Gifts for the King - Guest Post by Annie Yorty

 

by Annie Yorty

I recently sat teary-eyed in the theater watching The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, directed by Dallas Jenkins. In this movie based on the book of the same name by Barbara Robinson, a family of six unruly and unkempt kids takes over the local church’s annual Christmas pageant. Near the end, in a welcome moment of levity, the boys acting as wise men present a ham as a gift to the baby Jesus.

Magi—A Symbol of Christmas

In a devotion from my newly released book, 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus, I show how the magi from the Christmas story remind us Jesus is our wise guide. Due to space constraints, I didn’t elaborate on the gifts the wise men brought to the Christ Child. Nevertheless, these gifts for the King deserve our attention and can help us understand more about how we can honor Jesus as the star of Christmas.

We can get hung up on the inconsistencies between the biblical text about the magi and the way they’re portrayed in nativity scenes, carols, and pictures. Sometimes our worry over artistic license distracts us from thinking more deeply about their purpose in the nativity story.

First, let’s address a couple of myths. Most of our Christmas traditions portray these wise men, as they’re also called, as arriving the night of Jesus’ birth. More likely, they came at a later date to a house Mary and Joseph had moved into. We don’t know how many magi there were. We assume there may have been three because they gave three gifts. They were not necessarily kings. More likely, they were men who studied ancient texts of various cultures to learn truth and watched the heavens for signs. 

We don’t know exactly where they originated, except from the east. Some say from Arabia while others speculate they came from as far away as India. We know they journeyed over hundreds of miles probably for a period of months. We don’t know how they traveled, though most depictions show camels.

Gifts for the King

In his gospel account, Matthew records that the wise men brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This part of the story hearkens back to prophecy from the book of Isaiah. “The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense and will come worshiping the Lord” (Isaiah 60:6 NLT). In ancient times, these three items in combination were standard gifts for kings and deities.

Gold

As one of the most precious metals on earth, gold was typically brought to important kings as tribute. In the days when Israel followed God, He blessed His people with gifts of gold from other nations. A gold crown denoted royalty in ancient times as well as today.

God also designated gold as a fitting material to adorn His temple. When He gave David the design of the first temple in Jerusalem, He specified that pure gold must overlay the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant and be used to make the lampstands and other instruments for serving Him (1 Chronicles 28).

We have no way of knowing how much gold the magi brought as a gift for the newborn King, but I don’t believe they traveled over hundreds of miles for several months to bring a paltry gift. Some Bible archaeologists suggest the gold may have been worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in today’s currency.

Yes, gold is always valuable, but God says there’s one thing far more precious that will hold its value in any economy.  The psalmist wrote, “Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold” (Psalm 119:127 NLT).

We may not have a pile of gold to offer our King, but when we love His Word more than any earthly possession, He is honored and pleased.

Frankincense

People valued frankincense, an aromatic resin gathered from the sap of Boswellia trees, long before Jesus’ birth. They used the spice for medicinal purposes, and the wealthy embalmed their dead with hundreds of pounds of its anointing oil. Most Middle Eastern cultures burned the costly resin in ceremonial worship of their deities.

Frankincense also has a spiritual use designated by God. In His instructions for Temple service, God told the priests to add the precious oil to sacrifices on the altar to add a pleasing aroma to the offering.

The baby whose birth we celebrate at Christmas “offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God” (Ephesians 5:2 NLT). In this same verse, Apostle Paul exhorts us to follow His example and display Jesus’ self-sacrificing love to people around us.

Myrrh

Myrrh was a rare and expensive commodity at the time Jesus was born. Some estimate its value would have been $4,000 per pound. This tree resin was also used for medicinal purposes, to make expensive perfume, and to anoint bodies for embalming.

When God established the tabernacle as a meeting place with His people, He told Moses to create a mixture of precious spices, including myrrh. He tasked Moses with anointing every part of the tent, the instruments of worship, and even the priests with this oil to set them apart as holy for His service (Exodus 30:22-38).

The gift of myrrh from the magi foreshadowed the death of Jesus on the cross. Jesus’ death paved the Way for us to be set apart from sin, to live for God’s purposes instead of our own. Like the priests of old, God calls us to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).

Our Gifts for the King

The pagan magi searched for truth, and God led them to the Truth. When they met Jesus, they worshiped and offered their best gifts to Him. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, hungry children couldn’t imagine how gold, frankincense, and myrrh would be suitable gifts for a baby. Much to the amusement of the audience, they substituted the ham that was most valuable to their growling tummies in place of the three biblical gifts.

What gifts will you offer to Jesus—your King, your High Priest, and your Savior—this Christmas? (click to share on X)

 

Would you like to add meaning to your Advent season with free resources and 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus? Visit my website to download a Christmas journal page to record your heart thoughts. If you have children and would like to read the devotions aloud with them, I offer a coloring page for each day. Also, you can use my Candy Cane Gospel to tell people about Jesus throughout the season. Go deeper with each devotion when you view short daily videos at my YouTube channel. The links are listed below.

I wish you a merry Christmas and pray you know Jesus better than ever by the beginning of the new year.

25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus: https://mybook.to/yksqv

Free Christmas resources to download:  https://annieyorty.com/books/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@annieyorty1014

Blog – Perceive God: https://annieyorty.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieYorty2020

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annieyorty/

X: https://x.com/AnnieYorty

Crosswalk: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/annie-yorty/

From Ignorance to Bliss (Amazon):  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1649498365/ref

Empowering Homeschool Conversations: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/podcast

Ordinary Moms of Extraordinary Kids podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/ordinarymoms/

 

Bio

Award-winning author Annie Yorty writes and speaks to encourage others to perceive God’s presence in the unexpected twists and turns of life. She has written From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed through Down Syndrome and a devotional, 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus. She also contributes devotions and articles at Crosswalk.com and cohosts Empowering Homeschool Conversations, the authority in homeschooling diverse learners.

Married to her high school sweetheart and living in Pennsylvania, Annie mothers three adult children (one with intellectual disabilities). A lifelong learner, Annie seeks new and eclectic challenges. She gravitates toward anything crafty or creative—except sewing clothes. Sporadically, she works at learning to play the piano and ukulele. Always open to travel adventure, Annie helps organize mission teams that share God’s love around the world. She wishes she had more time to read, crochet, and practice Russian. Amidst the fun, challenges, and chaos, Annie encourages others to look upward with her and perceive God. Annie would love to visit with you at AnnieYorty.com.

 

3 Ways Gratitude Benefits Our Lives

 

3 ways gratitude benefits our lives

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Have you ever wondered why we are told in the Bible to be thankful?

Our flesh defaults to complaining. Sometimes we may not realize our words or thoughts contain grouchy sentiments.

Even though we have been made new in our spirits when we accept Christ, our soul still needs to be renewed or we drift back into unholy thinking.

Gratitude may be easy when we contemplate answered prayers and receiving what we want. But even those blessings can be taken for granted when we get comfortable. God warned the Israelites against complacency when they arrived at the Promised Land where everything was already provided for them (Deuteronomy 8:11-18).

There are more verses in the Bible about thankfulness than we can count here. That should tell us how important this virtue is to our lives.

Here are 3 ways gratitude can benefit our lives.

8 Scriptures to Help Us Overcome Damaging Emotions

 by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

We are commanded to do this in Scripture. But how do we resist our enemy?

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7 NKJV).

It is not a suggestion. God gives us this instruction to protect us from the schemes of satan. If he gets a foothold in our mind, whatever we allow in is harder to uproot once we have entertained the temptation.

Joseph is an example of fleeing from evil. When Pharoah’s wife attempted to seduce him, Joseph ran. He didn’t stand around and debate his thoughts. If he had, the temptation would have overcome him. He was a young, handsome man and a beautiful woman desired him. He was alone and away from home. Who would know?

How Can the Calendar's Seasons Give Us Life Lessons?

 

How can the calendar's seasons give us life lessons

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

 Seasons can teach us how to withstand the challenges of life. We go through transitions, but they don’t always bring circumstances we like. Bue we can learn from these seasons when we follow the Lord’s directions for nourishing our hearts.

How can the calendar’s seasons give us life lessons?

Condemning Thoughts Cause Mental Bondage - Excerpt from New Book Sustaining Life’s Victories

 

Condemning thoughts cause mental bondage - How to sustain life's victories

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Do you struggle with guilt and shame? Do thoughts plague your mind with accusations of past sins or missed opportunities? These attitudes can place us in a soulish prison that we can’t escape on our own. Condemning thoughts cause mental bondage. We need God’s help.

