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Messages From a Hope Filled Heart…

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

Day 17

What brings you joy this holiday season?

Is it the gifts piled around the tree?

Is it the distant relatives who come to visit?

Maybe it’s the college kids or military spouses, sons, and daughters who return home for a welcome stay. Maybe it’s the cozy fireplace with Christmas carols in the background. Or maybe it’s the dreams of winter white wonderland coming true on Christmas morn.

For me, I love to have our college aged men home for a few extra days. They may be sleeping late and leaving a trail of items from the front door to their rooms, but I smile and sigh in contentment, knowing “all my little chicks are under one roof” again. They may be grown, but having them close brings the laughter and joy that fills the void when they’re gone away.

I adore watching the “little boy” excitement as they unwrap the presents on Christmas morning. We grab a cup of coffee, search for all the names and distribute well, to watch the smiles and wide-eyed anticipation of many confirmations from the well worn lists that were sent and a few pleasant surprises from under the tree.

I always look forward to the expectancies of Christmas movies, decorated cookies, and holiday baked goods that come this time of year. And I cherish the take-it-slow mode of intentionality we all seem to settle into, knowing the days grow shorter with every passing hour.

All of these wonderful moments bring my joy to overflowing as I bask in the strength and love of our family.

Yet, I do believe my very favorite thing that brings me joy is when we gather on Christmas morning, after all the presents are piled up and the wrapping paper is all tossed, and we read a little story from their childhood reminding us what’s so important about the day…

This is the sweetest little story of Jesus’ birth that we began reading way back when they were just little tykes. It has a wonderful surprise in the very last box to tell everyone what God truly wants for Christmas. And every year, even though they’re grown now, we read and remember Who’s the purpose for the season and what He would like for this beautiful day.

This is it.

This is what brings me such joy in the holidays.

And I hope you find can Him, too…

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:10-12

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 8:12

Into the Dark or Into the Light

/ The WheatandTares

Into the dark or into the light

Where are you walking?

Are you leading or are you following?

And who is with you?

It takes only one step to change directions.

It takes only one turn to alter destinations.

Into the dark or into the light

Which way will you travel?

Where will you land?

Make your choice

But choose wisely.

For all decisions have their consequences.

But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

Proverbs 4:18-19

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5

Searching for a Light

/ The WheatandTares / 4 Comments

What was the last thing you searched for online? Why were you looking for it?

These questions are always so interesting to be answered, and it’s even more intriguing to wonder if the answer is completely true or maybe just one of the recent searches in the the day.

When asked what was the last thing I searched online, my first thought was so I really want to answer that prompt? Because sometimes, the search can be so random, and something I wouldn’t normally search.It can be something someone brought up into a conversation, or a word I heard but didn’t know the meaning, or even a place I hear mentioned, and I’m wondering its location.

So, when I’m asked what’s the last thing I searched online and why were you looking for it, I secretly sneak over to my history tabs to see what I might find before I choose to answer. And then, I wonder do you want to know the last, last thing, or rather do you want to know the last interesting thing?

The last lady search is a bit random because I saw some friends advertise other acquaintances in a play locally; so, I searched the characters of Steel Magnolias to see what characters they might be playing. It’s been so long since I actually watched that movie, I couldn’t even remember the whole storyline, much less the characters’ character.

Then, the last thing before that, which would be what I actually answer as my prompt was something I was researching to speak about in a meeting: Matthew 5:13-16.

This is the Scripture about salt & light. If you’re a believer like me, we have this directive, to be salt and light to the world around us. And this scripture is so descriptive and so instructional that when I read it and then, think of where we are today in our world, it almost makes me sad…and convicted.

Now, if you’re not a Christ believer, as I am, this might not apply to you, but if you call yourself a person of faith in any way, this has our names written all over it! This was Jesus speaking to his disciples and all those who chose to listen to Him on the Mount of Olives. This is the same time frame when He gave us the famous Beatitudes that everyone loves to quote and preach to others of how we should live.

But these scriptures get a little more pointed, a little more laser focused on our personal lives and how we should be living them. This word brings it home to where all of us live.

We are to be salt. Salt of the earth. Salt brings flavor. Salt brings preservation. Salt brings health. Salt can also bring destruction. If you do more research, there’s lots of debate on what Christ meant when He told us to be the salt.

Instead of debating, I’d say He might have meant all of the above. Let me break it down a little…

Be salt that brings flavor to the world around you. Bring kindness, love, faith and hope.

Be salt that brings preservation. Preservation of the Truth. Preservation of His Word. Preservation of His Name and of all that He is.

Be salt that brings health. We, as humans, must have a measure of salt to be healthy. We, as Christians, must bring a measure of hope to bring health to those around us.

Be the salt that brings destruction. Not destruction of good but rather of evil. Bring destruction to lies, hypocrisy and evil intent against the innocent. Bring destruction to the deconstruction of faith, holiness and all things right, true and good.

Be the salt.

Being the light is a bit easier to comprehend. But for sake of congruency, I’ll break this down a little, too.

We are to be the light that shines in the darkness. We are the light that sits on a hill. We are the light that cannot be hidden. We are to be the light that transform the dark.

Light shines in the dark to protect from predators; so, protect the innocent and those without a voice.

Light shines in the dark to brighten a path; so, bring joy to someone else.

Light shines in the dark to lighten a room and dispel a fear; so, bring peace to another.

Light shines in the dark to expose the shadows; so, bring confrontations of truth to break deceptions and lies.

Light shines in the dark to lead the way; so, guide all you find to a better tomorrow.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men,that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16

Be the Light in the Darkness

/ The WheatandTares

Refuse the dark.

Fight against the dim.

Resist to blow out the match.

Keep the light shining into the darkness.

Keep the torch burning, thrice if you have to.

Never surrender.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:5

Be The Light

/ The WheatandTares

Someone shared a great thought with me this other day, and I thought I’d pass it along.

Maybe it will be one you’ll come back to throughout the week…

If we, as Christians, are the light, and we have the Light shining through us, then, we are much like a flashlight shining into a darkened place.

In a darkened space where there is no other light, when you are holding the flashlight,

You can see the light.

But you can also see the darkness all around you.

All of it.

When you are holding the light, you don’t see the light as brightly as when you are standing in front of the light.

When you’re standing in front of the light, it can almost blind you,

Nothing is hidden.

So, keep shining even when it feels the darkness is crowding in around you.

The Light within you cannot be snuffed out unless you turn it out.

The Light within you will shine brightly no matter who or what attempts to destroy it.

The Light within you is eternal and has eternal impact on all who see it.

Keep shining the light even when all you see is utter darkness with the tiniest light.

Keep shining.

Be the Light to a darkened world.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:4-5 NKJV

In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:4-5 NIV

Is the Tunnel Lit?

/ The WheatandTares

Too often, we get tunnel vision, and we can’t see beyond the destination.

But sometimes, we need to pause. Take a step back and let a little more light in.

With more light comes clarity.

With more light come purpose.

With more light comes Truth.

For Truth is Light, and light pierces the darkness.

Let the Light shine in today.

It will bring forth a better tomorrow.

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:5

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 8:12

The Voice

/ The WheatandTares

It’s steely nails claw at my flesh as I pull away.

The cloak of darkness lies thick against my skin.

It’s weight so heavy, I can hardly breathe.

It’s burden so deep, I fall to my knees.

The voice calls from afar, but I can’t hear it above the screams.

The invitation comes to my soul, but I shield it with the shadow and pain.

The longing drifts in, taunting, haunting, but I look away past the cage.

The voice calls in the distance, but I can’t hear it above the heart’s rage.

I cry out, hoping he will hear.

I run, searching for the freedom.

I stumble. I fall. Always two steps behind.

Always dragging back to the days that unwind.

When will this turmoil end?

Does He not see my torment and suffering?

Does He not hear my heart shattered and bleeding?

When will the rescue come needing?

The voice calls to me once again.

The invitation is sent deep within, I am tempted to shun it thrice more.

The longing gently woos the mind, guiding me through the mire.

The voice whispers but to my soul, it is an echo across the chasm of my desire.

Ever near. Ever drawing me back.

He promised to never forsake.

He promises to never leave.

All I must do is believe.

Penned – MG – 4/25/18

Where Is He?

/ The WheatandTares / 1 Comment

Did you see that baby cowering in the corner, trying to hide from the screams and profanity swirling around her head?

Did you notice the young boy who got into a fight at school, making his friends a substitute for his anger, because he can’t hit his abuser?

Did you recognize the young teen shielding her face from the crowd, looking for the one who will make her feel loved and secure?

Where is God in all of this? Where is His mercy? Where is His grace?

Do you see that man marching off to war, preparing to slay a few demons of his own in the battle?

