Divinely Designed

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:21:00 +0000

One of the reasons I dread making declarations like, "I'm going to live Christmas every day in 2012" is because that makes me accountable to anyone who happens to read my blog!

Oh, I knew full well I would not live up to even my own expectations, let alone those of anyone else! But part of being a disciple is sharing our shortcomings and failings--both to teach others and to encourage them in their own walk.

A dear friend has something frightening happen to her, another friend grieves over the loss of a loved one; An acquaintance shares a terrible tragedy they have lived through; the pain, suffering, grief, hardship and struggle just goes on and on and on. I'm not lamenting, really . . . just observing and commenting.

These situations become a problem for me when I begin to pile one on top of another, when I begin to make them pebbles on the path, then more challenges occur - to me and to others - and they become stones, boulders, then mountains! My acts of kindness -- praying for others, providing a listening ear, a caring heart are a matter of course. That's the easy part. The challenge to is live Christmas through it all.

It's all too easy to forget about the baby in a manger, the star, the shepherd and the angels . . . the journey to Bethlehem and yes, even the Cross when so many are in pain, are suffering, are hopeless. But remember we must! compared to the Cross . . . life's hurdles pale . . . compared to the journey Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem, not knowing how it would all turn out . . . life is not so hard.

Fortunately I catch myself when I stumble on a pebble, stone or boulder. I remember the baby and the angels and the star. I remember most of all that God chose to take on human form and walk among us! Angels sang! They came down from heaven to announce the Savior!

Living Christmas every day is not easy to do. But if I remember my goal . . . and the reason behind it . . . life is a little easier to live and the troubles of this world are easier to bear . . . because this is not our home. We are only travelers here on the journey to eternity.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

This Is Not My Home

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:16:00 +0000

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end" (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).

Set eternity in the human heart . . . as I have continued my efforts to live Christmas every day, I have realized that God, indeed has set eternity in my heart! More than once lately, I have thought about heaven and how wonderful it will be! No, I don't have a desire to go there right now, necessarily. I just look forward to it with a kind of longing and wistfulness.

Day-to-day life can drag on us, wear us down, beat us up, even grind us to dust. These experiences all prepare us for heaven! As we pass through them, dwell in them, survive to tell the tale, God is in the midst, rejoicing that we are being refined and molded to His perfect vision and image of us.

So, while I daydream of time in heaven, I can rejoice that I am being prepared for perfection. In light of that certain future, how can I dwell on lesser things? God loves us so much, he had made certain we will not be satisfied by anyting on this earth nor allow us to settle for less than His perfect dwelling place.

You and I can be encouraged and hopeful each new day because this is not my home--nor yours!

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

His Commands Are Not Burdensome

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:22:00 +0000

"This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" ( John 5:2-4 NIV).

As I prepare to go out of town for a few days, I have felt rather burdened--by work, by preparations for my family who I am leaving behind, by friendships I have neglected and friends I will have to put off for another week. By life! I'm not bitter . . . it's more a wistfulness, a realization that I have limited time and energy and ability . . . and yes, even limited capacity to pray and think and discern God's will.

This morning I "took a breath" and sat quietly in prayer, hoping to see a way to handle all that needs to be done, all I want to get done and maintain some small shred of sanity!

I was given the gift of an answer from a God who is so gracious to His children--all of His children. He is a God who loves us too much to leave us stranded and alone and left to our own resources. I am humbled and awed at His mercy, generosity and grace.

God's ultimate gift in the form of Jesus bids us, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

Jehovah-Tsidkenu

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:23:00 +0000

“‘The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior’" (Jeremiah 33:14-17 NIV).

The book of Jeremiah was written almost 700 years before the birth of Christ! The Lord revealed to him that "the days are coming." To me this speaks to the fact that God's timing is His own - and not for us to understand! It also prompts me to reframe my concept of patience. When I ask God to answer a prayer I, in all honestly, hope/expect/want immediate response!

How do we wait patiently without losing hope that God hears us and/or will answer our prayer?

" For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans" (Romans 8:24-26 NIV).

while it is a blessed thing to know that Christ is Jehovah and that as a man he is Righteousness, the great joy of this name lies in the fact that Christ is THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (I Cor. 1:30-31). The Lord Jesus Christ is our righteousness for justification. . . His work, only his work, without any contribution whatsoever from us, makes us righteous in the sight of God. God looks upon all who believe as though the life which Christ lived had been lived by us. He graciously accepts, blesses, and rewards us as though all that Christ has done had been done by us, his believing people. God so perfectly imputes the righteousness of Christ to us that we are called by this very name (Jer. 33:15-16).

This is how we know God will answer our prayers - in His time and on His terms. Our Jehovah-Tsidkenu makes us worthy to approach God with our prayers. Jesus won us the right to even approach the throne. These verses from Jeremiah remind us that God is faithful.

So pour out your prayers to God. Because His son, OUR righteousness, is worthy, we are worthy to pray.

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

From Nazareth to Bethlehem

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Lately so many friends and family members have lost loved ones, are dealing with illness, distress, anxiety, and a host of issues that challenge their fortitude, energy, strength and, perhaps, even their faith.

Every day on the news we hear of awful people doing awful, unthinkable things. Natural (and manmade) disasters seem to be occurring in record numbers. The world just seems to have gone crazy some days, and I wonder what in the world will ever become of us all!

Sometimes I feel weighed down and overwhelmed. It can be hard to make sense out of it all. This evening God put on my heart to think of Mary and Joseph, and the long, dangerous, treacherous journey they made--about 93 miles--from Nazareth to Bethlehem. One account tells us:

. . .the journey would have taken Joseph and Mary at least four to five days. We wonder where they stayed each night, where and with whom they camped along the way. It would have been a wearying journey for anyone, but especially for a pregnant woman soon to give birth. The last leg of the eastern route would have been the hardest of all. Jericho is the lowest city on the globe, and Jerusalem and Bethlehem are situated right in the top of the hills. From Jericho’s desert to Bethlehem is an uphill hike of 3,500 feet. How exhausted Mary must have been! How anxious Joseph must have been to find a comfortable room at the inn! Desperate to find adequate shelter, they may have resorted at last to a limestone cave used for a stable.

The burdens of this world can seem so big and we can feel as if we just can't make it through another day. Our prayers may seem futile and our faith may be tested.

Mary and Joseph did not lose hope! Yes, God's divine protection kept them safe and brought them to the exact place He had planned for the Christ child to be born. But we are also protected! God loves us and cares for and about us just as He did Mary and Joseph and the baby they were about to have.

“When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when an enemy besieges them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel—being aware of the afflictions of their own hearts, and spreading out their hands toward this temple—then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart," (1 Kings 8:37-39 NIV)

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

The Example of the Shepherds

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:35:00 +0000

"So they [the shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told" (Luke 2:16-20 NIV).

The shepherds give us a wonderful example of Christmas living after Christmas! They spread the word concerning what they had been told about Jesus! The story contained, I'm sure the recounting of the fear turned to awe at seeing and hearing the angel and then the host of angels!

Not only were the shepherds amazed, but those who heard their story were as well! Isn't that how the Good News spreads? We share our excitement, awe and joy with anyone who will listen! The shepherds continued to praise God after they had seen Jesus.

They glorified Him for choosing them--lowly, dirty, smelly souls who were looked down upon in 'proper society'--to be the first to hear the Good News!

This is our example for living after Christmas. We are to continue to glorify and praise God. Then we are to retell the story, as often as we can, to anyone who will listen.

My prayer is that you will be amazed today, by the inconceivable truth that God came to earth to walk among us.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

And The Word Became Flesh

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:40:00 +0000

"He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:10-14 NIV).

These words really struck me this morning. John sums up the whole story of God's relationship with us in these few verses! God came into the world -- with us -- for us. Unspeakable! Beyond comprehension. God became man. He didn't just reach down from heaven, he stayed a while.

I marveled even more at this thought as I watched the sun rise through the back windows this morning - a purple and crimson sky welcomed the day! The God who made that majesty is the God who walked among us!

This is my Christmas reminder today: he walked among us.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

What is Mankind that He is Mindful of Them?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:18:00 +0000

"what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?" (Psalm 8:4 NIV)

David is asking God how he can even consider mere humans to be worthy of His time and attention. He tries to grasp the majesty of a being so great and mighty and yet so loving and generous. Keep in mind, this was hundreds of years before Jesus walked the earth.

I ask God this question often! How can He even look at me, sin-filled as I am, and still love me? How can He hold a place in heaven for me after all I've done to hurt Him in my life? This is the part of the Christmas story I have returned to time and time again lately.

