Do You See What I See?

Day 362 of Photo Inspirations -- Do You See What I See?
Though most of the festivities are over, the joy and peace of Christmas still lingers. I’m still captivated by the flickering lights that are still glowing brightly. I just love the sweet and tender atmosphere of Christmas. But, most of all, what reassurance it is, to know that the great gift of the babe in the manger is still here because He is Emmanuel......God with us.

Jesus Christ -- God, made flesh, wrapped Himself in a cloak of human flesh as a baby.  Two bright eyes then, are the eyes that roam to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). One precious, sweet mouth was the mouth that breathed the breath of life into man, and the man became a living being.  The only phrase that delights my soul more than "God WITH us" is "God IN us".

He came to be God WITH us.  He died and rose again to be God IN us.

Have you ever looked for something that was right in front of you all the time?  I could be wearing my glasses, and be looking for my glasses.  I could be looking for my keys and they could be right on the counter in front of me.  And we could be missing God when He is right in us.   He could be speaking to us, and we're just not listening.  Think about it.  This Christmas, we've heard and sang lots of songs about Him and we've heard and read many scriptures about Him being with us, and seen so many evidences of His presence, yet we could just NOT be seeing Him.  

What if we REALLY tuned into Emmanuel?  What if we sincerely realized we are never alone, because God IS with us.  

I DO recognize Him.  I sense Him in the peaceful times in my mornings, as I read His Word and in times of prayer…..but, even more so, I know He is with me during my everyday life.   I purpose to live my days remembering that God is with me, just like anyone who would be a passenger in my car, or a guest at my dinner table…..I talk to Him.  I talk to Him about any, and everything.   I thank Him for the “favors” that come, like green lights, the parking places close to the doors of the store, the “bargains” that I may find. I know He is with me, so I'm sensitive to wanting to please Him.  And I’ve found that, because I stay close to Him during my days, when the times of unexpected challenges come, I just remember, I’m not facing anything alone, because God is with me…..and I feel His peace right away, and I know He will bring about what’s best for me. I urge you to KNOW Him – to know Emmanuel – He is with me – He is with YOU!

We're ALL Beautiful People

Have you ever wondered what God sees when He looks down from heaven?

Just imagine what He thinks when He sees the activities of our lives, our streets and our cities. Here in Mexico, it doesn't look at all like my home town of Tulsa. The dwelling places don't look at all like ours do. But the people, are the same -- yes, I'm an obvious gringo, but we're all beautiful people created by our loving and caring God. He loves us all the same.

When I think of this subject, I am filled with excitement and wonder! I don't view God as some judge sitting on a throne ready to "zap" all those doing wrong or don't understand His profound, indescribable love for them. No, I think of God as a loving Heavenly Father who desires to have intimate fellowship with you and me, and all the beautiful people around the world. His desire is to walk and talk with us daily! In fact, God's Word says "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the whole earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His" (2 Chronicles 16:9).

As we are "on business" to share God's love, mercy and grace to the beautiful people of Mexico this week, I urge YOU to completely give your heart to Him today. He wants you to know He is for you and desires that you always know He is on your side and is there to strongly support you every day.....and in every way!