Change Needed? Face It and Act Today!

When life gets out of control, the most common response is anger because of the loss of personal power. When Jacob marshaled all his courage, gathered his family and set out for his homeland, his father-in-law Laban was fit to be tied. Jacob feared his father-in-law would take possession of all he owned, including his wives and children. 

 

          Jacob could never stand up to his father-in-law, so resentment and anger had to be suppressed. We often resent a person's ability to take charge, to be in control and dominate a situation. So suppressing anger is one way to manage it, and we do so by pretending that it doesn't exist or that whatever caused it is of no importance. 

          Everyone is capable of anger, but who can express it in beneficial ways? We're often afraid of anger, even our own. We feel angry when something has gone awry, when changes need to be made but we’re fearful of making the needed changes. “Never let the sun go down on your anger” means facing needed change and acting on it.

Gifts from God ~ Hope and Jesus' Love

What should be our hope on this Christmas Day as we celebrate God’s demonstration of love for us through Christ Jesus? The Gospel hymn makes it clear: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

God never forgets you regardless of your need for hope and recovery. His love is constant, so your hope comes from God as Jeremiah 29: 12-13 promises. “You will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” HOPE through the LOVE of CHRIST JESUS is God’s gift to you , so God bless you on this Christmas day!  

Gifts from God ~ Hope and Joy

Where do we find hope in a world filled with uncertainty and divisiveness?  Hope cannot be found in politicians or political creeds, for these are unstable. We want the world to be safe and trustworthy, but it continues to disappoint, as it seems to be in opposition to God’s love and mercy.

We must not forget that the world was created by God’s love or that he gave Jesus as a sacrifice for all mankind. HOPE and JOY are found in God’s word. John 3:17 is reassuring. “For God did not send Jesus His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” So be hopeful and joyful in what God has done. God bless you, and Merry Christmas! 

Gifts from God ~ Hope, Patience and Faith

We don’t often recover quickly from disaster or trauma or in ways we believe to be reasonable. Physical and emotional wounds heal differently and in a time frame that might be unpredictable. Recovery from grief and sorrow depends on our perception and response to what has been lost or taken from us.

  

God’s word offers wonderful instructions for coping with an uncertain future. Listen for a moment to God’s way to celebrate his gift of Christ Jesus. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and faithful in prayer.”  Please receive these gifts of HOPE, PATIENCE and FAITH, for you are blessed with God’s love. Merry Christmas!

  

  

Gifts from God ~ Hope and Peace

Hope is a wonderful gift to receive, especially when the moment is dark and the future obscure. Hope is made possible by even the smallest degree of trust that whatever is encountered, God’s presence will ensure all things work together for our good. God’s gift of hope generates peace for the present moment and for the future.

Wounds inflicted to your heart and soul seek recovery and healing. Hope made possible by your faith believes God will heal those wounds. His purpose in sending Christ Jesus was not only to save you but to provide grace and mercy for every situation. God’s gifts of HOPE and PEACE are for you to receive and cherish.  Merry Christmas and God bless you!  

Gifts from God ~ Hope and Faith

Sixteen months after Hurricane Harvey, recovery is still in process, maybe not so much from the physical aspect of the disaster, but from emotional stress caused by grief and uncertainty. We do our best to avoid trials and struggles by pretending or wishing they did not exist or promising to address the issue later.

 
    
             Even as we’re forced to face problems, God promises you hope for now and the future. It’s possible to rejoice when facing struggles by realizing God is present to help and sustain you. As you receive God’s gifts of FAITH and HOPE, be assured His provisions are adequate. God bless you with hope as you celebrate His gift of Christ Jesus. Merry Christmas! 

Facing God's Reality

When it was time for Jacob to return to his homeland, he packed up and left his father-in-law’s home by making a hasty retreat in the middle of the night. Jacob feared his father-in-law, who was self-centered, controlling and manipulative. Leah and Rachel could not trust their father to be fair and respectful.

  

When Laban heard of their departure, he was sad and angry. He had been outwitted, deceived and abandoned. Laban refused to ask himself, "What did I do to cause this response from my daughters and son-in-law?" Self-examination is crucial to healthy relationships. Lamentations 3:40 advises, "Let us examine our ways and test them."

Refusal to engage in self-examination leads to blaming others for our pain and problems. After learning of Jacob’s departure, Laban set out to bring them back, but God had other plans. Laban had to face reality. He had lost control of Jacob and his family. Now he was forced to face himself and the reality of God’s power, mercy and love.