When I see this quinoa & chia breakfast bowl in the morning and think about how many times I settled for cereal in the past, I just cringe. Really? Where was this energy packed breakfast when I was chasing my little girls around the yard? I did a class for my church a few years ago on Eating from God’s Garden and showed them this recipe alongside a glazed doughnut…

Needless to say, they were impressed with amount of goodness in this bowl compared to the doughnut.

There is no comparison with breakfast as far as macronutrients, or taste for that matter. Not only that, this doughnut does not fill us up! God’s wisdom in the garden in unparalleled.

“Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

” Proverbs 14:33

Although man’s pride continues to steer him away from God’s wisdom towards man made pleasures, God continues to let himself be known. The good news is we can start our day building wisdom in God’s word and from His garden. This simple quinoa & chia breakfast bowl is loaded with protein, fiber, whole grains, natural sweetness, omega 3 fat. As well as vitamins and minerals. All necessary for brain health and building wisdom!

On top of being nutrient packed, do you see all the seeds in this fruit? They are ready and waiting to propagate into the next generation. With just a little backyard space we can save the seeds from our next Kiwi and strawberries and grow them. All we have to do is rinse them well, place on a paper towel and dry them out at room temperature for about two weeks. Then plant them in some fertile soil and see if they grow. (The non-GMO seeds anyway ).

More importantly, as we age and face chronic disease, feeding our cells becomes necessary to function. The choices containing macronutrients to increase function begin to outweigh desire for sugar saturated “non-food” items. Also with just a little preparation we can enjoy new habits and convenience that provide cell building energy, without losing flavor.

Furthermore, our desire to use our hands without pain, open jars, and do crafts with our children and grandchildren doesn’t wan. It is something we need to thrive. We can continue to do these things with a little help from God’s garden.

Because we know… What God puts in the garden is good!

Have a blessed week!

Check out this yummy vegetable soup too!

When winter arrives I need some simply wholesome potato soup to ward off the chill. You know, the kind that is creamy and melts in your mouth while keeping you full for hours. As the winter solstice passes and I catch a few glimpses of the Bethlehem star, the wind cuts through my clothes to chill me to the bone, it’s time to layer up.

So, I’m bundling up in my clothes, contemplating the season of that star, and thinking about what God has planned in the coming year. Although I won’t know what’s ahead, all I need to know is those lights in the sky are a testament to his power and glory. The Psalmists says,

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
⁴ what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?

⁵ Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor.
⁶ You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
    you have put all things under his feet,
Psalm 8:3-6

Regardless of what the coming year brings, I can be assured he cares for me. Sweet friend, he cares for you too. We can look forward to taking more time to absorb his word, layer up our hearts for the next phase of life, and prepare something wholesome and simple for supper. You ready?

I know potatoes get a bad rap because of their carb content, but really they are loaded with vitamin C, folate and fiber. Instead of raising blood sugar, they contain resistant starch, which can actually decrease it, according to a Healthline article with PubMed backed research. In addition they feed the good bacteria in our gut. Therefore helping with digestion, improving insulin resistance, and helpin us feel full longer (1).

More importantly, according to studies, the resistant starch in potatoes breaks down into short chain fatty acids called butyrate. An important fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation in the gut. While possibly aiding people with Chron’s Disease, diverticulitis, and ulcerative colitis. (2)

So, wrap up this winter, enjoy some simply wholesome potato soup, and enjoy those scriptures!

Thank you and God Bless.

See Recipe for No Salt Spice Blends Here

References:

7 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Potatoes (healthline.com)

Our final look at the way of peace in this Christmas series is departing in peace. A picture of this departure is found in Luke chapter 2. Simeon, the priest, arrives to the temple as the baby Jesus is presented to the Lord. I picture in my mind, an old man who has served the Lord faithfully his entire life. A man who encourages and counsels young couples as they present their firstborn to the Lord.

More importantly, he’s a man living under and ministering to people who fear ruthless Roman rule. Unfortunately the tactic Satan uses to steal their peace, and ours, is not a new one. However, it may be the most effective. Simeon knew their history of oppression and fear under Egypt’s control in the days of the Patriarchs. Then through various enemies of the land of Canaan in the period of the Judges. Not to mention, the control over them through Babylonian and Assyrian nations in later centuries.

