James 1:17-18 New International Version (NIV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
WORD OF TRUTH ~
Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
I was in the store with my son yesterday and heard someone say, "I'm glad Christmas is over". I also saw others buying the Christmas mark down stuff for next year. It clearly shows how people are different and some had huge smiles getting that one item they truly wanted on sale. I was excited myself because that when I store up on paper towels and kleenex with half off prices. Sometimes they only have a few boxes but a few boxes is still a deal half off. Let's go back and talk more about Jesus.
JESUS ~
The reason for the Christmas Season
It is suppose to be about the birth of Jesus. A happy birthday and joys around one's birth. Think about this, what if it were your birthday and nobody celebrated it or even gave you a present? What if you only heard OH ..........birthday is coming and I hate this time of year? What if you heard people just stressed out over what to buy you and excited your special day was over? We don't always think of Jesus being man who walked this earth, we think of a baby in a manger that never grew up. Jesus also left this earth to prepare a place in Heaven for us.
The holy spirit was sent to help us and guide us. Our attitude changes when Jesus comes into our hearts. A new beginning of kindness, love and all the fruits of the spirit take over or do they? Have you ever known a grouchy christian? I have and I wondered why their attitude was different in church and way different out of church. When the holy spirit comes in, a real change happens. Less us not forget that we are human and human reactions sometimes take over. It doesn't mean that we aren't a real christian, it's the process of change in some. While others accept Jesus fully from the beginning and a miracle of change happens. We are all different but lets remember we are continuing changing as we surrender our lives daily.
Psalm 23:6 New International Version (NIV)
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
When you become a Christian, things will still happen both good and bad. I have my attitude changing over my years of life. I didn't know the peace of God when I first gave my heart to him. It was later as I grew in the word (Bible) and I listen to others. There is a true peace, joy and love that came in me. There is a trust beyond a human understand through all seasons of life. I do look back and see that goodness and love follows me, plus I choose to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. It's life's choices and what you put into your mind becomes action.
Let us be careful and not judge others, but work on ourselves.
Philippians 2:12New International Version (NIV)
Do Everything Without GrumblingTherefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling
I hope you had a merry Christmas!
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie