Serving In The Shadow of God

For those who serve it the shadow of God this Christmas . . .

I'm Still Here

I watched you decorate the tree this year,
As I always have since our first Christmas together.
I loved seeing you string the lights around and around.
I adored the careful movement of your hands as you hung each ornament.

Most of all, I loved the glow on the faces of our children,
As they saw your creation come to life in our home.
They watched with me as you danced your way up and down the ladder.
I hope you know my hand was always there to keep you steady.

The children did not notice when you paused for a moment.
They did not see your tears falling on that old ornament we found together years ago.
Do not worry, my love. They did not see.
I was holding them. I was holding them.

Please forgive me for leaving you all so soon.
I tried holding on in those last few moments.
I tried so hard.
But, too much of me had been torn away.

As blood and life passed from me, my last thoughts were of you.
The greatest pain I felt was knowing how my violent end would hurt you.
Your heart was going to break and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
I could not bear to look at your face when they told you.

Did you see me behind the man who came to our door?
Did you feel me by your side when they handed you the flag?
Yes, I'm still here, my darling. Forever, I am with you.
You and our children will never be alone.

Nor am I alone, here above.
For there are countless others with me, my brothers and sisters in arms.
I am surrounded now, not by the dark enemy who tormented us in life,
But by a loving army of angels in uniform.

We gave our lives in service to you
And to people we never met.
From heaven, ours souls are forever devoted to you.
We carry the eternal honor of guarding your safety, your freedom, your liberty.

In life we stood guard to protect you, to hold back all that might bring you harm.
We walked the walls of the cities, the streets of the villages, the jungles, the deserts, the battlefields.
Day and night we patrolled on foot, on horseback, on the land, in the air and on the sea.
Now, we stand guard in eternity, serving in the shadow of God.

I watched you decorate the tree this year.
As I always will, until we are together again for Christmas.

Copyright 2015 - Raymond Bechard

LIVING THE DREAM

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Matthew 5:1-6

A man once stood as a brother and a preacher.

He stood high on the mountain like every great teacher.

He would not be moved from that peaceful place.

For his dream was love for every race.

His words brought hope to those without life.

And inspired a world cursed by its strife.

The sound of his voice rings down through the years,

Releasing the poor from generations of tears.

He marched through the streets calling people to rise,

And stormed the great cities chasing after the prize.

He dreamed of a world filled with love and light.

One far from the fear that was cursed by the night.

A man once stood as a brother and a preacher,

And was taken from us like every great teacher.

But his dream lives with us to remind us each day.

That we must keep marching ‘til we all find a way.

According to the US Justice Department, the number of incarcerated Americans exceeds 2 million people. Currently, Black men, who are roughly 6.5% of the nation’s total population, represented 37% of those behind bars. Further, 11% of all Black males between 25 and 34 are in prison.

If he were here today, how would Martin Luther King, Jr. address these horrible truths? I believe he would call all of us, ALL of us, no matter what our heritage or race, to go into the prisons. He would challenge us to start bringing hope to the hopeless, love to the love less and thoughts to the thoughtless.

He was a man of vision and inspiration. And those are the very things we all need. For weather or not we are behind bars, we are all trapped in the prison of ignorance and darkness. We are all living in a world held captive by hate and violence.

We are living in a world that does not know our Lord Jesus.

And if he were with us today, Dr. King would call ALL of us to go to the top of that mountain, get as much light, liberty and love as we can gather – and then bring it to the darkest nations, alleyways and prisons of the world.

And though he is not with us, his dream remains. So come. Let us begin. Let us ALL go as brothers and sisters to the mountain . . .

This Week’s Prayer

Dear Lord, remind me again that love is the thing and that love is the message and hope that You bring. Send me now to spread Your great love, throughout all the world like the wings of a dove. Your Word is the only hope for mankind. It brings the true peace we all pray we find. So, today I begin to march up that hill. I pray you guide me and give me Your will. Amen.

TO DIE FOR

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

                                                                                    1 John 3:16

Decades ago the Soviet Union imposed atheism and forced Christians to renounce their faith or face terrible consequences. During this dark period in the history of Russian, many kept the faith by meeting secretly to pray, worship and teach the Gospel. 

One Sunday, in the early 1970's, a few believers quietly made their way to an "underground" church outside Moscow. They arrived in small groups throughout the day so as not to arouse the suspicion of the NKVD - the Soviet Secret Police.