Fear steals our peace more than any other tactic the enemy has. Whether it’s a virus and our restrictions of liberty, insecurity in our looks, doubt of love from our family, or fear of never living or knowing our purpose, it has a tight grip on our peace. Or lack thereof in our day to day thinking! The peace that comes through Jesus, says we don’t have to stay there. We too, can have peace in the hope of Jesus, just like this old man in the first century of our Lord’s birth.

In spite of Simeon’s dreadful circumstances of fear and Roman rule around him, God gives him hope in this innocent holy child. Accordingly, he is awestruck as the Holy Spirit reveals to him who this baby is. For Simeon, departing in peace meant not seeing death before seeing the Lord’s Christ. The fifth definition of peace comes into play as “the blessed state of devout and upright men after death”.

As the priests takes the baby Jesus in his arms, he blesses God, saying

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your Word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version 2016

We see the ultimate purpose of Jesus birth and life portrayed throughout scripture. Especially here as a culmination of eternal peace. Only Christ can offer a spirit of contentment in the place where God decides our short period of time and existence. Choosing to live in harmony with others in spite of differences in values and morals displays our desire to live in Christ. However, we cannot do it in our own strength. We must rely on Christ, through prayer, as each fearful, insecure thought sneaks in to create doubt and steal our peace.

Abraham in Genesis 15:15 is told by God he shall go to his his fathers in peace; and be buried at a good old age. He understood, as Simeon did, walking blameless before God. He further quotes Isaiah.

Departing in Peace is For Us Too!

Simeon also sees God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham revealed in this Christ child! Yes, us, Gentiles, are given the light of the world. Whoever walks in him will not walk in darkness (John 8:12). The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5) No matter how many times the enemy brings his dark intentions to our weary souls, our Spirit whispers within our hearts, “Hang on, I’m hear.” He sees us, he hears us, he wants us to depart in peace too.

But there is more! We don’t have to be afraid,

The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version

Yes, indeed, Jesus grew to be the fulfillment of all God’s promises. His word assures us the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned (Mathew 4:16). Simeon, having lived a full life, is overcome with the glory of God’s plan for his people and a peace that surpasses understanding offered to the entire world. The history of oppression, fear, as well as the darkness of the culture living outside God’s way is put aside. Perhaps her hears the words of an adult Jesus saying,

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version

Not only can he depart in peace with the full knowledge and comfort of a Savior in his time, we are privileged to see it too.

Father in heaven, I pray the peace of your Son fill us this day and every day. May we awake with hope and fullness of you in our thoughts instead of our fear and anxiety. More importantly, help us see your goodness in those around us. May we also live for you and be a light in our own dark places. Give us the boldness to smile instead of cry, return criticism with soft words, and open our eyes to our own faults. In you only, Lord will we depart in peace now and forever. In, Jesus name I pray, Amen.

For more bold faith read The Way of Peace Through Christ –

Dye-free red velvet cake roll may sound a little difficult, but it’s doable with beets. Avoiding harmful red dyes is always a plus when looking for optimal ways to enhance our health. Plus beets are from the garden, and we know what’s in the garden is good! Although, many people are reluctant to give beets a try, they will find they add a wonderful moistness to this cake roll.

Yes! Chopped cooked beets pureed into dark red deliciousness is a wonderful substitute for a dye free red velvet cake roll. Since it’s paired with allspice and cocoa, the spices mask any taste of beets. In fact, it’s so good, I hope we never use red dye again.

Benefits of a Dye-free Red Velvet Cake Roll

Beets are low in calories, a good source of fiber, and rich in heart healthy betaine and folate. Both of which decrease homocysteine levels in the blood and reduce inflammation. They are also a good source of potassium and magnesium, minerals necessary for vital blood pumping functions. You can read more about the benefits of beets here.

Not only will the health benefits be present, but this cake roll is also adds beautiful variation to Christmas dessert offerings. Not only do we need appealing options to choose from for our celebrations, we need ones that help us stay on track with healthier eating.

But, there’s more good news, the dye-free red velvet cake roll can also be prepared gluten free. I hope you enjoy this recipe as you prepare your home and hearts for the spirit of the season. I am comforted daily in the hopeful story of redemption and salvation offered from Christ the Messiah in the Christmas story.

Have a blessed Christmas!

If you’re looking for fun Christmas things to do you can follow the link to Fun Christmas Ornaments on this site. As well as inspiration for holiday peace through the story of Christ in The Way of Peace on this site.

I hope you enjoy the site, I look forward to serving you and reading your comments.

The way of peace through the arrival, and life of our Lord Jesus Christ continues through the announcement of his birth to the lowly shepherds in Luke 2. The shepherds are keeping watch over their flock by night as the glory of the Lord shines around them (vs8). Do you ever wonder why the presence of the Lord’s glory fills them with great fear?

It seems like a repeated occurrence throughout the bible and in opposition to the way of peace. After all, fear is not peaceful. Yet, in the presence of just the shadow of God’s glory, it demands a posture of submission. An indication to us of where we stand, in our own sinful flesh, in opposition to God.

However, the beauty of the message speaks into the fear of the Shepherds and announces…

 “Fear not, behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).

A Savior Who is Christ The Lord

Yes! A Savior to deliver, make alive, and preserve them, and us, from all evil and danger. Our Christ, the anointed Messiah. He rules in the hearts of his followers and directs them in the way of peace. He is announced as the great high priest who atones for our sins. Mary, herself rejoices in her need for this Savior, in Luke 1:47.

We also see in this title, he is “the Lord”. The supreme eternal being who rules heaven and earth. All spiritual authority is placed upon him to be a prophet that reveals the will of God. A the way of peace for the soul only Christ can fill. In addition, he is the priest who offers up atonement for sin. For he alone has the power to remove the guilt and pollution of sin. While he enlarges the influence of his Spirit to preserve and seal those who follow his way. (Adam Clarke Commentary, studlylight.org).

This bold revelation and proclamation of this all-powerful Savior is wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger (vs. 12) The shepherds will witness all this power in the humble state of our Savior’s birth and appearance. He came in this lowly state to destroy the root of all evil in the souls of men, pride. A sure sign for us to also live in humility, as the bold way to declare our fellowship with the Prince of Peace.

More importantly, this declaration is followed by a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

This humble babe is given all worship, praise and honor among the heavenly beings. Perhaps a prelude to the promise of scripture later written by Paul in Romans. A promise that before him every knee will bow and every tongue confess to God (Rom 14:11).

Also, the way of peace through Christ is revealed in those who reconcile their state of sinfulness to the authority of the Savior. They experience peace in their soul and towards their neighbors. As well as boldly displaying this peace through their humble words and actions.

In closing, I pray you have the peace of Christ in you this season and throughout the coming year! Although it is not a state of being for those outside the will of God, it is for us who trust in Christ. Nor is it for the scoffers and professors in this fallen culture chasing after the alluring things the prince of this world dangles before them. It is for the light of peace in us that shines in the presence of a hostile world. Its purpose is to reveal the true longing of every heart is something only Christ can fill.

The Way of Peace Series Begins Here

The Way of Peace through Jesus’ Birth and Life
The way of peace begins by exploring the foretelling and recording of Jesus’ birth this week. We are told from the lips of Zachariah,” The Lord will redeem his people through a horn of salvation” (Luke 1:69) To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). 

But what does the way of peace mean for us today?

Peace is so fleeting!

We have it one moment and it’s gone the next. So, maybe it’s time to explore the various definitions of biblical ways of peace to determine where to start… and STAY in our peace:
Peace Definitions
1. A state of national tranquility, exemption from the rage and havoc of war. 
2. Peace between individuals, harmony.
3. Security, Safety, Prosperity
4. Of the Messiah’s peace–the way that leads to peace (salvation)
5. Of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from and content with its earthly lot.
6. The blessed state of the devout and upright men after death.

Since tranquility between nations is something we have not seen throughout the centuries, we can place world peace before the Father in prayer. Simply because it is out of our control. 

However, the remaining five definitions of peace are promises from our loving Father. We can hold tightly to them because they are available to us through His Son and His Word. 

The Angel, Zechariah, as well as his son John, speak of salvation in our chapters of Luke this week. We’ll explore the Angel’s announcement and Simeon’s joy in coming posts.

Today though, we’ll think about our definitions above to get a clearer picture of the Lord’s tranquility. We will also take a look at parts of Zechariah’s Prophecy below. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he exhorts the coming of our Lord, and the plans for his own son, with awe.

⁶⁷And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

⁶⁸ “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
    for he has visited and redeemed his people
⁶⁹ and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David,
⁷⁰ as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
⁷¹ that we should be saved from our enemies
    and from the hand of all who hate us;
⁷² to show the mercy promised to our fathers
    and to remember his holy covenant,
⁷³ the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
⁷⁴     that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
⁷⁵     in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
⁷⁶ And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
⁷⁷ to give knowledge of salvation to his people
    in the forgiveness of their sins,
⁷⁸ because of the tender mercy of our God,
    whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
⁷⁹ to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:67-79

The glorious prophecy of Zechariah foretells of redemption!

 In addition, we know the way of peace comes through the “horn of salvation”. The phrase illustrates the strength of God to save his people. In fact, salvation is announced from the previously mentioned individuals, indicating a repeated theme throughout the book of Luke.

Our definition of peace reminds us of the Messiah’s peace of salvation. This means we have an assurance for our souls from the hand of our fiercest enemy (vs71). Even though he is doing everything he can to remove our peace. He will not win.

More importantly, because of his continual attacks, we need the mercy of God to proclaim the gospel boldly. Like many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world today, we too can serve him without fear (vs. 74). A fearless faith looking like the disciples and the early church martyrs. In addition, we see the recounting of Jesus’ birth throughout history. This too, is given as evidence of the oath sworn to Abraham in Zechariah’s prophesy. God has covered his descendants through the ages as they served Jesus with courage.

Descendants and disciples who unquestionably brought the light of the Messiah to the dying, pulling them out of the darkness. In effect, blessing them with the knowledge of salvation and forgiveness of sin. A joyous hope the people then and now cannot live without during troubling times. His way of guiding our feet into the way peace is so much better than we ever hoped!

In addition, the way of Jesus is bold in its gentleness. A way leading us to defy the constant barrage of criticism and attacks from the enemy. Placing our trust in him, allows a supernatural harmony to flow among us and our fiercest critics. We know we can’t do that on our own. Gently, he reminds us to take every thought captive to Jesus (2 Cor. 10:5) and use soft words turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).

Lastly, attempts to displace our peace fall on his precious covering in the shadows of death. A place we’ve all been too familiar with this year. May we cast aside the shadow for Jesus’ promising light and set our hearts on God. For in him, we find our eternal peace.

Making red plaid log ornaments are fun for a cold winter day activity. I especially like the relaxing part of creating ornaments. Although the holiday season can bring a multitude of to do lists, and along with that some stress, I like to keep it simple.

Therefore, creating these log ornaments is not just another to do list activity, it is a peaceful time to teach little ones the joy of creating. I think the reason I enjoy it so much is, like our Creator, we derive joy creating things. A sense of accomplishment and worth are inherent in our desire to build.

Furthermore, just as the Lord took pleasure in the work of His Voice, we too, take pleasure in the work of our hands. The Psalmist puts it so succinctly in Psalms 104 26-31:

O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom have you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
²⁵ Here is the sea, great and wide,
    which teems with creatures innumerable,
    living things both small and great.
²⁶ There go the ships,
    and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.

²⁷ These all look to you,
    to give them their food in due season.
²⁸ When you give it to them, they gather it up;
    when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
²⁹ When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
    when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
³⁰ When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,
    and you renew the face of the ground.

³¹ May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works,

It reminds us so much of all the good things we want to give our own children! Especially at the holidays. What better gift to give them than sweet memories of preparing for the advent of our Savior’s birth?

These red plaid log ornaments may be just the thing to kickstart our creative juices this season. Since we’re always looking for ways to share the story of Christ with our little ones, a building project is a good idea. Creating things reminds them of the great Creator and opens the door for talking to them about where we come from. Not only where we come from but how God takes such care to make us whole. Mind, body, and soul. Just as we put parts together in our project to make it whole.

Check out the Bold Faith Blog for more encouragement.

A trip to Hobby Lobby may or may not be needed depending on your crafting supplies. But, while your out look for the following:

• A spool of Red Plaid Ribbon
• A bundle of mini Burch logs
• A bundle of Snow covered Sticks
• 1 Package of Red Bells
• 1 Package of Garland Ties
• 1 Bag Pine Cones
• 1 Sprig Berries
• Hot Glue Gun with Glue Sticks

Instructions for Assembling Red Plaid Log Ornaments

• Assemble 2-3 Birch Logs and glue together with hot glue into a bundle.
• Place the ribbon over the logs, it’s ok to overlap.
• Twist the garland to look like a wreath and glue to ribbon on the log..
• Apply the pine cones, then the bell.

