The Christ of Christmas

 

The Christ of Christmas

 

Singing the old hymns of Christmas is one of the favorite things of this season. They tell the story of Christ the Messiah, Jesus, birth and the miracle of how He came to earth. Reading Matthey 1 reveals the fact that Mary was miraculously impregnated by God himself by His Holy Spirit! This virgin mother willingly bore this child full term, with no clear understanding of what was ahead. God used a human to deliver Jesus as human. Amazing!

When I think of this plan devised to open the world to salvation, God’s love for mankind shatters pride and causes me to sing the messages of truth and blessing. With awe. How grateful I am for God and His love that humbly came to earth to make a needed salvation for mankind. How grateful I am for the willingness of Mary to parent Jesus (along with Joseph) here on earth. The Christ of Christmas is worthy of our praise..

By: Joy Pedersen

Matthew 1:18 (ESV)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.

A Walk through Christmas

A Walk through Christmas

The hustle and bustle of this season can be split between great delight and difficult demands. The shopping, the parties, the church activities, people, and decorating vie for our time and energy. The joy of this season is best found when we take time to pause and reflect on Jesus through Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and music. 

Matthew 11:28–29(AMP) “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls.”

By: Joy Pedersen

Celebrating Jesus

Celebrating Jesus

Though we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, He has always existed – just not in human form. John wrote a book in the Bible to let us know who Jesus was from the beginning to the end of time on earth. This book helps us understand the character and heart of God through Jesus.

John reveals Jesus as the Word, Logos, who was with God and was God. So the first thing we find out about Jesus was not his birth but his eternal existence. As we enter this Christmas season, we are celebrating an eternal God in his humble state as a man. He revealed Himself and lived His life in a broken world so that we can experience His image – which we are made in.

Imagine! He lived what is taught throughout scripture, died the death of a martyr, and was resurrected. In many ways Christmas is a celebration of the wonderful mysterious gift of eternal life. He has made spiritual life possible for those who accept Him and they (we) will be with Him eternally.

John 1:1-3(ESV) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made”.

By: Joy Pedersen

Be Thankful

Be Thankful

The Thanksgiving holiday season is close at hand. Historically we have been told the first one was celebrated with the American Indians and sojourning Pilgrims who were thankful for a bountiful harvest. This came after a hard year for those from England on the Mayflower.  Seeking a newfound freedom, the passengers of the ship lived - and many died from disease, hunger, and cold weather – waiting to find sanctuary.

Beginning in 1827 Sarah Josepha Hale campaigned for 36 years to establish a national holiday for Thanksgiving and it was declared in 1863. She became the Mother of Thanksgiving when Abraham Lincoln conceded to make it a holiday here in the United States. At the height of the Civil War, he wrote a letter of proclamation asking everyone to pray to God “to commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners and sufferers in the lamentable civil strife and to heal the wounds of the nation.” (Sounds like something Jesus said!)

1 Thessalonians 5:18(AMP) goes even further in a letter: “In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

Interestingly enough, Lincoln did not proclaim thanks in the situation they were in. Romans 5 declares the purpose of suffering. Reminding us that there is purpose in the previous suffering in our lives. So much to be thankful for in the time of distress that comes in opposition to Christ. He provides inner strength, confidence in His presence, peace in the middle of the storm, salvation in Christ Jesus that gives us hope for all eternity and promised compassion and care.

We are each called to give thanks even when the difficulties of life seem too much to bare.  What have you suffered and yet give thanks to God this season?

WORKING WITH JESUS

 

WORKING WITH JESUS

 

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on
wings like eagles. The will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not
faint.” (NLT)

This sounds so simple, and it is simple but not easy. In fact, this is so simple I think we have a difficult time doing it. We can just let God take care of ‘it’. Not just the big things but the little challenges also. We may think we will take care of the little problems and God will take care of the big ones.

Where does scripture tell us to do that? We may think, “Well, this is a small thing, so I can do this. God is busy taking care of more important things.” Sound familiar? I know I have had these thoughts at times.

What would happen if we let God in on all our challenges and choices? Do you think he would ignore the “small stuff”? Would He tell us we need to handle them? Are they really ours to deal with on our own? Do we really think we can solve things better than God can?

Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

This scripture says, to me, that we are to be yoked – connected with and submitted to Jesus and His care, at all times. He has the strength, wisdom, and compassion to carry our every concern. So, big or small, we are to link with him. We are to work with him, not deal with it on our own.

What do you think will happen in our lives if we do this?

BY: Sally Samarin

Trust and Obey

Trust and Obey

Ecclesiastes is a book in the Bible that I wasn’t fond of until I went through a traumatic period in my life.  The Lord led me to this very place to find comfort and guidance. I felt the Holy Spirit led me to read its entirety.

Solomon described life as being vanity (emptiness or futility), and it resonated with me. At that moment, I wanted to understand the reason for what was happening, would God rescue me from the circumstances, and what was I to do. Trudging through the chapters, I realized that I would never be able to justify, simplify, or identify the situation’s purpose or my need to control things.

This whole book points out that what happens in life doesn’t always seem fair to us. In spite of all that we have experienced through hardships and lose we have and will face if we want to keep our joy, it is important to focus on the Lord for help and direction.

Now as I am aging, I see that some things get better and others much more difficult. Searching for the meaning of difficult issues only stirs discomfort. In chapter 12 there is a reckoning with where I am now. These are things I am beginning to experience what most of us will come to eventually:

·        It is harder to maintain a household when we experience physical limitations.

·        Our teeth are weakened or filled in with implants, etc.

·        Our eyes are not as strong as they once were.

·        Sleep is not always as good as it once was so that even the song of a bird wakens us.

·        We move slower – like a grasshopper dragging along the way.

·        We sometimes lose our desire to be here on this earth any longer and eagerly await heaven as our home.

·        And as we assess our lives it may seem as though nothing has much meaning in this world. 

             When I came to Ecclesiastes 12:13, at my original read, I was pulled up short of my self-pity and grumbling thoughts of life being over! Instead, the words on the page almost jumped off the page:

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of all mankind.”

Rather like Job’s message, I felt the Holy Spirit was telling me:

 “You might not like life this way. It may not make sense to you, but it does to Me.  So here is what you need to do, don’t try to understand it all. Just accept where you are.  Trust Me and honor me with your obedience. It is all I ask of you. I love you, and I am with you through all your experiences.”

It is easy to get caught up in our limitations, but no matter where we are in life, we are to maintain our focus upward - on God.  My relationship with and response to God is richer because of this message. He knows and holds me tenderly through all of life. I am confident that He lovingly does this for all of His children.

May your walk with the Lord be enriched because you love, trust, honor, and obey the God who is, was, and will ever be.

By: Joy Pedersen

CONNECTIVE PRAYER

 photo courtesy of Lisa A. Smith                                                      

CONNECTIVE PRAYER

       In praying we connect with God who is our Father (Romans 1:7), with Jesus our Savior (2 Timothy 1:10), and the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19) who indwells us. In using the Connective Prayer described below, it is more about following the principles rather than the process in connecting with the triune God. This praying is based on truths found in God’s Word. The desired result is deep communication with the Lord so that anything that might be needed can be revealed and remedied by the Lord as He sees appropriate.  Drawing us into this deeper intimacy with Him is healing. To be restored fully to his original intended relationship with us, we need His insight, work, and applied Word in our lives. The Father sits with us as we pray while the Spirit, sent by Jesus, acts as a go-between – almost like a translator – on our behalf. 

      At Clear Hope we have found the use of these applied principles in prayer to be transforming as the Holy Spirit works in our hearts. Each highlighted area has been organized to move from preparation, pressing in progressively into the Holy Spirit’s intervention, His interaction, and ending in grateful closure. However, do not feel as if they have to go in the order you see. Pray as the Holy Spirit leads you. 

      The underlined principles are clarified for more understanding. At the end of each aspect of the prayer, a scripture is given that is foundational for the principle. Keep in mind, as you read, that God’s Words are always more powerful than what any author has ever written.

     Ephesians 6:18NIV reminds us to “pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Why? Romans 8:23TPT tells us it is because “We long to experience our full status as God’s sons and daughters.” 

CONNECTIVE PRAYER PRINCIPLES

     APPROACH GOD - As you enter prayer, approach the triune God. The Father who cares for you, the Son who heals and saves, and the Holy Spirit as counselor. Quiet your thoughts and immediate concerns, thinking of Him and His love for you in silence. (Psalm 46:10 (TPT) “Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God. I am the God above all the nations, and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth.”)

     ACKNOWLEDGE GOD - Start with praise.  Praise is an expression of gratitude for His attributes and character.  It is not the same thing as thanksgiving. Some of His attributes to consider in praise are healer, defender, redeemer, restorer, comforter, King, Lord and the One who sees us. (2 Corinthians 1:3 (TPT) “All praises belong to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he is the Father of tender mercy and the God of endless comfort.”)

     ACCEPT GOD’S PROTECTION - Set up a perimeter of protection by asking God to hold back the enemy and his dark angels. Ask Him to close their mouths and ears during your time of prayer to limit distractions. (Luke 10: 18-19 (NIV) “He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you’.”)

     GRANT PERMISSION - Talk to the Lord, asking Him to work in your heart and mind. Give him permission to administer healing and restoration. (Psalm 139: 23-24 (NIV) ”Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”)

     SUBMIT TO HIS WORK -  Be open to what He wants to accomplish during this time so that what has been broken in you is healed. Declare His authority over your heart(s). (Psalm 42:4-5(NIV) “These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.  Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet Praise him, my Savior and my God.”)

     DISCERNMENT - Ask God for ears to hear, understanding of His response, and clarity in thinking. (Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’.” Psalm 119:34 (NIV)

     GOD’S COUNSEL - Ask the Lord where He wants to lead you in counsel. Ask for and permit Him to give you an emotion, a memory, a thought/idea, or a picture, that will lead you to what He wants to heal. (Psalm 32:8 (NIV) “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”)

     WAIT ON THE LORD - Quietly anticipate, with a ready mind, that the Lord will give you something. It may seem odd if you have never done this before, but He promises us that if we ask He will answer. (Matthew 7:7-8 (VOICE) “Just ask and it will be given to you; seek after it and you will find. Continue to knock and the door will be opened for you.  All who ask receive. Those who seek, find what they seek. And he who knocks, will have the door opened.”)

     PONDER THE MESSAGE - Ask God for clarity and understanding of His message or impression. This can take quite some time. Just take your time and be open to get everything that God wants to minister to you. Be patient with yourself and God. (Get it all!) The Holy Spirit is with you and is gentle in this time. 

>  If it was a memory of something that stirs a painful situation, ask Him to show you where He was at the time, and what He was feeling.

>   If it was an emotion, ask Him where it started and why you have this emotion. What does He want you to know about the emotion? 

>  If it was a thought or idea He gives you ask Him for more understanding, expansion, and clarity.

>  If it was a picture, ask Him to reveal what it relates to in your life.  What does He want you to see, and understand about the picture?  Is it a direction He is taking you, a warning He is giving you, a burden you are carrying, etc.? 

(I Corinthians 2:9-12(CEB) “But this is precisely what is written: God has prepared things for those who love him that no eye has seen, or ear has heard, or that haven’t crossed the mind of any human being. God has revealed these things to us through the Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, including the depths of God. Who knows a person’s depths except their own spirit that lives in them? In the same way, no one has known the depths of God except God’s Spirit.  We haven’t received the world’s spirit but God’s Spirit so that we can know the things given to us by God.”)

     SEEK RESOLUTION - When you have received understanding, a sense of His presence, a message that is complete, ask God how He wants to complete the healing that has begun. He knows how to heal! Open your heart and mind to what He instructs and remember he is creative!. Examples:

>  One experience of mine, was Him impressing me (inaudibly) to put the pain and feelings that were hurtful in a box. It was followed by closing the box, sending it to Him, and asking Him to send it to hell where it belonged.

>  You may be led to repaint the picture of your past or the memory in such a way that it is restored to His perspective and healed.

>  It may be a peace that is ignited along with the hope that He is almost burning into your heart.

>  It could be a table of sacrifice where things that have become idols are placed – things that need to die in life’s choices (addictions etc.). 

(Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV) “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”)

     GIVE FORGIVENESS - For those who may have been involved in your wounding history, surrender the wound by forgiving them as you talk to the Lord. “I forgive (name) for (hurt). Please heal them as well, Lord.” (Matthew 6:14 (NIV) “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”)

     CONFESS - When we are wounded, the enemy fills our heads with lies that may hurt us further. Satan introduces thoughts of unbelief of God’s power, as well as feelings like:  God doesn’t care, it’s my fault, I am not God’s child, I am unlovable, and more.  It is important to deny the power that Satan wants to hold over us.  Confessing is an admission of our wrong thinking or action, agreeing that Christ has already died for the wrong. It is letting go of the lies Satan wants us to live out. God is able and has already overcome, so in this process, we let go of the lies. (James 5:16 (NIV) ‘Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”)

     RECEIVE FORGIVENESS - In the hurts we have experienced, we have hurt others. However, we have been forgiven of all of these sins as His children. The problem is that we may not have allowed His forgiveness to free us from the weight and guilt of some sin or heartbreak.  Let the Lord know you are receiving His pardon fully and completely. An example: 

“Lord, my (hurt, misunderstanding, words, self-protection, mishandled brokenness, etc.) has (have) been damaging to others as well as myself. I accept your forgiveness for this and release the guilt and shame I have felt. I give up my felt right to pay back others. I take back my freedom that you gave me on the cross.”

(Titus 3:7(VOICE) “All of this happened so that through His grace we would be accepted into God’s covenant family and appointed to be His heirs, full of the hope that comes from knowing you have eternal life.”)

     BE STILL – Contemplate and digest what God has been doing. Sit quietly and allow His embrace to pull you in. Perhaps envision sitting on His lap and being caressed by His love. Stay as long as you need to experience the warmth of His love. (Psalm 62:5(VOICE) “My soul quietly waits for the True God alone because I hope only in Him.”)

     GIVE THANKS - Remember to thank Jesus for all that you have received and experienced with Him. Ask Him to continue revealing and healing as He sees best. (Ephesians 1:3(VOICE) “Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One, who grants us every spiritual blessing in these heavenly realms where we live in the Anointed—not because of anything we have done, but because of what He has done for us.”)

     REPEAT PRAISE – At the conclusion of this prayer, praise Him for those attributes and characteristics you experienced in your prayer time.  Worship in this time is so special.  If a song or scripture comes to mind, use it to comfort and heal your soul. (Psalm 100:4 (VOICE) “Go through His gates, giving thanks; walk through His courts, giving praise. Offer Him your gratitude and praise His holy name.”)

 _______________________________________________

    In considering this prayer time, if someone is leading you in this prayer, it is a conversation of three – you, God and the leader. Pray aloud. Share your message the Holy Spirit is giving you. Areas of forgiveness, thanks, and praise are your part of the conversation. Praying out loud is a step in confessing to one another and establishes ownership of His work in you. 

     Know that this prayer takes time. I have found around two hours is normal –though it can be more or less time. Allow yourself all the time you need, and repeat the process if you find there are other things popping up that affect your relationships, attitudes, or behavior.

    My desire is for each follower of Jesus to experience peace and joy in drawing close to Him, resulting in an intimate relationship of connection and healing with Him.

 Love, Joy