His Birth Means Your Rebirth

At Christmastime we celebrate the birth of Jesus. God's Son was born to Mary and Joseph in a stable because there was no room for them at the inn. Mary swaddled Jesus and laid Him in the manger. Shepherds who were watching their flocks in the fields had angels appear to them to share the good news, and they went to see the baby and worship the Savior.

You are probably familiar with the story. Perhaps you've taken part in a children's play that acted out the scene or maybe you have a nativity set among your Christmas decorations. You may have even read the story from the Bible and imagined what that night was like--for Mary and Joseph, for the shepherds, for the Wise Men who traveled a long distance to see the child and bring their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

But what is it that we are really celebrating? A mere historic event? A baby? The Christmas spirit of giving, peace, and joy? Yes, that's all a part of it, and it's possible to celebrate Christmas every year without thinking too much about what the birth of Jesus really means for you; but the part that is most significant isn't just for a holiday or a season. It's about every day of your life. His birth means your rebirth--yesterday, today, and forever.

If you have trusted Jesus as your savior, invited Him into your heart, received His gift of salvation, or however you would describe your encounter of Jesus, you have already been reborn. Jesus talked about being "born again", "born of the Spirit", and existing in such a way that isn't just about being physically alive but also spiritually. God has made you aware of His existence, of His love, and of His ways. In addition to being a citizen of your town, state, and country, you are also a citizen of Heaven. You are a part of His Kingdom that exists here and now, and beyond this world and this life.

You might not think of it that way, but it's true. When Jesus came to be born as a baby, live an earthly life, and die a criminal's death on a cross, He had one thing in mind--the rebirth of the human race into His Kingdom; rescuing us from the kingdom of darkness into a kingdom of light.

 

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

(1 Peter 2:9)

 

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

(Colossians 1:13-14)

 

So if His birth means our rebirth into His glorious Kingdom, what exactly does that mean for us this week and throughout the year? For today and as you celebrate Christmas, it means you can have a meaningful celebration. You can sing, listen to Christmas music, make cookies, give and receive gifts, enjoy time with your family, and whatever else you have planned. It's the most wonderful time of the year, and with this being 2020 and all we've been through, that is more true than ever.

So make the most of it. You might not be able to do all the things you're used to doing and seeing all the people you want to see, but you can make new memories and new traditions and know that however 2020 went for you, you're ending it on a positive note and remembering all the ways you are blessed--all that Jesus has done for you and will do as you continue to trust in Him.

And for the coming year and beyond? There is much more life to be lived and more of His Kingdom to experience. There will be highs and lows, but God will be with you through it all. There will be choices to make and hardships to endure and joys to celebrate and love to give and receive. But whatever you do, wherever you go, however your life unfolds, you can keep seeking, listening, and following. You can let Jesus take you to the high places and trust Him when the clouds roll in and make life complicated or uncertain.

He is your Savior! He is your God. He is the ruler of His Kingdom, and you are His princess. His amazing, loved, precious daughter, and He wants to celebrate you and your life, so give Him every opportunity to do that. Stay close. Remain in His love. Remember who you are, and never let anyone tell you otherwise.

Joy to the world--and to you, for the Lord has come!

 

 

 

 

manger scene photo courtesy of freeimages.com
 

When God Seems Far Away

 

Sometimes girls ask me, "How do I grow in my relationship with God? How can I know Him better?" Sometimes they add: "I read my Bible and pray, but it doesn't seem to help. He seems far away."

If you can relate to this, you're not alone.

 

If you want to grow in your relationship with God, reading the Bible and praying is a good place to start, but if you are already doing this and you still feel lost, God seems distant, or you're not sure what He is saying to you, you're probably closer to Him than you feel.

When it comes to "measuring" your relationship with God, feelings are not always an accurate scale. If you are reading your Bible, then God is speaking to you and you are listening.

 

If you are talking to Him, asking for things, and trusting Him to help you, guide you, and teach you, you may not see any immediate results or have instant feelings, but His words are on your mind and in your heart, and that makes a difference.

 

So be patient and wait for the promise Jesus gave when He said, "You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you…Those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit." (John 15:3-5)

Another thing to consider is God's timing is not usually our timing. We like immediate answers. We like instant change. We prefer to fix, solve, and do things ourselves; but God tells us to wait on Him.

 

In Psalm 37:7, David penned these words: Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. And in Psalm 62:5, he says, Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.

When Jesus says to "remain" in Him, waiting is often involved. I must trust in His promises, believe He is with me, and rest in His love. This can be frustrating at times, but it can also be super-rewarding! I always grow closer to Jesus when I wait on Him, and I know Him better at the tail-end of my waiting. I see why I needed to wait, purposes He had in mind I never considered, and I experience His faithfulness.

 

This helps my faith to grow, and it helps me to grow. I become more patient with life. I become more patient with others. I love more.

They say 'knowledge is power', and when it comes to knowing God more deeply, that is definitely true. He strengthens me. He gives me courage. He produces things in me I didn't think I was capable of.

 

So when others say God seems distant even though they are seeking Him, I know God has them in an amazing place…a time of waiting. If you are there now, trust that He is with you. He has wonderful things to show you, teach you, and give you.

Just wait…and you will see 💖


Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

Photo courtesy of freeimages.com

Freely You Have Received; Freely Give

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 

Hebrews 12:28 (NKJV)

 

In the book of Matthew, Chapter Six, we read these words of Jesus. He was teaching His disciples how to pray, and He told them to ask God the Father, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

What comes to mind when you think of God's Kingdom? What do you think this kingdom is like? Imagine you work for an advertising agency and you need to come up with a good ad campaign for the Kingdom of Heaven. What would you say about it? How would you make it sound enticing so others would want to be a part of it?

Jesus, in a sense, was given this task by His Father. He sent Jesus to earth from the heavenly Kingdom realm to show us what it was all about. If you study His teachings and observe how He lived, as we can read about in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), you will see He lived a different kind of life than the average Jew living at that time.

Some were super-religious and went by a bunch of rules in order to appear more righteous than others, more devoted to God, and better than everyone else. Other people were greatly oppressed by the religious leaders, society, and the government--many by all three. Still others were somewhere in the middle: not overly religious, nor poor and helpless. This is the category many of the disciples fit into. They were working-class, ordinary Jews who had businesses to run and families to feed, and they encountered Jesus along their life-journey.

But Jesus had a similar message for everyone. In a nutshell it went something like this: "The Kingdom of God is near, and it's for you. Come and receive God's love, find forgiveness for your sins, and follow Me. I'll show you what this Kingdom is all about."

He healed the sick, the lame, the deaf, and the blind. He raised some from the dead. He delivered others from demons. He multiplied a boy's small lunch to feed everyone who had come to be close to Him. He calmed a storm on the sea. In other words, He cared about people and met their needs. He spoke about love and giving, and receiving what God had for them. In fact, receiving what God had for them was the very means by which they could also display God's Kingdom to others.

There is too much to get into here, and I encourage you to read about Jesus for yourself. To look closely at how He lived and what He taught and how He showed God's love: how He "advertised" God's Kingdom. And to consider what may be lacking in your understanding of it.

The writer of Hebrews reminded the early Jewish Christians of this Kingdom. In Chapter Twelve it says, Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart...Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy...you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem...Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

The word for thankful in verse 28 can also be translated as "grace". Thankfulness is a part of grace...being grateful for what God has graciously given us, but I prefer the NKJV and other versions that simply use the word grace here, because I think it more accurately describes what the writer was trying to say.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Of the many words Jesus spoke to His disciples, there is one phrase that I believe summed up His teaching. He said it before sending them out to preach the message of God's Kingdom themselves. He had already demonstrated His methods of "advertising God's love", and He sent them to do the same:

As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. (Matt. 10:7-8)

Freely you have received; freely give...

In other words, "Since you have received so much...show grace to others; this is how you truly serve God...understanding everything He has done for you and showing that same love, forgiveness, and hope--freely, graciously, thankfully."

To give, one must first understand, receive, and see the glory of God. Do you? Have you received all of it? Not just enough to get by, but to be consumed with His love? To be a walking advertisement of what His Kingdom is all about?

 

 

I live in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. I have lived here most of my life, growing up in Oregon and now residing a few hours north in the state of Washington. It's a beautiful part of the country, known for picturesque coastlines, lush forests, green valleys, snow-capped mountains, rivers, high deserts, painted hills, farms, orchards, and agricultural fields, along with rain and crisp, clean air. The rain creates much of the area's beauty, and in the regions west of the Cascade Mountains, we get a lot of it. Sometimes we wonder if summer will ever arrive, and often it doesn't until after the 4th of July. We enjoy blue skies and sunshine for two months, and then the rain usually returns about this time of year, mid to late September.

This year our summer was cut a bit short due to a Labor Day windstorm that pulled smoke from wildfires in the east into our western valleys. The strong winds also knocked out power and started a fire less than ten miles from our home. The wind carried the fire quickly and swirled more smoke into the air. Heroic firefighters were able to contain the fire and keep it from reaching our town, but many fires in Oregon and California have been too large to stop, sending more smoke our way that filled our skies. It looks like a foggy, overcast day that completely blocks the sun. But it's not clouds; it's smoke that makes it difficult to breathe. We've been advised to stay indoors as much as possible and wear the highest grade of masks if we must go out. Weather forecasters say we need two things to get the thick smoke layer out of our skies: rain and wind, and hopefully we will get some tomorrow. (Prayers please!)

 

 

If you live near any wildfires right now, you know that feeling of stepping outside, unable to take a breath of fresh air. And during this time of COVID-19, you've likely experienced the same if you've had symptoms of the virus or worn a mask. Breathing is one of those things that's easy to take for granted, until we can't do so normally, and then we realize how vital it is to our being.

But this isn't a blog about fires or the pandemic. I'm concerned about your health and air quality wherever you are, but even more so I wonder: Do you ever feel like it's hard to breathe--not from an illness or your physical surroundings, but in life? Has oppression or trials or relationships or anything else ever hindered your ability to make it through a day, a week, a year? You may feel that way about 2020. Isolation, loneliness, stress, fear, boredom, strained relationships... It's a tough time for a lot of people, and if you're one of them, you're not alone. But even without a pandemic, life can be so challenging, heartbreaking, and confusing.

As I was thinking about the weather forecast and hoping for the much needed rain and a bit of wind to blow the smoke out of here, I thought of how we need the same spiritual "elements" to refresh and restore us when life gets tough. Jesus said to the woman at the well who was weary of life and deprived of love, "If you knew the gift of God and who I am, you would ask me and I would give you living water." (John 4:10) He was offering her more than a drink of water that could quench her thirst, He was offering her a new kind of life of spiritual abundance and freedom.

Later when Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure from this world, He promised to send the Holy Spirit. "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth...Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:16-17, 27) 

 

The "Holy Spirit" can also be translated as the Holy Breath (or Breeze) of God. He is our source of life, the very air we breathe to give us spiritual aliveness--resurrection from the things that bring us down and make us feel lost, defeated, or overwhelmed.

I am currently praying for rain and a nice breeze to restore our beautiful state and give us clean air to breathe once again. But I constantly pray for something else even more. For your spiritual life to be overflowing with the love of God--the living water that will satisfy your soul, and the holy whispers of truth that will lead you to places of peace, restoration, and joy.

 

 

 

 

John 4:10, paraphrase mine.

Choosing To Love

 

The Apostle John wrote, We have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (1 John 4:16)

Love is not something we manufacture ourselves. Human nature is bent toward selfishness. Love is a choice, and sometimes that choice is easy, but other times it's not. In fact, it might seem impossible to love certain people at various times.

But choosing to not love doesn't make life easier; it makes it worse. Over time a lack of love for others will take its toll on our hearts and minds, and even physically. Hate, anger, holding grudges, and having a general feeling of unrest: these emotions cause stress. It's not good for us.

When others hurt, annoy, or infuriate us, what are we to do? We may or may not be part of the problem, but either way, a solution is possible--a way to cope with strained relationships, impossible people, our own short tempers and selfish hearts.

We have come to know and to believe the love God has for us... These words of John follow a directive he gives: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)

He's pointing us to a greater love. Not mere human love that can be picked up and discarded at will, but Divine love; God's love. Love that remains through the highs and the lows. Love that can endure all things.

He goes on to say, If we love one another, God abides in us. Jesus used similar words: "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love...love one another just as I have loved you." (John 15:10,12)

 

 

Choosing to love is the secret to abiding. Receiving God’s love and passing it on to others: It's the very means by which we connect fully with God and have fellowship with Him.

Loving others in our own strength and humanness is indeed impossible in many circumstances. We can't do it, or it’s an ongoing struggle. But we can ask God to remedy our inability to love fully and unconditionally. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do.” (John 14:13)

 

“Change my heart, Jesus.”

 

“Help me to believe you love me, Jesus.”

 

“Help me to love others the way you love me, Jesus.”

 

 

This is how John was able to say, I have come to know and to believe the love God has for me. He asked, and he received; and he called himself, The disciple Jesus loved. (John 13:23)

 

 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.

Scripture taken from (ESV)

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from 1 John 4

Easter: A Time To Remember

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6

Easter is a time to remember. We remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. We remember and celebrate His resurrection from the dead. We remember we are forgiven and set free. We remember the promise of eternal life.

On the evening Jesus was arrested for claiming to be the Son of God, He had dinner with His disciples. It was the holiday known as Passover, and they shared a special meal together. At one point Jesus took bread and broke it into pieces. He gave them some and said, "Eat this and remember me."

We remember the sacrifice Jesus made and how He didn't stay dead. We know the next part of the story. But when Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, all of that hadn't happened yet. So I wonder, what did Jesus want them to remember?

Think back over the last year or two of your life. What do you remember? What stands out in your mind of times you've spent with your family and friends? What special events have happened? What do you remember about school, church, and activities you've enjoyed? What difficult things have you faced, and what do you remember about those moments? How has Jesus made Himself known to you, taught you, guided you, rescued you...?

The disciples of Jesus had spent three years with Him, and I'm sure they had a lot of memories. Jesus wanted them to think about the past because it would help them with what was coming. Their leader was going to be arrested, tried unfairly, beaten, crucified, and buried. But He didn't focus on that and tell them to run and hide; He says, "Remember."

Remember the miracles. Remember My power over death. Remember what I have taught you. Remember to love. Remember...

As you celebrate Easter, what do you need to remember about Jesus? How have you seen His faithfulness? What has He done for you, taught you, and shown you?

Faith is all about remembering. It starts with knowing whom you put your faith in and why. It grows with remembering all the things that made you believe. And it carries you through the good times and the hard times.

More than anything He wants you to remember Him. He wants you to remember how much He loves you. He wants you to know you are forgiven. He wants you to remember you are never alone because He has promised to never leave you.

Trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

Butterfly photo by Cindy Riggs. © 2015. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Faith in God's Faithfulness

I thank my God who gives me counsel; even in the night His Spirit instructs me. I follow the Lord and trust Him; Because He is at my right hand, I have unshakable confidence.

Psalm 16:7-8

I was reading Psalm 16 this week, again. With so many nuggets of truth, it's one of my favorites. And if I truly believe David's words about faith and God's faithfulness, they bring me so much peace and joy no matter my circumstances. It can be a daily battle, a daily choice; especially in times like these. But faith is often like that.

Verse one says, Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. David had much to fear: running from a crazy king, battling his enemies, and leading a young nation, just to name a few of his life challenges. It's no wonder he wrote so many psalms of praise, despair, wonder, victory, and hope. He certainly ran the gamut of emotions during his lifetime, and I can relate to his fear, uncertainty, his highs and lows. But David knew where to place his trust:

In you, God, I take refuge.

Considering my current fears and worries, I ask myself, "Am I asking God to keep me safe? Am I taking refuge in Him? Do I believe He can protect me and those I love? Do I believe He is with me? Do I believe in His faithfulness?" 

 

Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.

It's a simple prayer, something I can say at the beginning of each day and before I head into unpredictable situations. But it's more than a request for protection, it's also a declaration of faith: You are my refuge; You keep me safe. It's not a prayer to the changing winds of uncertainty, but to a faithful, mighty, powerful God.


In verses seven and eight, David addresses another way of involving God during times of uncertainty: I will praise the LORD who counsels me...I keep my eyes always on the LORD.

James 1:5 says, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all.  David had obviously figured that out. He knew God would guide him, even while he slept.  And he trusted in that counsel, in the incomparable wisdom of God. I can ask for it and expect His guidance.

With him at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.

Daily faith requires me to believe this; to go into each day with that mindset. To have unshakable confidence in God's presence and care. To have faith in His faithfulness. We know it led David all the way to the throne of Israel and beyond--into his old age when he said, I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. (Psalm 37:25-26)

Trusting God and finding my confidence in Him will not only benefit me, but others too: my family, those in need, anyone who crosses my path, or I reach out to in His name.

This kind of faith can change my day, my week, my life; it can change my children's lives; it can change the lives of friends and neighbors--and subsequently their families, friends, and neighbors.

It can change the world. Our world right now during a time of calamity and uncertainty.

You make known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence.

He leads me, and He will lead you. Cry out to Him. Believe in His protection, care, and guidance, and you will find yourself in a steady place of peace, joy, and hope.
 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you from the enemy's trap and from the deadly plague. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and protection.

Psalm 91:1-4

Hands photo courtesy of freeimages.com
Forest road photo by Cindy Riggs. © 2015. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Psalm 16:7-8; Psalm 91:3-4 paraphrase mine

Always Loved

May you know the love of Christ... (Ephesians 3:19)

I have a secret to tell you. I turned fifty this year! Considering the fact I began writing in my early twenties, it's hard to think of myself as being that old, but there is plenty of evidence to prove it. My children who were preschoolers when I wrote This Girl Named Amber are now adults. One of my daughters will graduate from college this spring, and she will be returning for her fifth summer of working at the camp where my husband and I met--the inspiration for Camp Laughing Water. Some of my first readers are now in their thirties with children of their own. It's strange. It's delightful. It reminds me of God's goodness and faithfulness.

Over the years I've had to update my books to include technology, language, and cultural changes that weren't a thing when I first wrote them. From cell phones to social media to new words and phrases, I try to keep them as modern and relevant to current readers as possible, but the message of the books remains the same. From one generation to the next, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The writer of Hebrews said that thousands of years ago, and it's still true. His love does not change. He will never love me any more or less than He does right now, and the same is true for you. He does not love me because I've been writing inspirational stories for almost thirty years, or because I trust and follow Him. He loves me because I am His child. Even at fifty years old I can still say that, and you most certainly can too!

Now, our level of recognizing and believing His love for us can change, and that's why I wrote these stories originally and continue to write new ones today. His love may be steady and unchanging, but our hearts are not. We doubt. We question. We get confused. We make mistakes and feel unworthy. We might get completely off course and think we can never get back to where we once were, but that's a lie. It's never too late. It's never too much for Him to handle. He can handle our mess, our doubts, our fears, and our lives, no matter what.

I hope that whether you recently read one of my books and got that message, or it's been a few months or years, that you still believe it. Own it, dear one. Make it your identity: I am a child of God and He loves me. I am forgiven. I am free. I am His, and nothing can take that away from me.