Condemning thoughts can cause us to shy away from talking to God or reading our Bible. I have done this many times. Whenever I would do something wrong, I would wallow in remorse and not feel worthy to approach God’s throne. But this is when we should be running into His arms.

We aren’t worthy to approach His presence in ourselves. But we are worthy to approach Him because of Jesus. Jesus makes us worthy.

6 Ways the Bible Teaches us to Live Successfully

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

King Saul was an example of a man who began his national leadership submitted to God. He enjoyed victories in war while he followed the Lord. But when his true character was revealed, jealousy of David drove him to the point of madness where he even tried to kill David. His selfishness was the downfall of his reign and it cost him his life and the lives of his sons as well.

In contrast, David is called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). David sinned terribly on more than one occasion, yet he always repented. He never blamed anyone else for his failures, rather he took the consequences that the Almighty laid out.

David won multitudes of battles because he listened to the Lord’s guidance before he pursued an enemy. He is an example to us that seeking divine vision is the path to success.

These 6 Biblical Principles Will Teach Us How to Live a Successful Life

5 Remedies for Fear

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

I could say, “Have you ever been afraid?,” but that would be a silly question.

Of course, we have all faced fear at some time in our lives. The news we hear daily from various sources promotes anxiety.

The “what-if’s” can plague our souls. World events and political division can create chaotic thoughts of disaster.

Fear is an enemy to our mental stability and physical health.

Why Are We So Easily Deceived by Temptation?

 

Why are we so easily deceived by temptation?

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Why are we so easily deceived by temptation?

Sin attracts us when we are deceived into thinking something that appeals to our senses is good. The danger lies in not recognizing if a desire is right or wrong.

Our Age Doesn’t Determine Our Usefulness in the Kingdom of God

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

As years pass we face the temptation to look behind us and evaluate where we have been. This can be a good thing if we use our past as an opportunity for learning and setting goals. What we shouldn’t do is let this lead us to regret and feeling like we wasted too many years and chances for growth.

No matter what we left behind, our physical age doesn’t determine our usefulness in the kingdom of God.

Light Shines in the Darkness at the Paris Olympics

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

The atrocity that appeared in the Opening Ceremony at the Olympics has caused a worldwide outrage. I am glad to see that some, even in secular media, have criticized this parody against Christianity.

However, others, such as our own First Lady Jill Biden, praised the activities. She even questioned how the United States could top such an outstanding performance when America hosts the Olympics in 2028.

While degenerate behavior was applauded, light shone and continues to shine in the darkness at the Paris Olympics.

We have cousins in France who are missionaries. For weeks they have been preparing for this world famous event. Teams have talked to people on the streets, prayed with them, and given them places to rest, get water, and have shelter.

These saints went out among the citizens of France because the country needs Christ.

We shouldn’t be surprised at the kind of behavior that was exhibited during what should have been a celebration of a sporting event.

The spirit of antichrist has been on the earth for centuries (1 John 2:18). Current signs tell us we are living in the last days before Christ’s return.

I heard one reporter state that Christians were too tolerant when this type of behavior was displayed against them. I suppose he meant that Christians should retaliate like other groups do.

But we are not called to attack hate with hate. Romans 2:4 tells us the goodness of God is what calls people to repentance.

We are assigned to overcome darkness with light. Not with physical weapons because this is not a physical war. These types of happenings have roots in demonic spirits (Ephesians 6).

The devil hates God and all those who follow Him.

After Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus told His disciples what the church was supposed to do.

Prevail against the gates of hell.

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever your loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:18–19)

This isn’t intended to give us the picture of defending a closed door while the devil tries to get in.

The gates of hell will not prevail means we attack his domain. The gates of hell will not be able to stand against the kingdom of heaven. We go after him and his cronies in the spiritual world.

We are to use our spiritual authority to combat evil forces.

We do this by spreading the gospel of the Savior which is what the missionary teams are doing there now. If you would like to read about some of the results, you can ask to join their Facebook page, Pray4Paris.

We fight evil by not hiding from the political arena, rather we change governmental powers by voting for policies that defend our Constitution.

Jesus loves those drag queens that mocked Him. He loved those who delivered Him to the cross. He loves the prostitutes, the drug addicts, the hypocritical church members, the evolutionist, and those who are hung up on their good works.

The Son of God died for all of us (John 3:16).

Because what we do is not what sends a person to hell. Rejecting Christ’s sacrifice for sin is what separates a person from God.  

