“Look Up” by Jean Santos
Jesus the GREATEST GIFT by Geri Jean Sanderson
Be Ye Thankful
Storms of Life by Beth Palmani
Happy first Monday of 2022!! This week’s devo is “Storms of Life” written by Beth Palmani!
Please take the time to read as she shares this devo with us today! Let’s make 2022 the best year EVER!!
Storms of Life – Beth Palmani
This past summer we were able to visit family who had rented a beach house. I absolutely love to look at and listen to the sounds of the ocean. One of the things I was looking forward to, was watching the sunrise and the sunset over the water. I packed my fancy camera and lenses, and was eager to get the “perfect” photo of our girls with the breathtaking sunset in the background! When we arrived to the area, the weather was warm, but so cloudy and gloomy.
I got up early to walk on the beach to take pictures and look for seashells. Much to my disappointment, the spectacular sight I was anticipating, simply wasn’t there. The sky was filled with “grumpy” looking clouds and not one single shell! The water was “yucky” looking and was filled with seaweed and so much gunk. I had expected crystal clear water that I could dip my toes in while still being able to make sure no SHARKS would bite my toes off! 🙂 The sunset was much the same way – no sun to be seen! On the last day of our trip, a huge storm rolled in. You could see it coming in the distance. The lightning in the clouds could be seen so far off, and you could even see the rain pouring on the ocean in the distance.
We watched from the deck of the house until the storm got a little too close for comfort, then retreated inside. It was a night filled with thunder, lightning and lots of rain, but we were warm and safe inside the house. The next morning, I didn’t get up early to go out and get my sunrise shot, since I knew it wouldn’t be there. Instead, slept in a bit until my daughter came in, begging to go out to the water. She pulled back the curtain, and WOOSH, there it was! The SUNLIGHT I had been wishing for! The storm had come and gone and left the most spectacular sight I’ve ever seen! Even now, it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! I jumped out of bed, quickly grabbed the camera and we ran to the water! Oh what a time we had! The water was so clean and clear, you could walk around and see straight to the bottom! And as for shells? Too many to count! We even found full size silver dollars, which I’ve only ever seen in the store! The sunshine made the water glisten and shine like I never knew possible. To be honest, the camera just couldn’t capture the sight I was seeing, but those images are forever etched in my mind. I couldn’t help but think of the song, “Till the Storm Passes By.” Life can get so dark and gloomy and yes, even be filled with “gunk” at times, yet, we have a Heavenly Father who loves us so deeply and helps us through each “storm” so that we can have something truly spectacular on the other side. I love the verses in Psalm 91 that remind me that, much like the house kept us safe and warm that night, Jesus is my refuge in the storms of life. I can stay snuggled in his wings, safe and warm. And, just like on that day this summer, Joy truly does come in the morning! (Ps 30:5)
As I get older, I can see that there are stormy times, but there are also times of sunshine!
If things in your life right now are dark and gloomy, just keep pressing on, right through that storm, because on the other side, is beautiful sunshine!
https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/storms-of-life-beth-palmani
Jesus – The Word
Jesus – The Word
John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Just as our words explain our thoughts to others, Jesus was sent to the world to reveal the Father’s thoughts to us.
“In the beginning was the Word” refers to His co-eternal relationship with God in the past. His existence was in the beginning before the world began.
“And the Word was with God” speaks of His co-existence with God as a distinct person separate from God. He had a conscious personal existence separate from God but was also connected to Him.
“And the Word was God” testifies His co-equality with God. The distinctness was of Himself being God.
Hebrews 1:1-2
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
All things were created by Him. These verses explain His qualifications for the work of our redemption and salvation. In the beginning, Jesus was the Word, and in the end, He will be the Word. He is the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:12).
Jesus – Truth
Jesus – Truth
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus is the Way to the Father – no man cometh unto the Father but by me. Jesus is the Truth – the absolute and eternal Truth. Jesus is the Life – He is the bearer and giver of everlasting life.
Truth and liberty always go together. When the truth is denied, liberty is quickly lost. Jesus said in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Truth is necessary for liberty, and true liberty is founded on truth.
Jesus said He was the Truth. He declared that He is the only way to God as well as the Final Word on the matter.
Many people are making wrecks of their lives because they ignore the simple truths of God’s Word. They think liberty gives them the right to lives as they please rather than live according to the principles of truth.
Others are making spiritual wrecks of their lives by their casual attitude towards worship, Christian service, and personal godliness. They chose to ignore the truth believing they can be saved by ways other than simple faith in Jesus Christ.
Knowing and abiding by the eternal Truth of God’s Word brings true liberty.
Jesus – True Vine
Jesus – True Vine
John 15:1
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Who is Jesus? Some say He was just a man that did great things. Others say He was just a prophet. But Jesus said, “I AM: the Bread of Life, the Light of the world, the Good Shepherd, the Way, Truth, and Life.” In this passage, Jesus is saying, “I am the True Vine.”
Jesus’ reference to the vine and husbandman are symbolic to that of a vineyard. The branch and the vine have a mutually dependent relationship. The branch is dependent on the vine, and the believer must always rely on Christ.
Believers are the branches of the Vine. As we abide in Christ, we begin to develop Christian character, which in turn bears fruit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in nine terms, and Peter encourages us to add to our faith seven principles in order to be fruitful (2 Peter 1:5-8).
It is necessary to be connected to the Vine so that we may bear fruit and have lasting joy.
The Father is the husbandman. He wisely watches over His vineyard. He watches for those vine that are fruitful and prunes those that stopped being fruitful. The more fruit we bear, the more abundant we are in what is good, and the more we glorify God.
Jesus – Son of God
Jesus – Son of God
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
These miracles were specifically written down for proof of Christ’s deity. John wanted those who read the scripture to know that Jesus was not only the Saviour but also the Son of God.
It is by grace that God sent His only begotten Son to pay our random on the cross. It is by faith that we receive His free gift of salvation.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jesus – Savior
Jesus – Saviour
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Have you ever paid attention to the verbiage of this verse? A Saviour is born not shall be.
To Whom? Unto you
What? Is born
When? This day
Where? In the city of David
Who? A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
It’s a courageous act for one to rescue people from danger or put their lives on the line to fight for our liberty or freedom. Oh, but what a Saviour we have! He who rescues lost sinners from the depths of hell.
There is none righteous (Romans 3:10) regardless of race, ethnicity, class, or intellect. All are in need of a Saviour.
Christ was born to die that we might go free. What a humbling thought to know that Christ loved me and you enough to rescue us once and for all.
Jesus – Root of David
Jesus – Root of David
Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Matthew 1 gives an account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Juda is the great grandson of Abraham. Abraham was the one whom God promised would be the father of many nations that would be blessed through him (Genesis 17). Yet, if we continue to follow the timeline back to the beginning, it will lead us to Adam. To simplify, the root of David must be from the one from whom Adam came, the forefather of human race. Jesus is both the Creator of the universe and source of human life.
