No Vacancy

Dear Friend:

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Aren’t you happy it is a New Year? I am so excited about everything that is going on in life. Everything was so great this past Christmas. BUT CAN I BE REAL WITH YOU? SOMETHING IS MISSING TODAY NOW THAT CHRISTMAS IS OVER.

At first I described my heart condition as “Empty.” I FEEL EMPTY. But when I looked at the synonym for empty the word “vacant” was on that list. That really is a much better word. Let me describe why “vacant” is a better word for my heart. For Christmas I had a “No Vacancy” heart. That means my heart was filled with Jesus. When I looked at the word Vacant this message really began to develop. I celebrated Jesus birthday. Did you? We get on a roll and do the Christmas thing and life and then all of the sudden “Bam,” Vacancy happens. I FEEL LIKE SOMEONE DROVE UP TO MY HOUSE AND PUT A VACANCY SIGN ON MY FRONT LAWN? A spot in your heart that needs something quick! What that means to me is there is a spot in my heart and mind that has space and I know for myself that I am struggling to have nice responses to those I love. At first I thought maybe there is too much togetherness and we are getting sick of each other. I got alone with Jesus today and asked Him, what is the matter with me and my heart right now? I want so bad to continue to put on a happy face for those I love. But I just can’t control my quick sharp responses to them. WHAT’S UP GOD? I FEEL KINDA OF UGLY RIGHT NOW.

Colossians 3:12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 3:13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

3:14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

3:15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

3:17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The word must richly dwell with us. We need a fresh word from God. Paul knew when he wrote the letter to the Colossians they needed “rules for Holy Living,” that is why he wrote the above verse. Take down the “VACANCY” sign and say I REPLACE IT WITH “NO VACANCY.” How do you do that? Read the word and be taught by it and meditate on it throughout the day. Take the focus off others and the ugly feeling you are having and think about being taught by the master.

I was just ironing a shirt and the Lord said to me. I am the Iron in your life. I want to take out all of those wrinkles you are complaining about. Can you pick-up the “Iron” and go to work and let me help get out the wrinkles. You can’t look at the wrinkles in a shirt and think they will go away by looking at them. Can you? No! You have to pick-up the Iron and take some time to press them out. Do you get what God is saying? Spend some time on theBible and what God says. If you do then YOU WILL THINK CLEARER, HAVE MORE ENERGY TO RESPOND TO LIFE AND THOSE YOU LOVE. I really pray for us today that we won’t get a “vacancy” notice from God, but we get “No Vacancy.” Why? Cause if you heart is full of God stuff then you have no room for ugly stuff.

No Vacancy,

Elaine