”But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”  [James 1:25]

Do you ever feel guilty when someone is telling you what they learned in their quiet time—and hope they don’t ask you what you learned in yours? Do you long for a greater intimacy with the Father?  Or perhaps you have experienced the joy but at the moment wonder where the joy has gone.  First, don’t feel guilty but keep on returning to the habit of being intentional about seeking Him morning by morning.

In this one verse James wraps up what it takes to experience the joy and freedom of being a follow of Christ.  Let’s look at one word more—INTENTLY.

Intently means to firmly fix or concentrate—or having the mind fastened upon some purpose.   Finding freedom is one of the promises attached to James’ recommendation but it’s not ‘hit and miss’; it’s something that requires a habit formed by ‘continuous’ application.  We tend to think that freedom and joy come with salvation. Deliverance comes with salvation, but to activate the gift of freedom and joy that deliverance provides, we have to unwrap the gift—look into the gift—and be a partaker of the gift.

Check out what God is saying in His Word every morning—write down what you see—write down what you hear—write down the questions you have and leave a space for the Holy Spirit to give the answers.  His voice will quietly give you answers, and freedom will overflow your heart with joy as you intentionally… just do it!

Diane M. Hale
For the past 30 years, Diane has served as evangelist, trainer, teacher, mentor, and consultant for churches of many denominations.

Around the month of November there is a nudge in my heart to start thinking about a spiritual theme for the New Year.  What does the Lord want to teach me through His Word?  How will He work through my life to encourage others in their relationship with Him?

In October I was preparing for a women’s retreat, A Cup of Hope, based upon Romans 15:13.  As I studied and prepared for this retreat I knew I had much to learn about the word hope. For example, I never thought about the theology of hope, nor have I ever thought about having an attitude of hope. From this retreat came the following spiritual theme:

Christ in me, the Hope of glory, through my life may others see.

Throughout the days of 2012, sharing this Good News:  His Only Purpose: Eternity. 

This hope is not based upon the definition found in Webster’s Dictionary.  This hope describes something that is certain, but not yet realized. This Hope is based upon “Christ Jesus, who is our hope,” (1 Timothy 1:1b).  He purchased salvation for mankind on the cross and it is this hope which will lead to the glory of God.

Those who do not know Christ are living in hopelessness.  Jesus Christ is the answer for those living in hopelessness and the Word is the Good News we have to share.  Paul writes, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:1-5 NASB).

Will you join me this year as we learn together how to share the message of Hope to a lost and dying world?

Laura Leathers

“…the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;…” Isaiah 61:3

I do this tonight…this morning.  I fall to my knees somewhere between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m.  I come in repentance and brokenness before God.  I am God’s child, but I need to repent, to come before Him in my despair and grief.  I have allowed uncontrolled emotions and unprofitable thinking to operate quite freely in my life.  My Life Saver, God, shows up and demonstrates the way to become free from this “spirit of heaviness.” I accept God’s forgiveness and His help  offered to me in the early hours of the morning.

I have been praying gladness, rest, and a merry heart for several of my friends.  I recognize at this moment that I also need these things in my life.

I “try” the above Scripture.  In other words, I prove the Word to be true.  I experience what the Word declares.  As soon as I put on the garment of “praise,” the “spirit of heaviness” falls off and I get HAPPY FEET!

I begin to DANCE!  At first, the dance is for God, just to show Him I love Him.  He loves me back.  Dancing for God is quite exciting, but get this…He joins me in the dance!  God moves from His place on the sideline and comes to participate with me in the dance!  God comes, takes me in His arms, and dances with me…wow!

We twirl…pirouette…laugh…as we dance.

Every fiber of my being, the nerve endings of my physical body are SET ALIVE!  I am alive to God, His presence, His love, His forgiveness, and His power.  I am free!  I become aware of being  glad…restful… merry in heart.  I become alive and revived in my whole person.

I am so electrified by what is taking place.  I crawl into bed beside my husband and shake him gently and say, “Guess what just happened?”  He mutters something, so I assume he is awake to hear the telling of my glorious encounter with God.  I say, “I DANCED WITH GOD!”  I repeat it again, “I DANCED WITH GOD!”  My darling husband turns over and  replies very sleepily, “Ah, that’s good.”  Ah, that’s good?   Did he hear me?  Obviously, he is not awake enough to grasp what I share.  We laugh about this the next day.  I am still reeling in this wonderful dance with My Savior, and I try in detail to share with my husband, with better success, about my encounter with God.  He responds at this telling of the story, “What better partner could you have!  There was no need for me to get up at 4:00 in the morning and dance with you!”

Dancing with God!  It starts by “putting on” the garment of praise.

Betsey Kelley
Betsey Kelley is a wife and mother.  She has served over 30 years in local churches as youth coordinator with her husband for teens/singles, couples ministry, teacher, children’s ministries, and as choir director.  She and her husband of 30 years are the parents of two young men, Brandon and Zach.  Betsey lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband.

”I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 18:2]

To a child every discovery enters into their hearts with wonder—they rest their trust on goodness, unconscious of the ugliness of the world—yet darkness comes, seeds of fear are sown and the battle between good and evil begins. To be a child again—to see the world through eyes that believe in goodness and that the whole world is full of the Glory of God!

To me the smallest of details when recognized as woven into my life by the hand of a loving God are seeds of the miraculous. Sometimes instantly seen in fruition, sometimes through time and nurturing the goodness of God is revealed and His promises are accomplished. Many circumstances are disappointing revealing expectations based on childlike faith yet not seen—so what to believe?

God is purposeful and all-powerful. He has a plan for the history of the universe, and in executing it he governs and controls all created realities. Without violating the nature of things, and without at any stage infringing upon human free will, God acts in, with, and through his creatures to do everything that he wishes to do exactly as he wishes to do it. By this sovereign, overruling action he achieves his goals. [J.I.Packer-Great Power]

Further Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7 Hebrews 11:1-10

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (II Corinthians 12:9)

Every morning when my feet touch the floor I humbly thank God for another day that He’s given me to be up and about. Since my lightning accident, I vividly remember many days when I’ve been too sick to get out of bed. There have been times when I have wondered if I would ever be able to get around without the constant assistance of a wheelchair, walker, or cane.

I have always known God to be faithful, but after my accident 26 years ago I really sought after God. What I continue to find over and over is a loving heavenly Father that desires for me to grow in Him so He provides the grace for me to overcome the obstacles that are in my way.

One of my favorite authors, Roy Lessin says, “Grace enables you to do all God calls you to do today. Success is not based today upon what you can accomplish, but upon what He will do through you.”

I pray that you will let those words sink into your heart and no matter how inadequate you are feeling—God is in control of all things.

Why don’t you surrender and snuggle in the blanket of His grace.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Crystal Hathcock
Crystal is a freelance writer who loves to share her faith in Christ with others through writing.  She is a self taught cook and enjoys sharing new discoveries in the kitchen with her husband and friends. Her interests include singing at church in the choir, a girl’s group, and a mixed trio.  She finds enjoyment making jewelry, couponing, decorating and taking care of her husband and two puppies–Hankie and Calvin. Crystal blogs at The Road Less Traveled.

“…Why then has all this happened to us ” [Judges 6:13]

In discussing Psalm 22:1, Denis Lane, director of Overseas Missionary Fellowship, wrote that when the roof caves in, the first question that often comes to us is the same question Jesus asked: “My God, my God, why…?”

Lane said, “Asking the question is perfectly natural. We all ask it. There is nothing wrong, but that is usually the place where we begin…God does not always answer our “why” questions, but He does understand our asking them. Jesus was given no answering voice as He hung upon the cross. The resurrection was still three days in the future.”

Though our strength is in the Lord, the why’s of life come and just as we have answered the why’s of our children we sometimes hear only ‘because’—just because. Like Gideon we are told—“Go in the strength you have…” [Judges 6:14] Little strength like little faith is enough when the God of strength is with us—our why’s and our ways create a place for deep worship void of earthly reasoning.

The why’s of life become a valley that overflow with resurrection power, healing the pain and purpose blooms with inexpressible fragrance.   Fragrance consumes the why’s as surely as the resurrection consumed the grave of Jesus Christ.

“Behold you are fair my love! Behold, you are fair!” [Song of Solomon 4:1]

Recently we were watching the story of Henry VIII and saw the blatant selfishness and power struggle created by immoral relationships. Throughout it, people were treated wickedly and the fruit birthed a whole new denomination and dynasty of Church.

However, long before King Henry, the church had its own people problems and Corinth was no different. Paul modeled and mirrored how to respond to our fellow Christians who struggle with relationships.

First, Paul always appreciated others.  “I always thank God for you…” Every one who comes into our life is of great value to God. We are called to honor and respect those in the family of God.

Second, Paul always encouraged others. “For in him you have been enriched in every way…” [v 5]. Recognizing and encouraging the unique giftedness of other believers creates an environment of freedom necessary for spiritual growth and development.

