this little guy loves our trees.  The sparrow has a bunch of buddies and they are always singing beautifully for us.

I pray for all of you today that the Lord will lift you up and you will notice His touch in everything He created in your part of the world too!

Grace and peace to you all in the Name of Jesus!

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

Romans 1:20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello everyone!  It has been crazy busy for us since last week.  Our son is doing the kids Christmas choir at church, so I had to take him to practice, and our daughter performed in the Nutcracker ballet at school and she had three shows to do over two days.  The ballet was really good too!  Our kids go to a charter school that specializes in performing arts and they have great programs for music, dance, theater, and art.  The dance teacher is a professional ballerina and she did an amazing job teaching the Nutcracker.  We did our tree early last week and I hung the lights up on our house yesterday.  It took me a couple hours and lots of prayer, but I got it done without much trouble.  I prayed that it would remind people of Jesus and encourage people’s hearts.  Remember, Jesus is the Light of the world!

Welcome to our home!  It is filled with the Love and Light of Jesus!!!

Here is our 8 foot Rocky Mountain Christmas tree!  It is so fresh it had sap on the branches and our fingers got sticky as we put the ornaments on.

The kids also made wreaths out of paper and decorated their bedroom doors.  Our son’s door is on the left and our daughter’s door is on the right.  Great job kids!  Very creative and joyful!

The kids also decorated their windows.  They have the best views in the house!  It’s kind of cloudy today, but you can usually see Pike’s Peak and the front range of the Rockies.  Awesome job on your windows too kids!

Here is our daughter’s window:

Here is our son’s window:

And just for fun, this is how Coloradoans celebrate Christmas!

So much fun!  Shout out to all the mountain riders!

Grace and peace to you all and Merry Christmas!!!

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:21

 

 

 

Please pray for the people of Anchorage, Alaska.  They had a major 7.0 magnitude earthquake this morning!  Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries.  There was a tsunami warning for Kodiak Island, but that has been cancelled.  There has been major structural damage to buildings, homes, and roads though.  My wife is from Anchorage and all her family lives there.  I texted her Dad and he said they are okay.  They just have a busted pipe that he said he can fix easily.  My father-in-law can fix anything!  He built the house my wife grew up in and my wife’s grandparents were pioneers to Alaska.  Her Dad and Grandpa built many of the houses in their neighborhood.  I have learned a ton of valuable skills from her Dad!  We are so glad everyone is okay!  Praise God!

Here is a link to the Fox News report:

Alaska Earthquake

Please pray that everything gets fixed and that the weather will be good.  I lived up there for a winter and it is not as bad as some think, but it does get very cold at times and it can snow like crazy.  They call Anchorage the banana belt of Alaska because it has more mild temperatures year round.  Many times we are colder here in Denver than they are!

Here is a photo of the damage to Minnesota Drive in Anchorage.  I have driven on that road!

Look at this quote from Fox News:

“Slaton was alone and home and soaking in the bathtub when the Alaska earthquake struck.

He said the quake created a powerful back-and-forth sloshing in the bathtub and before he knew it, he’d been thrown out of the tub by the force of the waves.

His 120-pound mastiff panicked and tried to run down the stairs, but the house was swaying so much she was thrown off her feet and into a wall and tumbled to the base of the stairs, Slaton added.”

-Greg Norman, Fox News

That is one powerful earthquake!  I have felt one earthquake in my life and it was in Anchorage when we were visiting one summer.  We heard a loud boom in the distance, then the whole house started shaking.  It was crazy!  My father-in-law said we had just experienced a minor tremor, and it was quite a shaking.  I can’t imagine a 7.0 earthquake!

Thank you all for your prayers as the city of Anchorage comes together to rebuild!

Grace and peace to you all!

P.S.

If you are ever in Anchorage, you have to go downtown and have a caribou dog from one of the street vendors!  They are incredibly delicious!  Before I had Celiac, we would go down there and I would eat those up!  Caribou meat is awesome!  I can still eat caribou, just not with a wheat bun, you know my GF style.

God bless you all!

“God is our refuge and

strength,

an ever-present help in

trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth give

way

and the mountains fall into

the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and

foam

and the mountains quake

with their surging.

Selah”

Psalm 46:1-3

 

When we think of someone being arrested, we usually picture that person being handcuffed against their will.  They are usually forced down to the ground or restrained in a variety of ways and taken into custody.  When Jesus was arrested he had committed no crime and the men who came to arrest him were only able to do so because Jesus allowed it.  Jesus was not taken against His will.  He knew His mission and He went to His death willingly.  That one very short verse in John shows just how powerful Jesus is and that those men were completely powerless to do anything to Jesus apart from God’s will.

Let’s take a look at the section of Scripture regarding the arrest of Jesus.

“Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.  So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees.  They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said.  (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)  When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”

And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

“I told you that I am he,” Jesus answered.  “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”  This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

John 18:2-9

I find it amusing that He asked them twice who they wanted.  He showed them who was really in control and He could have kept knocking them down, but He had mercy on them!  They didn’t catch Him.  He wasn’t running!  They didn’t arrest Him.  He gave Himself up for us!  Think about John 18:6 for a moment.  A bunch of soldiers, officials from the chief priests, and Pharisees who were being guided by Judas show up to arrest Jesus, and when Jesus answers them His very words knock them to the ground!  That is some serious power!  Folks, Jesus is God in human flesh!  Those men only had power to arrest Jesus because His mission was to die for the sins of the whole world!

“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

1 John 2:2

We all know what Peter’s reaction was when they came to arrest Jesus, but Jesus did not need Peter’s sword for protection.  He had just knocked the entire group of men down with His very breath and He revealed to all of them just how powerful He really is.

“Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear.  (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away!  Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus.  They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.  Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.”

John 18:10-14

Jesus also reminds Peter that He has some serious back up, but He will not use it because Scripture must be fulfilled.

“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.  Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?  But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

Matthew 26:52-54

That is a whole army of angels folks!  I understand Peter’s reaction.  He loved Jesus so much that he wanted to protect Him, but that was not the way.  Jesus came to die for us, He knew that, and He allowed His arrest because He loves us!  Jesus was willing to drink the cup the Father had given Him even though that meant terrible suffering and death.  Even in that moment He showed love and mercy to the men arresting Him and He healed the servant’s ear that had just been cut off.  Yes, the Lord touched him and he had a perfectly created ear again!

“When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”  And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

But Jesus answered, “No more of this!”  And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?  Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me.  But this is your hour–when darkness reigns.”

Luke 22:49-53

Jesus showed great compassion and mercy on the high priest’s servant!  He also explained very clearly to all of them that they only had the power to lay a hand on Him because it was God’s will.  It was their hour for an appointed time in God’s plan for salvation and that is the only reason they were allowed to arrest His Son.

Jesus willingly gave Himself up for us, so we could be reconciled with God.  Jesus drank the cup the Father gave Him and He fulfilled the Scriptures.  Jesus is Lord and He did it all because He loves us!

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever.  Amen.”

Galatians 1:3-5

Don’t ever forget how powerful Jesus is!  There will be another time He uses the breath of His mouth and He will use it to overthrow the lawless one!

“And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.”

2 Thessalonians 2:8

Jesus could have overthrown His enemies at any time, but Jesus died for us willingly.  May we never forget that and may we always worship Him and honor Him for that!

Grace and peace to you all and Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All around the world people are putting up Christmas lights as we approach the greatest birthday celebration of the year, the birth of Jesus Christ!  Many people might wonder why we string lights on our houses and all around our towns and cities in a beautiful glowing wonderland of light.  Well, the answer is very simple and powerful.  It’s all because of Jesus!  He is the light of the world and He is the only One to ever proclaim that!  He brings light to our souls and rescues us from the darkness of this world!