But His sacrifice must be received. If drag queens, or anyone, continues to shun the conviction of the Holy Spirit until their hearts are so hardened they are beyond repentance, Romans 1:18–32 says that the Lord gives them over to their depraved mind.

While all this darkness spread throughout the venue, light shone at the Paris Olympics as the message of forgiveness and love was proclaimed throughout the city.

New believers have been welcomed into the heavenly realm. Questions have been answered and seeds planted.

This is how we attack the dominion of evil. Christ’s light and love cannot be put out.

Please pray for the events in Paris. Pray for deception everywhere to be recognized so souls can turn to the Lord.

If you would like to know more about receiving Christ into your life, the page on this blog Knowing God will tell you how. 

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

While degenerate behavior was applauded by some, light shone and continues to shine in the darkness at the Paris Olympics. (click to share on X)

 

   Image by dan onaca from Pixabay

5 Ways to Control Our Response to Offense

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

An election year is always a prime soup of opinions. Everybody has one. Political arguments, polls, speeches, and spin can stir the pot with a lot of spice, some more fiery than others.

Heated conversation can be found in a host of places from restaurants, stores, and sadly even church.

 Even when we think we are not affected a mood change can be a key we are letting coals of anger or depression grow in our emotions.

How Can We Return America to Godly Values?

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta 

 Last week our nation experienced another close call that could have been a tragedy.

An assassination attempt on our former president, Donald Trump, ended up in victory for him and our country. Although he was hurt his life was spared.

I believe this was divine intervention of protection on him.

We may ask, “How and why did this happen?”

Finding a Cure for the Empty Nest Syndrome

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Are you an empty nester? Has your life changed since adult children have flown the coop?

Maybe it’s college, the military, marriage, or they just want to be on their own. No matter the reason for your now unused bedrooms, life is different.

You may be rejoicing that this time gives you more freedom and space. Or you may lament the silence in the house that no longer rings with video game sound effects or the never ending question, “What do we have to eat?”

Edie Melson’s newest book in her soul care series, Soul Care When the Nest is Empty, confronts the emotions and circumstances that can afflict us when we no longer have our kids at home. You can find a cure for the empty nest syndrome. (click to share on X)

Even if your heart doesn’t have that desolate feeling, this book can bring to light some emotions you may not have recognized. Edie combines devotions and prayers with simple creative exercises that are fun and relatable.

You don’t need to be an artist or professional photographer to complete these. Doodles, drawing, pictures, stickers, and coloring stimulates different parts of our brains. We can find healing, rest, and relaxation we didn’t realize we needed when we take the time to stop and let go of burdens.

Soul Care When the Nest is Empty is the fourth book in the soul care series. Others include Soul Care When You are Weary, Soul Care for Writers, and Soul Care When You are Grieving.

I recommend all these books. They are short, easy to read, but inspirational and thought-provoking.

You can find more about Edie at her website, www.ediemelson.com.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts about living in an empty nest.

 

Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

 

Freedom is Not Free

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Some theologians have declared that American resistance to British rule was unscriptural and that the founding fathers acted in disobedience to the Bible by fighting. However, by doing so they are using selective reasoning and taking Scripture out of context to support their views.

Over the centuries, the British monarchy became a self-appointed god. James I introduced the Divine Right of Kings which states that kings stand in the place of God, representing Him to the people.  Complete Submission and Non-Resistance to Authority states that kings have an allegedly divine position and are not to be resisted ever for any reason. This principle was carried out to the point of torture and murder of those who stood for biblical rights according to Scripture.

The Bible teaches us in many places to obey civil laws except when those laws resist God’s Word. When the Israelites were under the rule of heathen nations, God raised up judges and prophets such as Gideon, Samson, and Deborah to fight against lawlessness and free his people so they could worship Him again.

Peter and John were arrested for breaking the religious laws.

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29 NKJV)

Paul was imprisoned numerous times for preaching the gospel despite the religious laws. God’s laws supersedes those of mankind.

Our forefathers followed these biblical examples to stand against an abuse of power by a man who ruled as a god. Because of these brave men (and women too), we now have the right to worship God. (Although some laws passed in the last few years seek to inhibit that ability).

Soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guard personnel fight battles all over the world while we rest safely in our homes.

Jesus suffered in ways we can’t comprehend to release us from the debt of sin.