How could God, Creator of the universe, choose to walk the earth? Not only that, but to grow inside a woman's womb, to experience birth, toddlerhood, childhood, into adulthood. I think He was so confounded by we humans, that He decided He needed to become one of us in order to truly know how it feels to be human!

That is so remarkable! He even experienced human death! How can we doubt His love for us? How can we not express our gratitude by living Christmas every day?

"He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:2-5 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Shepherds Staying Out in the Field

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:10:00 +0000

"And you, oh tower of the flock, hill of Daughter Zion, to you it shall come, the former dominion shall come; the sovereignty of Daughter Jerusalem” (Micah 4:8 NRSV).

I've spent a lot of time lately thinking about the shepherds who were the first to hear of the birth of Jesus. This is a rather obscure verse from Micah, but the research I've done indicates it's really rather significant! This verse predicts the place Jesus will be born! It also explains the tremendous symbolism about that birthplace!

The shepherds to whom the angels appeared were not just any shepherds! Their responsibility was to raise the sheep intended for temple sacrifice. These sheep had to not only be protected, they also had to remain unharmed, uninjured or scarred, "perfect" to be suitable for sacrifice. To protect these special sheep, the shepherds often wrapped them in cloths.

The significance of Jesus' birthplace dates back hundreds of years. "After Jacob left Bethel he came to Edar (the tower) and there Rachel began hard labor and as she delivered Benjamin she died and was buried there in Ephratah which is Bethlehem" (Gen. 35:19).

After burying Rachel, Jacob moved his flocks beyond the tower of Edar. This would pinpoint the location as being near to what is present day Bethlehem. Clearly, this establishes that Migdal Edar, "the tower of the flock" was in Bethlehem in Bible times. [bible-truth.org]

Without wandering too far off base, the name Rachel means female sheep or ewe and "innocence of a lamb." Are you beginning to see some of the symbolism yet?

Midgal Eder (and other towers) is where shepherds brought ewes who were about to give birth, so they would be sheltered and protected and the lambs would be born in a safe and clean/pure environment. Many of the Rabbis at the time of Jesus taught that Jesus' birth would be announced from Midgal Eder!

I actually spent about an hour getting sidetracked in my research and study! This one verse has so much significance and meaning! Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and from the laboring class. He lived 700 years before the birth of Christ!

I am in absolute awe when I learn how intimately and "exactly" God has been involved in mankind since the very beginning of creation! It comforts me to know that He is, indeed in control, has a plan and a purpose for everything that happens to us. Most of all, it gives me hope! It inspires me to live life more joyfully and with greater gratitude.

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:4-12 NIV)

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

Christmas Living After the Christmas Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:45:00 +0000

I really like our family Christmas tree this year. The white bows and ribbons were used in my daughter's wedding several years ago. You could call it recycling but I call it reliving a wonderful experience for our family (and frugal decorating!)

I love to weave together the memories of our family life. Each year I go for a slightly different theme. This year I used white, silver and red as the primary colors. My son's ornament collection has grown to over 25 Mary's Angels from Hallmark (he gets one every year since his first Christmas). We also have Hallmark's Christmas Around the World ornaments from my daughter's series.

Rounding out the tree we have Santa ornaments, snowman ornaments and twelve "names of Christ" ornaments. Guess it kind of sounds like a jumble/ hodge-podge, but it was challenging not to put too many ornaments on the tree and I'm pleased with the result this year. (Can you tell I really, really love Christmas?!)

I know I should take the tree down this weekend - especially since I have a 3-day weekend and will finally have the time to reorganize and put away everything the way I have wanted to for the past several years. I hesitate because it is a visible reminder of my Christmas living pledge. It's 'easy' to remember the plan when I have that tree sitting in the corner of my living room.

I'm kind of in the hot seat, too, because I've 'put it out there' for all the world (or at least anyone who reads my blog:-). So if I 'fail' in my effort, everyone will know. But I guess the true failure will be in not trying to do it anyway. Failure is really just another opportunity to learn - and humble ourselves.

Feel free to check in from time to time to see how my Christmas living unfolds after the Christmas tree is put away and life resumes 'as normal.'

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Learning Backward, Living Forward

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:31:00 +0000

I often return to past posts when I am pondering a topic or idea about which to write. The lessons I learned from and through past experiences still apply today - not only to me but to each of us.

As I continue to grasp the full meaning of living Christmas every day, rereading these posts helps to refine my vision and reveal even deeper truths to discover and study.

This is an excerpt from I DID IT!! and I WANT, originally written in 2008:

How often I have felt proud of myself for accomplishing a goal - large or small - as if I, of my own volition, could accomplish anything without God's purpose and plan for it to be accomplished. I'm not saying I'm helpless, powerless and/or without skill or talent 'on my own'. What I'm saying is that I need to remind myself often of the source of my abilities, skills, talents, and yes, my accomplishments.

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. [Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV]

All the creative musings of my mind and touching and inspiring words of my hands are wrought from the heart and mind of God. All things I want and all the goals I wish to achieve are best measured in relation to how they will help me accomplish the specific and divine purpose for which I was created.

Living Christmas every day requires daily study, focus, intention and divine guidance! God is so gracious to allow me to be so remedial in my learning and living while still using my words to reach others!

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

I Want To Know Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:23:00 +0000

My Christmas counter indicates there are only 361 days until Christmas 2012! This countdown concept creates a sense of urgency for me--urgency to do something more, be something more, think and pray more. Because, after all, there are only 361 more days remaining of my plan to "live Christmas every day."

As God often does, He has twisted and tweaked my plan into something more! Beyond my intentional daily acts of kindness/good deeds, I am compelled to study more deeply the story that has become so familiar to most Christians.

I have been digging deeper into the myth and mystery surrounding the stories of Jesus' birth. I am curious about the "why's" and "who's" and "what's" of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the innkeeper, the government and society of the time, the angels, the tiny baby, and God Himself and His divine plan!

A mere 361 days is not nearly enough time to delve deeply into all these things, but I'm going to go for it! I hope you'll join me in this journey, that I'm sure will prove to be incredible and puzzling, enlightening and perplexing, but mostly cause to fall more and more in love with our Creator.

"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Two days after Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:36:00 +0000

Today is December 27. For some reason this morning I thought of the shepherds during that first Christmas.

Discussion on Facebook already has begun: when folks should/do take down the tree. Life needs to get back to "normal," the reminders of the holiday packed away for another year . . . by this time that first Christmas the shepherds had undoubtedly returned to their flocks. I'm just not ready to put Christmas away yet.

I bet there was still much conversation about those angels, and that baby, the star, and the wonder/hope of what it all foretold. I bet those shepherds lingered that night . . . knowing their sheep were unattended . . . or perhaps knowing it was time for the "next shift" to come to town as they took turns watching each other's flocks.

I'm pretty sure they never looked up in the night sky and thought of it in the same way as they had the night before those angels appeared! I bet they secretly hoped to see more angels . . . receive even more good news . . . maybe a prediction of the future . . . life would certainly never be the same!

Our Christmas tree will stay up a while . . . at least through next weekend. This year the predominant ornaments are angels. I started buying my son the "Mary's angels" series by Hallmark on his first Christmas and by now they fill the tree--reminding me of that night sky.

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:8-14 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

The true reason for the season

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:20:00 +0000

The Christmas counter shows less than 2 days until the birthday of Jesus! I am very excited because our daughter and son-in-law will arrive in a few hours. We'll only have them for a couple of days this year - we adore our in-laws, but often wish we all lived in the same town so we didn't have to "divide" the holidays;-)

Anyway, in light of my prayer focus for 2012, I've continued to reread some earlier posts to get some idea of how I'll proceed. I'm especially focusing on those experiences last year (and previous years) that have brought me to this focus.

In the Christmas theme, I would like to share a post from December 2010, Wide Open Spaces of God's Love. Talk about the perfect gift: God's grace!

Praying you take a few moments to think about--and enjoy--the true reason for the season.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

A Question of Faith: revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:15:00 +0000

December of 2008 seems like a lifetime ago in so many ways! But one thing has not changed, and that is my Incontrovertible Faith that was originally published 3 years ago.

I'm working on some posts for my "year of Christmas living" and have gone back to reread some of my past Christmas-themed posts. Incontrovertible Faith is and Oldie but Goodie I thought I'd share again.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

A Year of Christmas Living

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:45:00 +0000

You may have noticed I added a "Christmas countdown counter" on the left-hand side ofmy blog. I had planned to wait until Christmas day to begin talking about my 2012 prayer focus, but it's been placed on my heart almost daily that I shouldn't wait. So . . . my 2012 prayer focus will be "A Year of Christmas."

I don't know all the in's and out's yet. I do know I've had some thoughts come to me that I need and want to explore more deeply. As Christians, we are called to be an "Easter people." And I so am! I am ecstatically, over the top grateful for the Cross. Don't get me wrong. But my focus in the year to come will be on the "before" of the Cross. It will begin with Mary, Joseph, Jesus the baby.

I'll be exploring my awe and wonder. I'll be asking myself - and God - how I can provide a Christmas blessing to someone else--whether that will be a prayer, a note, some act of kindness, etc., every day. So the focus will not be the commercial component that the world has made it. Rather, it will be about how can I share the gift of a tiny baby, born to a young girl over 2000 years ago.

It's mind-blowing, really! Don't you agree? I hope you'll join me in my journey of a year of Christmas living.

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

Be Set Free From Your Infirmity

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 22:19:00 +0000

"and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God" (Luke 13:11-13).

"When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them" (Luke 7:36-38 NIV).

Spiritual bondage is the state of being spiritually bound so that you cannot function or live the way you were designed to function and live . . . The root cause of the spiritual problem is idolatry in one form or another. (wiki.answers.com)

All of us are in bondage to somone or something. We all worship "false gods." God makes it very clear He does not want to share our affection or adoration with any other person or thing! And yet, because we are human, we cannot help ourselves. Even when we know we are in bondage to this sin, we often feel powerless to break the bond.

But God, in the form of Jesus Christ, swoops in to help us. Because He became human, He understands our human propensity to sin--and our weakness in the flesh to break our bondage. When we face our sinfulness, we are like the woman with the alabaster jar--offering that thing which keeps us in bondage up to God--that which keeps us from a right relationship with Him.

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (Romans 8:12-17 NIV).

My prayer for you is that you call out to God, begging Him to help you break the bondage of sin. And that you rejoice that you are an heir of God and co-heir with Christ.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Assurance of God's Protecton

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:24:00 +0000

My prayer theme on Thursdays: Warfare and Protection.

There is most definitely a spiritual battle for our souls in the world right now--actually always has been, and we just don't learn the strategies necessary to survive the war, let alone the signs that the enemy is at hand!

Psalm 91 offers us assurance of God's protection. We must do our part, though, to stay ever vigilant and clothe ourselves for the battle in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:12-14).

Jesus is the reason for the season. Not seeing too much evidence of that when I turn on the television. Okay. Off the soap box.

My prayer today is that you remember the truly important things and people in your life. Offer them the gift of your time, your encouragement, your love this year for Christmas.

It's cold and rainy outside my front door, but under His wings I will find refuge.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Are You Thirsty?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:43:00 +0000

Last year I posted: Quench Your Thirst at the Oasis. When I re-read it last night I felt compelled to share it with you again.

I don't know about you, but I find myself roaming around on the outskirts of that old desert sometimes. It's not until we head toward the Oasis that we are saved.

My prayer today is that you will be blessed--and quenched--by the Living Water.

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

Prayer focus for 2012 - do you have one?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:33:00 +0000

I'm not a big New Year's resolution type person. For 2012, though, I have been given a vision of what/how I am to pray throughout the year.

I was trying to avoid saying, "God revealed it to me." That can alienate some people, cause some to roll their eyes, or at a minimum be skeptical. But that's what happened. I was on my way home from work -- so often God get's my attention when I'm in the car - guess it's because I'm sitting in one place and have to stay there!

I heard a Christmas-themed song I have not hear before and I don't even remember the line in the song that sparked this revelation, but there is no doubt about it! I've been struggling with how to get my prayer life back on track - been diligent for the past couple of weeks. But this focus will encourage and compel me to keep at it, and even take things to a new level.

I'm not trying to be mysterious -- well . . . maybe a little. When I've developed the plan a little more concretely, I'll share it. And invite you to join me.

I'll give you a hint for now, though: It's seasonally-themed!

Even if you don't have a theme or plan . . . pray! It's so powerful! And I promise you, you will experience a changed heart. You will see results of your prayers - some very small, but some huge! Just pray.

One of my prayers is that you are blessed this season and bask in the glow of a tiny baby sent to earth 2000 years ago. He came here for you. And for me. God in the flesh. Savior of all mankind. Talk about the world's greatest Christmas gift!

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Rejoice in the Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:08:00 +0000

We were out late last night, and I slept in a few extra minutes this morning. Okay . . . 30 extra minutes! My first temptation was to skip my prayer time so I would have more time to check emails, facebook, etc. and check out several 'money-saving' blogs before I got ready for work.

But I prevailed! I got my coffee and sat right down with my bible and prayer journal. I couldn't help but think how easy we (I) make it for Satan to win those little battles we face throughout the day -- he would have started off the day with a victory! I've learned that how I start my day, typically determines how the rest of the day will go . . . had a pretty good day!

So, no, I'm not that strong, devout, self-controlled, diligent, or that great a role model! I'm just desperately, passionately, completely in love with God! I have missed intimacy with Him over the past months. I have a lot of work to do to rebuild our relationship. I rejoice that He has already forgiven me my transgressions.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near" (Phil. 4:4-5 NIV)

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

A renewed prayer life

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:30:00 +0000

I am so very grateful to have had this past 4-day weekend. My gracious sister-in-law hosted Thanksgiving dinner so we didn't have much to worry about there. Friday felt like Saturday. Saturday felt like a gift. I spent much of the extra time setting about to renew my prayer life.

Over the past year, I have allowed my prayer life to flounder. I don't know exactly when or how it floundered so agregiously, but eventually it became nonexistent. I have established a shedule/plan again and I am already witnessing the rewards of devoting my time and efforts toward God; toward praising Him, beseeching him; I'm interceeding for myself and others.

Because I am praying again, I know that God's purposes on the earth are being more reliably advanced. I know He rejoices that I have turned back to Him so fervently and with such commitment. Sounds like I have a high opinon of myself? Not at all! Rather, I have a high opinion of God and His power to use me as an instrument.

God revealed to Abraham that he was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. "Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:23-25 NIV)

Abraham continues to beseech God--to bargain with Him really, each time asking Him, "What if there are 45; what if there are 40; 30; 20; 10?" For the sake of only 10 righteous men God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah! Ten. God wanted fifty, but he relented and would have 'settled' for 10. But for 10 righteous men, history would have been changed. Two cities would have been spared. But for 10!

What if I am one of those for whom God is looking? What if His plan to act one way or the other is based on the prayers of just one more person? What if that person is me? What if it's you?

No, I'm not so vain as to think I have the power to change God's mind. I do believe ardently though, that He uses his faithful to release His will.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to be the one who tells God I've got better things to do!

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16 NIV)

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Crippled

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:12:00 +0000

A church down the street has a sign up that says "Sorrow looks back; worry looks around; faith looks up." I've seen it several times now and every time I drive by I have a little "aha" experience. I've been thinking about making a blog post for the past several days on being crippled. This quote seems to affirm that intention for me.

Sorrow and grief are just two of the things that cripple us. Fear, self-doubt, self-loathing, shame, greed, lust, jealously, drugs, alcohol, depression, anxiety are crippling, and, well . . . you can add your personal condition or situation to the list as applicable. I've got quite a few of my own.

"Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the [paralyzed—and they waited for the moving of the waters. From time to time an angel of the Lord would come down and stir up the waters. The first one into the pool after each such disturbance would be cured of whatever disease they had.] One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked" (John 5:1-8).

How like the man are you? Am I? We may not like being crippled, but to "pick up our mats and walk" requires stepping out in faith. It requires us to leave behind the crippling condition - which has, in reality, been a crutch hindering us from achieving the fullness of life Christ offers.

To trust Jesus to heal us also requires change - an end to worrying, a stop to the dependence upon substances, people, things, thoughts that cannot possibly save us. Even if we don't like where we are, what burdens we bear, how we are crippled, to give it all up and trust only Jesus . . . well . . . it's not easy. It's unthinkable almost. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak after all.

This man's family and friends plopped him down near the pool - near the one thing that (the people of the time believed) could have allowed him to walk - to heal him, to make him whole. He relied upon them and yet they never hung around to carry him into the pool. The man himself waited until the pool was stirred up before he headed toward the water. He didn't plan ahead, or, it seems, ever try to help himself.

Only Jesus offered him a better way. Only Jesus. Because of Jesus we don't need to look back in sorrow. Because of Jesus we don't need to look around in worry. Because of Jesus we can look up. Only Jesus can heal us. It's so easy! Ahhhh, but so difficult, because while He offers us healing, we must decide to accept it. To accept Jesus' offer we must accept responsibility for our lives.

