Show me the one, show me the way, help me to know just how to share the love You gave.

Look around you! There is probably someone who could use some love! All too often, we find ourselves surrounded by people who are going through some difficult times. Perhaps you are! Whether it's unemployment, family problems, health problems, depression, loneliness, or whatever, all of us would like some relief from what we are going through. We need to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

And there is! The Light of Lights, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is willing and more than able to lift us from our darkness, into His pure and safe haven of light. He promises His love and presence to heal and deliver, to strengthen and help, all those who call on Him.

Like the beam from the mighty lighthouse, that directs ships safely back to harbor, His Light is there to show us the way to Him, for Jesus is truly the Way, the Truth and the Life.

It is my prayer that this site encourages you to reflect His light to those around you who need to know Him. Let Him use you to share His love. And as you embark on this remarkable journey, please share your experiences so that all of us can grow together in our quest to reach all the world, lest anyone should perish.

May God richly bless you!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16


Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Alone at Christmas

It's Christmas time and wherever you look, you see elements of people's celebration with lights, wreaths, decorated trees, music and parties, not to mention lines of children waiting to tell Santa what is on their wish list. In some areas there are nativity scenes for those who celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With all of this going on, one would assume that everyone is happy and joyful, right?
 
Not so. Among the people around you are those who are alone this Christmas. Perhaps they have recently lost a loved one to death, or divorce, or abandonment. Maybe they never married nor had children, so they live alone. Or yet, maybe their situation is that they have family members and relatives who are living their own lives and haven't stayed in touch. Some people are dealing with severe health issues. It is so easy to assume that while you are happy and life is going well, that everyone else is feeling the same way.
 
Christmas time has a way of giving us false expectations of how our lives should be. The Hallmark Channel sends us messages that we should be surrounded by friends and families, have enough money to spend on gifts and celebrations, and enjoy peace.  For many people, they have memories of warm, fuzzy Christmases when they grew up, but now they're finding themselves alone this year, unable to resurrect that old feeling. They can't wait for Christmas to be over.
 
What can be done? If you are one of the fortunate ones to have your love bank full, have an outgoing personality, and are surrounded by your families and friends this Christmas season, then look around for someone who could use an extra dose of your love. When God sent His only Son, Jesus, for us as a baby in a manger, He did it because of His deep love for all of us. Christmas is a perfect time to make that love real to others. Give that person a call, invite him to your home, to your  church, and let them know they are not forgotten. Christmas seasons always pass, but the love you extend to them  will be remembered forever.
 
If you are one of those who are alone this Christmas, and don't feel up to going out and blending in with others who are celebrating, please remember this: Jesus loves you. He is watching you, He knows how you are feeling, and He is hearing your prayers. All the parties and celebrations you see going on around you are secondary and meaningless without His love in the midst of it all. Your heart means everything to Him, and He wants it. This Christmas season will end, and life goes on. But His love remains for you. His love will sustain you, even in your darkest moments.
 
In your time alone, do this: take your Bible, and a candle and go to a comfortable place. Sit down, and light your candle. As you look at its flame, think about His light shining on you, and the warmth of His love filling you inside. Thank Him for that love. Thank Him for who He is, and for all He is doing for you. Thank Him for this moment. He waits for you all the time to come to Him in this private way. Enjoy it and relish it and receive its fullness as you concentrate on Him. The Holy Spirit will refresh you, and fill you with His love and joy and peace.
 
Then open your Bible to John 15:9-17. It tells of God's love for you, and of His joy being in you because of His love. Then turn to Psalm 139 and read the whole chapter. It will reveal to you that before you were even conceived, God knew of you, and purposely gave you life so you may know Him and His love, and seek Him intimately as your Lord. He has plans for you in this life you have, and by submitting to Him and acknowledging His power over you, your life can be fulfilling and rewarding, even in dire circumstances.
 
When you make the time to stop looking around with your physical eyes, and look up to Him with your spiritual eyes, you are seeing Him for who He is. Loving. Powerful. Mighty. Holy. Awesome in Glory. Worship Him during this time. Lift up your heart to adore Him.
 
His presence will overcome you, bringing you to a most holy place of peace, love and joy. By spending time with Him, you be able to then look at the world's celebration of Christmas through a new lens. And in time, you will be able to join along with them knowing of His personal love just for you.
 
Merry Christmas!
 
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
~ Jesus to you.