One Small Child

One Small Child by David Meece

One small child in a land of a thousand
One small dream of a Savior tonight
One small hand reaching out to the starlight
One small Savior of life
Ooooh.

One king bringing his gold and his riches
One king ruling an army of might
One king kneeling with incense and candlelight
One King bringing us life
Ooooh.

See Him lying, a cradle beneath Him
See Him smiling in the stall
See His mother praising His Father
See His tiny eyelids fall.

See the shepherds kneeling before Him
See the kings on bended knee
See the mother praising the Father
See the Blessed Infant sleep.

One small child in a land of a thousand
One small dream of a Savior tonight
One small hand reaching out to the starlight
One small Savior of life
Ooooh.

Wake Up

The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and his entire household. 2 Samuel 6:11

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Mark 6:4-6

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 1 Corinthians 6:19

You are a temple of the Holy Spirit. God dwells within you. As a result, many amazing things are happening to and through you. God wants us to become more and more aware of this. Meditate on it, pray about it, declare it. When Jesus was in his own home town he couldn't do much because of the unbelief of the people. In a way, we are like Nazareth. Jesus is in our midst and willing to do great things. He is asking us to believe in him. He is asking us to acknowledge who he is and the goodness and mercy in our lives and in the world. Read his word and declare it to be true. Choose to believe. Choose to wake up and see the goodness of the Lord. The more you do this, your faith will grow. Then he can even do greater things in and through you.

You Have Been Lifted Up

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He lifts up (cuts off) every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1-2

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap
Psalm 113:7

Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel. Judges 5:3

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27

One time I heard a teaching on the vine and the branches. The speaker said that there was actually more than one way that John 15:2 could be translated. He said that some branches grow too low on the ground and get dirty. So the vine dresser lifts them and ties them up. Then he washes them so that they can be healthy and produce. This really spoke to me and I have utilized this translation ever since.

This morning, God showed me a picture of us as that vine that has been lifted up. I see us straining to get back in the dust because this is what we are used to. God is saying that we no longer live in the dust. It is not our identity. We are lifted up among the healthy, fruit bearing branches. We are to know our dignity.

He wants to give us a new identity. We are to have the identity of one who has been raised up. We are not the one who is diseased, fruitless and living in the dust. We are clean and lifted up. The gardener is pleased with us.

You Are Making A difference

And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you
1 John 2:27a

You are the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13a

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

The other day I went to a gas station in a nearby town. When my tank was full, the attendant asked, "Kathie, do you need a receipt?" That's all. He didn't say anything amazing. He didn't do anything amazing. Yet, as I drove away, I began to cry. I don't know exactly what happened, but it was as if God said to me, "I see you and know that you are my beloved. I also see your pain and care about you. I see that you are making a difference in the world and I am pleased with you." None of these words were actually spoken and yet that is exactly the message that my heart heard from God, himself. That man was anointed by God. He is truly the light of the world. He is truly the salt of the earth. He was just going about his business, doing the menial job that was given to him. Yet, because he abides in God he is bearing great fruit. It is all very mystical, but I know it to be true. We are light and we are salt. We are making a difference.

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” St. Francis of Assisi

Happy Birthday Jesus

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship Romans 12:1

During Christmas day service I asked God, "What do you want for Christmas?"

I heard him answer, "Give me all of your sins."

Rejoice

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. Romans 13:11-12a

This is such a scripture of hope. It's Christmas Eve today and a day of great anticipation. Salvation is nearer. Tomorrow we celebrate the birthday of Jesus.

This is my last chance to share my favorite advent song. Enjoy this day of preparation for the birthday of our king.

Jesus, Our Most Amazing Paradox

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

It's a time of winter when roses don't bloom and yet, Jesus, our rose is blooming. It's a time of darkness, and yet Jesus is our light. It is a time of debt and unemployment, and yet Jesus is our provider. He is the King of Kings, and yet not only was he born in a stable, he chooses to dwell in us with all our imperfections. He is a baby boy, and yet he will grow up to do amazing things for us all.

Arab Christmas Song

Last night I had a dream that I was on a bus in another part of the world. This morning, when I came across this Arab Christmas song, I just had to share it with you. It reminds us that there are Christians all over the world. The pictures are amazing and if you wait till the end, they will tell you what they are of.

Of The Father's Love Begotten

You are begotten of the Father's love. Before he created the world he planned on you. You are wanted, loved, valued and chosen. Open to his love and kindness. This is your greatest weapon against darkness. As you open to his love and kindness, the darkness must flee. You see things in proper perspective and know God's love and hope.

It is because of God's great love for you that God sent Jesus. Kneel at the manger and worship. You are welcomed in this sacred place along with the shepherds and angels. The wise men traveled a great distance to come to Christ. We remember them and are in awe. You too, have traveled a great distance. You have gone through many trials as you moved towards Jesus. Yet you have boldly continued on your journey. You haven't given up, no matter how difficult the path was. God sees and is pleased with you.

Come, Let Us Go Up To The Mountain Of The Lord

The word which Isaiah the son of Amos saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Now it will come about that in the last days, the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us concerning His ways, and that we may walk in His paths." For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples; and they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war. Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the Lord."
Isaiah 2:1-5

Advent is a time when we prepare for Christmas, which is the first coming of the Lord and also prepare for the second coming, when Jesus will return again. I have been focusing on Christmas, but today the focus shifted to Christ's second coming.

This morning I sensed a gathering of God's saints and angels saying to me, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord." I have got to admit that the first thing that struck me was that I was being asked to be part of a group of people that are truly dedicated to God. I sensed a respect for me that I have never known. I was so touched that I began to cry.

I get the impression that many of us are seeing ourselves like a grainy black and white photo. We are sort of staying in the background because we always feel inadequate and that we don't quite fit. We think, "I'll just stay quiet and worship God in my own way and everyone that rejects me and disagrees me will leave me alone." I think God is saying that he sees your faithfulness. He doesn't see you like you see yourself. You are in full color and vibrantly beautiful. Listen, God is calling you, yes you. In some mystical way, you are being asked to join the saints and angels to worship and prepare for the second coming of the Lord. Go forth in dignity and joy. The Lord is on your side.

God Chose Little You

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.

Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor bears a son,
and the rest of his brothers return
to join the Israelites.

He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.

And he will be our peace
when the Assyrians invade our land
and march through our fortresses.
We will raise against them seven shepherds,
even eight commanders.
Micah 5:1-5

Joy To The World The Lord Is Come

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice in harvest.....For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing it and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord God Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:2-3a & 6-7

"He comes to make his blessings flow, far as the curse is found."
(Joy To The World)

Several years ago, I was in Sarajevo. As I looked out the window at dawn, it was so beautiful to see the little lights all over the city coming on as people woke up. While I was remembering this today, I had a vision of a place near the center of Sarajevo where there is is a WWII memorial called Eternal Flame. Instead of the memorial, I saw the manger and baby Jesus. All around Jesus there was light. I felt like God was saying that when Jesus was born , he was born in the whole world. He had Sarajevo on his heart that day along with every place in the world. The little lights that I saw at dawn reminded me of Sarajevo waking up to know Jesus and who he is. As more and more people wake up the light increases. It all started in the heart of God. Like the above scripture says, "The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." We, as Christians, do our best to spread the light, but God wants us to be reminded that he is the light, and he is the one that started the light shining and continues to do so. Our hope is in God. "He comes to make his blessings flow, far as the curse is found."

Ripples

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11

When something really big is dropped into a pool, not only does it make a big splash, but it sends out ripples. Jesus was given to us as an amazing gift. He is the centerpiece. He is the reason for the season. There is no better gift that can be given to us than Jesus. He has landed in the pool of your life and has made a huge splash. But there is more. He is gifting you this very day in amazing ways. We weren't just gifted with Jesus and then all the rest of life we just bumble through. We weren't given Sundays just to worship and then the rest of the week we try to just make it through. We are gifted every day and in every moment. If you look up from what you are doing right now, you will see a gift from God. He is showering you constantly with gifts. They are the ripples from Jesus. Today, some of my obvious gifts are the hawk that perched in a tree across from my house and a blue heron that landed right in front of me, the delicious tea that I am drinking and the blue sky amidst the clouds. Oh please hear me out. These are not just some nice words. I feel so strongly that God wants you to wake up to his gifts for you. I know there is a place in you that is probably suffering. We want God to take the pain away. Until he does there is a tendency to just close our eyes and wait it out. He is asking you to open your eyes and see the gifts that he is showering on you. Surrender your will. His ways are not our ways. They don't always make sense. This I do know, he wants to pour out blessings on you. He has been doing this all along. Ask him to open your eyes and your heart to receive. Have a blessed day, gifted child of God.

