Awesome Christmas Miracles

December 25 is just a blip on the screen for some people. But Christmas is referred to as a season. The miracle of the incarnation is simply too wonderous to limit to one day.

Christmas is a series of miracles. There are some supernatural moments that occurred in the lives of ordinary people who were present in God’s plan of redemption. There are details in Matthew 1 and 2 and Luke 1 and 2.

Zachariah’s miracle,

God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus. God chose a Jewish priest named Zachariah to be the father of John, but Zachariah was doubtful of God’s plan. Even though an angel delivered the news. Zachariah was struck mute, and he didn’t speak again until his infant son was ready to be circumcised (8 days). After Zachariah got his voice back, he delivered one of the most powerful prophecies in the Bible (Luke 1:67-69). Zachariah learned the God must discipline us if we want Him to use us,

Elizabeth’s miracle,

When we first meet Elizabeth in the Bible, we learn she was barren and “advanced in years” (Luke 1:7). But like Abraham’s wife Sarah, Elizabeth’s mourning was turned to joy. After the angel visited Zachariah, Elizabeth got pregnant. And when she and Mary met one day when Mary was pregnant with Jesus, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, John, Elizabeth’s baby started leaping in her womb.

Mary’s miracle

An angel visited this young Jewish woman from Nazareth, and he told her that she would be supernaturally impregnated by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God. Mary had no wealth or social status, yet God chose her to bring the Messiah into the world. The angel said: “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). She wondered those words until the day she watched Jesus die on the cross. Mary understood that God rewards those who humbly surrender to His plan.

Joseph’s miracle,

When his fiancee got pregnant, this respectable Jewish man decided to end his planned marriage, but an angel appeared to him in a dream and explained that Mary was carrying the Messiah in her womb. Immediately. “Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded (Matthew 1:24), and he married Mary. Later God warned Joseph in z dream a second time when Herod plotted to kill Jesus. Joseph learned not to rely on his own wisdom, but instead to listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice.

The Shepherd’s miracle,

When God unveiled His beloved Sin. He made the first announcement to some lowly shepherds who were working the night shift near Bethlehem. In God’s kingdom, the last shall be first. Some theologians suggest that these Bethlehem shepherds cared for lambs reserved for Passover sacrifices and that such lambs were often wrapped in cloth and laid in mangers for inspection. The Shepardse learned that this baby was destined to be the Lamb of God she would take away the sins of the world.

The wise men’s miracle,

There have been endless debates about the astronomical details of Bethlehem’s star. Was it a meteor? A comet? One theory suggests that the bright light that led the wise men to Jesus was the result of an alignment of a planet and a star. Regardless, the wise men understood that God’s cosmic clock was ticking and that Jeshx had arrived in the works at the exact moment God planned. This is why they brought gifts fitting for a king. The wise men understood that Jesus was the King of all kings, and He is the focal point of all history. The wise men didn’t meet up with Jesus until He was about 2 years old (Matthew 2:1-11; 16).

What Is The Last Thing I Did For Fun

What was the last thing you did for play or fun?

I had a date night with my husband. We went and got dinner to go and went to the local park, then went to look at Christmas lights. A simple night of togetherness.

Why I Hate Tuna Fish

Everyone always asks me why I hate tuna fish. The reason is simple. From the time a could eat my mother would feed me 1/2 tuna fish sandwich and 1/2 glass of milk. That would be my meal for the day, every day.

This happened until I was in the hospital from when I climbed on top of a chair to look inside a deep fryer, the oil of a deep fryer being dumped on me, and they found that I was malnourished also. After 3 months in the hospital I was lucky to only have a few scars from the burns, but the emotional damage was harsh.

My father told my mother that he wanted me to eat when he ate. This only led my mother to fix things I could not chew like meats, my teeth didn’t develop correctly after only eating once a day. My mother told me if I ate with my father, that I had to eat everything on my plate. Which was a lot of food, especially for me.

I remember my father always had cats, and the house we were living in had window seals where my mother would put plants. I always sat by that window and would hide the meat that I couldn’t chew in the plants and the cats would come and eat it.

The end result was my teeth never developed correctly I lacked Vitamin A and the soft tissue didn’t develop correctly along with the tooth formation and I lacked enamel in my teeth, along with reduced mineralization and poor jaw development. At 37 I began to loose teeth, and ended up having dentures, which led me to not being able to wear them later in life because the bones in my jaw never developed like they should have and I had to get them so young.

Please, don’t judge people for how they look, because you never know what they have been through.

5 Items

List your top 5 grocery store items.

