The God of Hope

"The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him" (Romans 15:12)

Praising God this Christmas season that my hope does not rest in world events or my perceived ability to control anything. It comes from the Holy Spirit who by God's merciful grace resides in my redeemed soul. This amazing gift from the Father not only carries me through life's hardships but enables me to rejoice in trials because God is with me. He is forever working all things together for His glory. Pain on earth will be replaced by joy in heaven for branches attached to the Root of Jesse.

Jesus, the Root of Jesse, is the vine that connects us to the Father. We may be the richest most talented person in the world but if we are not grafted into Christ through His death, burial and resurrection our souls and our accomplishments will perish. Jesus said, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned" (John 5:4-6).

As we celebrate our Messiah's birth this December what are you worshiping? Is it Jesus the King of Kings or how much money can buy? Are you caught up in the competition the prevailing culture highlights at Christmas beckoning you to have the most presents under your tree? Would you be able to thank God for His gift of eternal life through faith and submission to His Son if you had no presents to open? Who can out give God?! None of us!

Praying your heart, mind and soul is filled with the abundance of Christ our Redeemer's love. God incarnate who made His temporary home in a stable in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago wants to take up permanent residency in your heart. Have you invited Jesus in and made Him Lord of your life or rejected Him because there's no room if your life for God? "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary

Kisses from Heaven

"Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants" (Deuteronomy 32:2).

Deuteronomy 32:2 is my prayer, my travel verse for 2013 on this misty New Years day in North Carolina. As I linger through the pages of God's Word my eyes feasted on these succulent words from the Song of Moses. Oh to be a blessing, a vessel used by Almighty God to nourish parched souls in this complicated world, that is my desire. But I can only share what His Spirit imparts in me (John 3:27) by drinking in His kisses from heaven.

What is a heavenly kiss?  It's an intimate touch from Jesus that satisfies our deepest cravings--to be loved, valued, and in communion with our Creator. A kiss is personal, involves close contact and is shared only by the two people participating in the encounter at that moment. It conveys love, worth and status. A kiss tells us we belong to the giver of the kiss; that we matter very much. Only people we hold close in our heart we kiss.

God sends us dew drops of His love in more ways than we can count. We see His passion displayed in creation (Romans 1:20) and that God's love is pure. Sadly, humans polluted and distorted God's design for love (Romans 1:21-27) and spawned a depraved generation still growing today. But there is still hope! Jesus, God in flesh, came to earth to show us the Father's love (John 1:14) for sinners. Want to know who the One true living God is? Look to His Son, Jesus (John 14:6-7). See and know how close God holds you in His heart!

In Christ you will find forgiveness, healing, love, salvation, meaning and more. God's Word, God Himself-- these are kisses from heaven that fall down like rain on thirsty souls, quenching the one who sits at the feet of His throne (Psalm 56:10-11).

"Father, I pray you will draw me near so I may know you in a deeper way. Kiss my soul with your love. Anoint my words to be a blessing to others for your glory." Amen. "Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants" (Deuteronomy 32:2).

Happy 2013!

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary