DON'T RUSH THIS SEASON!

The 2022 Christmas Season is here!!

Please, don’t rush the Season.

With all the hustle and bustle of traffic congestion, changes in the weather, long lines at the register, and some terrible grumpy attitudes of those around us, it would be easy to hurry it up and miss out on some inspiring things.

Pull back and focus for a moment. Ask yourself, “How can I make the most of this Christmas Season?”

Try this suggested list of things:

• Take the time to be nice – don’t be another Scrooge…there are plenty of them out there!
• Take the time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
• Make the time with your family much more special (drinking hot chocolate; singing Carols by the tree; wrapping gifts together; baking Christmas goodies; watch some great Netflix Christmas shows (The Santa Clause Chronicles 1 & 2; White Christmas; etc.).
• Slow down! And maybe, if you have places to go, leave a little earlier than normal.
• Give – this is a Season of Giving – you could change someone’s life for the better! 

You’ve got this! Lead the way and others will follow!

Have a great safe non-rushed week!

Chaplain Joel

AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

I read the story of Samuel and David this morning in 1 Samuel 16. After the disobedience of King Saul, God sent Samuel to search and anoint the next King of Israel, and the LORD directed him to the family of Jesse. (By the way, Jesse's grandparents were Ruth and Boaz!) When the sons of Jesse were brought before Samuel, the first son, Eliab, had the outward appearance of what Samuel saw as "King Material." He must have looked good and must have been taller than his brothers. Maybe he even sounded like a King in the making! But the LORD spoke to Samuel and made a great declaration: "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7)

As you know, the story moves on and none of Jesse's sons, who were present, became King. The one who was not present was later selected - David, the youngest, whom his father didn't even think to present him to Samuel. However, the LORD knew the person He wanted. He was looking for the right fit. And the young man, who had a huge heart that sought after the things of God more than anything else, was selected.

Think on this for a moment: Sometimes we get caught up in the "outward" things of other people - height, looks, speech, ability to sway the crowd, connections, etc. I'm not saying that God doesn't use these traits...He does! However, there is one true component that reigns supreme in the eyes of God when He is looking for those to use: A Heart that desires what He desires - a Heart after God!

May the LORD find us as He found David in the field tending the family flock...those after God's own heart!

 

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Each year on February 14 we celebrate Valentine’s Day! It’s a great day to pause and express love to the one we most adore. Yesterday was preparation day for this Day and the stores were packed out…especially Publix. I guess it was a double whammy because of the Super Bowl! The Deli was lined up with people picking up party trays and snacks in preparation for the Big Game! Along with that line was the line around the Floral Shop. Arrangements of Red Roses filled the displays and of course there was Chocolate everywhere! Oh yeah…don’t forget the Valentine Card for that special someone! 

The theme of Valentine’s Day centers around LOVE. We say phrases like: “Would you be mine?” Or “Be My Valentine!” Or give juicy, mushy cards beginning with the words: “Dear Valentine…” Oh wow, can you feel the love in the air? 

True LOVE is really incredible. Of course, LOVE originated with God. He LOVED the world so much! Why? Simple: GOD IS LOVE! 

Since God is LOVE, here’s what true LOVE looks like and what it doesn't look like. Take some time and think about each line and evaluate yourself. Is this the type of LOVE that I am expressing or experiencing? 

LOVE is patient, LOVE is kind.  

It does not envy, it does not brag, it is not proud. 

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 

LOVE does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. 

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

LOVE never fails. (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a) 

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day expressing and experiencing that type of love.

HOW BUSY ARE YOU? 

Some days it seems we just can’t get anything done! It’s like spinning plates on a pole. 

Getting them spinning may be easy, but sustaining them is another story! When one slows down we run over and give it a spin, only to see another one slowing down needing a spin, and so on. And the more plates on poles we have, the more energy and effort it takes to keep them going. Sooner or later, because we are pulled in so many directions, plates begin to fall to the floor and break leaving piles of rubble. 

Do you ever feel that way? Do you have so many things going on in your life that it’s keeping you so busy and possibly headed for a crash?

 

Then, you are too busy! Which means it is time to evaluate. Are all of those “plates” in your life really necessary, or have you allowed yourself to be piled on…or have taken on too many “plates and poles” … and have totally stressed yourself out? 

May I suggest that you allow some things to be “dropped” or handed off to others so you can focus on the truly necessary and important things. And the most important thing I would encourage you to consider is your personal time with God. 

Begin each day with Him by reading a few Scriptures from the Bible, and then pausing to whisper a prayer admitting you need Him. Jesus said this: “Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  Another place in the Bible says this: “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders. He’ll carry your load; He’ll help you out.” 

Take the first step by praying this prayer:

“God, I need You to help me see what’s most important. I can’t see it because I have so much going on in my life. Today I give You my troubles because I know You will help me out. I’m weary and need Your rest. Thank You, God, for Your help and I gladly receive it today. Help me to start each day with You!” Amen.

 TALK DIRECTLY TO GOD

 

Did you know that you can talk directly to God on any day and at any time? Many people believe that in order to talk to God they must go through a priest, pastor, or preacher. But that is not true. 

 

Listen to these words from the Bible in Hebrews 4:14-16  

 

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

 

God gives us permission to come directly to Him! And when we do, we must be honest with Him. 

·      Tell God all your troubles and problems. 

·      Tell God all your sins. 

·      Tell God what you would like for Him to do for you. 

·      Ask God to give you wisdom in every situation. 

·      Ask God to help you be a better worker; be a better friend; be a better witness that will bring Him glory. 

 

It is limitless the number and types of requests we can bring to Him. He knows your situation and He waits for you to call on Him. He is ready to give you his mercy and grace. And they will be given to you. 

 

How wonderful it is to know we can go directly to Him with everything on our heart and mind.

 

Go ahead and give it a try. Call on God in prayer and watch Him go to work! 

 

Let’s pray: 

 

God, thank you for the opportunity to come directly to you with all my thoughts and prayers. Let me experience Your grace and mercy today in all my situations. 

 

In Jesus Name, 

 

Amen

SOMETHING NEW DAILY

The following is a repost that has been revised.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 

I absolutely love New Year's Day! There is just something about this particular day that gets most people to thinking.

We regretfully think about the past, and with great anticipation, we think about the future. Sure, New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) is no different than the day before (Dec. 31), but there's just something about THIS DAY that puts great hope in all of us. 

Do you sense that on this day or is it just me? The Bible teaches us: “Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to the things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way...” (Isaiah 43:18-19b CSB) 

I hope you realize that “something new” can come daily. With each morning we see a New Day. With each Day we see New Opportunities. With each Opportunity we see New Progress! Start each day with anticipation and remember: The past is past! Let's learn our lessons and move on toward our future. Life is better when you look through the windshield than through the rear-view mirror.

Until Next Time...