Do you notice the woman working three jobs, living a frazzled, exhausted life, simply trying to give her child something a little better? 

Do you realize the old man wandering the halls, the same who doesn’t even know his children’s names who desperately long to love him and reach through his darkness? 

Where is God in all of this? Where is His mercy? Where is His grace?

Some ask and plead. Some scream in demand. Some just sit and stare. Others simply walk away, veering this way and that, never making much sense of the journey. 

“He’s always there and always faithful,” says the church walls. “Just look up and you will find all you need,” states the sign as the tender ones lie dying on the front steps. My mind wonders if we really make a difference. Do we really share and care?

Some lash out in anger. Some wallow and cry. Others become cold and stone-like, never realizing hope knocking at the door.

His love never wavers. His mercy never fails. Just because you cannot see the sun through the tornadic clouds doesn’t void its reality. Hurricanes never validate the lack of peaceful showers on the ‘morrow. 

Some answers I will never find until the other side. Some questions will still remain after the crisis of one life has vanished. Yet, I have found this truth to remain:  He is faithful. He is love. He is true. 

He will be there when you need Him even in the quietness of your soul. He will never leave you in your deepest sorrow or shame. He will remain when all else fails, when everyone else has disappeared into the dark of night. He will remain. He will be a shield. He will be a refuge. 

Just call on His name and find He is the Hope which remains. 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

https://isaiahministries.wordpress.com/tag/covenant-of-grace/

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It Is Our Story To Tell

/ The WheatandTares

“…that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:19-21

I have a friend who is dealing with the pain and agony of cancer that has spread across her body. Last month, I was notified of a friend who lost her 16 year old son in a house fire. Just last week, I ran across a FB post from a past church member who lost his wife tragically in a car wreck. It seems more and more I hear of friends going through a divorce, family members who are faced with illnesses and children who are lost and undone.

These stories hit close to home. I am a wife. I have a 15 year old and an 11 year old. Living is hard sometimes, and I find myself wondering why it’s so sorrowful at times. Yet, these tragedies make me realize so many around me are hurting. These moments of grief remind me that we weren’t made for this. We weren’t meant for these illnesses, these tragedies, this death. We are here but for a season…  

This world is dying for peace, for healing and for love. If we will just look around us, we will see so many hurting souls right in front of us. Christ came to this earth that their stories might end differently. The story of Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection are the very thing that can bring healing to their brokenness. These details don’t somehow miraculously make all things perfect. This account doesn’t instantly change your circumstance or your plight.

Yet, when you find Jesus, and you believe in Him, He does one special thing for you. He brings you HOPE. Hope to face the storm and come out on the other side. Hope to face one more day. Hope to see the sun on the horizon. Hope to breathe again. Hope to live beyond this current life.

His story is one of HOPE, and if we know Him, we should be sharing this with everyone we meet. You never know, that person beside you might very well need it the most!

Fear Not

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

An angel appeared to Zechariah and told him to not be afraid for his wife would bear a child in her old age. The angel, Gabriel,  appeared to Mary and said, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Angels appeared to the shepherds out in the fields … “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” (Luke2:8-11) An angel appeared to Joseph in his dream and told him to not be afraid. 

 

It seems to be an overriding theme throughout the birth and even life of Christ: Fear Not. Now, so many years past, He still reminds us through Scripture today to fear not. If you’re not personally familiar with Him, you might ask, “Why?”

Prophecies declared He would be the Savior. Angels proclaimed He was Lord. The wise men professed He was King. Scripture reminds us He is our Hope, our Light for darkened times. Throughout the story of Christ, He is the Hope to the nations and the Light of the world, and many who foretold of Him also spoke of the words, “Fear Not.” When you have Hope, you no longer have fear, and when you are in darkness, and you find the light, you no longer fear. 

Pinterest.com

That is what Christ does for your life! He brings you Light in a darkened world, and He is the guiding Light that will direct your path. He brings you Hope, regardless, the circumstances you may face; so, you might have peace that surpasses all understanding. 

Pinterest.com

As we enter this Christmas season, I encourage you to read the Christmas story again. Maybe you read it a long time ago, maybe you’ve never read it before in your life. I challenge you to pay attention to these two themes and see if they speak to you as they did me. Maybe you’ll take it a step further and look a little deeper throughout Scripture at what He says about not being afraid. Just try it. You may be amazed at what (and Who) you find. 😉