The God That Gives Us Living Hope
Dr. John Barnett
Discover the Book
Our Great and Mighty God has His Hand reaching down from Heaven to each of us. He says to us:
• I am your Creator (Isaiah 42:5).
God made you just like you are to do what no one else can do. You are my special, precious child. Trust Me, follow Me, worship Me. We need to from our spirits respond to Him as Creator by saying to Him:
I will trust You Lord; and I will follow You Lord; and I will worship You Lord.
• I am your Sustainer (Isaiah 42:6).
God wants to hold your hand and keep you. Trust Me enough to grab My Hand, and love Me enough to let Me shine through your life. We need to from our spirits respond to Him as Sustainer by saying to Him:
I want to by faith, from this moment forward, start reaching up each new day I live and hold onto Your Hand to show that I really do trust You; and I want to love You so that others see Your love in me.
• I am your Redeemer (Isaiah 42:7).
God bought and paid for with Christ's blood, a great price. Realize anew that you are not your own, you belong to Me. Decide anew that what you say, where you go, what you wear, and how you fill your time needs to bring honor to Me as your God. We need to from our spirits respond to Him as Redeemer by saying to Him:
Thank you for buying me, I am unworthy of Your love; and I belong to You so I want You to be pleased today with what I say, where I go, what I wear, and how I spend my priceless moments of life.
• I am your Revealer (Isaiah 42:9).
God has spoken in this Word you hold. He leads you through His Word, comforts and keeps you with His Word, and changes you into more usefulness only by His Word. He says, "Let My Word fill your mind and life". We need to from our spirits respond to Him as Revealer by saying to Him:
I want to get into Your Word today and spend time with You my Lord; and I want to feel your comfort; and I want to follow Your will for my life; and I want you to change me a little more to be like Jesus today than I was yesterday.
• I am your Leader (Isaiah 48:17c).
God has given to us the pathway we are to follow in life (Psalm 16:11); and He alone is the guide we can safely follow. The Lord wants to guide and keep us; and often, it is much more than we want to follow and trust. We need to from our spirits respond to Him as Leader by saying to Him:
I want to follow Your Path. I will submit to You as my Leader today. And when the path gets rough, or I begin to fear, I want to reach up again and take Your Hand stretched out to me.
• I am your Peace-Giver (Isaiah 48:17).
God has told us over and over that great peace belongs to all who will love and obey His Word (Psalm 119:165). He offers peace that flows like a river through every part of our lives; and He offers a cleansing wave of His grace across the beaches of our lives--so that we can walk on each new day of life with a fresh, new beginning. We need to from our spirits respond to Him as Peace-Giver by saying to Him:
I want Your peace every moment. Keep me in that perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3), and I will do my part-I will keep my mind focused on You. When I feel restless I will repent of whatever wickedness prompted that feeling, look back at You and thank you for Your river of peace, and waves of righteousness.
As politically incorrect as I wanna be.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
How Singles Can Stay Focused At Christmastime
How Singles Can Stay Focused At Christmastime
Cliff Young
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
Once again the holiday season is upon us and many approach it with trepidation, uncertainty and disillusionment.
As we look around, we are frequently reminded of what we don’t have relationally and materially. Christmas movies, displays, and advertisements depict happy families with an abundance of “stuff.” For many, this is not the case.
The most important contributing factor to Christmas-related depression is disappointment. Too many expectations. Too much hope for magic that doesn’t deliver.
— Jerry Jenkins, author Left Behind
It is often difficult to stay focused on the true essence and meaning of Christmas amidst the commercial distractions that we face.
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess (Hebrews 3:1).
I am determined this season to focus on those who had fixed their thoughts on Jesus that first Christmas—Joseph and Mary. Who were they? How did they feel as they approached the birth of Jesus? How can I learn from them?
Joseph
Joseph is one of the most recognized characters in the Bible, yet we know so little about the man whom God chose to rear his only son, Jesus.
He was described as being a righteous, just, and good man for not wanting to publicly disgrace his fiancée Mary at the news she was pregnant (Matthew 1:19). Joseph would have been justified to feel hurt, disappointed or confused (and he may have been), however we are only told he did not want to humiliate her, which is a credit to his strong character.
