The Greatest Gift Exchange

   The rush is on! It seems like everyone is scurrying about, trying to find that perfect gift for that perfect someone. Gift exchanges abound! At work, at church, between families . . .

    Houses shine out colorful lights, the air is filled with sounds of music and the smell of fresh baked cookies, . . mmmm . . .  It’s a celebration!

   What are we celebrating? We are celebrating the most perfect gift! He wasn’t wrapped with a ribbon and bow, or stuffed into a stocking a long time ago. His gift tag didn’t read one name. He was God’s gift of love to each of us -- a gift to the whole world.

   He left what He had always known – the splendor of Heaven and came to the lowliness of earth. He wasn’t even born in a house – and certainly not a hospital! He didn’t have the comforts of a crib, and Mary wasn’t worried about having the nursery in matching colors. Chosen by God, she gave birth to the very reason we celebrate this season in a place where animals stayed. His very first bed was a manger. Yet, He is still the greatest gift of all – JESUS!

   Exchanging gifts is a wonderful part of Christmas, and, it’s really the birthday of Jesus we are celebrating – so, what are we giving Him? There’s really only one thing He wants. He wants us to participate in the greatest gift exchange ever. And guess what? WE get the BEST gift!

   He takes our sadness – and brings us joy. He forgives our sins – bringing us salvation and eternal life! He takes our emptiness – and fills it with HIMSELF!

I'll Give Him The Very Best I Have 

All of the presents, under the tree— What can I give back, to God’s gift for me?

I have no wonderful items to show--Then, suddenly whispered inside me I know.

I’ll give Him the very best I have -- I’ll bring Him all that I am.

And that gift will last for eternity -- When I give Him all of me.

Jesus, I love You, this Christmas it’s true -- The very best present is God’s gift of You.

I want to bring You something so grand -- You whisper inside me

Give what you can.

 I’ll give Him the very best I have --I’ll bring Him all that I am.

And that gift will last for eternity -- When I give Him all of me.

Janene Dubbeld/FGG

      In the middle of this celebration, let’s take some time to reflect, and remember the real reason for the lights, the music, the gift exchanges . . . If you’ve never received the greatest gift of all now is the time.

“Dear Jesus, Thank you for being the greatest gift of all for me. I want to accept you as my personal Lord and Savior. Please forgive my sins and make me new in You.  I bring You all that I am, and give you all of me. I love you, Jesus.

In Jesus name, Amen

Take it with You

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

God Moments in the Baking

   The supplies were bought, quickie lunch in the crockpot, Christmas music playing, recipes out, mixer on the counter – time to bake! Mom mentally organized the day. Mix the sugar cookies first – they have to chill . . .

   Soon she was joined by a ten year old, very energetic helper. She mentally “re-organized” for a few moments so he could make some “microwave fudge.” By now she was joined by another seven year old energetic helper! Time for another recipe . . .

    The day progressed and soon it was time to roll out the dough and cut out the fun Christmas shapes. As we worked together, my seven year old began asking questions. He wanted to know things. Things like – “before God was a baby were there people?”

   In an instant, baking turned into a “God moment.” With flour everywhere and our hands rolling out cookie dough the beautiful sharing of the Incarnation began.

   God didn’t ever begin – He always existed. He took on the FORM of a baby – became a human being so He could experience life like us, and He could save us from our sins. Because He came to earth, lived, died and rose again, we can have eternal life.

   We talked only a few moments – He seemed to understand. Didn’t seem to stumble over Truth, but with the faith of a child – believed.

   The cookies soon lost their interest, and they were out to play football or head for the woods. Mom had lots more to do, but she was thankful for the moment – the God moment in the baking!

   Merry Christmas! 

Take it with You

“And she will bring forth a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Genuine Kindness

   It was the blur of the holiday season . . . one of those days between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the busy day was closing out with a family game of Monopoly. One member of the family was hitting all the right properties, making money, and “going for the gold!” Two of the other players were doing fine also – but, mom? Well, Mom hit all the wrong spaces, ended up going to jail, and once she was out things didn’t turn for the better!

   Soon, all her properties were mortgaged, and she landed on someone else’s property with a hotel. It was doing her in. She counted her money and tried to make it work, but it just wasn’t working. Just as she “threw in the towel” a little voice sounded from around the corner, “Wait!”

   The youngest player of the game handed her a folded up piece of notebook paper. Unfolding the paper she found three one hundred dollar monopoly bills, and a note that read, “From a nice friend.”

    It was so unexpected and kind it actually brought tears to her eyes! In the middle of “growing up” and working on winning a game, there was a genuine kindness that still spilled over from his heart. 

   “A little child shall lead them!” While this season brings its wonder and beauty, it sometimes brings a rush and flurry that aids in forgetting the simple things. A smile at the checkout, a listening ear to the waitress, a donation at the door, a bed time story for the children, a hug for our spouse . . . genuine kindness.

   So, my prayer is . . . “God, please engrave this reminder on my heart and mind for the days to follow. May genuine kindness be a representation of You to those I encounter!”

Take it with You

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

The Privilege of Proclaiming

Imagine a day with no mail service — “snail mail” or otherwise! No computers or cell phones — not even any old fashioned phones which boasted “party lines” for whomever wished to listen in.

When we allow our minds to travel back through time to these circumstances, and then remember how easy it is to communicate today, literally around the world, it makes one “mentally dizzy!” Instead of sending a “courier” or a “messenger” from town to town with a written message, or verbal announcement, we have MANY forms literally at our fingertips!

One thing that hasn’t changed any through the progression of time is the importance of communication. Into the basic needs of human beings is born the ongoing need to let others know what is important to them.

God Himself — in Whose image we are created — carry’s as One of His Majestic names, The Word! In the greatest effort of all times to communicate His love, God Himself became flesh — in the form of His Son! “The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us . . .” (John 1:14)

There’s a line in a Christmas song that has been playing around our house — “Mary was the first one to, carry the Gospel . . .” Isn’t that a unique thought? The very first! Chosen and privileged she carried God’s message to a waiting world. She carried the Message of God’s love which had been foretold for centuries, and would be proclaimed for centuries to come.

And, now — now is the time for us to join — to accept the privilege of proclaiming the glorious Message of the Gospel He sent for us. There is no more worthy communication than this. There is no other One to go to for everlasting Hope. For salvation! For peace! For Truth! God is love — and love has come! Hallelujah!

This beautiful Christmas season is a reminder — a reminder of the wondrous communication God sent to earth. A Babe in a manger, a light for our darkness, a joy in our sorrow, a peace in our turmoil, a healing for our hurts, a love above, beneath, around, and over all!

To us, a Savior is born! He is come to save the world from their sins! Receive Him and take up the Message to share with others in this sin torn world. He is come — for all.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/ For God’s Glory

Take it with You

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

The Greatest Reason to be Thankful

“So what are you thankful for?” The question is on our minds, and asked from our lips this week probably more than any other week of the year! We have so much to be thankful for our list can get quite long. Food, clothes, a place to sleep, family, friends, health . . . Just the basic things we have — and often take for granted give us reason to possess a grateful heart.

Blessings abundant! We have been given much. But, what if we lost one or more of these things? What if we lost them all? What then? Would we still have reason to be thankful?

The Psalmist says, “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1 NKJV). Mr. Job, of Bible times had several really bad days! He lost his wealth, his children, his home, his health, his friends were anything but helpful, and his wife lost hope and told him to “curse God and die”(Job 2:9 NKJV).

Yet, Mr. Job held on to the fact that though circumstances change, God does not. He gave us powerful words that showed his absolute faith when he said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD”(Job 1:21b NJJV). He rested on the fact, “I KNOW my Redeemer lives!” (Job 19:25 NKJV)

Guess what? OUR REDEEMER LIVES! That is the GREATEST thing we have to be thankful for! While we are thankful for our homes — let’s remember, Jesus left His and came to earth for us. He gave up His very life on the Cross, so that you and I could have eternal life. He brings us forgiveness from sin, freedom from guilt, erases our past, and lives within us. He has given us the unfathomable gift of His unfailing, unconditional, everlasting love.

If you’ve never had a chance to meet Him — He’s waiting for you. He desires this to be your best thanksgiving ever — with Him in your heart and life. Open your heart and ask!

Dear Jesus,

I am so thankful you came and gave your life for me. I repent of all my sins, and ask You to wash me clean. Please forgive me, and come into my heart and life. Thank you, Lord!

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Jesus — our greatest reason to be thankful!

Janene A. Dubbeld/ For God’s Glory

Take it with You

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities. Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 103:1-5

NKJV

Jesus -- Our Older Brother

Growing up as an only child afforded me some wonderful privileges – and also some wants and wishes unfulfilled. One of those wishes was siblings. How I wanted a brother or sister with whom I could share things!

Two of my closest friends had younger brothers. Of course they didn’t exactly see it as a privilege, then! Whenever I went over to their houses the little brothers were forever “pestering,” my friends were forever trying to get them to leave us alone, and I was forever explaining how they were so “blessed,” and needed to be “thankful” for their brothers! Needless to say, that “explanation” wasn’t exactly “appreciated!”

Time hasn’t played waiting games for any of us, and motherhood has blessed me with five children. Getting in the van the other day, one of my older boys asked his younger brother to “please shut the door.” My youngest son’s developing muscles weren’t quite strong enough to accomplish the task, so my older son offered his help. With a reach and a push the door was easily closed – and I was reminded of the blessing of having a brother! (In this case -- an OLDER brother!)

This simple incident set my mind to thinking of the most awesome ways Jesus Himself fulfills this role for each individual. We needed to get to the Father – to be reconciled with His Holiness – to be enabled to receive His forgiveness and love. We didn’t have the strength to get there on our own. We couldn’t make ourselves holy enough – we couldn’t do enough good deeds to atone for our sin.

With a mighty love He descended from Heaven – our perfect, elder brother. Unrivaled in His role – unashamed to make us “HIS!” With the sacrifice of His own life He made the way for us to be reconciled to our Heavenly Father.

Sometimes in our daily living we have situations we simply are not strong enough to handle. We don't have the answers on our own. All of our "striving" seems to leave us weary -- with "the door not shut!" The calling of His name -- Jesus -- provides us with an older brother who has what we need to overcome. In EVERY situation we can find Him to be what we need.

Once again I am so thankful for Jesus!

Take it with You

“God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. For he said to God, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” Hebrews 2:10-11 (NLT)

Colors of Fall

Living just a few minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway affords a person with some fun family picnics, quiet get-aways, and some marvelous scenery!

The colorful hues of fall caught my attention as I made a familiar drive toward home. Such exquisite color! Somehow my thoughts turned toward Heaven and I began wondering if we would enjoy “fall colors” there . . .

That brought my mind twisting around – much like the roads I was traveling – back to the Garden of Eden. Crazy as it seems the word, “fall” had me wondering about the first “fall” when Eve and Adam disobeyed God, and took of the fruit He told them not to eat.

It was then a thought I had never encountered before crossed my mind. In the season of fall, we are presented often with the very colors of redemption! The yellow and gold hues remind us of Heavenly streets! The deep purples brought to memory the Kingship of Jesus, while the reds showed their vibrant color, reminding me of the blood that Jesus shed for the forgiveness of my sins.

Right in the middle of “FALL” He shows us REDEMPTION – if we will take the time to look, to “see with Spirit-eyes what others miss!” (Upon this Rock/Gloria Gaither)

He knew our humanity. He knew our choice would demand something we simply could not pay. Every where we look He reminds us of His love, and that HE has paid our debt. All we have to do is accept His free gift of salvation!

If you don’t know Him as a personal Savior and Lord, won’t you ask Him into your heart and life today? Just ask Him!

“Dear Jesus. The beauty of Your Creation reminds me of what an awesome God You are. Please forgive my sins, and make my heart ready for Heaven. I want to live for You. I love You, Lord, Jesus! In Jesus name, Amen.”

Take it with You

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16