Saturday, December 27, 2008

Revealed

Dear Friend:

CHRISTMAS IS FINALLY HERE! Have you been waiting! Join the club. Many waited. Remember Mary, Joseph, Israel, Simeon and Anna.

You may not remember Simeon and Anna. Not many mention them in the Christmas story. That is because they appear in the bible on the 8th day after Jesus is born (Luke 2:21-40). Simeon was a devout, righteous and spirit filled man. It was REVEALED to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. At the temple that very day he found out what the Spirit said was true. He met Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Get this! He held, consecrated and prayed over the Baby. His truth was revealed and it all became so real. Don’t we all want things to be real? Check out what Mary and Joseph did upon Simeon’s reaction, they marveled at what was said about Jesus.

Anna, was very old, she was 84 years old. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
It was REVEALED to them and they proclaimed to many a message of how special this baby was. Simeon said “this child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be REVEALED. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.

Pray: Father in heaven thank you for revealing Jesus to me. Help me to spread the message. REVEAL yourself to ________(name people who need to know Jesus). In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

If you are waiting, stop waiting Jesus is here and he is just a prayer away. The Spirit Reveals something to you and you are waiting, hang on just as Simeon did. It will be as He says! Enjoy the day and be at peace with this miracle birth!

Revealed,
Elaine

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Stressmas

Dear Friend:

I was in a long line at the store Sunday afternoon Dec. 14. I am now a week away from Christmas and a lady walks in the line to join her friend two spots in front of me and proceeds to check out. I turn to the lady directly in front of me and said “was she with her all along or did she just cut in?” The lady in front of me said “I don’t know and it really does not matter.” I thought oh yeah, I need to have that attitude too (who cares, let it go)! She also said “I think this time of year should be called Stressmas and not Christmas.” I said “oh that is good really good, can I use that in my writings and I explained what I write. She said “sure and good luck, Merry Christmas.” I told her in the past when standing in line I can be in “Elaine’s world” or in “God’s World.” Of Course God’s world is more peace-loving.
Here is a check-list of thoughts to have with you to stay in the “Christmas Spirit” and avoid “Stressmas.”
1. I am going shopping at a prime time therefore I will experience
a. Long lines, anxious people, people who are in a hurry, waiting, waiting and more waiting for help.
2. I can choose to go in a busy time or find another time.
3. Carry with me this verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
MAYBE SEND YOURSELF A TEXT OF THIS VERSE BEFORE YOU LEAVE AND SIGN IT –GOD-

I really want to recommend you reading the Christmas story in Luke. I will comment on that next time.
For now pray like this: Father I want to be in the Christmas Spirit. Help me to remember that I can do all things through you! In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

CHRIST mas,

Elaine

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Prepare

Dear Friend:
As I prepare by reflection on the true meaning of Christmas, I am never disappointed in the hope and glory the Baby Jesus brought into this world. Here is what Mary’s relative Elizabeth said upon seeing Mary pregnant with the baby Jesus “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” She believed there for it was done! May you identify with Mary and know this belief and accomplishment she made.
Every year different parts of the Christmas story strike me. This wonder of Elizabeth upon seeing Mary gave her joy. She knew from her upbringing that one would be sent by God to save herself and her people. She was taught to look for the signs. Elizabeth paid attention by remembering the words of the prophets and living a life that God would even bless her with a special baby, John the Baptist. In order to get past the stress of this time of the year you and I have to take the time to remember what happened over 2000 years ago. This one event changed our entire world forever. Can you get a hold of this life changing event? I sometimes can’t wrap my mind around it. But I can just sit and imagine how awesome it was for Elizabeth being pregnant herself and greeting Mary the soon to be mother of JESUS. She witnessed the accomplishment of Mary.
For some, even figuring out what you will do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is stressful. Some of your family have not been getting along and you have no desire to see some of them. I pray that we reflect on what Christmas is really about and through that experience you will discover what is the best way for you and your loved ones to Celebrate Christmas. That may mean seeing those that are hard to see or maybe it will be a new year with new traditions. God can speak to your heart and tell you what to do. You do not have to feel lonely because Jesus is “Immanuel” God with us.
Here is a website full of videos full of Christmas stories and music. I suggest you sit and watch as many as you can. Force yourself to sit and pray and let God speak to you through these small videos. Pray Jesus what do you want us to do for Christmas. In Jesus name. Amen.

Crazy at Christmas
17 siblings made Christmas unique for RV Brown. Join him for an exciting reunion.
Watch video »
http://www.billygraham.org/mediaplayer.asp?l=http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1137883267/bclid1151560148/bctid3730934001
Merry Preparing for Christmas,
Elaine

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Charlie Brown

Dear Friend:
This time of the year can be frustrating. AAugh! Can you picture Charlie Brown screaming that out?

Mark 1:3 a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'

Preparing for Christmas can be so time consuming. My prayer is that you take the time to Prepare for our Lord and Savior. But first you have to be like Mary and say “YES!” Joseph finally said “YES!” The Shepherds and others followed the ancient stories and looked for the signs and said “YES!”

If you will let me I will lead you in a cheer like this: Give me a “Y!” (You respond) “Y” Give me an “E!” (You respond) “E!” Give me an “S!” (You respond) “S!” What does it spell? YES! Louder! Yes! Can you see me trying to get Charlie Brown to do this cheer? LOL!

By saying YES to Jesus, you are simply giving Him the greatest Christmas Gift ever! Your heart! Pray, Father in Heaven I say “YES” to your way. I want to make a straight path to you! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Saying yes to Jesus is the 1st step in preparing for the baby Jesus.

YES,
ELAINE

P.S. COMING SOON THE 2ND STEP.