In a recent conversation with a friend discussing some of our past work experiences, I revealed that one of the very first jobs I landed when I moved from Canada to the United States was one of a caregiver. I worked as a nanny for a set of newborn twin girls. Their mother (my boss) and her husband made the decision to adopt.
Little did I know that my position as a caregiver would allow me to share the hope that is found in Christ and His ability to make us victorious in all circumstances. The position also gave me the tools to fight the good fight of faith years later when it came to my own battle with infertility. As a caregiver to those two girls, I learned the faithfulness of God in our lives.
In Genesis 14:17–20, the text highlights Melchizedek bringing bread and wine and most importantly, Melchizedek’s decree “Abram is blessed by God Most High.” Abram (meaning “exalted father”) was blessed before he was renamed Abraham (meaning “father of many”). Abram believed in God’s promise, and it came to pass.
I love the Advent season for several reasons, but one of them trumps all the others, and it is the ability to have a retrospective look into Scripture and see that through it all, God’s promise of triumph (Psalm 110:1–4) remains steadfast and that His reign is eternal. Now let’s wait in anticipation “for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11–14).
Allison, I am praying for you and your family. I pray that God will recover what is lost and restore all that is broken in your heart and the hearts of your family. I pray God will fill you up with new wine as you step into faithfulness pursuing your ex husband. I pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen!
Good morning, sweet sisters, as it is still morning (almost noontime) here in California I slept-in. I was trying to get up at 7 AM and it didn’t happen next thing I know it was 10 AM. I know my body needed the rest. I hope everyone enjoyed their families yesterday on Christmas day.. I am reminded why I get up early and why I’m the first one up I need that “time” alone without any interruptions.
I ended up having a great Christmas because while at my aunt’s house last evening I received a call and they had fixed my pipes and were able to turn my water back on — that was my Christmas present. Thank You Lord for a couple of maintenance men willing to work on Christmas Day to help this woman out.
Merry Christmas dear sisters! I just now was able to read through yesterdays and todays comments. So very interesting to see how our prayers come from all around the world. I love that!
This Christmas (and Thanksgiving) were especially sweet for me. It was a reminder of just how faithful our God is. I had watched my son descend down a very dark path over the years. My heart was constantly breaking as I cried out to God. I felt so desperate at times but never let go of God’s promises and clung to Hope. Talk about waiting! I waited and waited and waited (years, not days)until a virtual miracle happened! What I saw as an impossible situation, God was able to turn around. As we celebrated around the table yesterday I was so thankful and cognizant of all Jesus had accomplished. I love Him so much! I say all this to encourage those of you who are struggling right now (Michelle Patire) that what seems like an eternity of waiting and unanswered prayer WILL be answered in His perfect time. He is the Joy of every longing heart! Prayers for and love to all!
❤️❤️
Anticipation of my Lord Christ Jesus is wonderful, fantastic and beautiful. So upon reading the word anticipation I thought of the song by that name — “Anticipation” by Carly Simon sung back in 1971. Here are some of the words, which could very easily apply to how I (possibly we) feel in waiting for Christ’s second coming:
We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway
And I wonder if I’m really with you now
Or just chasin’ after some finer day
Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin’ me late
Is keepin’ me waitin’
The anticipation of waiting for Christ to come is also exciting because we don’t know when it will be.
Lord God help me to spread Your Word while excitedly and anxiously awaiting the arrival of Your Son. Amen.
Sisters be blessed and anticipate His arrival and spread His Word.
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.
I live in an area that is full of godlessness. There was a young man in our old town area with a sign that said “F&%$” Christians”. A young girl that worked for me went and tried to talk to him. He wanted no part of it. We are living in a time of such unbelief and the focus is on themselves and what they believe will make them feel good. They are searching. I learned once I took that focus off of myself and onto God, life was so much better. There are so many hurting people out there. I pray that our “blessed hope” and faith shines brightly for all to see. I had a client that did this for me. I remember thinking, “I want what she has”. It was a bit of a slow change, but change did come. I think that we need to remember to live out our lives in a godly manner. Not to try and change people. That turns them off. To show love and just maybe they will see something that they “want” just as I did. Have a blessed day ladies – Love to you all.
I ask for the prayers of my sisters in faith. I recently reconciled with my ex husband. We were married for 18 years and our divorce was final in August. It was a horrendous mistake. I was far from my heavenly Father at that time……running away even further. But He pursued me still and welcomed this prodigal daughter home. I am in therapy, dealing with childhood trauma and we have had pastoral counseling, which is on hold while I focus on the healing of trauma. But I ask for prayers for the reconciliation of my relationship with my stepdaughter, who refuses to speak to me, and of my relationship with my b-in law and s-in law. My ex and I aren’t living together but instead live 5 hours apart, which is difficult but bearable as we get together as much as possible. Please pray for these relationships with me, if you will. Thank you.