Instructions for Assembling Red Plaid Stick Ornaments

• Assemble the sticks in a bundle of 6 or seven
• Place the red plaid ribbon over the sticks and glue with a hot glue gun.
• Twist the garland tie to look like a wreath and glue onto the sticks.
• Glue the red bell and pine cones in place.
• Insert the a small berry sprig on each side of the ribbon

You’re all done! Enjoy your peaceful advent time with your little ones and share the joy of creating!

A harvest vegetable soup is a common second day meal after utilizing a savory pot roast on preparation day. After all, a good vegetable soup is in everyone’s arsenal of yummy go to soups!

I particularly like the spices in this soup. A few extra harvest root vegetables added to the traditional ones, make this soup unique. Although, many of you love your tomato based vegetable soups, I’d like to challenge us to try something a little different. After all, root vegetables have so much to offer in the form of fiber, rich minerals, and vitamin content, it’s a good idea to consider them in our balanced meal plan.

Furthermore, here is a place to read about Beet Benefits and Sweet Potato Benefits while enjoying a cup of vegetable soup on a cool fall or winter day!

Or, while the harvest vegetable soup is warming your belly, you can indulge in God’s word to warm your soul. Paul tells us in Corinthians, the same God who supplies the seed to sew our wonderful vegetables and for the wheat to make bread for food, is the Same God we rely on to build righteousness. This is on display in the mild gentleness of our speech. And as witnessed by the steadfastness in our adherence to the truth of God’s Word.

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

2 Corinthians 9:10

Moreover, we can rely on God to always supply the right words, at the right time. tTherefore, multiplying the tiny seeds we sew.

I like to keep it simple. Food is simple and so is love. Let’s be lights in sharing God’s love. You can find more encouragement about sowing a harvest of righteousness on the Bold Faith page of this site.

Setting our hearts on our Father and Creator opens our eyes to the same encouragement He gives Daniel. For we, like he who loves God, also cry out to our Lord in our distress. We see Daniel as an example of faith under fire in this passage set his heart on God. He sees the destruction and devastation coming upon the people he loves, yet he is strengthened.

Although our circumstances may be different, we too see havoc upon us. Powerless, we begin seeking ways to build up our courage. As we undergo illness, distress, loss, and heartache in our own lives and in the lives of those we love, we cry out to the Lord.

Therefore, we have hope as we read this passage because God always sends comfort and reassurance when we cry out to Him. Daniel’s vision of what will happen to his people in the latter days is devastating. The truth of the conflict in the vision causes him to lose his appetite and mourn for three weeks.

When we receive devastating news or undergo a health crisis, we too can be in the same distress. Weak and wondering, Daniel see’s the messenger of God coming to reassure him in his time of need. Terrified, he falls to his knees. He displays an example of where our posture before the Lord will be when we face Him in our darkest hour.

Moreover, emotional pain and heartache from physical loss can take our breath away and remove our words. However, when we come trembling before God with the devastation of it, He sees our misery. The doubt, fear, and debility are laid before Him. Unseen, our spirit cries out. Exhausted and exposed to our own vulnerability, we fully submit our warring emotions to Him.

As a result, we slowly feel a warmth in the pit of our soul spread like a soothing balm to calm our tumultuous emotions. God hears our cries and sees our surrender to Him. Jesus picks up the pieces laid before Him and methodically puts them in order as the Comforter envelopes us with new courage.

When we set our hearts on God, Jesus touches our brokenness and places us upright in His love. We can then turn to the powerful message of God to reassure us further. In His Word, we hear his voice and understand His intentions. Please be encouraged today by what the angel of the Lord shares with Daniel:

Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words (Daniel 10:12).

We are not alone.

Our prayers are heard and acted upon as the hand of the Lord reaches out to our inmost being to give us strength. Sometimes it is an illness or loss that brings us to that place of humility. A place that opens our mind to our own vulnerability and mortality. A battle ensues as we begin to fear loss.  A possible loss of health, income, or way of life.

We don’t have to be afraid, the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Protector is present during the battle with us. The temporary things are stripped away to expose the eternal things of true value. Empathy of friends, care of loved ones, as well as the consuming spiritual support of God’s Word.

We are loved! Just as Jesus reassures his disciples, he will not leave them as orphans, He comes to us too. He lives in us, and because our hearts are devoted to him, his commands are a joy to follow. There is freedom for our souls when we see His way and His Word as sweeter than honey.

Jesus says to His disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him “(John 14:18-21).

Daniel’s situation is a physical manifestation of what happens to us spiritually in our walk with the Lord. A picture of what is happening in the spiritual realm that we cannot see, although we feel in our hearts and know in our minds. It’s as real as the anger, discontent, and selfish greed of the world around us.

Although, the angel was detained in a spiritual battle, he reassures Daniel his words are heard.

Paul tells us in Ephesians our battle is not against flesh and blood but against powers and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12, ESV).

It is reassuring to know that we are not alone in our battle against the darkness. There are messengers of God battling with us and for us. We battle through our dark and lonely places by knowing and reading God’s inspired word. It is there that we meet God on the page and are heard and feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  

And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 

Let the glorious words of “greatly loved” sink in a few minutes. Yes, the angel is talking to Daniel to reassure him, but God’s word assures us of the same promise. God’s love has been poured into us through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). May our hearts be encouraged as we set them on God! We are knit together in love to reach all the richness of full assurance, understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ Jesus ( Col 2:2).

No amount of preparation can prepare us for a devastating diagnose, except this! Courage is facing our fear in the oncoming battle and moving forward anyway. That invisible hand reaching out to hold us upright is the hand of our Lord. I pray he touches you today through the power of his word and renews your courage to face the days ahead with poise and resilience. May God be with you and keep you always.

This 3 day reading plan can be viewed and shared on the YouVersion app

As He Spoke to Me, I was Strengthened

Letters to Those We Love

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone you love?

For many of us, it’s seems like ages ago. Although, social media and texting make messaging one another easy and quick, it oftentimes lacks the personal touch of a letter.

Yet, how often do we fail to relay the depth of our empathy in a text. Perhaps, more importantly, our remorse for a harsh word. In fact, how clear are we to declare how much we care to those we cherish?

Under those circumstances, maybe it’s time to get out the stationary and pen a letter to someone we love.  Who is on our heart? What will we say to the special person in our lives?  Perhaps, we’ll start with our usual term of endearment, “Dear” … meaning darling, cherished one, precious.

Wow, it’s already sounding more personable and real. Much like the letter of Jude begins in our first day of bible study.

Jude 1:1 says, “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,
 To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.

We learn in our first day of study how ancient letters address recipients. The sender introduces himself by name and states he is a servant to Jesus Christ. However he mentions his brother James but neglects to mention his other siblings. One of whom is Jesus, as well as the others listed in Mathew 13:53-55.

The humility shown in these few words is a wonderful example of how we can address people in our current volatile climate. Although, he is a brother to the Messiah and James a pillar of the church, he doesn’t boast of his credentials. Instead, he calls himself a servant (in many translations-slave). He then clearly states who he is writing to. 

“Those who are called”.

Since the beauty of bible study is looking deeper into what the text says, Jackie directs us in our study to clarify the people called. 

*We read in scripture people are called according to God’s purpose (Rom. 8:28-30).

*Christians are called into fellowship with His son (1 Cor. 1:4-9)

* We are also called through the gospel (2 Thess. 2: 13-14)
*As well as, called to a holy calling (2 Timothy 1:8-9).  (Perry, 2019, p. 22)

Beloved By God

Furthermore, the letter’s introduction states the recipients are “beloved in God”.

A word meaning dearest, darling, precious, and cherished. Words so much needed to hear and words we need to hear. God poured out his love for us by sending His only son to suffer and die for our sin (John 3:16).

When we fully place our trust in Him, we walk away from our intention to sin. Submitting our lives to him, we are in safe keeping with Jesus Christ.

Moreover, the recipients of the letter are being “kept’ in his grace. No broken promises or contracts for Jude’s listener’s as they face the false teachers and violent culture around them.

Therefore, Jude reassures his listeners in his first sentence: Since they commit to following Jesus, they are not disregarded, cast aside, or broken in spirt.

They are kept FOR Jesus Christ.

Jesus says in Mathew 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Furthermore, Jesus also makes it as clear to us as he did His disciples, in this world we will have trouble. But his words to them can also be an assurance to us,  “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33).

So, dear sister in Christ, who God the Father cherishes, from Mysty, who loves Jesus, please let scripture lift you up today.

God’s Holy words are a whisper on the pages of scripture to draw us closer to Him. We have the privilege to treasure and share them with those we love.

I pray you write a heartfelt letter to someone special and tell them how deeply you love and appreciate them. How glorious, we are in safe keeping with Jesus Christ!

References:

Perry, Jackie Hill, 2019. Jude, Contending for the Faith in Today’s Culture. Liefway Press, Nashville, TN 37234.