Whose Party is it Really?

Holiday seasons bring many parties, lots of food and gifts.  Anxieties arise when mentioning all this hustle and bustle.  Not to mention the fact of the struggles many have with all that food around, lacking money to buy as good of gift as you will receive and facing the relative who hurt you so deeply. 

How can we enjoy this season and not endure the season?

"This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:18)

“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50)

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.   For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." (Romans 12:2-3)

Remember the reason.  Spread the Good News to all you meet.  Humble yourselves and release the bitterness you hold against another.  Relax and enjoy the company and the love which fills the room of the party you attend.  Do not focus on the foods or gifts, but on the presence of God's children.  Shine His light in the room.  Eliminate the darkness.  Some families celebrate differently this year due to divorce, loss of loved one, illness or a deployed soldier.  It will be tough with such a change, but remain focused on God and cling to Him for peace and comfort. 

 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) 

I read a church sign once that said, "How would you feel if we celebrated your birthday without you this year?"  Makes you really think about the focus of your family's party this time of year, huh?  It is not who buys the better gift, has the best job this year, made the best food or who hurt you and how to get them back.  The celebration is not about a buffet of goodies, stockings filled to the brim, candy canes, decorated trees, an old fella dressed in a red suit or a mistletoe hung in the doorway.  It is not even about those little snack cakes shaped like trees that are like the best food ever created!  The season is all about that one decoration which sometimes gets lost in all the lights; The Nativity Scene!  A young woman filled with the Holy Spirit became pregnant with the Messiah.  He was born to save, teach, heal, lead, love, set the example and fulfills His Father's purpose.

As we celebrate this year, let us remember His example.  Eliminate bitterness, jealousy, bondage and anxiety from the gatherings.  Bring the light of Jesus and invite Him to His own birthday party!

God, thank you for another day of life.  Bring peace to our lives this busy time of year.  Keep our focus on You and Your Son.  Thank You for His birth.  Join us as we remember and celebrate His life.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Give Him Your Heart, Mind and Soul

I begin talking to my husband about my day and ask a few questions.  No response.  Football blairs from the TV.  He does not listen.

All I wanted to do was talk and spend some time with my loved one.

I tell my son to come help me finish supper and set the table with silverware and napkins.  He plays intensely at his Lego table is in the middle of building a huge castle.  He is not coming to help.

All I wanted was some companionship and help with my work.

I ask my daughter to go sit by the door so I can put her shoes on for her to go outside.  She refuses my help and claims she can do this on her own.

All I wanted to do was teach, lead and help.

I have been sick for days without any hope of healing.  My doctor knocks at the door with a cure in hand.  I don't even look out the window or think about answering.  It is useless, I am beyond help. 

All my doctor wanted was to heal.

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts." (Deuteronomy 6:5-6)

God begins talking to you and asking you some questions about how you are leading your life.  He asks you to join Him on Sunday and attend church.  He asks you to read with Him about Truth and learn more about who Created you.  Well, Sunday is your only day to rest, a big football game is on TV and you really do not like to read.

All He wanted was to talk and spend some time with His loved one.

The church holds a food and coat drive and then goes to distribute these items to the less fortunate.  God tells you to join them in this work to further His Kingdom.  You are in the middle of finishing the basement on your brand new home and the work is intense.

All He wanted was some companionship and help with His work.

When trouble times come your way, pride comes in the way of asking for help.  You can do this and no one needs to show you how to fix the problem.  There is no way you will ask for assistance.  God stands right there with an open hand to offer peace, comfort and solutions.  He knows which way to go and what it takes to get you through.  You refuse the offer.

All He wanted was to help, teach and lead.

Sickness comes, addiction consumes your life, the doctor found cancer or life just feels too tough to handle.  God knocks at the door, waiting to cure your troubles, ailments and bondage.  He offers the perfect antidote in a nicely printed form - the Bible.  Will you answer the door?  Will you accept His Word to begin healing, coping and finding comfort?

All He wants is to heal.

It hurts when others ignore us, refuse to spend time with us or deny help.  Our hearts break as we watch a loved one suffer or allow pride to rule their lives.  We may feel rejected or worthless when loved ones choose another person or thing to occupy their time.  All we want is attention, time and love.

God feels the same every time we refuse to listen, call upon someone else or ignore His commands.  He just wants our attention, time and love.  He yearns for your trust and faith in Him.  He wants a relationship with you.  He gave His only Son to die for us and display His love to us.  Can we not give back by loving Him wholeheartedly and gaining a relationship with the One who sacrificed everything for us to live and breathe each day?  What takes your attention away from God?  Rid yourselves of any distraction, any device, any work and all pride that keeps a wedge between you and God. 

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for loving me so much and desiring a relationship with me.  Please show me any distraction or thing in my life that keeps me from You.  I want to cling to You in every move I make.  Thank You for listening to me, teaching me, being my Father and bringing healing to my life.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Our Opponent will not Claim Victory

Indiana University suffered in basketball for a few years.  Times were challenging and wins were less than desired.  Some fans remained strong and believed in their team.  While others moved on, gave up on the team or just quit caring.  Hope fizzled.

Well, 2011 has become a turnaround year for the Hoosiers.  The most challenging game, the opponent being University of Kentucky (ranked #1), occurred and Assembly Hall reached capacity.  Red shirts filled the seats; with a few blue here and there.  The fans came to see a win.  The newer coaching staff and players brought a glimmer of hope in the hearts of many. 

The beginning looked grim for the Hoosiers.  But, just before halftime, they came back with a vengeance.  The second half displayed great basketball with the score remaining close.  Down to the last seconds of the game, the scored continued to rise, keeping a one point difference. 

Nine seconds left, IU trailing by two in possession of the ball. . .

. . .wide open for a three, the player makes it to win the game.  Fans rush to the floor and celebrate.  The coach takes a deep breath, stands in awe of the support from fans and digests the whole thing.  He is amazed at the progress IU basketball accomplished.  The school experienced trials, faced troubles and felt hopeless; but now rejoicing and joy is all they could feel.  They did it!  They pulled off the win, by perseverance, listening to the coach, giving 100% skill and believing in their hearts that winning is possible.

Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:26-27)

"Lord, by such things people live;
   and my spirit finds life in them too.
You restored me to health
   and let me live." (Isaiah 38:16) 

Well, my friends, though trials and suffering may consume your life; God never leaves nor forsakes you.  He remains strong and believes in your salvation.  Even if loved ones around you have given up all hope in you, quit caring about your happiness or moved on to someone else; you are not forgotten.  You will not be counted lost. 

Take today and turn it around.  Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and move forward with Him as Coach.  The most challenging battle, the opponent being Satan, occurs daily.  Without listening to right Coach, persevering, giving 100% faith and believing that God will provide strength; the battle will be greater and the spiritual battle lost.  Take a stand and do not allow Satan to win. 

There will be times when you face the final seconds of decision making.  Listen closely, take a time-out with Coach if needed and follow His path to victory.  With each decision made for Christ, with each follower added in number; the angels rejoice and sing joyously.  God and the angels never lose hope in you.  People in this world may disappoint or give up on you, but God will not.  Through Him all things are possible.  With His strength a person's life can turn from suffering, destruction, faithless, distrusting to joy, peace, believing and trusting in our Creator.  Our enemy is defeated and will never come into the hearts coached by God and claim victory. 

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for coaching me to victory.  Thank You for the strength given each day and the comfort through tough times.  I am here to carry out Your plan for my life.  Use me to further Your kingdom.  Use me to encourage others, no matter their past, to seek You for salvation and guidance.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Angels Come in Many Forms

I will not forget my first and third grade teacher (same one both years) who showed me more than just how to add 2+2.  She taught me how to care, to be kind and to be a friend.  She extended a hand of friendship to me when I knew no one else and did not know how to meet others. 

I will not forget the first little girl who came up to me and asked if I would like to be her friend.  The teacher above led us to each other.  It was overwhelming moving to a new town and beginning a new school with unknown faces.  She did not ignore me or oust me because I was the new girl.  She became more than just a fellow student.

I will not forget my basketball coach who taught me more than just how to shoot a foul shot.  He cared about my life and provided an ear when I needed to talk.  He would crank up the radio to the silliest of songs that my teammates and I brought along for the trip to our game.  He displayed a great example of good morals.  He did not criticize or berate us when we lost.  He taught and guided us to learn from the mistakes made.

I will not forget the man who led my college Bible study.  He provided a living room, warm food, Truth to give some hope and invited me to his church.  He gave me material to read to help me gain a few steps out of my pit.  He cared when I felt I had no one.  God shined through this man to spread comfort and love.

People in our lives create a lasting impression and we must remember the good things learned from each experience.  God places leaders in our lives to help us through every season.  We must keep our eyes open to the ones He does send.

