The Amazing Gifts He Gave Us

Posted December 22, 2008 By Andrea and has 5 comments.

If you really ponder the Christmas story you notice there are some amazing glints of God’s love. The Easter story tells of our salvation, yes, and how much He loves the world, but the birth of Christ is the sign of his promise, the fulfillment of the prophecies.

Everytime I think about the Christmas story or read it through or learn something new. When Joseph and Mary took Jesus to be dedicated to God at the temple I always thought it was lovely that Simeon got to see the Savior. The thing he had been waiting his whole life for. The words he speaks never really hit me before now though.

This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others. Thus, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.

I could not say it any better- when I think of all that Jesus has shown me, and how much joy he has given me. Over the years and through different periods he has been my rock, my grace, my strength. He has shown me my deepest thoughts, desires, and given me a calling from him. And on the cross he gave me the chance for Christ in me.

WE are chosen by God and called according to His Purpose. And Christ gave us the chance to be right with God. It IS amazing.

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Categories: Spiritual Reflections
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Mother Teresa Says (Mondays)…

Posted December 8, 2008 By Andrea and has 1 comment.

Keep the joy of loving God in your heart and share this joy with all you meet…

To keep the joy of loving God in your heart, and be able to not only keep it there but share it with others is indeed a task. Yesterday I sat in church and was overwhelmed by all that I have not thanked Jesus for in the past few months. We were singing “Praise God” as an ending to Amazing Grace and I was like WOW, I have not even stopped to think about how God has overwhelmed my life, I have been so consumed with figuring it all out, I think that in that I perhaps kept some joy from being able to get in there. and work its way out.

How do I see others when I cannot see myself?

I get fired up. A lot. But not joyful a lot. Why? It is easy to inundate ourselves with all that can be fixed instead of all that people are doing. I don’t know how to ignore some statements that are made to me, and I don’t know if I am supposed to. What I do know is that sharing that joy includes doing so with everyone, even those people who might say to me “Those illegal immigrants get everything” or “I deserve this because I work hard” about something superfluous. Perhaps they just haven’t met the God that I know, or perhaps they have been hindered from seeing that in all his glory he sent Jesus to save us and then send us to do works many Christians might find unimaginable. Whatever the reason, I cannot let that get in the way of my joy, lest I forget everything Christ has done to set me free.

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Categories: Personal, Spiritual Reflections
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Have a little Compassion…

Posted December 5, 2008 By Andrea and has no comments yet.

I truly believe everyone has the capacity to love more, especially if we are of the belief that we are made in the image of God. One of many ways to worship is our treatment of others. Not just being nice, but loving. An action, not just a word. Tis the season to be jolly, so hopefully this includes one of you, yes just one, to make the decision today to sponsor the life of a child. To give support, hope, perhaps joy, in the life of a child who might live in a situation very different from anything we can imagine. This is Melvin, a five year old from El Salvador, a country whose name means Savior.

Name: Melvin Adrian Blanco Melara (ES7600473)
Birthday: April 14, 2003    Age: 5
Gender: Male
Region: Central America and Caribbean
Country: El Salvador
Program: Nueva Vida Student Center

Personal and Family Information:
Melvin lives with his father and his mother. Running errands is his household duty. His father is employed as a laborer and his mother maintains the home. There are 2 children in the family.

Soccer, playing with cars and running are Melvin’s favorite activities. In pre-school his performance is average and he also regularly attends church activities and Bible class. Thank you for your prayer and consideration in sponsoring this little boy!

Please click HERE to sponsor Melvin. Please click here to sponsor another child from Compassion.

Please remember Melvin in your prayers. Your love and support will help him to receive the assistance he needs to grow and develop.

IMPORTANT: A CREDIT CARD IS REQUIRED as payment because this child has been classified “HIGH PRIORITY”. This child has been waiting more than 6 months for a sponsor. Help make a difference in the life of this child, who is anxiously waiting for a sponsor.

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Categories: Compassion, Social Justice
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