The Truth about the “Truth”- Part 2 of 3

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Bernadette

I suffered in the West more –

After 14 years of imprisonment, the Lord provided the means for the release of Richard Wurmbrand in a general amnesty.  Christians in Norway negotiated with the communist leaders for his release from Romania at the price of $10,000.00.

After his release he traveled and witnessed to the West and to believers around the world exposing the suffering of the Underground Church.

In his book, Tortured for Christ, he wrote:

“I suffer in the West more than I did in
Communist lands.
My suffering consists first of all in the longing
after the unspeakable beauties of the
Underground Church, the Church that
fulfills the old Latin saying,  Nudisnudum
Christi sequi – naked, follow the naked Christ.

The Underground Church is a poor and suffering
church, but it has few lukewarm members. The
preacher knows no elaborate theology. The Bible
verses are not well known in many countries,
because Bibles are not permitted. Besides, the
preacher has most likely been in prison for years
without a Bible. When they express their faith in a
Father, it means much because there is a drama behind
this assertion.  In prison they have daily asked this
Almighty Father for bread and  have received instead
cabbage with unmentionable filth. Nevertheless, they
believed God to be  the loving Father. They are like
Job who said that he would believe in God even if He
would slay him. They are like Jesus who called God
“Father”, even when He was seemingly forsaken on the cross.

Whoever has known the spiritual beauty of the Underground Church
cannot be satisfied anymore with the emptiness of some Western churches.
I suffer in the West more than I suffered in a Communist jail because now
I see with my own eyes Western civilization is dying… Much of the West sleeps.”

Revelation 3:14-17 –

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” NIV

Because you are lukewarm –

Laodicea, a prosperous city of banking and commerce, fine clothing made from wool of black sheep, and for it’s eye salve produced by its medical school.

Though prosperous, its major weakness is the lack of a convenient and adequate water source.  Its water supply is piped in from springs 6 miles away.

To the North of Laodicea is Hierapous, famous for its hot mineral springs.  South of Laodicea is Colossae.  Its pure, cold mineral waters are refreshing to drink.  In the middle is Laodicea.  By the time the water from the north and south arrive by aqueduct to Laodicea, it is lukewarm.  Hot and cold water are beneficial; lukewarm water was less-than refreshing.

Christ tells the church, “I know your deeds – you are neither hot or cold; I wish you were one or the other!”

The churches lack of devotion is distasteful to the Lord.  It is useless, bland and nauseating to Christ.

In spite of their wealth, their real condition is poverty; despite their abundance of fine wool, nakedness; though they have a medical school and many physicians, they are blind.

Their nauseating condition does not quench the love of Christ for them.  His judgments are the expression of his deep affection that leads to repentance.  A repentance, in Christ, tested and refined as gold for a regenerated spirit, purity of heart and resurrected glory and grace.  This invitation is not to the church as a whole, but a gracious individual offer of Christ.

After 50 years since his book was written –

Are we still sleeping?

Have we forgotten our first love?

Are we blinded and lukewarm with the “stubble and hay”  of material wealth and success which will burn in the fire of true testing?

May Christ’s spirit within us stir and kindle “a burning heart” to be bold and sure-footed to share “the truth about the Truth”, letting the consequences be what they will – For the Sake of the Call. * (please listen)

*Sung by Stephen Curtis Chapman.

 

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A Beautiful Life – A Mother’s Day Tribute to my Daughters

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Bernadette

Ephesians 3:16-19

” I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”    NIV

The fullness of God’s relentless love through Christ eludes our full grasp.  But, His love is the soil in which our hearts thrive and the firm foundation on which our faith can rest.

     Mother’s Day reflections of important women of my past –

My grandmother –

Some family members viewed my grandmother as plain, stubby and second.  She was the second wife to my grandfather who lost his first wife.  Was the second prophetic of how she viewed herself and would allow others to treat and see her?

To some people she came across with rough edges and words, possibly, to protect her heart.  But, did she know in her heart how deeply she was loved by our Lord?

How could she not have rough edges?  Edges formed from despair for strength and perseverance when my grandfather left and abandoned her and six kids for greener pastures with another.  He left her in disgrace to raise her children in poor conditions.  When she became ill and hospitalized for quite some time, her kids were uprooted and scattered to orphanages.

I saw a different grandmother.  One who held beauty in her heart as she cared and loved through her cooking and ability to create with her hands.  Her perfect tortillas, fresh off the grill and warm, made a peasant’s meal a feast.

 She was a seamstress by trade and crafted many things for others to enjoy.  I enjoyed the privilege to sit with her one day as she opened her hope chest filled with treasures of cloth stitched with lace and embroidered perfectly with hands that carried so many burdens.

     Did she know how deeply she was loved by our Lord?

My mother –

She was abandoned and uprooted from her family ties into a Catholic orphanage.  One would think she and my aunt would have been embraced with love and care considering the circumstances.  But instead, the nuns were harsh, cruel and slapped them when they spoke Spanish to each other.

With only an 8th grade education, she saw hope in a better life when she met my dad since she had two daughters of her own to care for.  Little did she know, this broken man would also bring years of abuse to our family before the Lord revealed to him how deeply he was loved.

Abandonment and abuse did not change my mother’s heart.  She reflected a life of a simple person who loved beauty, yet did not possess it around her.  Simply profound was her childlike faith.  Her gifts were of humble means.  Maybe that’s why she so loved the “Little Drummer Boy” Christmas song.

     Did she know how deeply she was loved by our Lord? 

My aunt/godmother –

She was placed in the Catholic orphanage with my mother.  Later, she acquired diabetes and eventually her muscles turned hard and rubbery.  Instead of her insulin being absorbed, it would squirt back out when she injected herself.

She was one to look ahead and try to turn circumstances around.  She took home courses in secretarial skills so she could work and better her life.  She was so proud, and rightly so, when she finished her courses.  Upon looking for employment she was continually turned down and discouraged.  Two of the companies admitted they wouldn’t hire her because of the way she looked.  Why is that a reason when she met the employment requirements?

She was an encourager even when none encouraged her.  During my rebellious years, she left an impressive mark in my heart.  She gave me the simplest card with these words I have carried and cherished through the years – You always have a friend in Jesus.

     Did she know how deeply she was loved by our Lord? 

dew on roseTo my daughters, to all the women I know and don’t know (me too) – In Christ, we are held in high esteem and with a love which casts out all fears and doubt.

He holds us completely, even when the world and those near to us feed us the lies of a shallow standard of our value and worth and look upon us as plain, stubby or second.

Even a bag lady in her fragile state seeks and holds beauty within.

May we remember our Lord is, The Inheritance, so beautifully expressed by Graham Cooke, (please listen).  May this inheritance be rooted deeply and securely in our hearts.

Don’t look back, seek beauty and begin to look ahead to see, A Beautiful Life , by Mike’s Chair, the Lord has prepared for His beloved.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Love,
Mom

Posted in Childhood Lessons, Family, New Beginnings, Personal Growth | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Truth about the “Truth”- Part 1 of 3

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Bernadette

Hebrews 11:35-38 –

“Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.  Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; —the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.”   NIV

Aroused and motivated by faith –

Throughout history men and women aroused and motivated by faith have suffered the hardships, contempt and abuse – even unto death –  for their faith in God.  Their witness and hearts looking to the greater hope and treasure promised by Him.

Moses refused and turned away from all the treasures of Egypt to share the oppression and bear the shame of the people of God.  He held staunchly to his purpose and endured steadfastly.

Noah, by faith, built the ark and preached righteousness in the midst of a sinful people, yet they rejected God and were without excuse.

From the First Century church to this very day, Christian martyrdom continues the unbroken trail of blood and persecution.

Suffering and persecution of the faithful –

With pen and tears, the late Richard Wurmbrand,  author of Tortured for Christ and founder of “The Voice of the Martyrs” exposed the truth of the Twentieth Century suffering, persecution and unspeakable torture of our fellow brothers and sisters under the Nazi, Communist and Marxist philosophy.

He and members of the Underground Church endured years of suffering.  After his second release from prison, two Christian organizations paid a ransom so he could leave Romania.

In his book he wrote:

“I had been a very dynamic type in my youth.  But prison, and especially the years of solitary confinement, had transformed me into a meditative, contemplative man.  All the storms in the heart had been stilled.  I did not mind communism; I did not even notice it.  I was in the embraces of the heavenly Bridegroom.  I prayed for those who tormented us and loved them with all of my heart.

I had had very little hope of ever being released.  From time to time I wondered what I would do in case I were released.  I always considered that I would retire somewhere and continue the life of sweet union in the desert with the heavenly Bridegroom.

God is the “Truth”.

The Bible is the “truth about the Truth”.

Theology is the “truth about the truth about the Truth”.

Christian people live in these many truths about the Truth, and, because of them, have not “the Truth”.

Hungry, beaten, and drugged, we had forgotten theology and the Bible.  We had forgotten the “truth about the Truth”, therefore we lived in “the Truth”.  It is written, “The Son of man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him”  (Matthew 24:44).  We could not think anymore.  In our darkest hours of torture, the Son of man came to us, making the prison walls shine like diamonds and filling the cells with light.  Somewhere, far away, were the tortures below us in the sphere of the body.  But the spirit rejoiced in the Lord.  We would not have given up this joy for that of kingly palaces.”

God’s “Truth”  is the Truth –

His Words are the daily bread He provides to feed and nourish our souls.  His Spirit opens the eyes of our hearts to see more clearly, to grow in wisdom and to be ready and unflinching when times of trouble come our way.  His love letter given to mankind to study, to carry in our hearts and to live by.  God’s Words do not come back void, but changes and transforms our desires, our hearts and our souls.

Many of our homes contain numerous Bibles –

Some sitting on shelves collecting dust, but never read.

Some out and displayed as a token to say we believe, but rarely read or regarded as our shield, refuge and defense for daily living.

Others tattered, worn and poured over with love, tears and prayers.  Each page held dearly as leaves of gold – our treasure.

Even today, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ beg for one page of the Bible to feed their souls.  Some work for months to secretly purchase one Bible to share in their meeting places – willing to die for possessing what many of us take for granted.

Who can completely comprehend God’s Truth?  

The Word (Christ) is proclaimed throughout Scripture and He is More Precious Than Silver or anything we could ever possess.

May we be mindful to pray, daily, for our brothers and sisters who suffer for their faith in Him.

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Are We Ministers of a New Covenant?

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Bernadette

In Loving Memory –

001Ernie showed unconditional love and shared his faith with his family.  He taught his daughters respect and consideration for others.  He was a good provider and his solid work ethic taught his daughters to work hard, be committed and dependable.  He was funny, his smile warmed a room and everything was always better when he was involved.  He went with the flow and enjoyed life to the fullest.  He was so much fun, young at heart, outgoing and adventurous.  He was a wonderful example when it came to lending a helping hand and extending care and concern for the well-being of others.

He loved his grandchildren and they enjoyed his company.  He was one of their biggest fans and supported them enthusiastically in any event.  He loved to teach his grandkids and spend time with them.  Whether it be getting down on the floor to play, walking up and down the street with them riding bikes, rollerblading or playing catch, he was there.

He has a place in all of our hearts no one else can fill.  He was an exceptional father and grandfather, with a heart of gold.  He made us all very proud.  He was a true blessing and will be greatly missed.

This is part of the eulogy for the father of a close friend.  The celebration of a life well-lived and the letter of love he wrote on the hearts and lives he touched.

The remembrance and loss of loved ones opens our hearts to grieve and provides opportunities to reflect on a person’s impact in our lives.

A new covenant, not written in stone –

II Corinthians 3:1-6 –

“And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.  Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God.  Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” NLT

The written law (on tablets) reflects the nature of God and is unchanging.  His standards cannot be reduced without ceasing to be Himself.  It is a law with incessant reminders of sin and guilt which separates us from a righteous and just God.

Throughout the Old Testament prophets pointed to the fulfillment of a new covenant promise from God – I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  I will forgive through a full and final dealing with sin.  A promise for the whole inner man and our hearts to be fashioned by God to match the requirements of His law.  A covenant not only for Israel, but for all men.

His Son, Jesus Christ, is the full, final and perfect fulfillment of the written law and dealing with sin.  The law has not been cancelled by the gospel of Jesus Christ.  But, His death and resurrection fulfilled the requirements of the law within the believer through the power of the risen Christ.  Christ is the fulfillment of God’s love.  His love sacrificed everything to save us and conquered every sin.  Christ’s sacrifice – the full and final dealing with sin – bringing sin to nothing.

The apostle Paul wrote of this infallible truth which will not pass away.  Those who profess Christ as their Lord and Savior are covered with the full and final dealing with sin, are forgiven and receive the spirit of the living God.  God’s spirit within our hearts freely provides us with a right standing with Himself – to fellowship with the living God.

Are we ministers of the new covenant?

Colossians 3:12 –

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”  NLT

I’ve wondered if when my eulogy is read by those I’ve touched, will my life be reflected as one who pointed to the (new covenant promise) gospel of Jesus Christ?  Will their lives show they are a letter from Christ delivered by me?  Will the life-giving Spirit of God be written on their hearts, not merely on tablets of ink or stone?  Will others say I was a true blessing and will be greatly missed?

If not, please Change My Heart Oh God, (sung by Eddie Espinosa) while there is still time.

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God’s Grace Abounds

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Bernadette

Hebrews 4:16 –

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

The looming clouds and crashing waves did not penetrate the covering and protection of the Lord’s grace.  At the shore line, I stood on the firm foundation of faith in Christ – not wavering.  At the throne of grace, I watched the undertow set seaward another part of my husband’s life (our life) into the horizon – far away and distant until they were no longer in sight.

Grace through relinquishment

The brain cancer support group in the hospital informed us of treatments available.  They explained the seizures and loss of physical abilities.  Progression of anger and physical abuse could occur towards their caregivers and those closest to them due to the loss of the emotional and intellectual thought process to function and reason on a daily basis.

Words I didn’t want to hear, but grace abounds, kept coming to mind.  Extend grace.  My throne of grace will cover you – allow him to relinquish his responsibilities.

My husband paid the bills.  But, as the cancer progressed, he opened the mail and dropped it on the floor by the bed.  One month turned into two months as I watched the pile grow – envelopes opened, but nothing read or paid.

The tendency was to take his responsibilities away when he was incapable – but I couldn’t.  I had to trust the Lords grace in his life too.

One day, he looked at the pile and asked why it was there.  After I explained he said, “Oh, I’ll get to it soon and pay the bills.”  Two days later he said, “You can pay the bills until I start feeling better.  Right now I can’t get to them.”

Grace through Sorrow

I need to run an errand.  I can’t find my keys.  Can you help me?  By the way, I hit another bumper the other day while approaching a stop light.  No damage was done.

I found his keys.  Tears welled up and I couldn’t quite swallow the knot in my throat as I tucked the keys in my jewelry box.  I offered to take him where he needed to go and to help find his keys when we returned.  He never mentioned his keys again.

Grace through weakness

God’s Word of Truth says in all things and at all times we will abound in every good work as He provides all we need.

2 Corinthians 12:9 –

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”  NIV

As time progressed so did the changes and times of anger.  But in the midst of all the changes, the Lord’s grace was all around us.  In every breath, every heartbeat allowed, every sunrise/sunset we were covered with His unmerited favor of grace towards us.  Not because of anything we earned or deserved, for it was given through God’s mercy of compassion – grace through Christ’s redemption of the human race.

Grace through – Oh, My Gosh!

Time has past.  Daily, I find times of opportunity to extend grace as I have experienced the Lord’s grace over me.  Circumstances provide opportunities to relinquish the things I possess or that possess me.  The Lord reminds me to let go for His grace is sufficient.

002Don’t they look sweet?

Sol is our Great Dane.  My daughter asked if my son and I would temporarily keep, Moose, her Mastiff/Black Lab mix.  She said, “He’s kennel trained, sweet, and loving.  But, he chews on things – a lot.”

They’ve adjusted quite well to each other. However, have you ever walked into a situation and all you could say was… Oh, My Gosh?

My son left the house without placing Moose in the kennel.  It was amazing the mess and destruction the two were capable of in a short amount of time.  Books pulled from shelves and chewed to pieces.  Wood strategically chewed off the corners of chairs.  Feathers and stuffing displaced from a chair cushion.

320

As they raced to the back door to escape my amplified words of Oh, my gosh! – Oh, my gosh! (feathers and chair stuffing hanging from every part of their bodies) – Grace abounds came to mind.  Extend grace.  My throne of grace will cover you, let go.

Again, I stand at the shore line on the firm foundation of faith in Christ.  I watch the waves drifting away parts of my own relinquishments, weaknesses, and moments of Oh, my gosh!  Life continues to teach me not to find my identity in the things I own or possess within myself, but in Christ alone – for His grace is sufficient for all my needs as His power rests upon me.

Thank you Lord, in every situation, Your Grace Finds Me, by Matt Redman (Please listen)

Moose is still with us.  His chewing has subsided a bit and he’s all the things my daughter said.

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10,000 Would Change Our World

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Bernadette

Jeremiah 29:11 –

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV

The Lord said,”Go, write My words on the hearts of men.”

I love to write, but to be “out there” where others can read my thoughts, struggles, and challenges?  It’s been one year since I blogged my first post, No Seat on the Bus, and I can relate with Emily.  Except the voices I hear come from within, saying, “You think you have something to offer others; one who is technically challenged, scattered, and crushed for time to learn to write well?”

Anxiety and doubt have pushed me to get off the bus of writing.  It would be easier to run to my safe room, plop myself on my bed, and cover my head with my pillow so I would not hear the Lord’s voice and His plans for me.  But, He gently continues to say, “Trust Me,  in My time and My plan, I will give you all you need and remember the words of the Psalmist.”

Psalm 139 –

“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.  You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.  Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.  If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well…”  NIV 

This year, He’s brought gifts of opportunities and treasures from a writer’s group I attend and a few bloggers.

David, of Red Letter Believers, for his encouraging critique and insight.

Bill, of Unshakable Hope, for inspiration and an amazing walk of courage and hope.

Amy, of Garden2day, for the example of one who steps out of the box in faith.

Looking ahead to 2014 with 10,000

A member of my writer’s group mentioned Malcom Gladwell’s book, Outliers.  He takes the reader on a journey through the world of “outliers”–the best, the brightest, the most famous, and the most successful. He asks: what makes high-achievers different?

His answer is we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, too little attention to where they are from, or what it took for them to get there.  He explains a possible common thread of 10,000 hours of practice contributed to achieve their success to “master” something – to become truly great.

I asked the Lord, “How could I accomplish this in writing late in my life?”  He answered, “Instead of focusing 10,000 hours towards writing, there is something greater.”

10,000 Would Change the World

004If 12 disciples turned their world upside down in their time in history, what could 1, 10, or 100 people do by lifting 10,000 praises of thanksgiving to Him in gratitude?  How many lives would be changed by lifting 10,000 prayers to Him for the persecuted church, the hurting, and the lost?  How would His mighty hand pour out mercy, grace, and blessings by lifting 10,000 words of scripture prayed and written back to Him knowing He is faithful?

10,000 Would Change Our World

Scripture says to continually pray without ceasing and to lift praises to the Lord with my whole heart.005

I do not make New Year’s Resolutions, but I can begin to pray with 10,000 as my goal.  The Lord already knows His plans for my life.  I do not need to spend time wondering, but be obedient to His Words of Truth as I watch and He unfolds His grace and blessings.  As with Emily, God sees the inward person – the humble heart, and blesses.

My blog started with humble beginnings, may it continue to stay there.  It may never reach the masses.  But, if one post changes one heart because it found its home in the love of Jesus Christ, I can rejoice and give thanks and praise to the Lord for there are 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman (Please listen)

What are your goals this coming year?  Lift them high to the Lord and see what He accomplishes through them!

God bless and Happy New Year!

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Peace on Earth, Wrapped in Love

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Bernadette

Luke 2:7-15

 “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.”  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.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  NIV

I looked, but…

I’m not the typical female shopper.  I’m not one to linger in the malls or department stores.  I prefer to run in the store, get what I need, and leave.  One particular autumn day, as I was making my way to the register, I heard a distant familiar jingle playing in the background and grabbing my attention.  “Santa Claus is coming to town…”   Did I miss a couple of months or holidays?  Didn’t I just drive down the street taking in the beautiful autumn colors of shimmering gold, crimson, and orange leaves bursting on the trees?  I took a quick glance down the aisle before leaving the store, but…

I did not find it.

Into October, in another store, and not rushing to get out, I stopped and paused for a few moments.  I heard another familiar jingle and voice of Beryl Ives, “You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen.  But do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all?”  I looked at the beautiful display of perfect fir trees, some flocked, and all arrayed with twinkling lights.  The snow globes contained Santa on his sleigh, Rudolf, and Frosty the Snowman.  There were numerous shelves of decorated wreaths in red and green bulbs and ribbons.  Glitter coated stockings and mistletoe hung in straight rows.  Warm candles were glowing and bells were ringing.  Not giving up, I was…

Still seeking.

Through the Thanksgiving celebration more shops displayed more decorations of miniature snow-covered houses glowing warm with lights, the holiday moose wrapped in Pendleton scarves, and overly stuffed felt snowmen adorned with corncob pipes, top hats, and eyes made of coal.  More people were shopping, standing in lines, and checking off their shopping lists.  I peered through numerous window shops, displays, and decorations seeking, but…

Still, I did not find it. 

Into December I was still wondering if I would find what I was seeking, that there seemed to be no room for.  Could this be the same seeking and wondering Joseph and Mary experienced in their search in the marketplace of Bethlehem, only to find there was no room for them in the inn?

Found, in a quiet place.

As I peered through the window of a quaint, small store, there it was, tucked away almost hidden as an afterthought for there was barely room for the manger holding the Christ Child in swaddling clothes.  I stood outside the store in the quiet surroundings and barely noticed the soft snowflakes quietly falling all around me.  The vision of the Christ Child and the solitude took me back to a childhood memory that seems so long ago.

I was just eight years old, but I still remember rising very early that Christmas morning, careful not to wake anyone.  I quietly looked at the gifts under the tree and gathered up the blue and white stuffed poodle (I knew was mine) and made my way to the window.  The room was quiet and calm as I shared the beautiful sight with my new friend.  I was hypnotized by the soft falling snowflakes arraying the ground with its white blanket.  The stillness surrounded and engulfed me as I envisioned the manger holding the Prince of Peace wrapped in God’s love and given to me and to everyone to freely receive into our hearts.

The Prince of Peace, God’s gift to mankind carefully wrapped in His promise of everlasting peace and love, everyday, for those who invite Him into their hearts.  But, every year at this time, anticipating the day set apart to celebrate my Lord’s birth, I have a renewed longing and desire to seek the Christ Child in the manger, to see and meet Him again and again.

The traditional holiday decor, symbols, and busyness in our lives during the Christmas season seem to make it harder to find the humble beginnings of the Christ Child in the manger.  But, wise men who long and desire to seek Him can still find Him.  Just like the soft falling snow, He comes quietly in calm and peace.  He softly and tenderly wraps our hearts with the blanket of His love as a free gift and blessing of Peace on Earth to those on Whom His favor rests.

005Peace on Earth can be found if we seek the Reason for the Manger, by Daniel Newlun (One of my new favorite Christmas songs)

 

Merry Christmas!

Posted in Holidays | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Heir to the King of the Universe

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Bernadette

Galatians 4:4-7

 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,  to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.  Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”   NIV

We are heirs to the King of the Universe!

001Another birthday will be coming soon.  For my birthday this last year my kid’s theme for me was a “Princess”.  How thoughtful of them, when often I can relate so well with Cinderella before she went to the ball!

But, it’s true – I am a princess, a daughter to the King of the universe.  Wow, because I responded to the call to ask God to forgive me of my sins, to invite Christ to live in my heart, and take control of my life, I am God’s child.  What a glorious free gift to me.  I am an heir to receive an inheritance, to partake in a place of honor with Him.

Our inheritance is not of this world!

A new calculation from Bloomberg Markets Magazine listed Gates, Koch, or Walton as some of the richest people today.  But, even their worldly wealth pales in comparison to the riches of the King.

Our wealth is not in the riches of this world.  In comparison to the inheritance of the riches of the Lord’s Kingdom, they are mere stubble and hay.

He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.  He will make all things new and the holy city Jerusalem with be clothed in God’s glory, splendor, and radiance.  It’s wall will be built of jasper while the main street and the city itself will be of pure gold, clear and transparent like glass.  Each of the twelve gates will be built of one solid pearl.  The foundation (stones) of the wall of the city will be ornamented with all the precious stones.  The first jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

The Lord God Omnipotent and the Lamb (Christ) are its temple.  The splendor and radiant glory of God will illuminate the city and the Lamb is its lamp.

From the throne of God and of the Lamb flows the river whose waters give life and on either side of the river will be the tree of life with its twelve yielding fruits and the leaves of the tree for the healing and restoration for all.

Revelation 22:4-5

“We shall see His face and His name shall be on our foreheads.
 …the Lord God will illuminate us and be our light and we shall reign (as kings) forever and ever (through the eternities of the eternities).”   AMP

I know there are times in my daily routine I am tired and a little beaten up from the daily demands of life.  Often, those are the times I cry out, “Abba, Father”,  remembering I am no longer bound as a slave.  I have been redeemed through Christ and now am a child and heir to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Freedom in our Inheritance!

This Thanksgiving, may we give thanks as the children of God, for His many blessings given to each of us.  But, also for the freedom He has given us as an heir to call Him, “Abba, Father”.  May we not measure our wealth as the world measures, but measure and compare our wealth and our inheritance with the Things we Leave Behind, by Michael Card. (please listen)

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Posted in Personal Growth | 4 Comments

Come, to the Garden Alone

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Bernadette

Genesis 2:8-9 –

“And the Lord God planted a garden toward the east in Eden (delight); and there He put the man whom He had formed (framed, constituted).  And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight or to be desired – good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of life also, in the center of the garden.”   AMP

Genesis 3:8 –

“And they heard the sound of the Lord walking in the garden in the cool of the day…”   AMP

In the garden, Adam and Eve experienced an intimate, close relationship with the Lord.  A relationship so close, they heard the sound of the Lord walking in the garden.  A place where He sought them out and called their names in the cool of the day.  A paradise of security, care, and provision all wrapped in the center of His love for them.

Come, meet with Me –

My mornings used to start with my feet hitting the floor rushing to get my kids ready for the day so I could be to work before everyone else arrived.  Often, in the process, I heard the Lord’s voice calling my name into the secret, cool place of the garden to meet with Him, to start my day with Him.  Instead, I was pushed and driven to the public place of usefulness, telling myself I would meet with Him later in the day only to find by the afternoon or evening – I was worn, tired, and weary.

Come, to the Secret Place –  

Over time, weariness and my crying prayers for help caused me to listen and grasp the calling.

 The secret place is the garden of my heart where the Lord meets with me.  A place where He calls my very name to find His beauty, His abundance, and His Living Water.  A place where He refreshes my soul, satisfies my hunger, and quenches my thirst.  A place where He draws me to Himself to clothe me with His majesty and splendor.  A calm, peaceful, and soothing place securely wrapped in His glory.  It is the very center of His love where He continually invites me to eat of the fruit of the Tree of Life in the center of the garden where Christ dwells.

Lord, come meet with me –

For several years now, I awake and prayerfully ask the Lord to come meet with me to allow me to give Him my first fruits, the best time of my day.  It’s a quiet, dedicated, and intimate time with Him before the cell phones start ringing/texting, before the television/radios start blaring, or others start requiring my attention.

The following is posted next to my bed as a daily reminder to start my day with praise to my God.

“With the earliest birds, I will make one more singer in the great concert hall of God.  I will not want for rest, or a longer time to myself to consider all my troubles.  I will give my best time, the first hour of the day, to the praise of my God.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

Our constant doing is a distraction to the secret place of being in the center of His love.  A place He calls us to be deeply rooted, grounded, and cultivated to soak in the truth of our redemption in Christ Jesus.  He invites us to drink of the Living Water and eat of the Tree of Life to allow His love to flow through us.  In turn, we are to pour that same love into the lives of others.  It’s not to be held.

Has the Lord been calling you to come to the garden alone to be with Him to give Him your first fruits and best time of the day?  Listen, grasp the calling for it is the place where you will discover and know He walks with you.

Bless you!

Posted in New Beginnings, Personal Growth | 4 Comments

I AM Your Provision

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Bernadette

Philippians 3:7 –

“But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ’s sake.”   AMP

Finally, I reached my goal!

For months I worked extra hard and long hours through the evenings and week-ends to save.  I was faithful to put the money away to reach my goal to pay off a debt.  I was anticipating the release, freedom, and joy; no longer squeezed in the grip of bondage.

Then the call came, a family member desperately needed funds, asking for help.  As I prayerfully took the request to the Father, I already knew His answer – to release the funds.  So many emotions raced within my mind and heart.  Yet, I’ve learned to be faithful and obedient when the Lord opens the door to do as He requests.  In His gentle voice, he said to remember, “I AM your provision.”  He revealed those funds were meant to be set aside for this very purpose, in an hour of need.

It was not a matter of letting go of the funds as much as it was a matter of the condition of my heart in doing so.  How many situations in my life (even when it seems for the good) will it take to completely understand His ways and thoughts?  Beyond my lifetime, I’m sure.

Isaiah 55:9 –

 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” NIV

The debt was not the grip of bondage I needed to be freed from, but my trying to force God’s hand in my drivenness, productivity, and self-striving.  I stopped and sat quietly in prayer and stillness.  The gripping problem churned inside me and sank to the bottom of my heart.  It slowly oozed itself on to my bed and slithered down to the floor.  For several days I just looked at it heaped in a pile on my floor and contemplated.

I’ve come to realize my inner drive was my friend and companion in my early years to help me survive and face life head on, no matter the circumstances.  It was my inner protection to shield and protect my family while raising my kids as a single mom.  It’s been my driving comfort and aid to help me focus on other people and other situations as it bandaged itself over my hidden emotions.  Other times, it’s been my foe – pushing me to the point of exhaustion.

God gently turned the notch up a bit in the furnace of testing to purge the most minute bit of driving, pride, and self-striving.  He’s been my comfort as he’s allowed me time to stop and take to heart my life prayer for the past 17 years from Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest.” (January 2nd)

“Take no thought for your life,… nor yet for your body”–take no thought for the things for which you did take thought before you went out.”  “…until so far as your faith is concerned, there is nothing between yourself and God.”

As God reveals more of Who He is in the deeper and life long journey with Him, faith must be tested.  A faith trusting He will never allow me to stand alone.

My true desire – faith and trust in Him alone!

Blessed Easter - Copy

Finally, I reached my goal!

Release, freedom, and joy; no longer squeezed in the grip of bondage. All taken to heart, experienced, and found deep within, When I Let it Go, by Sierra (please listen).

Thank you Lord, your humbled servant.

Posted in Personal Growth | 13 Comments