At the time of this writing it is December 26, the day after Christmas. It is always a sad time for me as there has been such a built-up time before Christmas. Some stores even start in July or August. We hear the songs, see the declarations and hear the story of Christmas then the day comes. In a few minutes gifts are opened, food is eaten, then the people leave. All the hustle and bustle for what? Maybe a half-day of pleasure.
What Jesus wants is for us to know is story of His birth, His life, and later we will be celebrating His death, burial and resurrection. He wants us to know Him. What He did, how he felt daily, how He handled problems that came His way. He wants us to read His Word and know it.
What a wonderful gift to Jesus at the end of this year and the throughout the new year is to really start to walk with Him. And He also wants us to share with others what we are discovering in our walk. It is an exciting adventure to say the least. It can be a slippery walk, a smooth walk at times, we might come across some rocky roads and sometimes we might even get stuck. Some parts of our journey may be painful but others may be oh so joyful.
So why don't you come along with me and share in the journey of walking with Jesus and share what is going on in your life. I would love to have you make comments. It is easier when doing something with someone else.
Have a great journey as you walk with Christ in the New Year.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
The Christmas Event
I was listening to a radio program last evening on what the Christmas story, or in this case, the speaker called it an event.
Luke 2:1-7
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. and Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazaeth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Of course this is an account of a baby being born like any other baby. Mary went through labor pains and so forth. But in other ways what is so different about this birth is that after the birth shepherds came and worshiped Him. And then they went off and told others that the Messiah was born. Later on wise men came and gave gifts to the young child. Also Mary and Joseph were visited by an angel telling of the birth. And Mary was a virgin and in Luke 1 we read in verse 31, " And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." Verse 32 reads, "And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and his kingdom there shall be no end." Then the Holy Spirit came upon her and the power of the Highest overshadowed her: therefore also that holy thing which would be born of her would be called the Son of God.
So this is the great Christmas Event! It is so simple and yet so great and wonderful.
Luke 2:1-7
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. and Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazaeth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Of course this is an account of a baby being born like any other baby. Mary went through labor pains and so forth. But in other ways what is so different about this birth is that after the birth shepherds came and worshiped Him. And then they went off and told others that the Messiah was born. Later on wise men came and gave gifts to the young child. Also Mary and Joseph were visited by an angel telling of the birth. And Mary was a virgin and in Luke 1 we read in verse 31, " And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." Verse 32 reads, "And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and his kingdom there shall be no end." Then the Holy Spirit came upon her and the power of the Highest overshadowed her: therefore also that holy thing which would be born of her would be called the Son of God.
So this is the great Christmas Event! It is so simple and yet so great and wonderful.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Clean Then Dirty
The other day I was going to my car which was in the parking lot and I saw how dirty it was. My husband and I just bought our car in the summer time so the weather was good. The car has a sparkle red color to it so it shines and stands out among other cars. Now, in our area, it is the starting of winter. And the other day we had been behind the salt truck. So you can imagine what the color of the car is now.
This reminded me of our lives as a Christian. Our old self (car) may be worn out, dirty, and scratched up. Then we heard the gospel message which is simply is that Jesus, the Son of God, died for our sins just as the Scriptures said, He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day. If we believe this then we can have Christ come into our lives and we are no longer separated from God and He forgives us and makes us clean.
So now we are a new person (car) and we are bright and shining and we stand out in the crowd because of our glorious message of the gospel. But as time goes on we may slip backward and we start to get dirty. Then what do we do? The answer is found in I John 1:9 "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." Then we can again become bright and shining and stand out in our crowd so that others can know who Jesus is as they will want to know why we are so different.
So remember first, the gospel message, then if you do slip and fall confess your sin(s) and God will forgive and you will be right with Him again and can be a blessing to others.
This reminded me of our lives as a Christian. Our old self (car) may be worn out, dirty, and scratched up. Then we heard the gospel message which is simply is that Jesus, the Son of God, died for our sins just as the Scriptures said, He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day. If we believe this then we can have Christ come into our lives and we are no longer separated from God and He forgives us and makes us clean.
So now we are a new person (car) and we are bright and shining and we stand out in the crowd because of our glorious message of the gospel. But as time goes on we may slip backward and we start to get dirty. Then what do we do? The answer is found in I John 1:9 "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." Then we can again become bright and shining and stand out in our crowd so that others can know who Jesus is as they will want to know why we are so different.
So remember first, the gospel message, then if you do slip and fall confess your sin(s) and God will forgive and you will be right with Him again and can be a blessing to others.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving Day
I just want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving Day. I am thankful for many things such as my God, family, friends, those that read this blog page and many other things to long of a list to mention.
Thank you for reading my blog page and I look forward to be writing more in the future.
Bonnie
Thank you for reading my blog page and I look forward to be writing more in the future.
Bonnie
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Now You See It And Now You Don't
Have you every been driving and have looked in your rear-view mirror and had a vehicle right on your bumper? Then you look again and they are gone and you wonder if they had been there at all?
This has happen to me more than once and having a mind of a writer I think what a great story this could make. However, I have not written one yet. I am sticking to writing on my blog page and writing my devotional Reading The Bible Together which is found under my e-mail page.
Sometimes when I read the Bible I let my mind wonder and try to imagine what it would be like to live in Bible times. We can read about it and it sounds adventurous but I imagine if your husband, son, or other relatives are out fighting it is not so exciting. Like today with our men and women in the military on our behave.
Even if it doesn't seem like it is happening God is still in control of all that takes place. He allows it and He has a plan all set up. He is just getting things ready and in His time it will take place. Our earth is headed for more severe times. Are you ready? Do you know Jesus as your Savior? If you do then we shall go up with the Lord when He returns for His Church. Those who are dead in Christ will go up first and those living will follow. Then we will not be here for the worst part of what is going to take place.
If you don't know Jesus as your Savior then come to Him today. Read the following verses to help you learn what is needed and why it is needed to belong to Christ.
New Living Translation
Romans 3:10 "As the Scriptures say, No one is good-not even one."
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard."
Genesis 2:15-17 "The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for it. But the LORD God gave him this warning: 'You may freely eat any fruit in the garden except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die.'"
Genesis 3:1-7 Now the serpent was the shrewdest of all the creatures the LORD God had made. 'Really?" he asked the woman "Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?' 'Of course we may eat it.' the woman told him. ' It's only the fruit from the tree of the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.'" ' You won't die!' the serpent hissed. 'God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.'"
"The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. Then he ate it, too. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame and their nakedness. So they strung fig leaves together around their hips to cover themselves."
Genesis 3:23-25 "So the LORD God banished Adam and his wife from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. After banishing them from the garden, the LORD God stationed mighty angelic beings to the east of Eden. And a flaming sword flashed back and forth, guarding the way to the tree of life."
Romans 5:12 "When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned."
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 5:8 "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."
John 1:10-12 "But although the world was made through him, (Jesus) the world didn't recognize him when he came. Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. "
Revelation 3:20 "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends."
Ephesians 2:8-9 "God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
I John 5: 11-13 "And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life."
That's the plan. Realize you are a sinner and that Christ came and by His blood washed you clean so that you can be with Father and join the family of God. Ask God to forgive you of your sins and accept Jesus His Son into your life and then find a good church who teaches this truth in order for you to grow in your new faith.
This has happen to me more than once and having a mind of a writer I think what a great story this could make. However, I have not written one yet. I am sticking to writing on my blog page and writing my devotional Reading The Bible Together which is found under my e-mail page.
Sometimes when I read the Bible I let my mind wonder and try to imagine what it would be like to live in Bible times. We can read about it and it sounds adventurous but I imagine if your husband, son, or other relatives are out fighting it is not so exciting. Like today with our men and women in the military on our behave.
Even if it doesn't seem like it is happening God is still in control of all that takes place. He allows it and He has a plan all set up. He is just getting things ready and in His time it will take place. Our earth is headed for more severe times. Are you ready? Do you know Jesus as your Savior? If you do then we shall go up with the Lord when He returns for His Church. Those who are dead in Christ will go up first and those living will follow. Then we will not be here for the worst part of what is going to take place.
If you don't know Jesus as your Savior then come to Him today. Read the following verses to help you learn what is needed and why it is needed to belong to Christ.
New Living Translation
Romans 3:10 "As the Scriptures say, No one is good-not even one."
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard."
Genesis 2:15-17 "The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for it. But the LORD God gave him this warning: 'You may freely eat any fruit in the garden except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die.'"
Genesis 3:1-7 Now the serpent was the shrewdest of all the creatures the LORD God had made. 'Really?" he asked the woman "Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?' 'Of course we may eat it.' the woman told him. ' It's only the fruit from the tree of the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.'" ' You won't die!' the serpent hissed. 'God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.'"
"The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. Then he ate it, too. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame and their nakedness. So they strung fig leaves together around their hips to cover themselves."
Genesis 3:23-25 "So the LORD God banished Adam and his wife from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. After banishing them from the garden, the LORD God stationed mighty angelic beings to the east of Eden. And a flaming sword flashed back and forth, guarding the way to the tree of life."
Romans 5:12 "When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned."
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 5:8 "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."
John 1:10-12 "But although the world was made through him, (Jesus) the world didn't recognize him when he came. Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. "
Revelation 3:20 "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends."
Ephesians 2:8-9 "God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
I John 5: 11-13 "And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life."
That's the plan. Realize you are a sinner and that Christ came and by His blood washed you clean so that you can be with Father and join the family of God. Ask God to forgive you of your sins and accept Jesus His Son into your life and then find a good church who teaches this truth in order for you to grow in your new faith.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Do You Love Yourself?
For many years I have struggled with loving myself. I don't mean in a way that is prideful but in the way that the Lord would be pleased with. One of the greatest commands is to love your neighbor as yourself. The Bible tells us that no one hates themselves.
I am one of those who had been abused as a child, teen years, even sometimes in my adult years. So I have always had a very low self-esteem. So the other day I just sat down with my Father and asked Him what I needed in my life to help me love myself so I could love others. Here is the answer.
Now that you are truly wanted.
Now that I am truly loved.
Now that I have been chosen by God to be in His family.
Now that I am special in God's sight as all of His children are.
And know that I am a woman and to respect myself and feel like a woman and not some object that was used as fulfillment for someone else's pleasure.
I must tell you just they few things has changed my way of thinking. And has helped me to grow in my spiritual life and in my everyday living. I am not a victim but God is showing me how that I can use what has happened to me in a good way. Help others who are hurting. And truly get out of my rut and move forward.
Are you not loving yourself because of your past or what is going on now. Ask God to help you find out what you need to move forward.
I am willing to listen to your stories and pray for you. Reply on this site or e-mail me at bjhouse writer@gmail.com and write story in subject line.
I am one of those who had been abused as a child, teen years, even sometimes in my adult years. So I have always had a very low self-esteem. So the other day I just sat down with my Father and asked Him what I needed in my life to help me love myself so I could love others. Here is the answer.
Now that you are truly wanted.
Now that I am truly loved.
Now that I have been chosen by God to be in His family.
Now that I am special in God's sight as all of His children are.
And know that I am a woman and to respect myself and feel like a woman and not some object that was used as fulfillment for someone else's pleasure.
I must tell you just they few things has changed my way of thinking. And has helped me to grow in my spiritual life and in my everyday living. I am not a victim but God is showing me how that I can use what has happened to me in a good way. Help others who are hurting. And truly get out of my rut and move forward.
Are you not loving yourself because of your past or what is going on now. Ask God to help you find out what you need to move forward.
I am willing to listen to your stories and pray for you. Reply on this site or e-mail me at bjhouse writer@gmail.com and write story in subject line.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
It's Not Easy Being A Blogger
I am finding that it is not as easy being a blogger as I thought. Many interesting things happen to me daily but I am not sure if these things would be boring to others.
Sometimes I find writing a blog is like writing haiku poetry. For those of you who don't know what haiku poetry is it is a poem with three lines with 5/7/5 syllables and usually refers to nature. They are easy to write when you have a theme but sometimes you may have one or two a day and then maybe not find another theme for months later.
For me writing a blog is the same way. So I may not have one every day but when I get a good theme or event that happens then I will write about it. It may be poetry, event, or guess what happened today.
All the blogs I want to be centered around what a disciple would do. Believers are followers of Christ and I want Him to be honored and my Father in Heaven whose is God.
So if you don't see me everyday that is because I have not connected a theme and God with it or may think my life is boring.
Sometimes I find writing a blog is like writing haiku poetry. For those of you who don't know what haiku poetry is it is a poem with three lines with 5/7/5 syllables and usually refers to nature. They are easy to write when you have a theme but sometimes you may have one or two a day and then maybe not find another theme for months later.
For me writing a blog is the same way. So I may not have one every day but when I get a good theme or event that happens then I will write about it. It may be poetry, event, or guess what happened today.
All the blogs I want to be centered around what a disciple would do. Believers are followers of Christ and I want Him to be honored and my Father in Heaven whose is God.
So if you don't see me everyday that is because I have not connected a theme and God with it or may think my life is boring.
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