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Colossians 1:13-14

We put up lights as a symbol of His glorious light that shines on the world every day.  A light that rescues us, forgives us, and redeems us!  Jesus is the light of the world and that comes with a promise!  If you follow Jesus, you will never walk in darkness because you have the light of life!  Jesus leads us through this dark world and His light chases away the darkness that once dominated our lives!

Remember that next time you see Christmas lights and remember that while you string your lights this year on your trees and homes.  We would not have Christmas without Jesus and we would not have the great hope that His light brings this world without Him!  When I see those beautiful lights on that mountain cabin in the Scripture pin above, my heart is filled with His warmth and love and I am reminded of just how beautiful His birth really is!  Jesus truly is the light of the world and His light shines in our hearts and souls!

Remember, when Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum the prophecy in Isaiah regarding a great light was fulfilled!

“When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee.  Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali–to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:

“Land of Zebulun and land

of Naphtali,

the way to the sea, along

the Jordan,

Galilee of the Gentiles–

the people living in

darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land

of the shadow of death

a light has dawned.”

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Matthew 4:12-17

Jesus is that great light!  Jesus is the light that has dawned!  Jesus is the light of the world!  Thank You Jesus, we praise You Lord!

When we celebrate our Lord’s birthday, the celebration quite literally lights up the world!  It is a beautiful time of year full of love and compassion because Jesus is full of love and compassion.  The beautiful lights are all because of Jesus!  Happy birthday Lord, we love you!

Let the pretty lights remind you that the kingdom of Heaven is near.  The picture above is where Jesus started His ministry.  The people living there at that time were so very blessed to have that great light among them in the flesh and what a glorious light dawned from that place and moment in time!  Jesus is Lord!  Hallelujah!!!

Jesus is the light of the world and His light is always with us!  Let His light shine on you.  Shine in our minds Lord Jesus!  Shine in our hearts!  You are beautiful beyond description and I am so thankful for Your light inside my soul, amen!

Grace and peace to you all…and you will hear me say this often, Merry Christmas!!!

Jesus literally lights up the world and He loves you!  Merry Christmas!

 

 

I love the Northern Lights and I love that verse.  Please recite that verse out loud.  You are speaking peace over your soul!  This truth reminds us that we can rest in the goodness of the Lord for He has most definitely been good to all of us.  That rest will never leave us because Jesus will never leave us and even now we are enjoying that eternal rest that He promised.

We all need rest no matter how tough we are.  Our bodies get physically tired and worn out and we need to recharge.  Tired bodies are one thing, but what about our souls?  Oh, how many weary and burdened souls there are in this world.  That is the kind of rest we all desperately need.  We need rest for our souls!  I’m here to bring you good news!  That is exactly what Jesus promised to give us when we come to Him!

“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.”

Jesus speaking in Matthew 11:28-30

I pray we enter that rest every day and we never forget what Jesus promised us.  My soul can be at rest for the Lord has been good to me.  Before I knew Jesus I had no peace and my soul was not at rest.  My soul was like a hurricane and I was crushed by the storm.  When I accepted Jesus, the peace that flooded my soul was so powerful that I can’t even explain it!  His peace is beyond understanding and the rest that He gives to my soul is something I cherish every day.

The Lord has been good to me in so many ways, even in the midst of suffering.  There are testimonies of the Lord’s goodness all over the world!  What are some of the ways the Lord has been good to you and brought rest to your soul?

As we enter the season of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, I pray we all think about the goodness of the Lord and the deep and ever present rest that He has given us.  I pray we would dive deep into that rest and let it heal and comfort our hearts.  And I pray these things in the glorious Name of Jesus, Amen!

The Lord has been so good to us!  Enjoy His rest every day!

Grace and peace to you all!

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.”

Jesus speaking in John 14:1