Freedom is not free for those who pay the price to release others from bondage. But it is free for those who enjoy the benefits.

Our military paid the price for our political freedom. Jesus paid the price for our spiritual freedom.

Christ gave us the right to use His authority and live in His identity because He wiped away the debt of sin for us.

America is a free nation today because of the men who opposed a king who ruled in the place of God. They stood on biblical principles and founded our country with godly wisdom.

May we never take for granted the rights we have as Americans, but more than that may we never forget what Christ has done for us. This world will pass away, but the freedom Jesus bought for us is eternal. (click to share on X)

Happy Independence Day! God bless America and may she continue to be a beacon of freedom and hope to the world.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

7 Scriptures to Cure a Sleepless Night

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta 

The lights are out. The house is quiet.

Yet sleep evades us.

The mind wanders and finds things we hadn’t even thought about for years or invents possibilities that haven’t happened yet.

There are some physical things we can do that will relax our bodies such as limit screen time, avoid foods that disagree with our stomachs, and stay away from violent movies and TV shows that raise emotional responses.

But the minute the room is dark and the TV is off, even if all these physical requirements are followed, thoughts of disaster still race through the space of our brains like a rocket on a mission to the moon.

The Pursuit of Knowing God

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Our Bible study is a never-ending adventure with God. We need His Word in our souls more than our bodies need food.

Yet we do sometimes stray away from feeding on His abundant harvest. This can bring us into soulish malnutrition.

We may wonder why anger flames up so quickly.

Where did the fear come from that gnaws at our minds?

6 Behaviors That Cause Pain to the Spirit of God

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

 When we give instructions to our children and they refuse to obey, we don’t throw them out of the family. But our hearts suffer because we see that when they rebel, they hurt themselves and sow seeds that will reap destructive consequences later.

How much more does our heavenly Father desire what is best for us? He doesn’t want the enemy of our souls to grasp us with his talons of evil works.

Paul’s instructions to the church in Ephesus told them not to grieve the Holy Spirit.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30 NIV)

All sin grieves the Holy Spirit. We will focus on 6 behaviors that can cause pain to the Spirit of God found in the book of Ephesians.

 1. Negative Speech

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

The Israelites complained about everything while they were in the wilderness.

The same heart-breaking attitude can be reflected in our words if we don’t keep a watch over our mouths.

2. Uncontrolled Emotions

 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV)

All these words sound like the same emotion, but they are different in subtle ways.

Bitterness is a root formed by unforgiveness that can produce other sins.

Wrath is indignation that can rise gradually and then subside. These are feelings that come and go due to thoughts and exposure to actions of others.

Anger rises when we abhor injustice. This feeling can be used righteously as in Jesus’ cleansing of the temple. But we must guard ourselves that we don’t use anger in a vengeful way when we feel that we have personally been wronged (Ephesians 4:26).

Clamor is a deep crying or wail in distress, like self-pity.

Malice is the destruction of a person’s character through slander or to blaspheme and give no respect to God.

We can all be guilty of these emotions at times, and we know how destructive they can be to our lives.

3. Lying

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25 NIV)

 It’s hard to admit that we, as Christians, sometimes tell a fib. We may think we don’t fall under this category, but we can find ourselves not telling the whole truth at times. And a little bit of falsehood is still a lie. False flattery is one way we lie to each other. We don’t want to offend our brothers and sisters, but we also shouldn’t say something we don’t mean.

What about gossip? Words disguised as prayer requests or stories spread as attempts at aid can still be classified as lying.

 We are members the same family (1 Corinthians 12:26). When one hurts, we all hurt so why would we want to damage each other with untruths?

 4. Falling for Deception

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. (Ephesians 5:6)

Jesus warned about wolves in sheep’s clothing coming in with false words (Matthew 7:15). The Galatians swallowed the lie that they also needed to obey the Law of Moses along with belief in Christ to be saved (Galatians 5:4).

We can only stay on course by knowing the truth and not listening to anything that contradicts what the Bible says. We do this by grounding ourselves in the Word. (Romans 12:1-12).

 The result of listening to false doctrine can draw us away from Him and into sinful actions.

 5. Stealing

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. (Ephesians 4:28)

Robbery is not part of the lifestyle of Christians. We don’t hold up banks or stores and ride off into the sunset with the loot. But the size or value of an item is not what determines theft. Even if we didn’t intentionally take money or products, keeping incorrect change, or not returning an item a clerk mistakenly places in our bag is defrauding the store.

Cheating on taxes or falsifying business documents could also fall under the category of lying.

These are small indiscretions, and these behaviors may seem insignificant. But they do matter. God sees all, and He is saddened when we don’t reflect His character.

6.  Drunkenness

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)

The debate about Christians drinking alcohol will probably continue until Jesus comes back. But the Scripture is clear about drunkenness. This is another problem Paul addressed in several places due to the background the new Christians converted from.

The same principle can apply to alcohol as to the eating of food outlined in Romans chapter 14. We are not to judge, but we are also told not to be a stumbling block to another person’s faith (Romans 14:13). We should consider how all activities and attitudes we engage in can be interpreted by others.

Live in the Fruit of the Spirit

We are forgiven for all these soul wanderings, but that doesn’t give us a free pass for committing any fleshly act. Living in the fruit of the Spirit will keep us sensitive to God's voice and will empower us against any temptations.

Rather than grieving the Spirit, we can praise and thank Him.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

Image by Dorothe from Pixabay

Forgiveness doesn't give us a free pass for committing any fleshly act. Living in the fruit of the Spirit will keep us sensitive to God's voice and empower us against any temptations. (share on X)null

This post is an excerpt from an article that appeared on Crosswalk.com. 

3 Ways to Overcome Guilt and Shame

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

 Ever since Adam and Eve took one bite of fruit humans have dealt with guilt and shame.

God warned Adam.

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Genesis 2:15-16 NKJV)

Remember the Goal by guest blogger Katherine Pasour

  

Today we are honored to hear from Katherine Pasour as she introduces her new book designed to help high school students transition to college life. Welcome Katherine!

by Katherine Pasour @katherinepasour

 

When I first went away to college (many years ago), I discovered the card game of bridge. A group of students hung out in the student center, playing bridge at every opportunity. Unfortunately for me, I played a little too often, sometimes missing class to do so.

 It was not a wise decision on my part. I made a D in math class.

 Then I had to face my parents with a bad grade. I was prepared academically for college, but not so much for the independence that came with being a college student. I’d learned a new card game, made a new group of friends, and depended on what I thought was my past skill to get me through math with a good grade.

 

I was distracted by my enjoyment of being with friends, playing cards and socializing, and I took my focus off my goal—to do well in college.

 

I learned a valuable lesson—not just about college but about life.

 

There are even more distractions now—cell phones, social media, gaming, and the plethora of activities available through technology.

Whatever task, opportunity, or job that we're engaged in--we need to give it our all. Do our best. Stay focused. Keep our eye on the goal and make the commitment to do what must be done to complete the goal.

 Giving our best is a habit that stays with us for a lifetime and will serve us well from the time we are a student, beginning our career, advancing in our chosen field, or settling into the golden years of service and retirement.

 Below is a short devotion from Stay the Course: A Devotional Handbook to Survive and Thrive in Your First Year of College (and Beyond). This handbook offers practical advice, motivation, and encouragement (and some tough love when needed) to support students in their transition from high school to college. Some of these strategies continue to work for us even as we transition into careers, grow a family, and go forth to format additional goals in life.

 

Remember the Goal

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

You’ve had goals all your life and this new journey (college) is no exception. One of your goals is to do your best in school. Otherwise you will be wasting your time and your parents’ (or someone’s money). The college/university experience should be enjoyable but fun isn’t first priority.

When you throw a ball or run a race, it’s important to keep your eye on the target—to know what the goal is—to have your focus on your plan for success. Goals are important at any stage of life—from childhood through retirement and beyond. Some examples for a college student:

• Go to all classes each day (keep up with online classes)
• Don’t procrastinate (Stay ahead on assignments)
• Turn homework in on time
• Get involved in campus life, but not to the extent that it interferes with academics
• Avoid alcohol and drugs
• Make good grades

These are just some examples—your list may vary. But, as the Apostle Paul writes, the unseen goals are of utmost importance. Graduation may seem far away for a freshman, but those four years pass very quickly. Stay focused on the distant goals, too.

Your most important task will be to maintain your relationship with your heavenly Father. Read your Bible. Join a faith based campus group. Does your college have campus worship services? Can you travel home to church or find one near campus? Develop friendships that share your faith.