Joseph was obedient to an angel of the Lord who appeared to him in a dream telling him not to be afraid to wed Mary. He did not question the validity of his dream. He did not discount it as being insignificant. He did not look for an explanation.
When Joseph woke up, he did what the Lord’s angel had told him to do. Joseph took Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:24).
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph three more times in Scripture (Matthew 2:13, 2:19, 2:22), directing him to take Mary and Jesus to another place in order to flee danger. Each time, Joseph obeyed without delay, debate, frustration or reservation.
Joseph’s strict observance to the traditions and customs of his period reinforced the kind of man Joseph was.
* He followed the Law of Moses by presenting Jesus to the Lord. (Luke 2:22)
* He offered sacrifices as the law of the Lord says. (Luke 2:24)
* He had done everything the law of the Lord commanded. (Luke 2:39)
* He observed the Passover Feast each year. (Luke 2:41)
Knowing these things about Joseph, we can deduce he was not only a pious man, but also a good father to Jesus. Joseph raised him in a godly way under godly principles and taught Jesus real-life skills like carpentry and fishing.
Joseph didn’t seem very different than someone you would meet at church. He loved Jesus and did everything in his earthly power to protect him. So why did God choose Joseph to help raise His Son? He knew Joseph would be obedient and his thoughts would be fixed on Jesus.
Mary
Besides Jesus, Mary is one of the most lauded people in the Bible. Little is known about her childhood or her family, other than she was of the tribe of Judah and had a relative, Elizabeth. Our first introduction to Mary came as she was a virgin engaged to be married to Joseph (Luke 1:27).
Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be frightened, Mary’,” the angel told her, “for God has decided to bless you!” (Luke 1:28-30).
Mary was reported to be a young teenager at the time and her reaction was probably similar to how many of us would have reacted—confused, disturbed or frightened.
We can often make the mistake of elevating those we read about in the Bible into someone who is unbelievable or even fictional. Not trying to discount who they were or what they accomplished, but I sometimes forget that they were real people, not much different that you or I. The difference is in the response to what God asks of us.
Gabriel disclosed to Mary, both she and Elizabeth would become pregnant.
Mary responded, “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).
Just as in the case of Joseph, Mary’s response was immediate obedience and acceptance. Mary’s faith was also undeniable, as noted by Elizabeth.
Elizabeth said, “You are blessed because you believed that what the Lord said to you would really happen” (Luke 1:45).
Joseph and Mary lived their lives in faith and obedience. It was not glamorous or extraordinary, however, what they were able to accomplish within their lifetime was extraordinary because they were willing to accept whatever God asked of them.
We all face challenges this Christmas season. It may be relationally, financially or physically. It is how we react to these challenges that determines who we are. Are we righteous, just and good in how we treat others? Are we being obedient to the Lord in loving and listening to Him? Are we fixing our thoughts and our minds on Jesus?
How is God speaking to you this Christmas? To rejoice in the blessings of the year even though rejoicing is the last thing you want to do? To reconcile with family members or friends even though you have been estranged for a number of years? To give of your time or resources even though it seems as if you have none to give?
Whatever God is asking you to do this Christmas pales in comparison to what was asked of a young couple thousands of years ago.
This Christmas, don’t hope for something magic to happen; put your hope, faith and thoughts upon Jesus. Joseph and Mary were ordinary people used in extraordinary ways. We too—even as singles!—can be used in a similar fashion, only if we listen and are obedient to the Lord.
Cliff Young is a contributing writer to Sandlot Stories (ARose Books), as well as the monthly column, "He Said-She Said," in Crosswalk.com's Singles Channel. An architect and former youth worker, he now works with Christian musicians and consults for a number of Christian ministries. Got feedback? Send your comments and questions to CYdmg@yahoo.com.
Cliff Young
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
Once again the holiday season is upon us and many approach it with trepidation, uncertainty and disillusionment.
As we look around, we are frequently reminded of what we don’t have relationally and materially. Christmas movies, displays, and advertisements depict happy families with an abundance of “stuff.” For many, this is not the case.
The most important contributing factor to Christmas-related depression is disappointment. Too many expectations. Too much hope for magic that doesn’t deliver.
— Jerry Jenkins, author Left Behind
It is often difficult to stay focused on the true essence and meaning of Christmas amidst the commercial distractions that we face.
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess (Hebrews 3:1).
I am determined this season to focus on those who had fixed their thoughts on Jesus that first Christmas—Joseph and Mary. Who were they? How did they feel as they approached the birth of Jesus? How can I learn from them?
Joseph
Joseph is one of the most recognized characters in the Bible, yet we know so little about the man whom God chose to rear his only son, Jesus.
He was described as being a righteous, just, and good man for not wanting to publicly disgrace his fiancée Mary at the news she was pregnant (Matthew 1:19). Joseph would have been justified to feel hurt, disappointed or confused (and he may have been), however we are only told he did not want to humiliate her, which is a credit to his strong character.
Joseph was obedient to an angel of the Lord who appeared to him in a dream telling him not to be afraid to wed Mary. He did not question the validity of his dream. He did not discount it as being insignificant. He did not look for an explanation.
When Joseph woke up, he did what the Lord’s angel had told him to do. Joseph took Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:24).
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph three more times in Scripture (Matthew 2:13, 2:19, 2:22), directing him to take Mary and Jesus to another place in order to flee danger. Each time, Joseph obeyed without delay, debate, frustration or reservation.
Joseph’s strict observance to the traditions and customs of his period reinforced the kind of man Joseph was.
* He followed the Law of Moses by presenting Jesus to the Lord. (Luke 2:22)
* He offered sacrifices as the law of the Lord says. (Luke 2:24)
* He had done everything the law of the Lord commanded. (Luke 2:39)
* He observed the Passover Feast each year. (Luke 2:41)
Knowing these things about Joseph, we can deduce he was not only a pious man, but also a good father to Jesus. Joseph raised him in a godly way under godly principles and taught Jesus real-life skills like carpentry and fishing.
Joseph didn’t seem very different than someone you would meet at church. He loved Jesus and did everything in his earthly power to protect him. So why did God choose Joseph to help raise His Son? He knew Joseph would be obedient and his thoughts would be fixed on Jesus.
Mary
Besides Jesus, Mary is one of the most lauded people in the Bible. Little is known about her childhood or her family, other than she was of the tribe of Judah and had a relative, Elizabeth. Our first introduction to Mary came as she was a virgin engaged to be married to Joseph (Luke 1:27).
Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be frightened, Mary’,” the angel told her, “for God has decided to bless you!” (Luke 1:28-30).
Mary was reported to be a young teenager at the time and her reaction was probably similar to how many of us would have reacted—confused, disturbed or frightened.
We can often make the mistake of elevating those we read about in the Bible into someone who is unbelievable or even fictional. Not trying to discount who they were or what they accomplished, but I sometimes forget that they were real people, not much different that you or I. The difference is in the response to what God asks of us.
Gabriel disclosed to Mary, both she and Elizabeth would become pregnant.
Mary responded, “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).
Just as in the case of Joseph, Mary’s response was immediate obedience and acceptance. Mary’s faith was also undeniable, as noted by Elizabeth.
Elizabeth said, “You are blessed because you believed that what the Lord said to you would really happen” (Luke 1:45).
Joseph and Mary lived their lives in faith and obedience. It was not glamorous or extraordinary, however, what they were able to accomplish within their lifetime was extraordinary because they were willing to accept whatever God asked of them.
We all face challenges this Christmas season. It may be relationally, financially or physically. It is how we react to these challenges that determines who we are. Are we righteous, just and good in how we treat others? Are we being obedient to the Lord in loving and listening to Him? Are we fixing our thoughts and our minds on Jesus?
How is God speaking to you this Christmas? To rejoice in the blessings of the year even though rejoicing is the last thing you want to do? To reconcile with family members or friends even though you have been estranged for a number of years? To give of your time or resources even though it seems as if you have none to give?
Whatever God is asking you to do this Christmas pales in comparison to what was asked of a young couple thousands of years ago.
This Christmas, don’t hope for something magic to happen; put your hope, faith and thoughts upon Jesus. Joseph and Mary were ordinary people used in extraordinary ways. We too—even as singles!—can be used in a similar fashion, only if we listen and are obedient to the Lord.
Cliff Young is a contributing writer to Sandlot Stories (ARose Books), as well as the monthly column, "He Said-She Said," in Crosswalk.com's Singles Channel. An architect and former youth worker, he now works with Christian musicians and consults for a number of Christian ministries. Got feedback? Send your comments and questions to CYdmg@yahoo.com.
Embrace The Season
Embrace The Season
Kathleen Hardaway
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
I’ll never forget the day I was out shopping and my cell phone rang. It was my mother on the other end. I knew by the sound of her voice she had bad news. All I heard was, “He may not make it.” And unfortunately he didn’t.
As family and friends gathered together for the funeral, I was so happy to see cousins of mine whom I’d not seen in a while. Despite the fact that two of them had just started brand new jobs they interrupted their lives, jumped on a plane, and came hundreds of miles to be there just for us. As I finally got a chance to briefly talk to them, I asked, “When do you have to leave?” “In thirty minutes.” “You’ve got to be kidding!”—but no, it was true. With that short time, I wanted to spend every second I had with them, look them straight in the eyes, talk with them and find out how life was going with them. In every way possible, I wanted to embrace the moment.
It had been a long time since I felt such a strong desire to stop the clock. How quickly people come in and out of our lives. How short life can seem. And whether you’re married or single, there is still heartache and disappointment. Loved ones will come and go and, as much as most of us don’t want to admit it, we’re all getting older and will someday die. There’s something about funerals that slow us down and cause us to stop and examine ours lives. How are you living?
If you keep doing what you’re doing today, where will you be ten years from now? As singles, there is a tendency to put life on hold, waiting for that day you finally walk the aisle, when that ring goes on your finger, when you say, “I do.” Then, you think, life will truly begin.
Your desire to marry is very natural and normal. In many ways I believe God made us this way. But what are you doing today? Embrace every moment you have—now.
Life is full of wonderful and terrific opportunities beyond your wildest dreams. Don’t stop dreaming. Don’t stop seeking God for His divine appointments. Live life with moments that take your breath away. Don’t live your life “on hold.”
Stop and enjoy a beautiful sunset, the ocean, the mountains, the moon, the stars, a rainbow. Embrace the Creator of the universe. Embrace the beauty of His creation, His magnitude, His greatness, His love. Embrace life, knowing God has a plan even when you don’t always understand it or see it. Embrace His Word when life doesn’t make sense.
God says He has a plan, a plan to prosper you and not to harm you, a plan to give you a hope and a future. Call upon Him and pray. Seek Him with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13). Don’t lose heart! Keep believing God no matter what disappointments come. Have you had another relationship fall apart? I understand. Press on!
When life is frustrating, He remains faithful. When you’re tired of waiting, He remains constant. When you’re sick and tired of being single, embrace your freedom.
* Exercise when you like.
* Go on a vacation when you like.
* Change the thermostat how you like.
* Invite friends over when you like.
* Watch the programs you like.
* Change the channels when you like.
* Spend your money how you like (according to God’s principles).
* Go to the movies you like (according to God’s standards).
* Eat the food you like. (Keep it healthy.)
* Dress the way you like. (Keep it wholesome.)
* Go to bed when you like. (Keeping it healthy.)
* Go to the church you like (by God’s direction).
* Work in the ministry you like (by God’s direction).
If you marry, the above list may dramatically change. Your freedom changes to a commitment to another. Your desire is to please your mate. Marriage would add a wonderful new set of things you may be able to do, but don’t forget the things you would lose.
Today can you embrace your singleness? Consider all the wonderful opportunities you’ve been given. Live it, love it, enjoy it, and embrace it!
May God fill you with His great joy! Embrace the moment!
“You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
—Psalm 16:11
Kathleen Hardaway is an author and speaker with a passion to encourage and equip women to be all that God calls them to be. She exhorts women to never give up, dream big, and live the life God created them to live.
She has been featured on "At Home Live" and "Celebrations" television programs. She has also been the guest on Midday Connection and many other radio broadcasts. Kathleen is on staff at Precept Ministries International. She has been the producer and director of Kay Arthur’s nationally syndicated television program, “How Can I Live?”
Kathleen Hardaway
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
I’ll never forget the day I was out shopping and my cell phone rang. It was my mother on the other end. I knew by the sound of her voice she had bad news. All I heard was, “He may not make it.” And unfortunately he didn’t.
As family and friends gathered together for the funeral, I was so happy to see cousins of mine whom I’d not seen in a while. Despite the fact that two of them had just started brand new jobs they interrupted their lives, jumped on a plane, and came hundreds of miles to be there just for us. As I finally got a chance to briefly talk to them, I asked, “When do you have to leave?” “In thirty minutes.” “You’ve got to be kidding!”—but no, it was true. With that short time, I wanted to spend every second I had with them, look them straight in the eyes, talk with them and find out how life was going with them. In every way possible, I wanted to embrace the moment.
It had been a long time since I felt such a strong desire to stop the clock. How quickly people come in and out of our lives. How short life can seem. And whether you’re married or single, there is still heartache and disappointment. Loved ones will come and go and, as much as most of us don’t want to admit it, we’re all getting older and will someday die. There’s something about funerals that slow us down and cause us to stop and examine ours lives. How are you living?
If you keep doing what you’re doing today, where will you be ten years from now? As singles, there is a tendency to put life on hold, waiting for that day you finally walk the aisle, when that ring goes on your finger, when you say, “I do.” Then, you think, life will truly begin.
Your desire to marry is very natural and normal. In many ways I believe God made us this way. But what are you doing today? Embrace every moment you have—now.
Life is full of wonderful and terrific opportunities beyond your wildest dreams. Don’t stop dreaming. Don’t stop seeking God for His divine appointments. Live life with moments that take your breath away. Don’t live your life “on hold.”
Stop and enjoy a beautiful sunset, the ocean, the mountains, the moon, the stars, a rainbow. Embrace the Creator of the universe. Embrace the beauty of His creation, His magnitude, His greatness, His love. Embrace life, knowing God has a plan even when you don’t always understand it or see it. Embrace His Word when life doesn’t make sense.
God says He has a plan, a plan to prosper you and not to harm you, a plan to give you a hope and a future. Call upon Him and pray. Seek Him with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13). Don’t lose heart! Keep believing God no matter what disappointments come. Have you had another relationship fall apart? I understand. Press on!
When life is frustrating, He remains faithful. When you’re tired of waiting, He remains constant. When you’re sick and tired of being single, embrace your freedom.
* Exercise when you like.
* Go on a vacation when you like.
* Change the thermostat how you like.
* Invite friends over when you like.
* Watch the programs you like.
* Change the channels when you like.
* Spend your money how you like (according to God’s principles).
* Go to the movies you like (according to God’s standards).
* Eat the food you like. (Keep it healthy.)
* Dress the way you like. (Keep it wholesome.)
* Go to bed when you like. (Keeping it healthy.)
* Go to the church you like (by God’s direction).
* Work in the ministry you like (by God’s direction).
If you marry, the above list may dramatically change. Your freedom changes to a commitment to another. Your desire is to please your mate. Marriage would add a wonderful new set of things you may be able to do, but don’t forget the things you would lose.
Today can you embrace your singleness? Consider all the wonderful opportunities you’ve been given. Live it, love it, enjoy it, and embrace it!
May God fill you with His great joy! Embrace the moment!
“You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
—Psalm 16:11
Kathleen Hardaway is an author and speaker with a passion to encourage and equip women to be all that God calls them to be. She exhorts women to never give up, dream big, and live the life God created them to live.
She has been featured on "At Home Live" and "Celebrations" television programs. She has also been the guest on Midday Connection and many other radio broadcasts. Kathleen is on staff at Precept Ministries International. She has been the producer and director of Kay Arthur’s nationally syndicated television program, “How Can I Live?”
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