Heaven Sent Sentiments

Good morning!! I’ve got to admit, I love the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season! Decorating the Christmas tree, all the holiday baking, and gathering together with family and friends to break bread and create memories.

One thing I’ve discovered is that the light of Jesus in my heart needs to shine even brighter during the season of His birth!

Many of my family and friends, whom I may not see any other time of year, get a glimpse of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world through me, that they may not otherwise witness.

The same is true of you my friends, your homes may be filled with saved and unsaved hearts. Our churches will be filled with people of all backgrounds, faiths, hurts, desperation, etc!!

We all need the saving grace of Jesus! Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.”

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I’ve got to admit, sometimes I feel as though my heart really breaks and hurts when I see people struggling and hurting without Jesus in their life. I used to take on their problems/situations and do everything I could to try to help them. It was definitely a stressful and unhealthy way to live–I just wanted so desperately for them to have Jesus in their lives! Can you relate?!

I am so thankful that Jesus knows my heart and He spoke to me through the following devotional:

Oswald Chambers, June 10th

“Remember that you can never give another person what you have found, but you can cause him to have a desire for it.”

Those words really spoke to my heart: Only God can change them. I can’t do what only God can do. Duh, right? 🙂 My heart so desperately wanted them to change, I was getting the lines crossed on what I could do and what only God could do.

This is what I can do: I live my life with the light and love of Jesus shining brightly, sharing the gospel of Jesus wherever I go. Praying, loving, accepting someone right where they are, giving, inviting…everyone I know to the saving grace of Jesus!

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I recently discovered a poem my mom had written. The paper is worn and yellow. My mother’s very distinct handwriting graces the page. The theme of her poem exactly emulates what Oswald Chambers highlighted in the quote above: others may not understand her faith or love for Jesus, but just as God drew her to Jesus, she knows others can receive the same opportunity.  “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws Him” John 6:44.

You do not know Him as I do,

it must be very strange to you.

That I can love what I can’t see,

and you can’t feel His love for me.

*

I won’t pretend I’m special though–

I’m not the only one, you know.

To share a hopeful destiny,

though you can’t feel His love for me.

*

　It may be anger that draws you near,

it could be sorrow–even fear.

I hope you’re drawn, though I can see,

that you can’t feel His love for me.

*

Once, it was me who sat with closed eyes,

and opened my heart to the enemy’s lies.

But, what was His power when Jesus was through?

You can’t feel it for me, but I know it for you.

　by Sue Corbin

On this day, and every other day, I am going to commit to living my life for Jesus in such a way that others desire to hear the Good News of Jesus!

All the glory to God,

Shanon

Chamber, Oswald. “My Utmost For His Highest.” June 10th devotional. Discovery House Updated Edition. Print. 1992.

Image of The Grace of God Appeared by calvaryhelena.com