Have a BLESSED Christmas!!

Merry Christmas,
its a very catchy phrase this time of year. One the ways I like to greet or say goodbye to people. It is a great way to present the name of Christ to people, to try and throw a blessing at people, to remind people what life is really all about.
We have a creator that has come to us and continues to come to us in so may ways!
Merry Christmas, but it is so much more than that...more than "merry"
this Christmas I am humbled
this year I realize I am having a Blessed Christmas!

Why? Perspective.

A young lady stopped by at work today. I haven't seen her for awhile because she has been out on disability most of the year. I didn't realize how serious her condition was, I must admit when I saw her I was shocked, it was obvious, this poor girl has been suffering.
Here I am thinking about so many trivial things, you know Christmas shopping, Christmas dinner, Christmas visits from family and friends, Christmas money. In my little world that God has protected and blessed so much this year I almost forgot that so many other people are suffering.
As I looked at this young lady, I felt foolish, and instantly humbled.
Lord forgive me for taking for gran it all my blessings. The good life you have given me, as a sinner I know, I sure don't' deserve it.
Its so easy to forget how blessed we are. to not see all the blessings we have in life,
  food,
    water,
       clothing,
            shelter.
                employment,
                   transportation,
                      indoor plumbing
                        safety,
                          good health,
                             loved ones,
                                the church,
                                     and Jesus Christ himself!
In so many ways the cup is half full not half empty.
So this year
have a BLESSED Christmas,
         ... I think if you search your heart you'll see your already having one!

We dont suffer alone

Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent. ~St. John of the Cross

Need Gods help?

Well.... I went to confession the other day...as usual it turned into a mini counseling session... I started to share with father that I have been struggling with My finances... I received some pure and simple advice.... Worth sharing I would say, especially for American Christians who happen to be positioned in one of the most affluent / materialistic Cultures in the world....so here goes...

1. Be content with what you have.
2. Be grateful that God has provided for your NEEDS.
3. Strive to live a simple and humble life.
4. If you are suffering offer your suffering up to God, consider that you are suffering with Christ and His church.

I was then given a prayer I could pray daily:
Prayer for All Needs
We beg you, Lord, to help and defend us. Deliver the oppressed. Pity the insignificant. Raise the fallen. Show yourself to the needy. Heal the sick. Bring back those of your people who have gone astray. Feed the hungry. Lift up the weak. Take off the prisoners’ chains.
May every nation come to know that you alone are God, that Jesus is your Child, that we are your people, the sheep that you pasture. Amen.

I hope you are blessed!!!!

Godspeed
Jimmyg

The ministry of reconciliation, the gift of grace and forgiveness.

"One of the "strange" things about the Christian understanding of sin is that Christians become more aware of sin in proportion to their growth in holiness. The more we love, the more we know how much the lover is offended. The great saints really knew about sin. St. Francis of Assisi, as he lay dying, claimed he was the greatest of sinners. At one time I thought this was just the pious rambling of an unearthly man; but now I see that this was the honest realization of a great lover."

Are we working it out?

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

What blows my mind is the "work out your salvation" and then the "fear and trembling" parts. We don't often think we have to work out anything , we receive what Christ did for us on the cross and then, We kinda relax , waiting for His return or for our departure. However, the word of God says we need to work it out. This reminds me of what Paul meant when he said " I die daily" and John the Baptist said " He must increase I must decrease. Is there more of me today or more of Jesus in me today? Am I really trying to die to myself and live for Christ every moment? Do i still seek after what i want? Lord Jesus change my heart fill it with an overwhelming love for you!

Where are you going?

Well, today I was walking around work and looking at everyone and thinking about how so many people don't know Jesus Christ. It's a bummer when you think about people you know might end up in Hell. You want to tell everyone about God and stuff but they will just think your weird, but what will happen when they pass from this earth and have to face God? It's a bummer. If your reading this and you don't know Jesus Christ ask Him into your heart and ask Him to forgive you of your sins and do your best to live a life that pleases Him! In the end you won't regret it!

Mercy for A heart waxed cold?

 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

                                                                                         Matthew 24:12-13 (KJV)

        Lord Jesus have mercy on me and all who read this. Surely the times of increased lawlessness are upon us and the cold winds of the days chill our bones and our souls, tempting us to grow lax in our love for you. Touch our hearts Lord Jesus fill us with your love and life so that on the last day we can bow before you unashamed! For passion must not only be remembered, but it must continually be had!     
        Mercy! 
        Mercy! 
        Mercy!
        But how can one stand in these last days, it seems our flames are small and our lights are dim. Like homeless beggars  we strive to warm our cold numb fingers around small, dim lit, candles hoping to obtain full warmth for our bodies and souls. Many delights of this present world offer us warmth but none seem to satisfy us for very  long. And after awhile, our hearts bring us back to remember you, your love, your companionship.
        In the midst of death I remember life.
        In the abundance of many things I remember the joy of abiding only in you.
        In the roar of all these present voices, I long for your word.
Remember me oh Lord, look upon me once again, remember your child and have pity. for I do need your presence in my life. 
Can a man and woman in love live apart? No! Now that they know each other things are not the same, and things cannot be as if they never were. The longing for each other would be too great, and if the wait is too long, then the vexation would break them!
        Yea Lord, I desire your flame. Do not forget me lest I be broken too deep. I fear, that if I wander alone in the cold dark woods too long I will be forever lost. Save me Father!  Call my name!
         Mercy!
         Mercy!
         Mercy!