Prayer: My most important goal is keeping my eyes on you, my Father. I pray for guidance in all decisions and that I may find friends in my faith.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts. What other advice would you give a beginning college student?

Katherine is giving away a copy of Stay the Course. I will conduct a drawing from the comments that are left for this post until Wednesday, June 5, at midnight. 

From Katherine: I hope you will join me in prayer for our graduates. It’s a tough world out there!

Purchase link for Stay the Course https://mybook.to/QQq3h

Dr. Katherine Pasour is a retired college professor, an author, and a speaker. During more than four decades of teaching, greater than half at the college level, Katherine has taught and mentored thousands of students.

Katherine has degrees in health and physical education and religion, and a PhD in education. She has taught health and physical education to children, wellness to young adults, general education courses, and research classes for honors students, and she’s prepared students to be teachers.

An outdoor girl at heart, Katherine enjoys her farm animals, gardening, and hiking. Although pulling weeds or spreading mulch in her flowers aren’t her favorite hobbies, she finds these outdoor tasks are great stress relievers, especially in the spring when the fruits of her labor display their glorious blossoms.

Top Image by Alexandr Borecký from Pixabay

What Did Jesus Mean When He Told Us to Deny Ourselves?

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta 

Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23 NKJV)

Does this mean we are to carry a cross around? (Although there is a man who did this as a ministry years ago.)

I have heard some people express that certain pains or tragedies was their cross to bear. But Jesus wasn’t talking about life’s circumstances being a cross that was put upon us.

Jesus died on a cross in a selfless sacrifice to save sinners. He put aside His own needs and wants for the good of the whole world. Innocence killed because of the guilt of others.

His example is for us to deny ourselves for the good of others too.

Dying to self is taking up our cross and following Him. When we take up our cross, we identify with what Christ did. We humble ourselves to accept the cost that comes with being a disciple.

Denying ourselves doesn’t mean we don’t obtain some of the things we want. Psalm 37:4 tells us, Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

The key here is delighting in the Lord. When He is our delight, our desires will line up with His will and won’t be selfish.

Dying to self can’t be attained by behavior modification.  Denying self means crucifying the fleshly way of thinking. To put away selfish behavior, angry responses, unforgiveness, and bitterness.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV)

Our soulish realm is where we fail because our minds get in the way.

Only when we realize how much God loves us will we be able to let the Spirit of God shine through. Our behavior will exhibit the Holy Spirit’s fruit to other people (1 John 4:19).

Spiritual characteristics flow through the soul to create action. If our soul is contaminated with doubt and hurt, God’s spirit doesn’t shine. He is still there but His fruit is hidden.

When I was a child, my grandparents lived in a house out in the country that had a well. A bucket was tied to a rope on a post at the top and if you wanted water, you had to lower the bucket, scoop the water, then haul the bucket back to the surface.

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38)

The same is true with our inner being. We lower the bucket by digging into the Word and scooping that living water into our minds to drink so we can exhibit the gift that has already been given to us. The water in my grandparent’s well was always there, but if we wanted some, a person had to lower the bucket and get it.

There are many times I have let the flesh fly and the fruit remained in the bowl of my spirit (just ask my husband). But I am learning and as I study and pray, I am reminded more often of how the response that wants to come out is not one that would be godly actions.

Dying to self is not a one-time event. This action develops through daily fellowship with our Father. Abiding in the vine of Christ. This is where the strength comes from to control the emotional responses our flesh wants to express.

And of course, Jesus is the ultimate example. His entire ministry focused on fulfilling God’s will and ministering to people at the expense of His own comfort and safety. When dying on the cross, He still thought of others.

He asked God to forgive those who stood at the foot of the cross and mocked Him (Luke 23:34).  He thought of His mother and gave her care over to John (Luke 19:26-27).

Our actions and words will be dominated by whatever we focus on. When our priority is on God and not ourselves, His character will come out. This isn’t supposed to be something that takes effort because our efforts can’t make anything happen. He flows when we open the gate.

What did Jesus mean when He said to deny ourselves? Let the Holy Spirit have control.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5)

Join the conversation and share your thoughts about what denying self means to you.

TWEETABLES

What did Jesus mean when He told us to deny ourselves?(click to tweet)

Only when we realize how much God loves us will we be able to let the Spirit of God shine through. Our behavior will exhibit the Holy Spirit’s fruit to other people (click to tweet)

 

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay