Did any of you see the movie about Charles Dickens and how he came to write about The Christmas Carol? I’m sure you are all familiar with the story of Scrooge and how bitter and stingy he was. Selfish. Self-focused. Self-serving toward his own benefit. If you were to compare yourself to someone in that Charles Dicken’s story, it probably wouldn’t be Scrooge! But in watching this movie, for the first time ever I could see the Scrooge in me! My heart is utterly sinful. When I’m critical, defensive or perhaps hold contempt towards someone who “belittled my existence”, then –I have walked in Scrooge’s shoes. Pride and arrogance makes me believe I am perfectly justified to respond this way because of the wrong I’ve suffered. I’ve exalted myself to the place of God sitting in judgment over someone else for what they’ve done! And because of that judgment, I have brought judgment and condemnation on myself! Jesus never responded with condemnation or resentment when He was wronged. He forgave. He loved- unconditionally. The bottom line is that we have been called to walk in a different way, having the same heart and attitude of mind towards others that the Lord Jesus has towards them! Wow…that’s a New Year’s challenge! (Mt 7:1-2; Rom 2: 1,3-4; Rom 15:5-6 NIV)
As 2018 approaches and you consider making New Year resolutions, I want to encourage you to consider making this year a time of growing more intimate in your relationship with God.
Some of you may already spend time with God on a regular basis; some rely on a devotional to speak God’s truth and some need to commit to jump-in. Regardless of where you are, it’s your heart that God is after. He desires more of your heart–your thoughts and attitude throughout the whole day. That kind of ‘remaining’ with Him through the in’s-and-out’s of your day is what He’s after. He longs for oneness with you! It’s this part of your heart that I’m praying will come alive over the next year! That kind of relationship won’t just happen on its own. It requires us to seek Him, thirst for Him, long for Him. (Ps 63:1-5) The first step towards a closer walk with God requires us to fall on our face before God, repenting of our sins of pride, unbelief, rebellion, unforgiveness, idolatry etc. (Prov 28:13) Confess to Him, “I’ve sinned against You, God. My heart is hardened and I feel so distant. I can’t even see my sin in this situation I’m struggling with. I’ve walked in my own ways, failing and neglecting to walk in your truths. Create a longing in my heart to know you and to meet with you!
This is the greatest gift…the gift of Christ in me, Christ in us, that we can receive. I pray we will walk in it!
Psalm 63 (* notice all the actions David says he will do)
A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.
1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Carol
Carol, what an insightful and encouraging message to share with everyone! Thank you for helping me see what’s really in my heart, and how much I need Christ to dwell in and through me daily.
Rich, I always appreciate your encouragement to push deeper into the Word that I may walk, we may walk in a way that is pleasing and honoring! I pray God blesses us with this heart, His heart, towards others.
Hi Carol, I enjoyed being refreshed in to word with you today. It is so truth that when we spend time looking at what is inside our own heart and honestly address our fleshly struggles we will not have the heart to be critical or judgmental of others. I hope that it gives me more compassion and wisdom – these things that I desire from the Father with all His grace towards me.
It was great to hear from you, Lisa! I loved…”things that I desire from the Father with all His grace…” . I’m definitely going to add that to my New Year’s prayer pursuit!
Blessings!
Carol
.Thank you Carol for your reminder of God’s love for us, and that we need to show love and understanding toward others even though we are in pain, or chronic pain, that never lets us rest. It really forces us daily to work on our attitude, words spoken to others in forceful manner.
May God see our problems and help us to overcome them, so we can be pleasant and reassuring in HIS manner.
God bless you, Carol, so happy you are able to bless and instruct us in God’s word.
Mom,
I just love reading your thoughts and seeing how God is growing you to walk with Him! Thank you so much for your encouragement!! LOVE YOU!
Carol
Thank you for sharing this very important message. Let me just say that you are never too old to need or to learn Gods Word! I used to think Leviticus was so boring!but it’s not. It makes me realize how sinful we are but how loving God is. Don’t ever give up! God is always beside us waiting for us to ask for His help!
Thanks so much for sharing this with me! When you say the words, “don’t ever give up,” they carry such great weight! You know exactly what is needed to press through and persevere–in times of testing. “God IS always beside us just waiting for us to ask for His Help!” 😉
Bless ya!!
Carol
Thank You Carol for this Beautiful Message.
Trudy,
I hope you KNOW how near and dear you are to my heart!!! Thank you for always being my cheerleader…you will never know how much it has encouraged me to persevere. :0)
LOVE YOU!!