Nikki's First Real Christmas

Nikki decided that Christmas was meaningless. And for three years she refused to celebrate it. It was just another day. She could not feel the excitement and joy of Christmas that caused her friends and coworkers to beam like the rising sun. All she felt was sadness and loneliness. She became frustrated seeing the crowds of people and long lines scrambling to finish their holiday shopping. As the holiday approached Nikki sank deeper and deeper into depression. She had no appetite for the smorgasbord of meals in the office. Everyone in the office knew she was annoyed by the Christmas spirit that buzzed throughout the office like a bumble bee. She expressed her nausea by all the laughter and cheerfulness. She felt no one understood her pain, nor did they consider her feelings. The pain was cutting deep into her soul as if she had been stabbed with a butcher’s knife. Although she had counseling session with the company’s Employee Assistance Program, there had been little progress. Nikki still grieved during the holiday season. She traveled to Los Angeles last year to visit relatives, but it was a horrible experience. She cried constantly during the three-day visit. Her uncle Troy and aunt Lessie tried to explain to Nikki that her mother was a Christian and was in heaven now and in a better place.
“How can you say that she’s in a better place than being with me?” she sobbed.

Nothing they said soothed the piercing pain in Nikki’s heart. Her mother’s death was an open wound that would not heal. Every time she saw a mother and daughter together she cried.

Nikki had no idea that this would be her first real Christmas. The chains that held her captive for five years after her mother’s death would be broken. Nikki’s grief centered on her feelings of guilt during her mother’s illness. She was unable to spend as much time with her during her chemo treatments and doctor visits. She barely made it in time to be with her before she passed away on December 26th at 12:15 a.m.

Nikki’s coworker, Samanthea invited her to Jesus’ Birthday Party at her small Pentecostal church on Christmas Day. They arrived just in time to hear the praise team sing a variety of Christmas carols. As the singers sang with fervor, “Oh come let us adore him” tears flowed unrestricted down Nikki’s face. After the singing the congregation roared with jovial expressions, “Glory Hallelujah!” “Praise the Lord!” The Spirit was high as the pastor stood staring up toward the huge crystal chandelier that hung from the ceiling.

“What is he staring at?” Nikki whispered to Samanthea.

“Shhh, he’s in the Spirit; probably receiving a right now word from the Lord for somebody.”
Nikki whispered with conviction, “Well, I sure hope he gets a word for me. I need help; I’m tired of feeling sad and lonely every Christ....”

Before she could complete the sentence, Pastor Ryan blurted, “Hear the Word of the Lord! Tonight is your night of freedom. You have been grieving out of guilt for too long. But you are free tonight and I want you to know everything is alright. Your mother is at rest; you did your best. Peace be unto you tonight.”

By that time, Nikki was slumped over the pew sobbing uncontrollably, and in between sobs saying, “Thank you, Lord Jesus. Forgive me for everything. Yes to your will, Lord.”
That was a birthday party that changed Nikki’s life forever. She experienced her first real Christmas, which brought restoration, joy, hope, and most of all meaning.

Perhaps your situation is different, but like Nikki you’ve decided that Christmas is just another day; that it means nothing to you. Maybe the holiday season is a painful reminder of the pain you have suffered by the loss of a loved one. If so, I understand the pain of separation. My mother transitioned from her earthly life to her heavenly home a few minutes after midnight —December 26, 2003. Yes it was a very sad Christmas that year as I sat alone in her hospice room all day on Christmas Day. Actually, it was heartbreaking the next Christmas too. But like Nikki and me you can find consolation in the Word of God by applying your faith to believe in the spirit of Christmas. *Read and meditate on the Christmas story—the fulfillment of a promise prophesied centuries before Jesus’ birth.* The spirit of Christmas is peace, hope, joy and love that come through Jesus Christ. But more importantly, will you choose to believe and receive the Gift of God. “For unto us Child is born; unto us a Son is given…” (Isaiah 9:6). By receiving the Gift of God in the Person of Jesus Christ Christmas will have meaning for you.

*Isaiah 9:7/Luke 1:32, 33; Micah 5:2/ Luke 2:4, 5, 7; Daniel 9:25/Luke 2:1,2; Isaiah 7:14/Luke 1:26, 27, 30, 31; Hosea 11:1/ Matthew 2:14, 15

A Soaring Perspective

Alexis’ view at 30,000 feet afforded her the opportunity to see from a different perspective. As she stared out of the small window on the Boeing 737 the Word of God captured her thoughts.

Isaiah 40:22, “God sits above the circle of the earth. The people below seem like grasshoppers to him! He spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them.”

After fifteen years of marriage, and years of struggle Alexis’ world came crashing down the day Jarred announced his love for Carlton.

She had always handled disturbing or shocking news with a sense of calm that amazed her three adorable children. But this…this was different. The news hit her like a bolt of lightning; knocked her to the ground and left her lifeless.

Her daily cry, “Lord, how will we get through this?”

It was impossible for her to function normally throughout the day. For weeks, every emotion converged with explosive tendencies. Her body nearly collapsed from the overload. Finally, she had to get away… solitude in the Presence of the Lord would have to be the only way she would be able to rise above this “ground zero” experience.

The advice of family and friends were futile, harsh, and didn’t reflect Christian principles. Although she was devastated by the pain of betrayal, revenge and retaliation weren’t options for her because she understood that this would require a supernatural answer that could only come through the power of the Holy Spirit.

From this vantage point clear perception, and a new perspective came. As the plane ascended to maxiumum altitude, Alexis envisioned herself acending...soaring high on the wings of an eagle. And when the plane landed, taxied to the designated gate, she knew from then on she could run and not grow weary and would walk and not faint.

Like Alexis, when we face the devastating challenges of life, we too must find solace in the solitude of His Presence. The healing process will vary with every individual and situation. However, the results yield the same —power and strength to overcome any challenge or situation.

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” —Isaiah 40:28-31


PERSONAL PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you that you care enough about my challenging situations, pains, and disappointments in this life so much that you would grant me the privilege of communing with you. And so, I ask now that you would speak to me according to my need. Let us find the power and strength that we need to soar high like eagles. I want to run to you always and not grow weary in doing what is good and pleasing to you. Help me to live this life victoriously through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ so that I will not give up in spite of the challenges I face now, or even in the future. I rest in you as my Source of strength. In Jesus’ name I pray with thanksgiving. Amen.

For Goodness Sakes

Classie finally gave up any hope of reconciliation with Guyton after numerous attempts failed. Although Guyton insisted that he’d changed, Classy soon realized it must have been wishful thinking on her part as well as his. He was still a liar. He lied about everything including his desire to remarry her.

So why would she do something so stupid that she’d regret for years to come unless God grants a miracle?

Of course, this was hindsight; she had signed the paperwork before realizing he was lying...again! She had been used again! Nothing had changed!

No doubt many of you are living with regrets because of the goodness of your heart. You chose to believe that someone had really changed until you found out after the damage was done that they really hadn't changed at all.

Reality.

Each time Guyton lied about making car payments anger pierced Classie's heart, not to mention her credit score plummeted into abyss. Was Classie just naive, or plain stupid to believe that Guyton could change? Her goodness was taken for granted and he hijacked her emotions again.
Although Classie's situation may be different from yours, this is a common scenario in many relationships— wanting to believe that the other can change without having a new heart—a spiritual transformation. Sadly, some individuals really desire to change and even try, but don't understand that it’s a "heart" matter that only the power of God can handle (Read Jeremiah 17:9).

No doubt, there are lots of women living with regrets like Classie because they listened to their emotions rather than the unction of the Holy Spirit. So for goodness sakes bad decisions are made, and thereafter a life of regrets.

Now the question is, will Classie take matters into her own hands, or let go and let God handle it? Is God willing to handle it? The Spirit of Truth nudged her with restlessness before making the final decision to purchase the car in her name and she didn’t listen. Is God now obligated to help her out of this situation?

Well, obligated…no, but because He is good, and kind, gracious, and slow to anger; His mercy endures forever. And when His children call on His name in repentance, He is obligated to answer. I John 1:7 say, "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Why would this be considered sin? Because she had unction in her spirit; she had no peace about it after praying, yet she made the decision.

Therefore, she must face the consequences of her decision. Sure we suffer the consequences of the decisions we make, yet God will come to our rescue if we repent, ask Him to forgive us and don’t let anger and bitterness consume us. That’s the hardest part, but with God all things are possible if we believe. Throughout history, we see the mercy, grace and faithfulness of God toward His chosen people. They disobeyed Him repeatedly, but when they cried out to Him, He heard their cry and delivered them (Check out the book of Judges). Does this mean we should continue to make unwise decisions and ignore the unction of the Holy Spirit? God forbid! We are to learn from our mistakes and move forward. We are to obey God rather than please man.

Trying to please and accommodate man will enslave us, and we’re not free to live a life pleasing God. We’re constantly look to be accepted by man (another subject for another time).
As apostle Paul instructed the Galatians, "In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off] -Galatians 5:1.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

So, for goodness sake listen and obey the voice of the Lord.

Childlike Faith

Silence gripped the air as Jana strolled the narrow, winding path with Jordan that led to their secret place. But that day the serenity was powerless against the assault of negative thoughts.

They jabbed fiercely in sequence and with precision to annihilate any hope of a prosperous New Year. You'll never get out of the mess you're in now. What's the use of trying... It's never goin' to end! Your prayers will never be answered. Nobody cares! You might as well end...

Just before the fatal dart to pierce her heart, Jordan held up a small shield that could only fit perfectly into the hands of a 4-year old, "Mama, where we going?"

Funny! They'd traveled that path daily for a whole year, and Jordan never ask that before.

But it really didn't matter; wherever Jana went she held on tightly. She had no choice; it was just the two of them since her dad, Lance chose another path.

"Trust me, Jordi; it's a surprise!"

Jordi's big, dark eyes beamed like the sun on a hot summer day in Texas, "Yeah! I like surprises, Mama!"

Jana's eyelids gave way like a broken levee as the flood of tears gushed out of control. Her thunderous outburst of disgust broke the silence, "Lord, I don't know if I can survive another year like this one! It's been like a roller coaster ride! How can I follow your directions if I don't know what they are, or where you're leading me?"

Secure in her mother's grip with simple faith, Jordan whispered, "Don't worry, Mama; maybe it's a surprise!"


Unlike 4-year old Jordan, I don't like surprises. And you probably don't either if you've reach THAT age... Truth is, even as a child I never liked surprises. Tell me. Show me. In fact, I always opened my gifts before Christmas morning, and meticulous resealed them because I didn't like being surprised. I didn't like waiting to see what I was getting.

However, I have learned that walking by faith and not by sight means there will be some surprises. God does not tell us, or show us everything at once. Learning to trust in the Lord and not lean on our understanding so that He can direct us is one of our greatest challenges.

Like Jana, our second greatest challenge is controlling our thoughts. How many times has God placed us in peaceful surroundings yet we cannot absorb the tranquility because of negative thoughts. Moreover, how about times when we leave peaceful surroundings to mingle and converse with negative people. Philippians 4:8 gives us a step-by-step formula for controlling our thoughts. Of course, you have to practice using the formula in order to master it. It's a process called being transformed by the renewing of our minds.

The Lord specifically said DO NOT worry about anything, especially the basic necessities of life (ref. Matthew 6:25-34). We must learn to trust our heavenly Father to provide for us as He promised in His word. I know it's easier said than done. And sometimes the only way for us to learn is to break the silence with outbursts of desperation, or else the silence may be powerless in combating the assault of negative thoughts.

No doubt, we have all been on the same path as Jana at one time or another—struggling to survive year after year. But just as Jordan had a secure grip on her mother's hand, we must rest in the security of our loving Father to lead us in the path of righteousness, and trust that we will arrive at our destination if we hold tightly to His hand.

When it seems we are without direction, God always places someone in our path to redirect us, and remind us of His faithfulness even if He has to surprise us. He gave Jana Jordan. Perhaps, He's given you siblings, parents, friends, a coworker, teacher, pastor, or counselor...I know He has given you someone.

Ultimately, all He wants from us is to have childlike faith—trusting Him as our loving Father Who loves too much to leave us alone and hopeless; worrying about things that He controls.
I pray that this year be a carousel ride as you grip the Master's hand with childlike faith, trusting that any surprises He has for you will be for your good.

