Author: Jayne Lawson

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

During my teenage years, there were various celebrities that I longed to meet. As a young girl, I was easily swayed from one to another by a movie or a song, and my affections for them were fleeting, but my friends and I could spend hours talking about our current “crushes.” Some were actors; some were singers, and others were athletes. Posters were constantly going up and coming down in my room, and I dreamed of seeing each one in person.

I remember liking a particular actor who had written his memoirs. He was doing a book tour, and he was going to make an appearance at our town’s local bookstore! I was so excited! I had to go! I had to see him… meet him… and maybe even speak with him! I made great plans. The anticipation I had regarding attending this book signing event was indescribable! Most of my family and friends thought I was crazy, but I didn’t care! I was going to meet my idol!

I am grown now, and I realize that those childhood infatuations are hollow and misdirected. Nevertheless, as a teen I looked forward to concerts, theatrical productions, or sporting events where I would see the one that had garnered my favor, however short-lived, at that particular time in my life.

You would have thought I’d have grown out of this type of behavior, but I must confess that  there is another individual with whom I am completely enamored. I am planning to be part of a future event in which he will appear, and I can hardly wait! He’s written an amazing book, and I love reading it over and over. I have read so much about him that I feel I know him personally already, but nothing will compare with seeing him face-to-face. Just to hear his voice and see his face fills me with an anticipation that goes beyond words! This person is unlike any other person I have ever heard about, read about or even met in my entire life! There is none that can compare to him, yesterday, today or forever! I love talking about him to others, and I love sharing his book with them as well.

Have you figured out to whom it is I am referring? It’s my Saviour, Jesus Christ! According to the Bible, He will be making an appearance shortly, and I plan to be there! (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

I may not be able to explain why I liked so many celebrities when I was a teenager, but I can give you many reasons why I love Jesus so much today. Here are a few:

1. He is the One who created me! “Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself.” (Isaiah 44:24)
2. He is the One who redeemed me and made me a new person in Him. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
3. He is the One who loves me unconditionally. “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
4. He is the One who sustains me. “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.” (Psalm 3:5)
5. He is my future. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3) “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Just like when I was younger, the closer the event is, the more excited I become! Jesus is coming soon, and today, I am one day closer to meeting Him face-to-face than I was yesterday! I can hardly wait!

Oh, what a moment, when we see Jesus;
When we stand face to face in His embrace;
And thank Him for amazing grace,
Oh! what a moment, when we see Him.

(from “Oh, What a Moment” by Squire Parsons)

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)

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Isn’t there someone you know who is unaware that Jesus is coming? Won’t you tell them today, so they don’t miss His “glorious appearing”?

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”Philippians 4:8

“Welcome to Flight #2020. We are prepared to take off into a brand new year. Please make sure your Attitude and Blessings are secured and locked in an upright position. All self-destructive devices should be turned off at this time. All negativity, hurt and discouragement should be put away. Should we lose attitude under pressure, during the flight, reach up and pull down a Prayer. Prayers will automatically be activated by Faith. Once your Faith is activated you can assist other passengers. There will be no baggage allowed on this flight. The Captain (GOD) has cleared us for takeoff. Destination: The Celestial City.“

(The author of this is unknown to me, but I read it on a friend’s post, and it was such a delight to me that I thought others might enjoy it as well!)

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“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1

There is joy unspeakable when you walk with Jesus!

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

January 1st is just around the corner, and with it comes a new year full of hope and possibilities. Many of us make resolutions… promises to affect positive changes in our lives. While we hope these plans for change will last, often it is difficult to keep many of these resolution over time.

God has hopes and plans for us as well. They are not made on a yearly basis, but rather His plans for us started the moment we accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, receiving His salvation through the forgiveness of our sins. From that time on, God began working in us “both to will and to do…”

According to Philippians 2:12, we are to work out our salvation (not work for it!). That is, when we are saved, we begin to alter our lives to demonstrate the changes wrought by Christ in us. Sometimes those changes are dramatic; sometimes not so much. Sometimes the changes are only inward, and other times, they are outward. Either way, change is there. When this happens, there is a reverential awe (“…fear and trembling”)that only comes from understanding the source of these changes in our lives. It is truly amazing to see the difference that Christ makes in a person’s life. The work of God is beginning. He opens our eyes to a better way (His will) through His Word, and then enables us to act upon that understanding through His power.

How long will this last? Unlike our resolutions that may fade by February, the Bible tells us in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” That means God’s work in us will continue until we pass from this earth to heaven through a physical death, or we meet Him in the air! (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

As 2020 looms ahead, make it a year to get to know God more intimately through the reading of His Word. As you learn more through the Scriptures, you will also gain a greater desire to put His will into action, thus bringing Him “good pleasure,” and joy unspeakable to your heart!

Happy New Year!

I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.

I will hasten to Him,
Hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee.

(from “I Am Resolved” by Palmer Hartsough)

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

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Standing on God’s promises is a great way to begin the new year!

“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world…” John 15:19

Yesterday, my stove blew up, not literally, but something popped, and it stopped working. Having a stove quit on Christmas Day is not the best timing because most restaurants are closed in order for their employees to celebrate the holiday with their families. We did fine through the day, but when it came time for dinner, we wanted something more than a sandwich. After some research, we discovered that one of our favorite Japanese restaurants was open for dinner, so off we went.

The restaurant was extremely crowded with a full waiting area when we arrived, but there happened to be seating for two available, and that was offered to us immediately (Thank You, Lord!) As I perused the menu, I was bombarded by loud boisterous laughter coming from two men sitting next to us. They were truck drivers, just passing through the town, and like us, they had found the only open eatery in the area. At first, I thought they had had a bit too much to drink, but I soon realized they were just having a good time kidding each other as they tried to figure out the menu.

They were very friendly, and we chatted a bit before our meals arrived. One was headed to Alabama, while the other one was on his way to Texas. They had a hard time understanding the waiter, so I explained the meals to the men as they lightheartedly contemplated eating their dinner with a pair of chopsticks. Their rowdy eruptions of pseudo-complaints and laughter soon had us chuckling alongside them. They were just two strangers passing through the town, making the best of their situation on Christmas night, and their cheerful banter was unexpected, but welcome.

The Bible tells me that I am an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), a stranger in this world (Psalm 119:19). Like these two truck drivers, I am just passing through, and sometimes I encounter situations that are less than ideal. I wonder if my behaviors during these unexpected moments are as pleasant as those of these two gentlemen that we met. Do I laugh off the parts that annoy me and see the bright side, or do I face each circumstance with a grumble and a bad attitude?

My interaction with the truck drivers was brief, but it was made me think about the impact my life may have upon others. When I encounter others, what do they see? No matter where I go, whether it is a restaurant, a friend’s home, church, the grocery store… I represent the Lord Jesus Christ. I interact with people from all walks of life, and most of the times, these interactions are brief. Sometimes the circumstances are good, sometimes not so good, but how I react to them is the key. To shine for Jesus, I must face them with a positive outlook. My countenance must not be downcast, but instead it must be lifted up, hopeful, and yes, merry, no matter what! I hope to leave people enjoying our short time together and seeing in me a true reflection of the Saviour I love.

As Christians, we are in the world, but not of the world. We represent the Son of God as we “travel this sod,” and we must present Jesus in the best way possible to a world that desperately needs Him. We only have one chance to make a good first impression. Let’s do a good job no matter what comes our way. Let’s reflect our Lord in a positive light because we truly may be the only Jesus some will ever see!

If not in you, I wonder where will they ever see the One who really cares?
If not from you, how will they find
There’s One who heals the broken heart, and gives sight to the blind?
You’re the only Jesus that some will ever see
And you’re the only words of life, some will ever read
So let them see in you the One in whom is all they’ll ever need
‘Cause you’re the only Jesus, some will ever see

(from “You’re the Only Jesus Some Will Ever See” by Gordon Jensen)

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:16

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When others look at you, whom do they see?

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

One of my favorite things to do at Christmastime is watching the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has the eye-opening experience of seeing what the world would be like if he had never been born. This revelation transforms George into a man who realizes the positive influences he has had upon those he loves, and he is reborn into a man thankful for the life he has lived.

Can you imagine what the world would be like if Jesus had never been born?

We would be a hopeless people. Sin would be rampant, and we would be engulfed by wickedness and evil. We would cry out for help, but there would be no answer. There would be unresolved heartache, despair, emptiness, and ultimately, the judgment of God. “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:6)

But Jesus was born.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Because of Jesus, we can have forgiveness of our sins. Because of Him, we can be “…made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21) when we accept Him as Saviour. Because of this relationship with Jesus, we will never have to stand before God as judge, but instead we can stand before Him as Saviour and Lord.

Because of Jesus, we can have unrestricted access to God, communing with Him whenever we want. We can have His presence in our lives to help us, sustain us, bless us, care for us, and most of all, to love us. Because of Jesus, we have the power of God accessible to us to fight sin, and we can live a life that is good in His sight and meaningful for us.

Because of Jesus, we can have an intercessor who brings our needs, desires, and hopes to God the Father on our behalf. “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)

Because of Jesus, we can have a place being prepared for us this very moment in heaven so that we can live there with Him forever! (John 14:2,3) Without His coming, we wouldn’t have this or any of the other promises He made when He walked this earth.

Because of Jesus, we can have the Holy Spirit of God indwelling us, helping us, comforting us, teaching us, and interceding for us. (John 14:26, 16:13, Romans 8:26-27, 1 Corinthians 2:10) Once saved by His grace, we can have the assurance that we are accepted by God, joint-heirs with Jesus (Romans 8:17) because His Spirit dwells within us! “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Because Jesus came and shared His wonderful life with us, we can have a truly wonderful life in Him!

Hail the Heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris’n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing:
“Glory to the newborn King!”

(from “Hark the Herald Angels Sings” by Charles Wesley, altered by George Whitefield)

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

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If you’ve never asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Saviour, you can do it today! It’s as easy as A-B-C. Pray to the Lord and Admit you’re a sinner who is sorry for their sins; Believe that Jesus is God’s Son who died on the cross to take the punishment for your sins, and Choose Him to be your Saviour by asking Him to forgive you for those sins. (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10, John 3:16) Today, you can have the wonderful life God has planned for you!

Merry Christmas!

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

The road is long between Nazareth and Bethlehem. Approximately 90 miles of desert wilderness. No motels, no rest areas, no fast-food restaurants… at least not in the days of first-century Israel. The average trip would take about seven days depending on the travelers, probably a bit longer if you were “great with child” (Luke 2:5) as was Mary, the soon-to-be mother of Jesus.

Assuredly, Joseph walked alongside his expectant wife, careful that she was comfortable, leading her as she (hopefully) rode atop a small donkey, helping both negotiate the difficult spots in the road. On and on they went toward the city of David to be taxed according to the law. There were many miles to go.

They probably traveled through the flatlands of the Jordan River valley, then west through the Judean wilderness and over the hills surrounding Jerusalem. As they continued past Jerusalem, they would go by the area known as the “shepherds’ fields,” the place where lambs were raised for temple sacrifice. Its stone watchtower, standing as a sentinel over the flocks, was where the newborn lambs were swaddled and protected… just as Jesus would soon be. These fields, located just on the outskirts of Bethlehem proper, would have given the couple great relief as they realized that their destination was in sight. And so they continued.

Later that night, Joseph and Mary would return to the fields and the Migdal Eder, the “tower of the flock,” to welcome the Son of God into the world because there would be no place for them to stay in the city itself. It is here the angels would announce the birth to the priestly shepherds, and they would go and find Jesus. “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12) The shepherds would know exactly where to go. The Migdal Eder. The place where the sacrificial lambs were born. “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

It was now a time to rejoice! Jesus was born! The promised Messiah had come! But the road didn’t end here. It would continue on for the next 33 years to a place where an old rugged cross would be raised, and the tiny, sinless baby born that night and placed in a manger would be crucified for the sins of the entire world. It was truly a long road, but Jesus, the Lamb of God, chose to walk it for you and for me all the way to Calvary.

“While we were yet sinners, ”God gave us the greatest gift that night – His Son.

On the night Christ was born,
Just before break of morn,
As the stars in the sky were fading,
O’er the place where He lay,
Fell a shadow cold and gray
Of a cross that would humble a King.

Born to die upon Calv’ry,
Jesus suffered my sin to forgive;
Born to die upon Calv’ry,
He was wounded that I might live.

(from “Born to Die” by Ron Hamilton)

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

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Walking with Jesus is the best way to travel!

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Christmas is almost here! This is one of the busiest times of the year for me, and I look forward to it each December. First, there is the shopping, which I confess starts in late November for me. Hunting for parking spaces at the mall, squeezing through the crowds, searching for the perfect gifts for family and friends… I love each moment! Then, there is the decorating of my home. From selecting the perfect tree to placing each Christmas heirloom in the right spot to hanging wreaths and lights… I love this, too! Next, I prepare for family time. This year I am in charge of the Christmas Eve brunch. I have to decide upon a menu, buy the food, then cook and serve it! In between all of this, I have presents to wrap and various Christmas festivities and church services to attend! Wow! I am a busy girl at Christmastime, and while some people do not like the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I absolutely love every single part of it!

Unfortunately, the things that I love about the Christmas season can also distract me from the most important reason for the holiday. I could easily forget all about Jesus as I scurry around completing each task on my checklist. Not okay.

To overcome this, I must be especially diligent to spend time with the Lord every day. Beginning each day reading the Bible and meditating upon it is part of surviving the worldly influences of Christmas that surround us all. I must be spiritually still and listen to His voice as I dwell upon His Word, and then I need to spend time chatting with Him. Forgive my casual reference to prayer, but I like to have an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day. I like to keep my prayer life on an open channel, so to speak. This continued communication helps me keep my heart centered on Him when I see Santa, reindeer and elves everywhere I go.

It truly is easy to get caught up in the festivities of Christmas and lose focus on the most important part – the coming of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Saviour. I must take time to be still, know that He is God and that Jesus is my reason to celebrate this blessed season. Merry Christmas!

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity:

Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus!
There is room in my heart for Thee;
Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, come,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

(from “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” by Emily Elliott and Timothy Matthews)

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…” James 4:8

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By the way, Bible reading and prayer is a good practice for every day, not just at Christmastime!

“And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” Matthew 1:25

Christmas. This is such a wonderful time of year. Many of us look to the Scriptures for the true meaning of the holiday, and there we can read two separate accounts of the birth of Jesus in the books of Matthew and Luke. Take a moment and think about the people that were involved in that first Christmas. Today, amid all the decorations and yuletide celebrations, church services and Christmas caroling, of whom do you think when Christmas is mentioned? First and foremost, we usually think of Jesus, followed by his mother, Mary. Others might mention the wise men, the shepherds, or even the angels.

Interestingly, very few people first think of Joseph, the husband of Mary. In fact, if he were the piece missing from your nativity set, it probably wouldn’t bother you nearly as much as if you’d lost one of the wise men or shepherds. But Joseph was more than just Mary’s husband. He was chosen by God to fulfill one of the most important roles in the coming of Jesus.

When Joseph and Mary became betrothed, there was a ceremony that was more legally binding than the actual marriage ceremony. During the betrothal, Joseph promised to love and care for Mary, and she promised to keep herself only for her husband, yielding her life to him. The betrothal was a year-long period of time with a legal contract that considered the couple to be married. The only way the betrothal could be dissolved would be if Joseph chose to legally divorce Mary. Additionally, during this time period, while Joseph and Mary prepared for their upcoming nuptials, they did not live together, nor did they have any physical intimacy.

It was during this betrothal time that Joseph found out that Mary was expecting a child. He knew that he was not the biological father for he had adhered to Jewish law and had not yet had a physical relationship with her. Heartbroken, he considered the circumstances in which he found himself. He knew he had every legal right to divorce Mary for infidelity. How great the anguish that must have gripped his soul when faced with this betrayal by the one he adored. His beloved Mary was carrying a child that he knew was not his own. The Bible tell us that he wrestled with what to do in Matthew 1:19-20.

It was then that the Lord sent an angel to Joseph in a dream. Here the angel explained everything that had happened to Mary was part of God’s plan to send a Saviour, and that the child Mary was carrying was the Son of God. When Joseph awoke, he had a choice to make. Believe God and take Mary to be his wife, or reject God and divorce her. Without hesitation, Joseph chose to trust the Lord and bare the awesome responsibility of caring for the Son of God and his mother, Mary.

Think about what this meant. Although Joseph had every legal right to be physically intimate with Mary, Joseph purposed in his heart to trust and obey the Lord. While he vowed to love, care for, and protect Mary and the baby, he also promised he would not consummate their marriage until after the birth of God’s Son. His faithful determination to withhold his physical affections from Mary until Jesus was born leaves no doubt as to the paternity of Jesus and speaks volumes of the heart of Joseph.

This Christmas, remember to thank the Lord for the young carpenter who loved Mary and Jesus with all of his heart, but most of all for the faithful man who chose to trust God without question in the most incredible story of love known to man.

How could it be this baby in my arms, sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said, How could it be?
Lord, I know He’s not my own, Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be the son of my love

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God
Lord for all my life I’ve been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, how can I raise a king?

The Son of God, the angel said, How could it be? How could it be?

(from “Joseph’s Song” by Michael Card)

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife.” Matthew 1:24

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You don’t have to be in the spotlight for God to use you. You just need to have a willing heart that trusts the Lord. Merry Christmas!

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Consider these two verses: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1), and “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) If I were a mathematician, I would identify the common factor of these two verses as “in the beginning.” In the beginning…. God, and in the beginning… the Word. Both are identified in the Bible as the Creator. (Genesis 1:1, John 1:3) Therefore, we can conclude that God and the Word are the same. Because of John 1:14, we know that the “Word” is Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity.

There are many people that doubt the true identity of Jesus. However, the Bible leaves no doubt as to whom He is.

• “And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.” John 1:34
• “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35
• “Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” Matthew 14:33
• “Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.” John 1:49
• “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16
• “And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6:69

There are many other verses in the Bible that proclaim the identity of Christ, as well as verses that identify Him by other monikers. Here are a few examples.

• Beloved Son (Luke 3:22)
• Saviour of the world (1 John 4:14)
• The Lamb of God (John 1:29)
• The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
• The Good Shepherd (John 10:11)

This Christmas take time to reflect upon Jesus, the Word of God, who came to earth for the specific purpose of redeeming His creation. He came knowing His destiny would be the cross, knowing He would be mocked, despised, and rejected, knowing that He would be scorned by so many. Yet the Bible tells us that “…God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8) Despite all that, the Son of God willingly sacrificed His life to save all humanity from their sins.

Jesus is the Word of God… past, present, and future. What a wonderful Christmas gift!

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

(from “O Come All Ye Faithful” by John Francis Wade)

“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” Revelation 19:13

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There are many words for Christmas… but the Word of Christmas is Jesus!