My too 5 grocery Items

1. Orange Juice

2. Coffee

3. Potatoes

4. Broccoli and Cauliflower (mix bag)

5. Chicken

Salt Of The Earth

Many of us use salt without thinking -sprinkling it on French fries, seasoning meat and eggs, bringing out the flavors in various soups and such. We use salt with such regularity that it’s easy to forget how valuable salt has been in history. At some point the Latin word for salt became Sal, which was associated with the word for wages -a solarium, from which we get the world salary.

In the first century, everyone was vitally aware of the importance of salt. In that time it was used for preserving meats, for medicinal purposes, for seasoning food and even as a sign of friendship. Salt was seen as a valuable commodity due to its many uses. Jesus was well aware of that fact.

You are the salt of the earth

Jesus started His Sermon on the Mount talk with the Beatitudes -eight characteristics that are essential for every believer to have that bring blessings and happiness, but also persecution.

The final Beatitudes says they we will be persecuted for Christ’s sake, but we are to bear that persecution with joy.

After saying this, Jesus declared, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses it flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” -Matthew 5:13.

Salt has some important characteristics -characteristics that Jesus said are essential for a believer at any time, and especially when enduring persecution.

So, what does “salt of the earth” mean?

Physically, salt had many uses and benefits for man. Spiritually, being “the salt of the earth” also carries great meaning for our lives. Consider these qualities of physical and spiritual salt:

  • Salt is a preservative. Salt is used to preserve meats, so it represents the quality of lasting endurance. Salt is such a powerful preservative that it is the term God uses to describe His enduring covenant with David and His people in Numbers 18:19; 2 Chronicles 13:5. It is this same endurance that God’s people are ti demonstrate -Matthew 24:13.
  • Purity. Based on its color and ability to preserve foods, salt “came to symbolize purity.” Salt represents the purity that believers are to be striving to attain. This purity comes from not being too closed tied to the world -James 1:27, from recognizing that God’s commandments are “pure” -Psalm 19:8 and by living in accordance with those commandments -Revelation 22:14.
  • Salt accompanied the grain offering. In the Old Testament, salt was part of the grain offering that God instructed Israel to give Him -Leviticus 2:13. Like all of the offerings, it pointed to the sacrifice of Jesus and His pure life that was given in order that our sins could be forgiven and that we might be purified -Romans 6:10; 13-14.
  • Salt makes us thirsty. One of the most common uses of salt in the ancient world and today is to enhance the flavor of foods -to enhance the experience of eating -Job 6:6. Jesus wants our lives to enhance the experiences of others around us in the same way that salt enhances a meal. One of the surest ways to do this is with speech that is “gracious “ and filled with truth and kindness -Colossians 4:6.

Believers are to set an example, to spread God’s message of good news, and to be the elect for whose sake the tribulation will be shortened -Matthew 24:14, 22.

In the Middle East, salt was sometimes collected by allowing seawater (especially the Dead Sea) to evaporate. After the sun dried up the water, salt was left.

But, this wasn’t exactly a perfect process and often impurities were mixed with the sale. At times, these impurities were so intermingled with the salt that the entries batch had to be thrown out. Since this defiled salt was not useful as Jesus said it was trampled underfoot.

Strictly speaking, salt cannot lose its sadness; sodium chloride is a stable compound. But most salt in the ancient world derived from salt marshes, rather than by evaporation of salt water, and therefore contained many impurities. The actual salt, being more soluble than the impurities, could be reached out, leaving a residue so diluted that is was of little use.

The question “How can it be made salty again? It is not meant to have an answer. The point is that if Jesus’s disciples are to act as a preservative in the world by conforming to kingdom norms if they are called to be a moral disinfectant in a world where moral standards are low, constantly changing, or non-existent they can discharge this function only if them themselves retain the virtue.

God’s people must not list their purity or cease to add flavor to the lives of others; to stop would be to become useless.

Jesus was warning His followers that they must continue to be the same of the earth, living rightly so that God will preserve us and up humanity.

Jesus stated that the Great Tribulation would be ended before human extinction “for the elect’s sake.” -Matthew 5:24:22

God’s people must not lose their purity (as salt) or cease to add flavor to the lives of others; to stop would be to become useless -Matthew 5:13; Mark 9:49-50.

Jesus’s encouragement to be the same of the earth is mentioned right after He promised a reward for those who are persecuted for righteousness’s sake. For followers of Jesus in the end times, it’s not a matter of if the persecution will come but when -Matthew 24; Luke 21; Mark 13.

Presucutiom shouldn’t change how we react to people. Jesus’s declaration that we are the salt of the earth is a reminder that we are called to live by a higher standard than the works around us accepts, and God’s standard doesn’t change when persecution comes -1 Peter 2:19-20.

A House Divided

Everything seems to be so politicized these days. There is so much divisiveness in the world today. Here in America we will soon be in a presidential election. Already most have separated and taken sides and are rude, and downright evil about the other’s candidate. People are divided between two groups over pro-life and pro-choice. Public education has decided people into what subjects should are allowed in school. And the list goes on.

This divisiveness is evil, it is from the pit of hell and satanic himself. Dividing people by driving wedges between them has been Satan’s chief weapon used to conquer humanity from the beginning.

“Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she becomes pregnant and gave birth to Cain, She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering – fat portions from some of his first born of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry?” Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But you do not do want is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it. Now Cain said to Abel , ‘Let’s go out to the field.’ Where they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him” -Genesis 4:1-8 (paraphrased).

Why God looked less favorably on Cain’s offering that He did on Abel’s it does not say, but that is the case. Whatever troubled Cain, he took it out on his younger brother and killed him. Cain allowed jealousy to well up in his heart and this brought division. Jealousy is not a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Jealousy is an emotion that is rooted in our sinful nature and comes from Satan. In this case Satan fanned a tiny spark of jealousy into a rage and divided these brothers to the point of murder.

When division occurs, we start to see only our point of view. When we allow ourselves to be divided we become weaken.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them fall, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also when two lie down together, they keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (Paraphrased).

Two are better than one and a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. When we are divided, we are weaker. President Abraham Lincoln, who lead America through one of the bloodiest civil wars the world has seen, knew this and spoke Jesus’s Words in a speech.

“Then they brought him -a demon possessed ma who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is on,y by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand” – Matthew 12:22-25.

When we look at the nations and cities around the world we can see deep division. We see movements like the “Occupy Movement,” “Black lives Matter,” “Equal rights,” “Fair Trade, and more. Often these movements stem from an issue that is relevant to society but bring more divisiveness than solutions. Jesus said the city of house divided against itself cannot stand. Look at our cities today. Have you ever seen such division? Look at politics today. Have you seen such division?

There was a day when people could disagree about a subject or issue and could still sit down together and have a discussion or debate about how to solve that issue. But today we allow Satan to stir the pot of public opinion and our emotions up so much that we cannot come together. . These emotions get stirred up so much that we see violence and hatred that divides and demonizes anyone who disagrees with us.

The church is no different. They take social and public issues out of the conversation and just examine the church as a whole. Some churches divide themselves by one or two pieces of doctrine that is not a hell or hell issue, and does not affect our salvation one way or another. The churches separate into denominations which are divided by worship style. We divide ourselves on whether we are Pentecostal, Charismatic, Conservative, Liberal, or Evangelical. It’s all division. And it’s not one people or even one church.

Jesus said He would build His church and the gates of Hell would not prevail against it. All the division in the world is showing us that Satan is using division to distract us from the one Jesus gave His for.

We should focus on Jesus and celebrate all that we have in common. When are we going to start respecting one another, or is it too late.

When are we going to agree to disagree on issues, and not demonize each other.

Lasting Treasures

One of the biggest problems we face today is that our possessions tend to give us false security as if to say if we only had enough money or enough property, or enough furniture and clothing and jewelry and shoes – we would have it made.

Matthew 6:19-21 tells us “Do not store up for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

However, we all know how quickly the things of this world -even those things we have devoted our whole lives to attaining can be taken from us.

  • Overnight, the stock market can crash and wipe out a lifetime of investments
  • A failed company can deplete an entire pension fund
  • A natural disaster can destroy a home and everything in it
  • A diagnosis of cancer can put an end to all the hope and dreams you had for the future

Jesus’s perspective on money and it’s place in the hearts of God’s people, flow directly from His teaching that inner thoughts and motivations heart of righteousness. God and His will are what matters, not other people’s opinions. Jesus tells the crowds not to stockpile temporary treasure on earth. Instead, they should be working towards godly goals -storing up rewards in heaven with choices driven by sincere devotion to God. Where we place our treasure indicates the absolute priority of our hearts. Those who love for worldly wealth live in inner darkness. One thing can be genuinely primary in a person’s life. Each person must choose whether to serve God or their selfish interests.

Don’t get me wrong everyone deserves nice things. We just need to know where our priorities lay. And be aware that material possessions are temporary. Jesus points out that no one can build up enough wealth to guarantee -without risk -that they will have their needs met forever. More importantly, “you can’t take it with you.”

In Matthew 5:1-2 Jesus emphasizes what it means to lead a righteous life on earth. Those hearing Him for the first time may have been surprised by how different His message sounded compared to Isreal’s religious leaders. Most religious leaders in that era focused entirely on words and actions on outward behaviors. Jesus was teaching on what God cares about most and what ultimately determines righteousness are the motivations of a sincere heart, He taught how we do it and why we do it which factored into God’s approval.

Jesus turns to focus on money and possessions. He tells His followers not to stockpile material goods in this life. He soon clarified what this is a dangerous practice in Matthew 6:24. He begins by saying thst money and possessions are not dependable. They are easily lost. The heart and motivation are more important.

It’s dangerous to become dependent on worldly wealth which can easily cross the line into greed or materials.

As Americans, we have become so spoiled on material things, that we put these ‘things’ above God and they take president over God and storing treasures we should be storing in heaven.

Describe A Man Who Impacted My Life

Describe a man who has positively impacted your life.

My father an old retired marine, that was set in his ways. But he played a profound figure in my life. He shaped my life and left a lasting impact on my life.

My father‘s guidance and his presence was irreplaceable. He created a strong foundation in my life. After he found out how my mother treated me, after I spent over 3 months in the hospital recovering from hot oil burns over 60 % of my body and malnutrition. He stepped up to the plate and guarded me for adversity, both physical and emotional.

His innate instinct was to prioritize my safety and well-being. He taught me many things and comforted me in times of fear and distress.

He taught me to hunt, and fish, He was my teacher, my mentor, and my emotional anchor. I know I would have made it through the abuse, without my father being a strong figure in my life.

I was his caregiver for 10 years. In that time we grew closer than ever. I wanted my Dad around forever. He was my solid for many years. After he passed it took me 6 years to even go through his things. But one thing I knew was that a had to start growing up after he left the world. Because he was my support system for many years and it was very hard to suddenly be without that. I still hear his voice while I do things. When I bought my last vehicle I could hear him saying, look at the tires, look under the hood, check to see if there a good spare tire. Find out if it has had regular services. Even though he has passed away. He is still alive and well in my heart.

A Life Pictured

Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?

I would not have expected my life to be like it is right now. A year ago I had some health issues that I was ignoring because I was helping a non-profit organization. This year I’m putting me first and taking care of those issues. So, I’m definitely healthier.

I have gotten wiser in the last year. And have grown in my journey to be closer to the Lord.

Becoming A Prayer Warrior

The title “prayer warrior” describes someone who has a strong affinity. Some say it is a gift. But I think anyone can be a prayer warrior. All believers pray but certain people turn toGod more quickly and confidently in response to up and downs of life. And they are willing to ask for others as well as themselves.

When we think of the word warrior we automatically think of someone in a military uniform or fatigues. We picture them carrying offensive or defensive weapons. And we might assume the person has been trained in fighting and hopefully in strategic thinking as well.

It might not seem like this image could be associated with prayer. The Apostle Paul dedicated a section of his letter to the Ephesians to this analogy. He wanted us as followers of Christ to understand that we are indeed engaged in a war. Paul writes:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes. For the struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. Therefore put on the armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” – Ephesians 6:10-13.

Paul goes on to list the peace’s of armor and the weapons we have in Christ to overcome the enemy’s attacks. Then he finishes with an appeal for us to use prayer as a a way to gain victory in battle.

Characteristics Of A Prayer Warrior

  • They are worshipful seeking to glorify the Lord
  • They are God-centered focused on His greatness and mercy
  • They are empathetic and able to meet and accept people where they are
  • The are persevering and determined to repeatedly lift us requests
  • They are loving, wanting to help bring about God’s will for others
  • They are alert and ready to be sensitive to needs and act quickly.
  • They trust in God’s goodness, and lift up requests knowing that He will answer.
  • They submit to God, and call on Him with a sense of awe and expectation

I used to think that I didn’t know how to pray. The main thing is to open up your heart, ears and mouth and you will be able to be a prayer warrior. Have that fellowship with God. And always be open to hear His voice and obey.

Prayers are impactful when they are motivated by love. True warriors are motivated by love. True warriors approach every request with care and respect. And they see the value in lifting up needs theirs, or other people’s, whether they know the person being prayed for or not. God sees our heart.

God calls us to see prayer as a powerful tool. A way to relate with our Heavenly Father, a way to express our need for Him, a way to show the Lord devotion and trust, and as a tangible way to support others,

Prayer warriors learn how to use prayer as an effective weapon in spiritual warfare. They make a lifestyle of turning to God, lifting up requests, waiting in expectation.

lessons I’ve Learned

What skills or lessons have you learned recently?

The lesson learned, I should of already learned, but every time it happens, I struggle or get hurt. The lesson is God is in control of everything.

Last week I wrote about a lady I brought to God and she received her salvation. Two months later her husband got gravely ill and passed away with an aggressive cancer.

I’ve spoken to him over the last year and always said that we had to get his wife saved. And how he was ready to go home to Jesus. I of course never put the two together.

I would of course would have liked to have him around for a few more years. But I knew at 91- he had lived a good life.

I know God has a plan, and I’m sure something good will come out of the pain. It always does. God is in control.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; you no one can fathom what God had done from beginning to end” – Hebrews 11:1