When everyone gathered together they began singing a quiet hymn. Suddenly, they heard heavy steps approaching the front door. Without warning two uniformed officers, loaded weapons at the ready, burst into the house. One of them shouted, “If you wish to renounce your commitment to Jesus Christ, leave now!”

Three of the quiet Christians quickly left, then another. As the two secret police glared at the others, two more of the frightened believers fled. “This is your last chance,” the second officer commanded. “Either turn against your faith in Christ,” he ordered, “or stay and suffer the consequences.” Abruptly, two more slipped out into the night.

After that, the intimidation no longer worked. No one else moved a muscle. Parents tried to reassure their frightened children beside them, fully expecting to be gunned down or imprisoned in the Gulag. Then, one of the soldiers closed the door and locked it securely.

He turned to the few  remaining worshipers and spoke, “We raided another house church just like this several weeks ago to arrest a group of believers.” 

The other officer interrupted, “But, instead, we became Christians there. We apologize for chasing your friends away, but we have learned by experience that unless people are willing to die for their faith, they cannot be fully trusted.”

The two officers then joined the core group in worship.

How would you react to the decision to run or die for your faith? It is the ultimate measure of what your individual faith in Jesus means to you.

If only we could deepen our relationship with the Lord so that our minds are focused on heavenly things rather than being consumed with the worldly ones. Then, it would be easy to make the truest decision should that day ever come. After all, Jesus had the choice to live or die for us ... and He chose death, death so that we could live.

Would you make the same choice for Him?

This Week’s Prayer

Courage, Dear Lord. I only ask for the courage to do Your will, to choose You over all else, to make the most of the blessings You have given me, and to make every decision for Your sake alone. Amen.

LOOK AHEAD AND LEAD

I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Proverbs 4:12-13

A few years ago, I was advising a church undergoing the construction of a beautiful new building project. This ministry had prayerfully and carefully looked upon God to guide them in this extraordinary effort. The new facility was going to expand the work of the church and God’s Kingdom tremendously.

But for some people, that wasn’t enough.

By the time construction of the facility was at the halfway point, the project manager, an exceptionally talented and dedicated church member, was ready to quit. Between those who were coming to him with their personal “recommendations,” and others complaining about every new phase of construction this poor soul was beaten down. He felt he just couldn't win.

Privately, the man told me, “I’m going to quit. It’s just not worth it! It’s like fighting a war and I don’t even know what the war is about.” I knew this man was about to make a hasty decision; one made from exhaustion instead of encouragement, and from frustration instead of faith.

I looked at him and asked very softly. “Do you think you are doing the right thing with your decisions?”

“Yes, I do,” he replied. “I think we have made each decision carefully and with good reason.”

“And do you feel that the decisions are best for the church as a whole and for the Kingdom?”

“Yes.”

“And do you feel that you have served God in these decisions? Do you feel that you and the other true leaders of this project have followed God’s will?”

“Yes. I think we have planned well and the building will be awe inspiring!”

“Then there is no war. There are only some disgruntled people. They will stop their grumbling when God’s vision comes to fruition. Your task is only to be faithful; look ahead and lead.”

Remember Jacob? He physically wrestled with an angel of God. Later, the disciples argued among themselves about who among them was Number 1 . . . and about church policy details. 

So, if Saint Peter and Saint Paul argued over church politics and procedures, what makes us think WE can come through unscathed? It would be tremendous if doing service among God’s people was always easy. That just isn't the case. And the inevitable conflict can be a real test. In fact, entire churches - even denominations - have split because of conflict.

Yes, following God’s will is often difficult. But, we are not called to win every battle or be right in every decision. We are called to be faithful. Like the project manager I spoke to, who saw the building construction through to its completion, we are not called to please everyone, but to carry out the will of God as a leader in the church. God will take care of the rest.

Certainly, you are a leader. Whether it is in church, at home, at work, or in your community, you are in a position to lead. Just remember, never lead alone. Look to God’s will for your direction. Look to the incredible things He has in store. Ignore those who say your dreams can’t come true. Walk away from those who discourage you. Just look ahead and lead!

This Week’s Prayer

Dear Lord, please stay by my side in the times ahead. Inspire my decisions and set my heart on fire with your will so that I will be faithful in all that I do in your name. Allow those I lead to see your wisdom and patience in the path you have placed before us. And let that path lead always to You. Amen.