"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:7-8)

"For he will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." (Psalm 91:11-12)

Angels come in many forms.  God has provided more than I can list for me through every rough time, painful season and destructive trial in my life.  God uses others as vessels to guide you and love you.  Reach up to Him and He will lead you to His children.  His word remains the same today, tomorrow and forever.  There is a consistency which should run through all of us by following the Truth found in His Word.  Seek leaders to learn how to carry out His Word.  Trust in Him to provide angels to watch over you.  He will protect you and work through those with 'skin on'.

I will not forget the many who fed me with Truth when I knew nothing but bondage.  I did not realize another option existed in life other than comfort through anorexia, alcohol, drugs or cigarettes.  I felt I must strive for perfection always.  I ran when trouble or trial appeared.  But, thanks to all the angels God sent, I now see Him.  I know His Truth.  I do not run and hide from trial or trouble; but, I remember the Truth shared and the example set by the loving angels in my life.  I am comforted by reaching up and crying out to Him.  The only way to get through is with the strength He provides.  Trials are tough, but He is greater than anything this world may bring.

Some of my angels, I do not see in my every day life anymore; but, I have not forgotten them.  They have moved forward to touch other's lives.  God found a need for them to help another.  I can imitate what I learned from my angels and spread Truth to the ones I see in need.  God directs my path and always reminds me to provide comfort to those starving spiritually as He comforted me.

Remember your angels today and thank God for each one!

God, I thank you for this day.  I thank You for placing people in my life to keep me focused on You and to fill me with Truth when I feel empty.  Thank You for watching over me, loving me, comforting me and answering prayers through Your children.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

      

He Sees Value

A book is purchased for pleasure, school, work or church.  The owner flips through the pages, accidentally tears a page, gets a tiny piece of food on one page, writes a few notes here and there, reads the final page and then sits it on the shelf for a couple months.  One day, the owner decides to sell it back and gain a little bit of money from this dust collector.  Guess what?  Due to the use and length of ownership, stores or individuals would be hesitant to even pay half of original price.

A pair of jeans comes off the shelf and into an individual's closet.  The jeans get worn a bit, washed a few times and maybe even a rip forms in one knee.  One day, the size of the jeans is a smidgen too small.  Guess what?  Due to the use and length of ownership, consignment shops or individuals would pass on any price greater than a fourth of original price. 

When purchasing a car, the minute it drives off the lot, value decreases.  The buyer not only just went into debt on a vehicle, but is also losing money each time the wheels turn and the odometer clicks.  The buyer works hard every day to try and pay the debt off.  One day, an accident occurs and the car is mangled (the owner is fine).  Guess what?  The value of the car just dropped to nothing.  Next stop for the vehicle - the junkyard, where a few spare parts MAY be used in the future. 

"One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.  The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them." (Romans 14:2-3)

"God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.  He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith." (Acts 15:8-9)

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace " (Ephesians 1:7)

If you look closely at the three items listed in the beginning, there is value.  The tear in the book can be taped, the food wiped off clean and the notes written might even help the next owner in their study or reading.  The book will look like new again.  The jeans will fit nicely on another person, washing numerous times eliminates the stiff feel of 'new' jeans and nowadays rips in jeans are 'cool'.  The jeans will bless a new owner.  The vehicle is treasure to a repairman.  Pieces of the vehicle may be used to brighten up another one or possibly be restored to new.  Insurance will pay the debt and the owner can move forward to begin anew.

We may feel like an old book, used jeans or a destroyed car.  Our past may look torn, stained, used, unworthy, invaluable or beyond repair.  Guess what?  God looks at the heart, accepts all who call upon and believe in Him, washes away all sin, forgives and restores.  You need not try and work for redemption.  The debt has been paid by His only Son through death.  His light will shine through you and make you new again.  He will use your stories to bless others and further His Kingdom.  Through Him, you are remade.  You are His child and you are valuable.  There is a plan and purpose for your life, no matter where you have been.  Choose Him today, accept Him into your life and begin anew!

God, thank you for another day to serve You.  Thank You for taking this torn, used, stained and destroyed girl and restoring life.  I thank You for loving me and purifying my heart and soul to follow You and fulfill the plan for my life.  Shine through me and send Your Holy Spirit to provide guidance.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Do You Believe?

While I watch the movie, Polar Express, I think much too deep into the progress a few of the children made concerning the belief in Santa Claus. 

A train arrives in each child's yard to pick them up for a journey to the North Pole.  At first, two boys refuse the ride, but decide to board.  One boy, Billy, sits in a car all by his lonesome.  The Hero boy and girl, which names are not mentioned, go to Billy and extend a hand of friendship.  As they settle in their seats, the Hero boy asks in a doubting voice to the girl, "Are we really going to the North Pole?"  She boldly confirms that this train leads to the North Pole with an excited smile. 

The train encounters many obstacles to keep it from fulfilling its purpose.  The children continue to bond as they trust each other and help each other through some rough times on the train.  As the train drew closer to the North Pole, indications reveal the truth about the train's destination.  The Hero boy still finds it hard to believe, though evidence appears directly in front of his eyes. 

Upon arrival, Billy remains in the train.  The girl and boy run to the car to coax him off.  He says, "Christmas just doesn't work for me."  He claims he tried it a few different years, but it just didn't go as he planned.  The car derails and sends them on a ride that will change each of the boy's hearts.  They visit the elves workshop, the gift wrapping and end up in Santa's bag.  The Hero boy could not hear the way to go or the bells ringing loudly from the reindeer.  The girl could hear and she boldly led the way for the boys.  As the kids gathered around, waiting for Santa, a bell flew from the reindeer and Hero boy picked it up.  He dug deep in his heart and said, "I believe."  He spoke these words numerous times and finally heard the bell ring beautifully.  He actually shocked himself when saying it out loud. 

SO, what can we take from this journey of three little children on Christmas Eve?

 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

(Mark 9:23-24)

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Isn't it just like us to desire evidence before believing and trusting?  In the movie, the kids lacking belief will not receive a gift from Santa and miss out on Christmas morning.  The gift I now speak of requires belief as well.  Believing in our Creator brings the greatest gift, Eternal life.  God provides this gift freely to those who trust and believe in Him.  Without the belief, without Him active in your life, you miss out on so much more than one morning of gift receiving.  You miss out on a life filled with joy, peace, comfort, love, completed with Eternal life in Heaven.    

On your journey there may be obstacles to steer you off the path.  Refuse to let those stop you from fulfilling your purpose.  Focus on the Truth and pray to Him for help to overcome any unbelief about your destination.  Speak boldly for Him so others will follow your lead.  Don't try a few times and give up when times get tough or when plans differ from what YOU expected.   

The children in the movie received a ticket and in the end the conductor punched words on the ticket with a hole puncher (describing what the child needed to do).  The tickets included; Believe, Learn, Depend on, Count on, Lean on, and Lead.  These words are perfect for our walk with God.  Believe in Him, learn about Him, depend on Him, count on Him, lean always on Him and then lead others to Him. 

What would your ticket say today?

God, thank you for another day.  I believe in You and thank You for all the blessings provided in my life.  Thank You for always being there for me.  Use me to spread Your good News to all I meet.  Give me the words to speak boldly on Your behalf.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig           

He Keeps the Light Shining Bright

In the playroom for the children, there is a window that faces our carport/garage.  My husband installed a light inside to help see at all times.  While playing one day, the blinds were knocked down (sad to say, I am the culprit of this accident).  Without the light on, the place remains extremely dark, even during the daytime.  The playroom had some sunlight coming in from the window facing our front yard.  My daughter peered in the carport/garage and had a difficult time seeing any objects.  The light from our room caused only a reflection of her to appear on the window.  Without light, we could not see clearly what sat on the shelves, the mower taking up space in the middle or the apparatus holding the tools up against the wall.  If someone were on the other side of the window, they could clearly see us, for our room had the greater light. 

Without light, it is difficult to see clearly; yet easier to hide.

"Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
   and he saved them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
   and broke away their chains." (Psalm 107:13-14) 

"He reveals the deep things of darkness
   and brings utter darkness into the light." (Job 12:22)

Without shining His light inside us, we remain in darkness.  We hide in ourselves and place a mask on to appear 'all together'.  We turn off the light inside to allow no one to look into what sits on our heart, the thoughts taking up space in our mind or the bondage our enemy holds on us.  Misery takes hold of us as we reside in this darkness.  We must reach for the Him who is light!

Come out from the darkness by letting the masks down and reaching up to Him to reveal what causes you to stay in the dark.  As your heart softens and you allow others a peak inside, they too will let go of some darkness they experience.  By shining His light, revealing our weakness, we can help others.  Our darkness will become light for all to see.  Give Him that dark place in your heart.  Allow Him to come in and bring light to your "carport/garage".   Praise Him who hears your cries and answers with shining light, breaking away the darkness.

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for shining light on yet another day here to serve You.  Continue to clear up any darkness in my life.  Keep me safe in the light so I may not run back to my dark corner and turn the light off to hide.  The life of hiding is gone.  I am no longer running to those corners of darkness, but running to Your arms full of light.  Thank You for holding me and comforting me always.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig