The real joy of Christmas

The real joy of Christmas isn’t the gifts, the food or the parties - but rather the spirit of giving and a thankful heart. The best gifts won’t be found under a tree. The Bible says in James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Gifts from God are the most meaningful, such as our families, friends, good health, food on the table, and the joy of just being alive. 

Who you know

 

There are people who go through life “existing” but not really enjoying the blessings God wants them to have. At the end of life, they are faced with a bucket load of regrets wishing they had made better choices. But no one has to live a miserable existence for it’s never too late to start over. You can change the trajectory of your life by surrendering your heart to God and saying no to anything that isn’t bringing you closer to Him! But it’s a choice - God won’t force you. People can become so comfortable in their misery that even though they are unhappy, they resist change. But growth doesn’t happen when you are comfortable or things are easy. You can’t just “want” change, you need to take that first step to make it happen. It’s not enough to have feathers - you must dare to fly. Sometimes you have to make a decision that will hurt your heart - but heal your soul. Ask God to change you into the person that He wants you to be. You don’t have to be afraid because He is with you every step of the way and has promised in Psalm 55:22, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” For real change to take place, you need Jesus in your heart. Remember, it’s not “what” you know, it’s “WHO” you know, because “WHO” you know . . . will change you! 

© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com

The Distraction Dilema

In this Seminar Christian Bedahl talks about how the mind works, music's impact on it and what the Bible says about our amazing minds.

Where is your treasure?

Could it be our prayer seasons have ended up becoming Christmas wish list inventories - all year long? "Dear God, blessed be your name. And thank you for your goodness. And be rich toward me, because I need....and....and.....and....in Jesus' name Amen. One day soon the little we have will be worth nothing. 

While he was away, John Wesley's home burned to the ground. When he received the news of the terrible loss, Wesley responded: "The Lord's house burned. One less responsibility for me!"

An Ugly Heart

 

There is nothing quite so ugly or destructive as a jealous heart. When you begrudge the talents and gifts that God has given others, you are actually accusing God of being unfair, believing that you are more deserving. You begin to think that God doesn’t know what He’s doing, is stingy, and has cheated you out of what should have been yours. If you allow the bitter weed of envy to grow, it will choke out every ounce of happiness you have on this earth and in the earth to come - because you won’t be there. There is simply no room for jealousy in a Christian’s heart. James 3:16 says, “For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil." And in Proverbs 14:30, we’re told, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." When your coworker gets that promotion that you were hoping for, your neighbor drives home with a new car, a family member inherits more money than you, or friends are given an exotic vacation - rejoice in their good fortune, instead of allowing bitterness to creep into your heart believing that it should have been your blessing. How God chooses to bestow blessings upon His children is His prerogative, not yours. The bitter weed of envy grows rampant in a soil of selfishness and pride. It is stubborn, tough, and resilient, and you can’t just “wish” for it to go away - you must purposefully “choose” to remove it. The only way to get rid of an ugly heart filled with jealousy is to ask God to change you. Pray David’s prayer in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me,” and then thank God for all the blessings He has given you - and be truly grateful! 

© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com

Words speak Volumes

How you talk–says a lot about your character. If you are sarcastic, negative, or grumpy when you address others–it reflects on “who” you are–not just the mood you are in that day! Some people speak kindly to co-workers, friends and even strangers but once inside their own home it’s a whole different picture. They snap at their spouse, yell at their children, scold the dog and basically treat their family without respect. Using words with sarcasm and disgust no matter who they are addressed to–doesn’t reflect a heart surrendered to Jesus! Sharp words wound the soul and once spoken–can not be taken back. Instead of being negative–choose to be positive, kind and loving and let your words demonstrate to all those around you that you belong to Jesus! The Bible says in Colossians 4:6, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” You may forget the words of kindness you spoke today–but those who received them may remember for a lifetime! Proverbs 16:24 says that; “ Kind words are like honey sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Determine today to let your conversations reflect God’s love, not just those you want to impress, but to everyone–because your words speak volumes of not only ‘who’ you are–but ‘who’ you belong to! Text: Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 15:23, Proverbs 10:20, Proverbs 17:22



© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com

Just Let it Go

When someone has treated you unfairly or done something to hurt you or someone you love–your first response is usually fueled by fiery rage! The sting of injustice immediately reaches out to push your anger button–but before you do–remember that how you respond is a choice.  Ephesians 4:26 says, “In your anger do not sin.”  And in verse 31 the message is clear: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” You can choose to get mad and even lay awake at night thinking of ways to even the score–or–you can just “let it go.” The Bible says in James 1:19-20, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” It not only displeases God when you let your temper flare, it won’t make you feel any better either! When you find yourself in a situation that it takes every ounce of strength not to explode with anger–stop . . . take a breath . . . and then just let it go! Give all your hurt and pain to Jesus and ask Him to put forgiveness in your heart for those who did you wrong! You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel without carrying around that anchor of pain! And best of all–you’re pleasing God! Text: Proverbs 29:11, Proverbs 19:11, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Matthew 5:22


© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com