Third, Paul always affirmed them.  “Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift…” [v 7]. Speaking positive words of affirmation will reflect how our heavenly Father sees each one and how greatly they are blessed to be a blessing.

Fourth, Paul always assured them. “He will keep you strong to the end…our Lord is faithful” [v 9]. Regardless of weakness, regardless of mistakes, and even during time of trouble and strife Paul saw a teachable moment. He understood the one that carries His name is always appreciated, always encouraged, always affirmed and always assured.

“So is my love among the daughters…So is my beloved among the sons…” (Song of Solomon 2:2-3)

“How do you know,” a Bedouin was asked, “that there is a God?”

“In the same way,” he replied, “that I know in looking at the sand when a man or beast has crossed the desert—by His footprints in the world around me.”

What kind of footprints have we burned into the days of our lives? It is a thought worth pondering.

The footprints of Jesus. They are not difficult to recognize—acts of kindness—thoughtful ways offered without even being aware—stepping up to help or stepping back in honor. Stepping over mistakes and covering with the Love of Calvary. Words spoken or not spoken at all—prayers breathed and people touched with hands of healing. So many moments for the miracle of love to shine through our lives and, when it does, it leaves a footprint just like His.

There is more–where Christ is, there is a fragrance that fills the air with a sweet perfume.

“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15).

When the human race was saved from total destruction, “Noah built an altar…God smelled the sweet fragrance and thought to himself, I’ll never again curse the ground because of people…” (Genesis 8:21 The Message)

Worship is love released back to its Source. Love given by God is returned to God, and in the transaction worship fills the earth with His fragrance. Those who linger in worship leave a fragrance behind.

“I am my beloved’s And his desire is toward me.” Song of Solomon 7:10

Keeping the main thing the main thing means accepting ourselves as we are—but we are often more concerned with creating a self-improvement program for others than accepting our own weakness.   Our weakness has only one cure or place of added strength and that is repentance that brings an awareness of God’s love and acceptance.

Tears must first precipitate the joy that comes in the morning.  “Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” [Psalm 30:5b] Tears of sadness, tears of repentance, tears of grief and loss, all are diminished in the knowledge of His great desire toward His child.

“We are here for one purpose: “to fill up that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ”—spoilt for this age, alive to nothing but Jesus Christ’s point of view.” [Oswald Chambers]

Only His special grace can heal the pain that comes from identifying with the Cross and allowing His Life to flow unhindered. Here the place of revival is the place of resurrection as the self-life dies and He ever lives to make intercession. Said so well by a sister in Christ… “joy never comes without intense, excruciating bone-chilling agony.”

But morning does come and there is no joy like the joy of His Glorious Presence—nothing else is needful and nothing else is desired.

These days, even in Christian circles, it’s a loaded question.

Everyone initially says yes, but their fine print on the issue may be different.

Let me ask it this way…

Do you believe in the infallible Word of God?

What exactly does infallible mean?

It means according to Webster’s Dictionary:
1. Incapable of error
2. Not liable to mislead, deceive, or disappoint
3. Incapable of error in defining doctrines touching faith or morals.

Do you believe the Bible is without error?

Do you believe God is capable of not only providing us with His Word, but also maintaining its integrity over time?

Here are few more questions:
* Do you believe that God created the earth?
* Do you believe in the Virgin birth?
* Do you believe that Christ rose from the dead?
* Do you believe He is one day returning for His bride, the Church?
* Do you believe the whole Bible?
* Do you believe the Bible is complete?

If any part of the Bible is wrong, then the entire book is in error.

If one believes only certain sections and writes off others, that would mean God is capable of error and incapable of providing us with an infallible Word.

If one part of the Bible is wrong, at what point does it become correct?
At what point does God become infallible? After Genesis? Or maybe in Matthew?

These are thought-provoking questions if one struggles with the importance of Scripture.

Take a moment and check out these wonderful articles:

Answers in Genesis’ article:  Jesus on the Infalliblity of Scripture.

Got Questions’ article:  Why is it Important to Believe in Biblical Inerrancy?

If you have an issue with any part of Scripture, take it to God in prayer. Instead of avoiding the subject–face it head on. Ask the Lord for discernment and direction. God is not man who will give hundreds of different opinions. Stop looking for the opinion that fits what you think it means and just ask God. Study His Word. One of the works of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers is to lead us into all truth (John 16:13).

Go to Him in prayer and dig into the Bible.

I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:18 NIV

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16-17 NIV