the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matt 2:9-10
When I was a child, I never sneaked under the tree to peek at my presents like my friends or classmates would, but I would like to shake the packages or imagine what was inside. I always saved the excitement and mystery for Christmas morning.
We never opened gifts on Christmas Eve. It was family tradition to open gifts on Christmas morning. All of my siblings would run down the stairs together with anticipation and excitement.
Christmas may not look or feel the same as it did in our youth. As my late mother would say, “Nothing in life remains the same.” Although times and season change, Our Savior, Our Father remains the same.
You may be dealing with grief and loss of a loved one, loneliness, health issues or anticipation for what the New Year will bring, but the miracle of Christmas brings us compassion for others and gratefulness for what we have.
We are living in instability and uncertainty of what life will bring, but God is faithful. He remains our anchor and the rock of our foundation.
Although our foundations may shake, Our Father is our spiritual GPS that navigates us through the uncertainties of life. Jesus brought joy to the world through His love for us.
“An angel of the Lord appeared to Him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is the Holy Spirit. And she will bring the forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matt 1:20-21
Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name “Immanuel” which is translated, “God with us.”
The magnitude of His love never changes. It’s not superficial or fickle. It’s stable and guaranteed. May you be blessed with His Christmas presence this season and may you walk with His peace throughout the New Year.
Merry Christmas and have a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Every step you take, the Lord is with you whether it feels like it or not. He is there. In every setback, detour, or roadblock you face, the Lord is always working behind the scenes on your behalf.
In every victory, accomplishment, or goal achieved, the Lord manifests His glory upon your life. The Lord is calling you into a deeper relationship with Him so you can hear His voice clearly. You have to take time to step back, sit in the silence and listen.
There is beauty in the silence. There is rest in the silence. There is peace in the silence. There is instruction in the silence. There is strength in the silence.
Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up as eagles they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable, He gives power to the weak And to those who have no might, He increases strength. Isaiah 40:28-29
Our connection with our source, Immanuel, Jehovah Ezer (the hand Our Helper) strengthens us when we are weak, comforts us when we are lonely, directs us when we are confused, protects us in danger and shields us from all attacks of the enemy. He is the Waymaker. He knows our path from the beginning to the very end.
Walk in Unity
As the Body of Christ, we are called to walk together in love and harmony. We are called to comfort each other in times of despair and grief. The challenges of life breeds conflicts of all sorts, but we’re given the tools to override and overtake the enemy by executing divine strategies and utilizing Godly wisdom led by the Holy Spirit.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all. Eph 4:4-6
Walk in Love
One of the most powerful emotions is love. The Lord provides unconditional love with never-ending mercy, grace and compassion. We cannot comprehend the magnitude of God’s love for us.
As a child of God, we are to provide the same compassion and agape love for others. When we look at the nature of a child, they model the same behavior of their parents, siblings, classmates and friends. They are influenced easily and absorb everything they are exposed to like a sponge. In result, they’re a product of their environment and therefore mirrors habits, actions, words and deeds based on their individual experiences in life.
Unfortunately, due to dysfunctional environments based in neglect, abuse or narcissistic qualities, a child may not have the proper role models to imitate. The sensitivity and innocence of a child is a reflection of how the Lord desires for us to live, work and play.
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Eph 5:1-2
Walk in Light
The darkness cannot hide in the light. As a child of God, we are to walk in light of goodness, righteousness and truth. (Eph 5:8) We are to practice the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives which is love, joy, peace, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Unfortunately, we may not always hit the mark but we should constantly make an effort to walk according to the Spirit shining the light of Christ for the world to witness His love. Our Kingly assignment is to also expose the evil and corruption and implement change, order and justice.
Walk in Wisdom
As the world continues to change and grow darker, you’re to seek guidance, direction and understanding of the will of the Father. As a believer, you should continually seek the face of God for divine wisdom. It takes discipline and obedience to separate yourself from earthly desires, idolatry and worldly pursuits.
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise. redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Eph 5:15-16
It’s within the purging of all greed, impurities, jealousy, evil thoughts and wicked speaking and all emotional, mental or physical substances that has the ability to to shift judgements, character or lifestyle.
Everything that is poured out before the Lord will have the capacity to be filled with all spiritual abundance filling your heart with the goodness and joy of the Lord through thanksgiving and praise with adoration to the Most High.
Walk in Faith
Faith is a spiritual gift given by the Lord. All believers are given a measure of faith. We can learn to exercise out faith by tapping into the supernatural and focusing less on our natural experiences that we encounter on a daily basis.
When you develop your faith which is tested and developed under difficult conditions, situations or circumstances, you will lean on the Lord and not man for your needs. Whether it be increased strength, wisdom, courage, peace or monetary needs, you’re focused on God’s ability to provide and comfort you.
If you experience any type of doubt or fear, you’re leaning into the natural realm. When Peter walked on the water, he focused directly on Jesus but when he took his eyes off Jesus he began to sink. When you’re solely dependent on God, you will walk by faith and not by the tangible things of this world.
Walk in Authority
Our Father has given us the ability to walk over serpents and scorpions and not be harmed. When you grasp the capacity of God’s power working within you, you will experience God’s miraculous power that others may not understand. Walking in authority not only gives you power but confidence in the Lord.
Not by might, nor by power but by my spirit, saith the Lord.
Zech 4:6
There is power in your words and actions by His spirit. You have the capability to command every evil work of the enemy, situation or sin out of your life. It’s not a “name it or claim it” type of new age or prosperity gospel message. It is spiritually led by the Holy Spirit and the will of God.
Every promise in the Bible can be accessed by a believer. You have the authority to shift atmospheres, conditions, circumstances and situations through the power of the Holy Spirit according to the word and God’s purpose for your life.
As you continue communicating and connecting with Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is there), your path will be illuminated through every storm that you face.
With each step that you take, you will grow and develop spiritually exercising the fruits of the spirit and dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.
Additional Bible References
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not until your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Prov 3:5-6
I am the way, the truth will and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
My sheep hear my voice,and I know them, and they follow me. And, I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:27-28
In Him, we move and have our being. Prov 3:5-6
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Rom 8:1
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Rom 8:5-8
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Rom 8:24-25
But fornication and all uncleanliness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiest, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Eph 5:3-5
Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Eph 3:13
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.Gal 5:13
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another. Gal 5:14-15
Arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all these people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Joshua 1:2
As the Israelites waited to cross over the Jordan into the Promised Land, Pharaoh was in pursuit to destroy them. Pharaoh was a leader full of pride, arrogance, greed, and unbelief. He worshiped idols and did not believe in God, the maker of Heaven and Earth.
God sent several plagues upon the land of Egypt yet Pharaoh did not acknowledge God nor did he believe in him so he did not bow down to worship the Lord nor was his heart lead to repent for his evil ways. He continued to mistreat the people held in captivity and bondage due to his rulership.
Even after his son died from one of the plagues, Pharaoh did not submit to the Lord and his heart was hardened. His stiff-necked, stubborn attitude towards the Lord led him to pursue the Israelites even harder. However, God had a plan. The Lord performed a miraculous event that allowed a great escape in a situation that looked impossible to the Israelites.
It’s during the most impossible situations that the Lord delivers us out of the hand of the enemy. Pharaoh and his army drowned in the Red Sea despite the doubt and fear the Israelites experienced as they crossed through billowing waves held up high above them.
The situation we face today is not much different than Moses dealing with Pharaoh in the Bible. America was built on the backs of slaves similar to the Egyptian rulers of the past.
Whenever you have a leader who puts money or the economy before the well-being of their citizens and continues to ignore the problems of the oppressed, widow, and fatherless, it displays and highlights an enslaved system.
Unfortunately, some people are so conditioned by the Pharaoh system that they live and work in that they are willing to accept and rush back into a broken system that hasn’t worked for decades. Unfortunately, due to the lack of resources, many are forced to succumb to a system that does not have their best interest at heart.
Others accept the poor working conditions, corporate discrimination, low wages, workplace bullying, or lack of healthcare benefits and consent to a life “As is” because they do not feel they have the power to change it.
Instead of realizing the value of Godly leadership that reflects integrity and respect and leadership that honors their work ethic, commitment, and dedication, they fight and protest for things to remain the same when God is doing a new thing.
The times and seasons have shifted. Yet, the people are just like the Israelites who lived in the wilderness and grumbled and complained when God brought them out of Egypt after 40 years of slavery. They desired to go back to what was known to them as comfortable yet it was an enslaved system.
People have accepted this virus as the “New Normal” and have become comfortable in their ways once again. Some feel it’s important to voice their liberties instead of taking precautions for safety. They are rebellious, defiant, and undisciplined and always want to go their own way despite continuous warnings. Heading to the beach, going to nail or hair salons, having house parties, or dining out at your favorite restaurants are not a necessity in times of crisis.
The Corona Virus has magnified the arrogance, disobedience, greed, pride, and ignorance of this nation. People are blinded by the chaos and devastation just like they were blinded prior to the pandemic with political rhetoric and useless pursuits.
The times and seasons have accelerated. The Lord has been patient yet the people have not honored or developed a relationship with him but instead ignored his laws in disobedience and continued to chase after material wealth, status, titles, and positions.
The virus continues to spread due to the greed of this nation and the ignorance of the people. It is an undisciplined nation that cannot standstill despite all their eyes has witnessed. Oh, the foolish men of the earth People have accepted this as the “New Normal” and have become comfortable in their ways once again.
Americans snarl and groan rejecting a moment of stillness, safety, and protection in exchange for an act of disobedience and irresponsibility. You simply cannot throw people back into the workforce without appropriate measures which begin with available testing sites and safety protocols for their employees and staff. The CDC and OSHA guidelines containing new Corona Virus safety measures will need to be implemented into work environments before they demand people to go back to work. We all must come together to fix the problem before we can heal the economic wounds of the nation. It’s a complex situation that will take time, patience, and wisdom.
Due to the negligence of leadership, this situation has become a recipe for disaster. One will continue to repeat the same mistakes over and over again until they learn from their past mistakes and take heed to the lessons of the present. It will by no means be an easy process but we are all in this together and it will take everyone to do their part.
This is a wakeup call of judgment on all nations. They refuse to repent for their sins and let go of their idol worship just like the days of Pharaoh.
Judgment is upon the land. This is a wakeup call for repentance. Divine strategies come from the Lord. God’s priorities, orders, and plans are in alignment and are already set in place.
Will you continue to go your own way? Or will you continue to walk in your old mindset? And follow your own path? Or will you submit to the Lord, his truth, and his love for you?
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
Related Scriptures:
Matt 6:24
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Jer 34:13-17
Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel; I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondmen, saying, 14 At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother a Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear. 15 And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbor; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name: 16 But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom he had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids. 17 Therefore thus saith the Lord; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, everyone to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the Lord, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
Isaiah 2:10-12
Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, From the terror of the Lord And the glory of His majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.
For the day of the Lord of hosts Shall come upon everything proud and lofty, Upon everything lifted up— And it shall be brought low—
Isaiah 2:18-22
But the idols He shall utterly abolish.
They shall go into the holes of the rocks, And into the caves of the [b]earth, From the terror of the Lord And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth mightily.
In that day a man will cast away his idols of silver And his idols of gold, Which they made, each for himself to worship, To the moles and bats, To go into the clefts of the rocks, And into the crags of the rugged rocks, From the terror of the Lord And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth mightily.
Sever[c] yourselves from such a man, Whose breath is in his nostrils; For [d]of what account is he?
Isaiah 3:10-11
Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, For they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, For the reward of his hands shall be given him.
Eph 4:17-18
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Psalm 96:13
Let all creation rejoice before the Lord for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Jer 30:23
Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.
Deut 1:21
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
Joshua 1:2-9
Arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Matt 12:25
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
Exodus 16:4
Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
Writing with Purpose 