Simply Trust

"Enough is enough!" Mayetta screamed. Her life was like walking a tightrope. She was exhausted from the balancing acts; praying constantly to keep from falling to her death mentally. She did all she could trying to make things work in desperate hope that it wouldn't come to this.

She refused to have a pity party, but her emotions exploded as if they had been ignited by flammable chemicals. Holding the divorce decree, the sense of failure, feelings of rejections, and fear mounted at the thought of being alone after twenty-six years of marriage. Although much of her married life had been spent alone with the kids, at least she knew Tyler would eventually come home after his overnight shenanigans.

Now Mayetta sat staring out the balcony window overlooking the busy street below totally oblivious to it, "I just can't believe it, Lord. Where do I go from here? I don't know what to do other than simply trust you. I just want Your will for my life."

No doubt many of you have had this conversation with the Lord, or one similar to it because you were at a crossroad in your life. Challenges in life are sure to come। Changes are as certain as your natural growth—the process from childhood to adulthood. However, most important is how you adjust to the changes based on your trust in the sovereignty of God. Basically, is Jesus Christ your Lord? Have you committed your life to His Lordship?

Like Mayetta, you can wake up one morning and find yourself facing the unknown, needing directions, and assurance।

Starting life all over again can cause the childlike fears within each of us to escalate at maximum speed। Consequently, the onslaught of emotions will ambush your faith and render you powerless, resulting in a sense of hopelessness, which opens the door for the enemy to attack and defeat you.

(But even now, I bind the demonic spirit of defeat, from attacking you now, and cast it out to be sent wherever the Lord Jesus wants to send it. I loose the spirit of victory over your mind and thus, your life in the Name of Jesus the Christ, our Jehovah Nissi). The Blood of Jesus cover you now. I declare and decree it to be so according John 14:14. Amen.
The way to handle transitions of any kind is speaking the Word of God, which quenches the fiery darts of doubt and fear। Having the ability and power to adjust to major lifestyle changes comes through the Holy Spirit of Truth in you (John 14:17) and the Word connecting and empowering you to withstand the challenge. The Word of God is spirit and it is life.

Let's consider Mayetta's challenge. After twenty-six years of marriage she is now divorced. She has to start a new life of singleness. (That just about covers the gamut of changes). Perhaps her greatest challenge will be the emotional experiences and fears she will encounter as she began her new lifestyle—anger and bitterness, depression, loneliness and lowliness (low self-esteem), feelings of rejection and helplessness, etc. (Been there, done that...). It's obvious from her confession, "I just want Your will for my life" that she has accepted Jesus as Lord of her life.
Desiring God's will for your life takes you to another dimension in the Kingdom of God. And it gives God permission to do whatever is necessary to get you to that place (in mind, body and soul) where He predestined for you before the foundation of the world. Wow!
Nevertheless, the adversity, unpleasant experiences, and the challenges in process are painful। Yet, you must trust Him to carry you to that place because it is for your good. ( Ref. Jeremiah 29:11). We call it "destiny and purpose."

Sure, Mayetta has options: Support groups, family, friends, books, etc। But after the therapy and support sessions are over, the advice and opinions of family and friends are noticeably insane, and reading all the books, Mayetta still needs something that only comes from God— PEACE, INNER STRENGTH, and POWER to move on.

These are induced by the Word of God, and trusting God to watch over His Word to perform it when spoken in faith। In others words, the manifestation of God's Word will be seen in you. And you will know because it will bear witness of itself in you. How? If you speak the Word of God, you will feel the weight of it's power when it connects with the Holy Spirit within you. After a while, others will notice a change in your demeanor. They'll make comments like, "Girl, what happen to you? You don't act the same. Your whole attitude is changed. You met somebody else?" Beware. You have been given an opportunity to witness. Take it! Tell of the goodness and faithfulness of your LORD. Oh, my God! I feel that. That just hit somebody's spirit! You better flow in the Spirit!

Listen, dear heart। It it seems like you're walking a tightrope and doing balancing acts to keep from falling, it's time to just simply trust God. What may seem to be the worst time in your life now, God will turn it around and work it for His glory to be manifested through you. (Ref. Romans 8:28). Simply trust Him.

Here's a key scripture for handling the transitions of life।

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).