Weekly E-votional: Monday, December 05, 2005
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. Luke 1:26-33
Have you ever had an unwelcome surprise? I have a friend whose husband threw a surprise fortieth birthday party for her at her place of employment. Just as she came down the hall to walk in the room where everyone was hiding, she turned to those who were walking with her and said, “I am ready to go home and rest; I want this birthday to be pretty low-key.” Was she ever caught off guard when she walked into the room where she was supposed to be attending her last meeting of the day, only to discover that about 50 of her closest friends were packed inside! So much for letting her birthday slip by quietly!
Imagine how Mary must have felt to discover she was going to have a baby. She had her life all planned out, with her wedding approaching. But God had other plans. She would still get married, but she would also be the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. This must have been a frightening discovery, but this was a surprise that blessed us all!
In the midst of life’s chaos, what should be welcome surprises seem more like inconveniences. This is especially true in the busy Christmas season. Our families are going in all directions to attend special children’s programs. There are so many decorations to hang and traditions to maintain. The rush of shopping and parties can cause us to see any added activity as a burden. Yet some of those “burdens” are the true blessings of the season. Like when getting stuck in traffic behind unexpected road construction gives us a few more moments to laugh with our children, or a friend dropping by without notice gives us a chance to laugh and relax for a moment. Those little surprises are often more important than whatever we had planned.
My friend’s birthday party was a lot of fun. It was not what she would have planned, but it provided a chance of laughter and fun. When it was over, she and those who attended had special memories of that day. It was a blessing after all.
This season, give yourself permission to be interrupted. Allow a surprise here and there to make you late for the next event on your schedule. Be present in the moment. You never know when what you see as an “inconveniences” may be a gift from God.
Have a blessed week!
Jeff
Monday, December 5, 2005
Weekly E-votional: Monday, December 05, 2005
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. Luke 1:26-33
Have you ever had an unwelcome surprise? I have a friend whose husband threw a surprise fortieth birthday party for her at her place of employment. Just as she came down the hall to walk in the room where everyone was hiding, she turned to those who were walking with her and said, “I am ready to go home and rest; I want this birthday to be pretty low-key.” Was she ever caught off guard when she walked into the room where she was supposed to be attending her last meeting of the day, only to discover that about 50 of her closest friends were packed inside! So much for letting her birthday slip by quietly!
Imagine how Mary must have felt to discover she was going to have a baby. She had her life all planned out, with her wedding approaching. But God had other plans. She would still get married, but she would also be the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. This must have been a frightening discovery, but this was a surprise that blessed us all!
In the midst of life’s chaos, what should be welcome surprises seem more like inconveniences. This is especially true in the busy Christmas season. Our families are going in all directions to attend special children’s programs. There are so many decorations to hang and traditions to maintain. The rush of shopping and parties can cause us to see any added activity as a burden. Yet some of those “burdens” are the true blessings of the season. Like when getting stuck in traffic behind unexpected road construction gives us a few more moments to laugh with our children, or a friend dropping by without notice gives us a chance to laugh and relax for a moment. Those little surprises are often more important than whatever we had planned.
My friend’s birthday party was a lot of fun. It was not what she would have planned, but it provided a chance of laughter and fun. When it was over, she and those who attended had special memories of that day. It was a blessing after all.
This season, give yourself permission to be interrupted. Allow a surprise here and there to make you late for the next event on your schedule. Be present in the moment. You never know when what you see as an “inconveniences” may be a gift from God.
Have a blessed week!
Jeff
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. Luke 1:26-33
Have you ever had an unwelcome surprise? I have a friend whose husband threw a surprise fortieth birthday party for her at her place of employment. Just as she came down the hall to walk in the room where everyone was hiding, she turned to those who were walking with her and said, “I am ready to go home and rest; I want this birthday to be pretty low-key.” Was she ever caught off guard when she walked into the room where she was supposed to be attending her last meeting of the day, only to discover that about 50 of her closest friends were packed inside! So much for letting her birthday slip by quietly!
Imagine how Mary must have felt to discover she was going to have a baby. She had her life all planned out, with her wedding approaching. But God had other plans. She would still get married, but she would also be the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. This must have been a frightening discovery, but this was a surprise that blessed us all!
In the midst of life’s chaos, what should be welcome surprises seem more like inconveniences. This is especially true in the busy Christmas season. Our families are going in all directions to attend special children’s programs. There are so many decorations to hang and traditions to maintain. The rush of shopping and parties can cause us to see any added activity as a burden. Yet some of those “burdens” are the true blessings of the season. Like when getting stuck in traffic behind unexpected road construction gives us a few more moments to laugh with our children, or a friend dropping by without notice gives us a chance to laugh and relax for a moment. Those little surprises are often more important than whatever we had planned.
My friend’s birthday party was a lot of fun. It was not what she would have planned, but it provided a chance of laughter and fun. When it was over, she and those who attended had special memories of that day. It was a blessing after all.
This season, give yourself permission to be interrupted. Allow a surprise here and there to make you late for the next event on your schedule. Be present in the moment. You never know when what you see as an “inconveniences” may be a gift from God.
Have a blessed week!
Jeff
Monday, November 28, 2005
Weekly E-votional: Monday, November 28, 2005
There were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Christ, the Lord. Luke 2:8-11
Miriam-Webster Dictionary online defines joy as:
“The emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires: delight”
When was the last time you felt joy? A business owner might feel joy the day their business opens. A runner might feel joy after completing a challenging marathon that they had trained for vigorously. If you are a parent you felt joy at your child’s birth.
The scripture passage above is about the night of Jesus’ birth. God sent angels to a group of weary shepherds, who were up late out in the fields to ensure the safety of their sheep. In the midst of their toil, an angel came to them, to give them hope, and encouragement, and joy. The joy that comes from God’s son, Jesus Christ, coming into our world to show us a better way of life, to show us love, to show us God’s heart. And the angels said this kind of joy was for everyone.
We are headed into such a busy season as Christmas approaches! Children’s programs at school, office parties, and lots of shopping will keep us running. Don’t forget in al of the running about that we celebrate a miracle. God came into the world in Jesus Christ, and he did it for you and me. Take a few moments everyday to stop and reflect, and rejoice.
Have a blessed week!
Jeff & Aubrietta
There were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Christ, the Lord. Luke 2:8-11
Miriam-Webster Dictionary online defines joy as:
“The emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires: delight”
When was the last time you felt joy? A business owner might feel joy the day their business opens. A runner might feel joy after completing a challenging marathon that they had trained for vigorously. If you are a parent you felt joy at your child’s birth.
The scripture passage above is about the night of Jesus’ birth. God sent angels to a group of weary shepherds, who were up late out in the fields to ensure the safety of their sheep. In the midst of their toil, an angel came to them, to give them hope, and encouragement, and joy. The joy that comes from God’s son, Jesus Christ, coming into our world to show us a better way of life, to show us love, to show us God’s heart. And the angels said this kind of joy was for everyone.
We are headed into such a busy season as Christmas approaches! Children’s programs at school, office parties, and lots of shopping will keep us running. Don’t forget in al of the running about that we celebrate a miracle. God came into the world in Jesus Christ, and he did it for you and me. Take a few moments everyday to stop and reflect, and rejoice.
Have a blessed week!
Jeff & Aubrietta
Monday, August 22, 2005
HAVING IT ALL
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
In the eighties and nineties our culture touted the notion that we could have it all: a picture-perfect family, a fast-track career, and personal health and fulfillment. Much literature was published on time management, with the assumption that it is possible to include in a 24-hour day all that is needed to function at 100% in every area of our lives.
Most people’s own lives are proof positive that we cannot have it all, at least not all at the same time. Studies conducted by the National Institute of Health and major universities on sleep deficits and stress-related illnesses demonstrate that many suffer, at some level as a result of “burning the candle at both ends”. In an effort to “have it all” we are wearing ourselves out.
The Bible speaks not of enjoying all good things in life at the same time, but of seasons of life: times for relaxation and work, for tending relationships and for solitude. And through all of these seasons, the Bible speaks of a God who is constantly with us, ready to help us with whatever season in life in which we find ourselves.
If you are like most people you are probably overscheduled and feeling overwhelmed, unable to give your ‘best’ to those commitments you have made. Recognizing our own limitations may seem discouraging, but it can actually provide a less stressful, more meaningful way of life. It is freeing to know that scripture says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven,” and not that we must face it all of life’s challenges at once.
Are you still trying to “have it all” by cramming too much into your days? Are you neglecting your need for God, and the God-given wisdom that guides our choices?
Take some time this week to consider your priorities for this season of your life. What are your long-term goals, and what is your first priority right now? Those who have small children at home may need to consider putting career advancement second. Those whose children are older may want to take a season to reconnect with the husband or wife. And all of us need to spend time being nourished and guided by the God that loves us through all of life’s seasons.
God bless your week!
Jeff
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
In the eighties and nineties our culture touted the notion that we could have it all: a picture-perfect family, a fast-track career, and personal health and fulfillment. Much literature was published on time management, with the assumption that it is possible to include in a 24-hour day all that is needed to function at 100% in every area of our lives.
Most people’s own lives are proof positive that we cannot have it all, at least not all at the same time. Studies conducted by the National Institute of Health and major universities on sleep deficits and stress-related illnesses demonstrate that many suffer, at some level as a result of “burning the candle at both ends”. In an effort to “have it all” we are wearing ourselves out.
The Bible speaks not of enjoying all good things in life at the same time, but of seasons of life: times for relaxation and work, for tending relationships and for solitude. And through all of these seasons, the Bible speaks of a God who is constantly with us, ready to help us with whatever season in life in which we find ourselves.
If you are like most people you are probably overscheduled and feeling overwhelmed, unable to give your ‘best’ to those commitments you have made. Recognizing our own limitations may seem discouraging, but it can actually provide a less stressful, more meaningful way of life. It is freeing to know that scripture says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven,” and not that we must face it all of life’s challenges at once.
Are you still trying to “have it all” by cramming too much into your days? Are you neglecting your need for God, and the God-given wisdom that guides our choices?
Take some time this week to consider your priorities for this season of your life. What are your long-term goals, and what is your first priority right now? Those who have small children at home may need to consider putting career advancement second. Those whose children are older may want to take a season to reconnect with the husband or wife. And all of us need to spend time being nourished and guided by the God that loves us through all of life’s seasons.
God bless your week!
Jeff
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)