Here is another of my favorite Christmas songs. I can still hear my seventh grade friend singing it many years ago. In this song, the gifts had to be pointed out, but they were there. God wants to point out his gifts to you.

The Right Shall Prevail

One of my favorite Christmas songs is, I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY. It is based on a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. His wife had died and his son had been seriously injured in the Civil War when he wrote this poem.

I guess it really speaks to me because I grieve over the lack of peace on earth. There is war and suffering everywhere. One Christmas I was feeling especially sad and this song really spoke to me.

Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep,
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth good will to men."

This morning, God has the same message. He is not dead. He lives. He is asking us to look up and see the goodness of God. It reminds me of the time I was telling God everything that I thought was wrong in my life. Then God spoke up and asked me, "What is right?" That is what he was asking me to look at.

When Jesus was born, hardly anyone even knew he existed. He was a little baby in an obscure stable. Yet he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He doesn't want to be seen as little in this world of hatred and suffering. He is God, and his goodness and mercy endure forever. I am convinced that we as Christians need to sing this, speak it, believe it, declare it. You need to know it clear to the core of your being. Remember, praise silences the avenger and the foe. As you, who know the truth, walk in that truth, the light of Jesus will shine brighter and the world will know that "God is not dead and that the wrong shall fail and the right prevail."

Come and Worship

I just got a picture of Jesus living within me. I am the stable. The angels are singing. The shepherds are kneeling in worship. All I can think about is how dirty my barn is. I am so busy cleaning and mucking out stalls that I am hardly aware of Christ's presence.

I remember once, when I was a kid, the pastor came to visit. We weren't big on a super clean house. We lived out in the country and heated with wood, so there was the potential of lots of dust. To make matters worse, we had black, Naugahyde furniture that really showed the dust. When we saw the pastor pull into our driveway, we scurried around, hiding clutter and wiping the dust from the furniture. I was so ashamed and self conscious the whole time he was visiting, that I hardly knew he was there. I don't even remember why he came, but I can still feel the pain of shame, that he would see us in our everyday clothes and home.

I think that today, Jesus is saying that this is what some of us are doing. We are perpetually ashamed that Jesus is in such a dirty stable. We forget to even look at him because we am so worried about being clean enough. He is calling us to put down our cleaning tools and come and worship him.

Breath of Heaven

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34;5

"I am waiting in a silent prayer. I am frightened by the load I bear. In a world cold as stone must I walk this path alone. Be with me now." (Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant)

Don't look at yourself and see if you measure up. God has chosen you to carry Christ. It's not because you are better than anyone else. Mary was like the forerunner. She was the first to carry Christ. Now everyone has the opportunity. God doesn't look at us and say, "You are good enough. I'll let you carry my Son, but if you mess up you're out of here." No, he is so humble. He knows we will mess up, but he's still willing. In fact our very lives are dependent on it. Those that carry his Son have true life.

There is nothing we can do to be good enough. That's why Jesus had to come in the first place. Nobody was pure enough. Now that he paid the price of our sin, we can come to him in righteousness. That is sheer gift.

The enemy seems to be shouting really loudly, "You are not good enough!"

God is begging us not to listen. He is asking us to look to him and be radiant, so our faces won't be covered with shame.

Today, I am giving you a truly beautiful song. It will truly bless you.

Red is the Color of Love

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

I am a rose of Sharon,a lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens. Song of Solomon 2:1-2

This morning, my prayers began for the people that are walking in darkness, both those I know and those I don't know. Then I saw a beautiful vision. It was a string of dark red lights that covered the whole world. God seemed to be saying that he is everywhere. He is in nations that have made Christianity illegal. He is involved in lives of people that don't know him. He is so beautiful!

I have learned that red flowers represent love. I guess whenever I picture the Rose of Sharon, I picture a red rose. I also know that God so loved the world that he sent Jesus to shed his blood for us. He died for the whole world, so it makes sense that this beautiful Rose is present everywhere. It makes sense that his light that is shining is red.

God's greatest call to me today is to see and acknowledge his presence in the world. I am not to be discouraged by the darkness. I am to rejoice that a child has been born. The Rose of Sharon is here like a lily among thorns. I would encourage you to respond to this call as well. Acknowledge and savor the beauty of your Lord. See this beauty in the ashes. Receive his oil of joy for your mourning. Lift up your eyes and worship the One True God who reigns throughout the whole world.

White Christmas

>Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

I am dreaming of a white Christmas. I want every person to receive what Christ did for us on the cross. I want us to walk in dignity and knowing that he became our sin so that we could be righteous. So many people don't turn to God, whether they are Christian or not, because somehow they are convinced they they don't deserve to come to him and they need to get their act together first. I actually find myself doing this again and again. That's just it. We can never really get our act together while here on earth. That is why we need Jesus. Though are sins be scarlet, we shall be as white as snow. So I am praying that everyone everywhere will receive the greatest gift ever, and the whole world will be whiter than snow.

In The Bleak Mid Winter

“What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give him—
Give my heart.”
(Christina Rosetti)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3

So many times we feel thrashed by life. It can feel like mid winter right in the middle of summer. It seems as if we have absolutely nothing to give anyone. We feel destitute. These are the most painful times and yet the most glorious. We are stripped of everything and can't impress God or anyone else. Then all we have to offer God is ourselves. This is when we find out that this is what is most important to him. He is not impressed with all we have done to prove that we are worth loving. He already knows that we are worth it.

See him come to you and place the precious, vulnerable baby Jesus in your arms. Hold him close. Let his warmth and sweetness penetrate the winter of your life.

Your Heart Is A Manger

Why lies he in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?...
The King of Kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him.
( Christmas Carol- What Child is This)

You did not choose me, but I chose you.. John 15:16

He did not choose us because we are a royal palace for the King of Kings to dwell. When he came at Christmas, he chose to be born in a barn. He had a manger for his bed. He has chosen us in the same way. He hasn't chosen us because he is impressed with how good we are. We are a stable and our heart is a manger full of hay. He wants to dwell in us. He didn't choose us because we are good. He chose us because he loves us.

Remain In His Love

Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.
Luke 1:28

For many are invited, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:12

You are chosen! This is what I really want to emphasize today. It is a good thing that you have said, "yes" to God. He is pleased with this, but he wants us to know that he chose us. Last night, this is what he kept impressing on my heart. We are chosen by God. He wants us. He values us. He loves us. We tend to get so caught up in trying to please God that we forget that he is pleased with us. We forget to just be still and receive from him.

Let his love wash over you. Let it sink into those places within you that are cold and barren. Be still and know that he is God. The advice and attitude of others can really wear you down. Life itself can be very challenging. There is no condemnation in him. He is your strong tower. He is your hiding place. He is your refuge and fortress. He isn't looking for you to be strong and capable so you can do good things for him. He is looking to be your hero. He wants to be strong and capable for you. He wants to be your knight in shining armor. Let your guard down and rest in his love. Cast all your cares on him and let him care for you. You are his chosen one, his beloved. Remain in his love.

Mary's Song

My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my
savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his
servant.
From now on all generations will call
me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great
things for me-
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear
him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with
his arm;
he has scattered those who are
proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from
their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good
things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant
Israel;
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants
forever,
even as he said to our fathers.
Luke 1:46-55

Yes Lord

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered, "May it be to me as you have said."
Luke 1:38

The angel didn't just ask Mary to go tell everyone about the Messiah. In fact, as far as I can tell, Mary was pretty quiet. Jesus was in her. Then she gave birth to him and shared him with others.

Jesus is asking to be in us in the same way, to be part of us. He is asking to come and dwell in us like he did with Mary. He wants his home to be in us.

He is not just asking us to run and shout about him. He's not asking us to be good or do good works. He is asking to truly dwell in us. We will be like Mary and carry the Son of God. We can't give birth to him unless we carry him. We can't share him with others unless we have him to share.

I don't totally get it, just like Mary didn't. He is just asking us to say, "yes." It seems he wants to dwell in us in a way that we have never known. This is what we have been looking for our whole lives. This is what we were made for. If you say, "yes," you aren't saying yes to me. You are saying, "yes" to God. So let's do it. Let's grab God's hand and take the plunge. It's going to be good.