The Word Impossible

Mary was told by the angel, Gabriel, that she would bear the Son of God. She asked how this was possible since she was a virgin. Gabriel assured her that nothing is impossible for God.

The word "impossible" brings up questions like:

Can something really be created from nothing?
Can good truly come from being sold into slavery?
Can waters really part and create a dry path to other side of a large river?
Can an army march around a city wall and bring down the walls?
Well, of course not.  Impossible.

Can a king who committed adultery and murder be a true friend of God?
Can a young boy kill a giant with a sling and stone?
Can a donkey talk about seeing an army of angels?
Can someone really be thrown into a fire and come out without a burn?
Well, of course not.  Impossible.

Can someone walk on water?
Can water be changed to wine?
Can 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread feed 5000?
Can someone lie dead decaying in a grave for three days and be made alive again?
Well, of course not.  Impossible.

Can a tax collector return 5 times what he took from others?
Can one who had five husband and now lives with a man make better choices?
Can a friend who denied knowing you when you were in grave danger end up sacrificing his life defending you?
Can one who kills Christians ever change?
Well, of course not.  Impossible.

Yet as we read through the Scriptures, we know that ALL these things did indeed happen.  So do we really believe He can do the impossible today?

Do we believe that lives can be so transformed that one will actually think, speak, and act differently?
Do we really believe there is No condemnation for those who have a relationship with Jesus as their Savior?
Do we believe in the power of forgiveness that enables us to extend mercy and grace even to our enemies?
Do we believe we can truly love those who don't love us in return?
Well, of course.   Absolutely possible.

Do we believe we can receive healing physically, spiritually, and emotionally?
Do we believe someone can be rescued from addictions?
Do we believe marriages can be healed?
Do we believe we can have joy in difficult circumstances?
Well, of course.  Absolutely possible.

Christmas is a time to focus on our beliefs and this year I choose to focus on how the Lord can do the impossible.  How about you?  What are you choosing to focus on this year?

Copyright 2012

Extended Grace

As far as Joseph knew before his encounter with the angel, Gabriel, Mary had been sexually unfaithful to Him.  He didn't feel he could continue with his commitment to marry her. However, he decided he would not seek revenge by ruining her reputation about her indiscretion.   Instead he decided to put her away quietly.

However, things aren't always as they appear to be.  We need to take into consideration that we might be missing some important information that gives a reasonable explanation before jumping to conclusions and thinking the worst about others.  Joseph needed an angel to bring clarity to the truth about Mary.

We might not have an angel bring clarity to something we don't understand, but it doesn't entitle us to judge that which we don't understand.  In time, all things hidden are revealed.  Even when guilty, people still need to see Jesus and a love that will not let them go despite their sins.

As the Christmas season is upon us, may we consider Joseph's attitude and actions toward Mary and extend the same grace toward those around us.  If someone is guilty of the accused sin, forgive them.  If unsure about their guilt, think the best of them and show them love and support.

Jesus is the reason for this season, and we need to be an extension of Him to the lost around us.  We can be if we offer grace instead of judgment and condemnation to those things we don't really understand.

Enough is Enough

After much prayer, we need to recognize when enough is enough.  Jesus told His disciples that a time comes when one needs to wipe the dust off their feet and move onward. (Luke 10:10-12)

The Lord realizes that banging on the doors of hard hearts waste precious time. It prevents us from pursuing those actually seeking truth.  Leaving should not be taken lightly, but sometimes it is the only option.

We need to stop knocking on the door of the empty house.  Instead we need go where someone is home and opens the door to hear the message of truth.  We carry life changing
news for a dying world, so let's take it to those yearning to hear.