A NEW YEAR. A CLEAN SLATE.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13:2

Have you ever been to an ice show with children? If you have you know their favorite part of the show is often not the characters skating around on the ice and all the special effects. No. Their favorite part of the ice show is usually the Zamboni.

That’s right, the big machine invented by Frank Zamboni back in the early 1940’s, often captures the imagination and wonder of children – and adults – like nothing else on ice. I believe it is because it makes everything like new again! If you don’t know, the Zamboni is a big truck with warm water inside. It drives over the rough surface of skating rinks during hockey games, figure skating competitions … and ice shows. It spreads a perfectly even coat of warm water which flows smoothly over the existing ice and freezes instantly. Like magic the ice behind the truck is flawless and ready to be used again by the skaters.

Why am I telling you this? Because Jesus knows that our souls and our bodies need an occasional Zamboni!.Except, He calls it Fasting.

Why is fasting so important? Because it puts us in harmony with His Father. Along with prayer, fasting demands humility from those who wish to be close to Him. Fasting humbles and cleanses the flesh. And we cannot enter the presence of God unless we are pure in all ways. That is why we count on Jesus and obey His commands.

We also do as He did. Jesus went into the desert to pray and fast for forty days. He did this in preparation for His ministry. And this we do, as Christians and as a church, in preparation for the year ahead.

Yes, you can go a certain distance in God, experiencing many things, without fasting. But the greatest and most powerful blessings come to those who together with other disciplines, fast in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Fasting is not magic. It works because God has a plan for your life and He looks for those who urgently want to make the corrections necessary to follow Him. Fasting simply gives you a clean slate – a clean mind, body, soul and heart – onto which you can more effectively place God's focus for your life.

If you’re up to it, there is no better time than right now to fast and pray. What a great way to start the new year! For more information, here is a link to help you begin.

This Week’s Prayer

Dear Lord, this time is for You. Please make of me what You will. Strengthen me as I fast and pray. Give me a pure heart and mind. Cleanse my body and prepare me for the days ahead. I want to hear every word the Holy Spirit has for me so that I may follow the beautiful plan You have made for my life. Lead on, dear Jesus, lean on. Amen.

A CHRISTMAS PRAYER

A Christmas Prayer

By Raymond Bechard

Dear Lord,

I come to you on bended knee.

For in the night you made me see.

You gave me hope when all was gone,

And carried me to the light of dawn.

I journeyed long and traveled far,

To find the Babe beneath the star.

My search is over, I wait no more.

Up to heaven, my heart will soar.

You hold the hope for all mankind.

In your Spirit our lives we find.

And when I need your loving care,

Your Son answers my Christmas Prayer.

Amen.

COME IN! COME IN!

Come In!

By Raymond Bechard 

Come In! Come In!

Out from the storm.

Brush off that snow.

Come in and get warm.

Your heart and the ice,

The fire will melt.

When we sit together,

The love will be felt.

Rest in the comfort,

Of God’s loving Son.

Born this Day,

The Holy One.

Here there is peace,

No worries. No fears.

With our Savior Jesus,

The end of our tears.

Christmas is a gift,

From God above.

One filled with faith,

With Hope and His Love.

A CHILD

A CHILD

By Raymond Bechard

My Son . . .

I send you now to earth below,

To men and women who do not know.

Their hearts are empty and lacking grace.

They long to see my loving face.

Go as a child, not as a king,

Upon your birth, will angels sing.

Walk gently with them, for they live in fear.

Make them brave, for my Kingdom is near.

Remind them of peace and all is not lost,

Invite them all home, and You’ll pay the cost.

Show them I love them, every one,

Enough to give You, my only Son.

I NEED AN ANGEL

I need an Angel

By Ramond Bechard

I stood in the darkness, alone in the night.

I stood against evil, and danger and fright.

I looked up to heaven, to the Lord up above,

“I need an Angel,” I cried. “I need Your Love!”

From stars overhead came trumpets of joy,

To here in a manger, this small Baby boy.

Born to a world of anger and sorrow,

Promising hope and a bright new tomorrow.

Throughout all the earth God’s creatures gave praise.

They sang through the nights and into the days.

Their song flew to heaven, their mighty chorus soared,

“My Angel is here, ‘tis Christ the Lord!”

THE GIFT OF LOVE

The Gift of Love

By Raymond Bechard

From starlit night

To dawn’s new light.

From heaven above

The Gift of Love.

From miles around

They heard the sound

An angels’ shout

Come Out! Come Out!

From distant land

Cross desert sand

They sought His birth

Upon sweet earth

From lands afar

To Seek His Star

In this one place

A new Babe’s face.

From One so small

Hope for us all.

One voice will bring

Our hearts to sing!

On Christmas night

With candles bright.

From heaven above

The Gift of Love.

CHRISTMAS AND THE CITY

Jennifer Foster of Florence, AZ was visiting Times Square in New York City with her husband November 14, 2012 when they saw a man with no shoes asking for change. She had just reached into her purse to give him some money when something very unexpected happened . . . 

Along with this quick photo she took here is the email she sent to the New York Police Department explaining what she witnessed. “Right when I was about to approach, one of your officers came up behind him. The officer said, ‘I have these size 12 boots for you, they are all-weather. Let’s put them on and take care of you.’ The officer squatted down on the ground and proceeded to put socks and the new boots on this man. The officer expected NOTHING in return and did not know I was watching. I have been in law enforcement for 17 years. I was never so impressed in my life."

While the police officer in the photo remains anonymous Jennifer went on to explain, "It is important, I think, for all of us to remember the real reason we are in this line of work."

This true story gives us a powerful reminder of human kindness, compassion in professionalism, and the gratitude we have for all those who serve as First Responders. The "Christmas Spirit" isn't seasonal to them. It's a way of life - just as it is with Jesus and must be for each of us.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

The Best Christmas Gift

by Raymond Bechard

Once I had nothing, no hope, no life.

My journey filled with pain and strife.

I walked alone the streets each day.

No one was there or looked my way.

Then that night, a beautiful star,

Came shining down from heaven afar.

My heart was filled with peace and joy.

When came the news of the Baby Boy.

On bended knee I gave Him praise,

Saying goodbye to all sad days.

Now I am thankful and filled with love.

I reach my hands to skies above.

My Lord, My Savior, here my call.

You are my Lord, my Savior, my All!

THE CALL IS FOR YOU

And he went up on the mountain, and called to him those whom he desired; and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.

                                                                                        Mark 3:13-15

If I had been Jesus’ Human Resources manager, I would have chosen an entirely different group of apostles for Him. The people Jesus chose are a strange group of men, especially when you consider that He was just beginning His ministry. Remember, they would eventually deny him, doubt him, betray him, misunderstand him, and argue over who was the most important in his ministry. Why then did He choose them?

The reason why Jesus decided to call them and not some others was not immediately clear to the disciples either. But very quickly, Jesus instructed them, guided them, and served as a model for them during his earthly ministry. Yet, they would not fully understand until, on Pentecost, they received the Holy Spirit.

Gloriously, what was true for these twelve is just as true for each of us! His call is not to a select few but to everyone. Yes, Jesus summons each of us – You! - to be with Him. He is also calling you to go forth just as He sent those first twelve!

Now, you might feel reluctant to join Him because you don’t understand His call or don’t feel adequate to serve Him. So, I’ll remind you again. Neither did the apostles. It took a lot of time, work, and grace, but with only one exception, they stuck with Him to the end and became the greatest ministry team of all time.

The Lord does not want you to be discouraged or to put yourself down for any weaknesses you may see in yourself. You are a pilgrim on a journey, a work in process. This means that if you are obedient, The Father will provide for you just as He did for disciples.

Jesus doesn’t call you just to be a spectator of His ministry. He is calling upon you to play a vital and influential role in it. Of course, it is important to be with Jesus in prayer and worship, but it is just as important that you go out and actively build His kingdom. Right now, you have an eternal opportunity: you can take up the call to follow Jesus. You can allow His grace to transform you to be the blessing for others that The Lord is calling you to be.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man  who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”

Theodore Roosevelt

Today’s Prayer

“Father, my heart is filled with thanksgiving that your Son has called me to go out and be His hands and feet in the world. Allow me your grace as I venture out to reach others with your love. And please, guide and empower me with your Holy Spirit so that I may always run to win your great victory!. Amen.”

A LIFE OF JOY

"The Seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.' He said to them, 'I watched Satan fall from heaven like a lightning flash. Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will ever harm you. However, don't rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.' In that same hour He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, 'I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and the learned and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, because this was Your good pleasure.'"

                                                Luke 10:17-21

Centuries ago, St. Francis was a wealthy man who gave up everything to live a life of self-imposed poverty, suffering and service. Yet, he celebrated with great joy each and every day of his life! In fact, nothing separated him from the joy he found in the Lord. Even we he faced rejection by his family, or hardships among his friends, or poverty, his life remained a song of praise and thanksgiving!

How? St. Francis understood the real reason that Jesus rejoiced when his disciples returned from their successful preaching tour. Remember, these were simple fishermen and tax gatherers who had just performed miraculous healings and cast out fearsome demons all across Israel. But, like children whose boundless energy needs to be channeled in the right direction, Jesus had to make the disciples recognize where their joy truly lay. So He made it very clear that no matter what incredible deeds they performed or power they had commanded, nothing compared with the fact that their names were written in heaven.

Then Jesus brings the disciples, and all of us, even further into this journey of joy. He continues by demonstrating the kind of rejoicing that should be expressed by His followers. He says, “Thank you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants.”

Jesus is rejoicing in the Holy Spirit because “infants” like us had opened their hearts to the Father’s love and all of heaven was opening to receive them. It is exactly this experience of an opened heaven that is meant to move you and me to exuberant praise and rejoicing as well. Yes! Knowing that God has you in the palm of his hand will lead you to a whole life of joy!

At this very moment, be opened to God’s joyous revelation in your heart. Allow yourself to experience the very tangible potential and power of your life as God sees it in Heaven. When you open your heart to the open doors of heaven, you will find yourself rejoicing in the beauty of the sunrise, the face of a newborn child or in the loving relationships surrounding you.

If you allow yourself to see your name written in heaven, this will be the most joyous moment in your life. It will change your life forever. And that joy will never end.

This Week’s Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me rejoice in the love you pour out upon me. May I live my life in exuberant praise as you surround me with your presence. Show me through your Holy Spirit that my name is written in your heavenly kingdom. And remind me to be ever thankful for the blessings you have provided me. Amen.

YOUR ANGEL STORY

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.    Acts 12:5-10

I love this story of Peter’s deliverance, because I love angel stories. Almost every day someone sends me a story of a personal miracle; some incredible angelic intervention that changed their life. Yes, angels are very real They are God’s helpers and messengers. The Bible and our reality is filled with their incredible stories and adventures.

During the Christmas season, we often hear the story of the angel who appeared to Mary and told her that she would have a son called Jesus. Joseph was also visited by an angel who told him what his role would be in this world-changing event. After Jesus was born, another group of angels appeared to the Wise Men, as well as to a group of very surprised Bethlehem shepherds.

Today Christmas angels are alive and well, appearing just in time to help save or comfort us. They appear in many ways, but their mission never changes; they are here to help us in times of great need.

One of my own Angel stories is not that different than many others. Years ago I was driving home very late one night after a long day of work and some last minute Christmas shopping. The road was very dark and I was very tired. I was fighting to keep my eyes open and I was losing the fight. After dozing for only a second, the steering wheel was torn out of my hands and pulled sharply to the left. The sudden movement woke me out of my dangerous slumber as I grabbed the wheel. Just then I passed a parked car in the breakdown lane. I missed it by inches. I had fallen asleep at the wheel, drifted into the emergency lane and was headed directly at that car. In that one, life-saving moment, an Angel was driving my car – and probably saved my life.

What is your angel story? You probably need only a minute to remember that one moment in your life when something unexplained happened; when someone seemed to be helping you – maybe even saving you.

Yes, I love angel stories and I want to hear yours. Please tell us your angel story by responding in the Comment Section below with all the details. It’s time we spread the miracles!

This Week’s PrayerDear Lord, I know your angels are all around us. And I know I need them more than ever. Yes, Lord, I need an angel. But, most of all, I need the love and grace of Your Son, Jesus, through whom all things are made new again. Amen.

THE WINNING MOVE . . .

She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Matthew 1.21-25

Years ago, an irritated journalist wrote a column about his experience trying to navigate his way through a crowded store. “Hurry as we may,” he wrote, “we are hemmed in by a surging crowd in front and a dense throng of people pressing in from the rear. One man digs his elbow into me, another carelessly hit me with a pole; one bangs my head with a plant. You can be considered foolish and thoughtless if you go out without your will made!” Sounds like a typical Christmas shopping trip at the mall, doesn’t it? Later, the columnist complains about the economic stresses of modern day life by writing that “here you may pay a big rent for a miserable house and everyone dresses above their means.” His frustrated insight is certainly shared by many of us.

The most fascinating element to these observations is that they are from the Roman writer, Juvenal, who lived from A.D. 60 to 140, just after the time of Jesus. Apparently, human nature hasn’t changed very much in at least 2000 years. Yet, while humanity often has a selfish and sinful heart, Christ can change us. In fact, He initiated that change in all of us long ago. Whether or not you choose to see it, that change can take place any time.

More recently, Benjamin Garrison, a Christian writer, found himself desperately trying to win a game of chess he was playing against his computer. His computerized opponent had made a brilliant, winning move several minutes before; a move Garrison had not seen. The computer let him continue making his moves, some good, others quite bad. And all along the computer was moving toward its own inevitable victory.

This is the just like the change God made with the birth of His Son, Jesus. Twenty centuries ago God made the decisive, but mostly unnoticed, move of sending Christ into the world. That move secured His victory . . . and ours. That move guaranteed the outcome. Meanwhile, He allows us the freedom to go on making our moves on the chess-board of life, some good, others incredibly bad.

And while we struggle on, God is calling us to join Him on the winning side. That is the simple message of Christmas. God has not forgotten you and me, His people. It is with Him that our nature can change forever. Jesus is the only winning move!

This week’s prayer

Lord Jesus, I don’t want to keep going on the same path. This Christmas, I don’t want to hurry about through life, ignoring and forgetting all the things that matter. I don’t want to live without you any longer. Your Son Jesus came into our world to save me. I know He is reaching out His hand right now to take hold of my life. Please give me the strength and will to take His hand and join the Victory of Christ!  Amen.

THE CHRISTMAS STORY CONTINUES . . .

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:20

The Christmas story is a beautiful tale of love and family; a true inspiration for all of humanity. Yet, the most extraordinary part of this story is that it continues today in all our lives.

Take a moment and consider the people you encounter each day. Among your neighbors, co-workers, friends and family perhaps there is a man whose second marriage is not going well; a young man having profound doubts about his career; a woman who is waiting for test results from her doctor; or a family in debt is trying to find their way out of a devastating financial crisis.

Why am I telling you this during such a joyous time of year? Because Christmas has always been about people in trouble. It began with an unplanned pregnancy to an unwed couple who were on the road with very little money. They had no place to stay, so the teenage mother gave birth in a barn surrounded by farmers and their animals. For the baby to rest, the young couple could only place him in a feeding trough. And this was only the beginning of their troubles!

Remember, the story of Christmas is not just about the Christ Child in the manger. Like the stories of our lives, it is filled with plot twists, unpredictable characters and lots of surprise endings! And through it all - through the clamor and confusion of our everyday lives - we hear the call of God. Like the angels singing out to the shepherds, it is a glorious call bringing common men and almighty God into fellowship again. It is a call of forgiveness, hope and love.

Let there be no doubt. It is time we receive that call! And whatever challenges you are facing in your life right now, this is where your story can be rewritten with a magnificent new direction!   

This week’s prayer

Lord Jesus, I hear your call. I know the story of my life has many complications and surprises to come. Please be with me as my story’s central character. Guide me and lead me today and every day as I answer your Great Call on my life. Amen.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

“The commandment we have from him is this: 

those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.”

1 John 4:21

Since the time of Adam and Eve, our Lord has provided us with everything we need in life, including the choice to reject it all. Yes, the power to choose is one of the most awesome, mysterious and wonderful of God’s gifts. Whether we accept it or not, it is something we live with every moment of the day. In fact, our lives are filled with choices between our way and the Godly way.

The history of the Christian faith is filled with inspirational stories of people whom made Godly choices. One story begins long ago with a young girl named Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu who chose to become a nun when she was 18 years old. As a nun, Agnes was assigned to teach very wealthy children in Calcutta, India. From her classroom window, located in a well-to-do neighborhood, she could easily see people living in the impoverished slums throughout the villages below. Yet, Agnes was perfectly content with the choice she had made for her life.

Then one night she was walking home and heard a woman crying out for help. Finding the injured woman lying in the street on the verge of death, Agnes rushed her to the nearest hospital. Since the woman was poor the hospital said she would have to wait for treatment. Knowing the woman would die without immediate medical attention, Agnes took the woman to another hospital. Again help was denied because the woman was poor and belonged to an undesirable social class. Desperate, Agnes took the woman to her own home. A few hours later, the woman died in peace, held in the comfort of Agnes's loving arms.

That night Agnes resolved that this would never happen again to anyone within her reach. She chose to devote her life to easing the pain of those who suffered around her. Whether they lived or died, they would do so with dignity. She made a clear choice to treat the poor better than they had ever been treated in their entire lives, with the love and respect the Lord wanted them to have.

That is the choice Agnes made. And that is how she began her journey as Mother Teresa.

We never know what the results will be when we begin to share God’s love, especially when we share it with the poor. Long after Agnes became Mother Teresa to the world, she told us, “What the poor need most is to feel needed, to feel loved. The condition of banishment which their poverty imposes is what ulcerates them. There are remedies and treatments for all kinds of illnesses, but when someone is undesirable, if there are no serving hands and loving hearts, then there is no hope for a true cure.”

This Christmas, you can become the cure by using your hands, your heart, your mind - your everything – by serving “the least of these,” the poor.

This week’s prayer

Lord Jesus help me to share your love generously. Give me the strength to choose Your will and Your way in all things. Keep me focused on the people you need me to help most of all. Show me the opportunities to help the poor and give me the discipline to make the right choice. Amen. 

THE BEST PARENT IN THE WORLD

"See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be

called His children, and we really are!"

I John 3:1

The love parents have for their children is found in the heart of God. In order for you to be the kind of parent that all children need, you must understand what kind of a parent God is to His children.

First, your children need leadership. You have been called by God to instruct your child, point your child to the path of life, and show your child how to walk upon it. You are your child's spiritual leader. From your lips, your child needs to hear wise words and wise counsel; from your steps, your child needs to see the importance of wise choices and good decisions; from your love, your child needs to discover their purpose, identity, and true worth.

Your children also need great care. Children are very needy people. Every child needs to be cared for and have their basic needs met. You have the responsibility of caring for and providing for the children God has given you. Not one thing can be overlooked. Would God forsake you? Of course not. Never! Nor should you ever allow the real needs of your children to be ignored, nor matter where they are or in whose care they might be.

Your children need your time. It is our greatest and most precious resource. And time has an extraordinary value to all human life. Those who choose not to spend time with their children came up with the lackluster theory that spending “quality time” is more important than the quantity of time. I see the victims of “quality time” parenting wandering the streets every day with no where to go. It’s not a question of quality, it’s a question of quantity. And that means spending large quantities of time with your kids. Being a parent is about being together with your child to share life's joys and God's blessings. Every moment you spend with your child is another opportunity for good to happen in their young life. You need to value and guard your time with your children.

Finally, you must give yourself. There’s no easy way to put it, to be a parent is to sacrifice your whole life for your child. It’s not about you anymore. But, when you give yourself to a child you are saying, "I am not only spending this time with you, but you have my complete attention. My eyes are upon you, heart follows you, my thoughts are with you, and my love is around you.” Remember, when God spoke to Abram, God gave him this precious promise, "Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” What a wonderful and cherished gift to give to our children as well.

We witness the most exquisite pattern for our own parenting in God, our Father in heaven. He gives us His love through His wise leadership, His uncompromising care, His unlimited time, and His perfect self. Today, it is our responsibility to pass these blessings to our children.

Today’s Prayer

Lord God, You have given us the privilege as well as the responsibility of being loving parents. In the name of Jesus, we ask you to guide us as we invite our children to hear your call to service and leadership in our Church. May our children respond with deep faith and generosity to the needs of God's people. Help us to be a source of love and encouragement to our children as we look to you for courage, strength and wisdom in the years to com. Amen.

I Need An Angel

I stood in the darkness, alone in the night.
I stood against evil, and danger and fright.
I looked up to heaven, to the Lord up above,
“I need an Angel,” I cried. “I need Your Love!”

From stars overhead came trumpets of joy,
To here in a manger, this small baby boy.
Born to a world of anger and sorrow,
Promising hope and a bright new tomorrow.

Throughout all the earth God’s creatures gave praise.
They sang through the nights and into the days.
Their song flew to heaven, their mighty chorus soared,
“My Angel is here, ‘tis Christ the Lord!”
Raymond Bechard

May your family experience the grace and peace of many Christmas blessings this holiday season.

Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, On Christmas day we celebrate your gift to the world, Your precious Son Jesus. I accept this gift, as my Savior and Lord. Forgive my sins and renew my mind for the fullness of your Glory forever. Amen.