Jesus is our all and everything. He heals the lame, forgives the sinner, upholds the downtrodden and cures us of the crippling condition that keeps us from living fully and completely, joyfully and intentionally. Jesus asked the crippled man - and asks us, "Do you want to get well?"

We can answer, "yes" or refuse. The choice is yours. And mine.

What will your answer be?

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

Free Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:20:00 +0000

I love freebies! I enjoy couponing and generally participating in all things frugal! I jump at any opportunity get something free almost to the point of obsession--they are almost irrestible!

This morning I was reading Paul's letter to the Romans and I was reminded of the words of young man I knew several years ago. He said, "I just think Jesus is irrestible." Wow! Doesn't that make you stop and think? And I agree - to be a bit crass: Jesus is the best freebie this sin-filled world has ever received--that I have ever received!

Paul is passionately in love with Jesus as well - Jesus is clearly irrestible to Him, too. Sometimes when we're in a the midst of difficult situation, having a hard time making it through our current circumstances, or dreading some future event, we forget about the freedom we have in Christ - and through Him. We have no need for fear or worry or dread. Rather, we have the free gift of grace, which is the source of our hope!

"For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)" (Romans 8:22-25 NLT)

There's a saying quoted often: Freedom isn't free. In the case of our human existence, as it applies to the United States, this is a valid statement. In the heavenly realms, though, it really is "free" in that all we have to do is accept Jesus' irrestible gift: the sacrifice of our sins on the Cross. He died so our sin would die, and he rose so we would be made new. In spite of mankind; even knowing that two thousand years later, we would still be seeking after other, lesser gifts, He gave us the free gift of grace.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners" (Romans 5:3-6 NLT).

So many, including my family and I, are struggling with various life issues. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in worry, stress, anxiety, fear. In times of trouble, we need that "freebie" even more - and remember to take it, use it, own it - and pass on the good news to others.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified" (Romans 8:28-30 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Random Act of Kindness - better late that never

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:29:00 +0000

Our family is on a really tight budget - like paycheck to paycheck, monitor the checking account daily, extreme couponing, well . . . you get the picture. But we do treat ourselves sometimes - I typically get a WAWA coffee and/or breakfast sandwich or McDonalds breakfact sandwich on Fridays. A small thing, but a nice treat.

A few months ago I started what I call "Random Act of Kindness Friday." Often, that means I leave a couple of extra dollars with the WAWA cashier and tell him/her to get somebody's coffee. Or at McDonald's drive-thru I'll ask the cashier how much the order is for the person behind me and if it's 'affordable' I'll pay for it. It makes me feel good - but I have no doubt it also makes the recipient feel good! What a blessing to realize someone did something for you - not because they "had to" but because they wanted to . . . just because.

This past week has been so emotionally challenging for that I really have been going through the motions of daily life. Didn't 'pay it forward' for anyone this week. On my way to work out this morning, the low fuel light came on and I made a detour to WAWA to get gas. I saw a young couple sitting on the curb at the entry road into WAWA and sign -- all I could read was "travelling" in big letters. I assumed they were stranded . . . maybe they had been evicted and were too embarrased to say so . . . It doesn't really matter to me why they are in such need they would panhandle at area intersections all week.

I've seen one or both of them a couple of times in the past week at one median or another on my way to and from work. We've don't really like to give cash - the 'experts' tell us that's not a good option. Sometimes I do it anyway . . . but this morning as I pumped my gas, I decided I would buy them 2 hot chocolates (it was still under 40 degrees and a brisk breeze has kicked up). And I picked up a $10 WAWA gift card. Needless to say they were pretty blown away!

Then I went to work out - at a gym where my company pays 1/2 the monthly fee, offers great health insurace, vision and dental care, retirement plan, and tons of other perks. Not to mention we've hung on to our home, and we have a wonderful family and vast circle of friends . . . it would take hours to call out all the ways we are blessed--I am blessed!

Yep, started to snap out 'auto pilot' and focused the day ahead - 12 for early Thanksgiving celebration dinner! Better get vacuuming, dusting, cleaning, and while I'm at it, thanking God for my life!

Random acts of kindess don't need to be monetary - somethimes I "take care" of something for a family member or co-worker so they don't have to . . . it can be anything. One's imagination can come up with a multitude of random acts . . . if we keep our eyes, and our hearts open and focus on others rather than ourselves.

"Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first" (Matthew 19:28-30 NIV).

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8 NIV).

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (Hebrews 13:16 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary