Icicles and Lambs

And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.…

Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Luke 2:7 Berean Study Bible            John 1:29 ESV

I love all things sparkly! Every year I layer our Christmas tree with an entire package of hand-me-down silvery icicles. I so enjoy the way the Christmas lights reflect off the silvery beauty! As much as I love the sparkle of Christmas decorations, I know this isn’t the real meaning and symbol of Christmas.

The original “Christmas scene” is rich with symbolism and depth of meaning, and definitely no cutesy fairy tale or sterile religious scene as we may accidentally portray it with our graceful Nativity figures. The authentic Nativity is gritty real-life embedded with layers of meaning. And the only sparkle were the stars of heaven. Come with me for a few moments, step away from ribbons and bows or perhaps the grief that some are experiencing this Holy-Day and let us push back the hay, peering into the stable …

The Lamb of God, born alongside smelling, dirty lambs. The Lamb of God, born to take away the sin of the world, birthed alongside animals intended to temporarily cover the sin of the people. John 1:29 Jesus, The Bread of Life, lain in a feeding trough. Beckoning us to feed on the only thing that authentically satisfies the hunger of our soul and deepest longings. Him. John 6:33

His teenager mom,  gave birth in a barn/cave, not because she enjoyed the rustic setting, but because there was no room for them anywhere else. They were not wanted or welcomed or cared for by others. From His first Word-made-flesh-Divine-breath to His crucifixion on Mt. Calvary, He experienced the pains of our humanness. Rejected. Outcast. Sorrow. Misunderstood. As the Holy Spirit spoke through Isaiah the prophet 700 years earlier, “He was a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…. Despised and rejected by men …”

His birth announcement didn’t include a Santa-hat photo in the society pages of Bethlehem but did make the shepherd evening news. Angels arrived during the night-shift of lowest-on-the-totem-pole of that society to proclaim the good news for all the world (Isn’t that just like our God?). “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2

Stepping away from the stable and back into my modern-day Charles Dickens-esq Christmas celebrations, I am reminded … that Jesus is the Lamb of God, who came to take away my sins … He is the Bread of Life sent from heaven, the only One who can truly satisfy our needs. He knows our pain of rejection or grief or regret.  And Jesus offers us joy beyond measure as we bow our heart and kneel before the Lord our Maker – a Maker Who came wrapped in swaddling clothes laying in a feeding trough to give His life for us. Astounding.

God became flesh – doing it all in a most unexpected way, in a most unexpected place to a most undeserving people. The world. You. Me.

Whatever the Christmas holiday looks like in your world, from my never-enough-sparkles, to alone in a  prison cell (physical or emotional) or taking in the reality of  a cancer diagnosis, to a military spouse teary-eyed with loneliness, to a new mom holding her own swaddled child. Lean hard into the Lamb of God this Christmas…

“Christ didn’t only come into the world that first Christmas night in Bethlehem, but He wants to come into our lives today, and every day of the year.” – Billy Graham

Billy Graham

Father God, I bow before You in awe of Your faithfulness. Providing the spotless Lamb, Your very own Son … for me … Please show me where I “don’t make room” for You in my life … and enable me to daily recognize the depth of my need for You … as I bask in Your goodness, even as it comes in ways and by means that I did not expect. I love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Advent devo suggestion

Confession, I usually find Advent devos to be a bit “religious-y” and not something that draws me in to honoring Jesus’ birth. But this devo is different!

Advent-AlphabetDownload
Advent Alphabet

I highly recommend it. You can download a free copy or order a hard copy. It is well worth the cost.

Blessings to you!

Becky White

Thanksgiving

In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP

Always giving thanks to God the Father for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

 Ephesians 5:20 AMP

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 

 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 

For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods.

Psalm 95:1-3 NKJV

For many of us, it isn’t Thanksgiving Day without family encircling a bountiful table, with the smells of turkey and pumpkin pie wafting through the air. For others, good friends and a gourmet meal reflect Thanksgiving Day. Which works out great if we happen to have those blessings this Thanksgiving Day.

As I reflected on God’s word that reminds us to give thanks in all circumstances and for all things … and as I thought deeply of what “all circumstances” might mean … I immediately thought of all the families grieving this Thanksgiving Day. From those in my own family who are around the table even now, with a painfully empty chair, to those impacted by the recent Christmas parade massacre in the state of Wisconsin (2021).  Such profound loss. There may be loss in the form of loneliness this holiday or deep disappointment through dashed expectations.

Some reading this may literally have to sift through the debris of their lives to find something to “give thanks” for. Others need only take a quick glimpse around to be astounded at their great blessings. Whether we have been lavished with a bountiful supply or “celebrating” Thanksgiving living on the land or living in a prison cell … we have much to be thankful for. Today, this day, we have air in our lungs to offer praises to the God who has given us life and sustains us day by day. He has lavished us with salvation and His very presence to sustain us.

So, this Thanksgiving Day, even if it must be done through tears, or a search party is required to find something, whatever it takes, gives thanks to the God of heaven and earth who has given us all things to enjoy!

“God is in control, and therefore in EVERYTHING I can give thanks – not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it.”

Kay Arthur

Father God, God of all blessings, today we give You thanks for Your goodness and mercy. For the gift of Your Son on our behalf. For life and food and clothing and a bed (if we have one) and for the gift of freedom. We love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

May I take Your Order?

Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me. Psalm 119:133 Berean Standard Bible

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 Berean Standard Bible

I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. Jeremiah 10:23 NLT

Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. Proverbs 3:6 CEV

Four jalapeño cheese burgers with mustard and pickle and a large onion chip. That’s my standard White Castle order. Mmmmm, I can almost smell the grilled onion aroma… I order my meal the way I want it, pay the cashier to receive it, and off I go. As I read today’s Scripture in Psalm 119, my go-to Castle order came to mind.  What does God’s Word have to do with a fast-food order you ask?

In a way so much greater than any drive-thru order, God orders our steps. The way He wants them. Yes, I realize the analogy breaks down quickly. God never makes a mistake in His ordering. In addition to being lousy listeners, we are often unwilling to trust His ordering options. Choosing instead to grab the menu of life choices and tell Him what we want, how we want it, when we want it. After all, we live in a “have it your way” world, don’t we?

I can’t speak for you, but in my own life, that didn’t work so well. Making life choices before asking Him for His will, His wisdom and His direction, has led to a multitude of bad menu choices. I’ll spare you the details, let’s just say, that I have learned that if He chooses the liver and onions of trials and challenges and I would prefer the Krispy Kreme donut of ease, I’m going for the liver and onions every time. I continue to learn that He knows what He’s doing in ordering my steps, all He wants from me is to submit my will to His and trust Him. He’ll make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Always providing just what we need, at the moment we need it. And just because He’s good, a golden glazed Krispy Kreme once in awhile.

Let’s bring this back to you and your life.  Are there areas where you’ve grabbed the menu and not allowed Him to order your steps? Choosing life options apart from His will? That’s okay, we’ve all been there. Recognize it. Tell Him about it. Ask for forgiveness. Hand the menu of life choices back to Him through prayer as you ask Him to order your steps. Then, open His Word and ask Him for wisdom. Proverbs everyday or the NT book of James is a good place to start. Then, choice by choice and moment by moment, your “taste” will change as you grow to appreciate His menu choices for you!

“Affliction is often that thing which prepares an ordinary person for some sort of an extraordinary destiny.”

C.S. Lewis

You are a good, good Father, forgive me for the times I’ve not trusted You or allowed You to be Lord of my choices. Please order my steps for Your glory and my good. Even when that means hard places, I choose to trust You. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

www.DevotionsForDifficultDays.com

The Scenic Route

Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.”

So when  [Jesus] heard that  [Lazarus] was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was.

Exodus 13:17    John 11:6 NASB

I’m a type A, just-show-me-what-needs-done-and-let-me-do-it kind of person. And while I’m at it, I’d like to accomplish it as fast as possible. No delays, not detours. Point A to point B. As the crow flies. Non-stop flight. 

But you know what? Our God isn’t like that.  He sees the goal, knows what needs done, and heads in  the opposite direction. Or He leads us in the opposite direction. In the above verse, the just-freed Israelites had a place to go — the Promised Land. They also had some growing up to do and God knew it (even if they didn’t) . So He lead  them the long way around. Providing them with some much needed time to mature and prepare for the battles awaiting them in the land flowing with milk and honey, and enemies.

And what about poor Lazarus? When our Lord got the news of His friend’s sickness, and possible death, what did He do? According to Scripture He, “Stayed two days longer in the place where He was.” Not exactly in a  big rush was He? Did you ever wonder why?

Why does God take the scenic route when what we need is a short cut? Why does He “stay” when we need Him to come? Why the delay when quick action is required. Why?

O Beloved, because He knows what the long way around will accomplish for us and in us. Because He would rather take His time and do it right than rush just so we’ll be assured of His work in our lives. He always does what is best, not necessarily what is easy. And because our Lord knows what will bring Him the maximum glory.

I still prefer non-stop flights and point A to point B kind of living, but I am learning to appreciate our God’s Oh so perfect wisdom. I’m learning to appreciate His impeccable timing. And above all — His desire to sometimes take the scenic route to accomplish His purposes in our lives.

Father God, Grant me eyes to see Your hand at work, and a  heart to trust Your ways. Even as I long for quick action and  a short cut through my trials — cause faith to rise within me to recognize Your scenic route is for my best and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Photo Album of His Goodness

Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits.

1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20  BSB,   Psalm 103:2 NABS 1995

Are you old enough to remember those old-fashioned photo albums with sticky pages and clear plastic cling? The adhesive worked so well, that if you attempted to remove years’ old photos, you might end up with half a picture of Uncle Fred. One thing was for sure, you weren’t going to lose your pics in a cloud!

All of us have struggles and seasons of difficulty. Some of us have even had sharp moments of pain that felt like a piercing of our soul. Many years ago, as I struggled through seasons of devastating challenge, disappointment and loss, the idea of being thankful left me …  Well… at a loss. Finding it much easier to spot areas that I felt God had let me down, rather than things to be grateful for. I could count my many disappointments and trials much easier than my blessings. Painfully and embarrassingly honest. 

That’s where the photo album comes in.

I determined to make a record of every little blessing I could think of. A memory album of God’s faithfulness to me. Something tangible I could pull out and look at when ungratefulness crept back into my heart. When life’s difficulties seem to eclipse life’s blessings. I could hold it in my hands. (These decades later, I still have that album). I also reread the auto-biography of Nazi concentration camp survivor, Corrie ten Boom, which gave me a new appreciation for a warm blanket, a cup of hot coffee and my own Bible to read. It was also around this time that I took our oldest son to serve with me at a Salvation Army Thanksgiving give-away, handing out over-flowing dinner baskets to those in need.  (Few knew that we were recipients of one of those baskets).

God asks us to give Him thanks. Period. Empty cupboards and all. Empty chairs and all. Broken-hearts and all.

Becky White

My (glaringly obvious?) point, is that God asks us to give Him thanks. Period. Empty cupboards and all. Empty chairs and all. Broken-hearts and all. Our choice to give thanks in all things, honors Him and reflects a deep level of trust in our Father God, that says, You are good and You are faithful, even if…  It’s a deliberate choice we make. Somedays its so very easy, other days, it’s through tears… That’s okay. Let’s choose to honor Him.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God hath done.

Author: Johnson Oatman, Jr  1856

Now, let’s get your photo album ready…

Father, Thank You for Your many good gifts that I too easily take for granted. Focusing instead on all that I feel is “missing.” Please forgive me. How I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

A little Hebrew:

Give thanks: From eucharistos; to be grateful, i.e. to express gratitude

Forget: From: shâkach, shaw-kakh’; or שָׁכֵחַ shâkêach; a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention:—× at all, (cause to) forget.to forget, ignore, wither (Qal) to cease to care

To Vote or Not to Vote…

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time. 1 Peter 2:1-5

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked rule, the people mourn. Proverbs 29:2

No, this isn’t a devo on who to vote for. Whew! Rather, it is a short message on how to vote through a Biblical grid and the importance of voting your Biblical values.

The info is provided by Pastor Gary Hamrick and Pastor Jack Hibbs  along with a video clip by Ray Comfort. I’ve also included a helpful link from iVoterGuide so you can easily see where the parties stand on specific issues.

Tragically, according to research, approximately 40 million Americans who self-identify as Christians do not plan to vote in the upcoming election. That is to our great shame.

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

– Dietrich Bonhoeffer

While the following info is primarily for an American audience,  if you are blessed enough to live in a nation that allows for the privilege and responsibility of voting,  I believe you’ll glean much from it as well.

Pray. Listen. Vote. Share. Continue praying, no matter the outcome.

https://cornerstonechapel.net/vote/

Or

If you prefer a short video presentation rather than a bullet-point breakdown, listen to this clip from Ray Comfort video:

IVoterGuide

https://ivoterguide.com/#map-banner

Hymn Alert / A Testimony of “Through”

Following You is no guarantee of a problem-free life.  Yes, I realize that’s an obvious point. But a point that I need reminded of, now and then. What you have promised is that You’ll stand beside me, that you’ll never leave me … never forsake me. And use all I walk through for Your glory.

This morning, as I was working out at the gym and listening to a Spotify playlist, some of the challenges that may soon cross my path flooded my mind. Immediately an old song I’d never heard before started to play… The words, you will stand by me… penetrated my heart as it described the inevitable challenges of life. Through all the seasons of life. Rightly concluding, we can rest in Him and His Presence with us. We are never alone.

Thank You, Father for standing with us and never leaving us to face life alone.

Now, let’s read this rerun devo “A Testimony of through.”

*(Stand by Me)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5  ESV

It is so encouraging to hear testimonies of God’s miraculous intervention into someone’s life circumstance. In fact, to encourage others, I have a few of my own that I regularly share. Maybe you do too. But there’s another kind of testimony that doesn’t get the credit it deserves, those of God’s miraculous power to walk us through our trials. Let’s face it, aren’t those the kind of testimonies that most of us can relate to, and need to hear?

But this kind of story doesn’t come easy, it can only be gained by walking through the fire. Not around or over, but through. While there are many reasons God may allow His people to suffer, one of them includes enabling us to be living examples to other hurting folks. A picture of what it looks like when God chooses not to remove our difficulties, but of His power to sustain and even strengthen us in the midst of them.

There are hurting people all around us, with no hope of a miracle around the corner of their circumstances. The cancer is terminal. The divorce papers have been signed. The nursery remains empty. The pink slip has arrived. It’s then, that folks need to see authentic hope displayed in how we suffer. As we cry the same hot tears, enduring the same heartaches and pain, but with an assurance that no matter what things look like, He is good, He can be trusted and He is faithful. Yes, we grapple with questions and cry out in our pain, but in the end, we rest our head on the pillow of His sovereignty and goodness. Reminding ourselves that if He loved us so much that He did not spare His own Son, but freely gave Him up for us all, surely, we can trust Him with “this.”

Be assured, that whatever test you’re walking through today, He can, and will, use it as a testimony to a watching world. Whether that testimony is of His miraculous intervention or of His sustaining power – be assured that He will use every second of it, and every detail of it, for your good and His glory. Author, Kay Arthur puts it best, “He lets you hurt as others hurt, knowing that the way in which you handle it will be a testimony, and your response will show others that there’s something awesomely different about you.” And that difference, is our relationship with Jesus Christ. In all we face, He is the difference maker.

The strength of the vessel can be demonstrated only by the hurricane, and the power of the Gospel can be fully shown only when the Christian is subjected to some fiery trial. If God would make manifest the fact that “He giveth songs in the night,” He must first make it night.

—William Taylor

Father, Please use all we walk through, and all that touches our lives, for Your glory and as a display of Your faithfulness to those around us. Infuse us with Your strength and grant us Your perspective. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus and His glory

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Striving?

Are you Striving?

Cease striving and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a NASB 1995

Indeed, we felt within ourselves that we had received the sentence of death [and were convinced that we would die, but this happened] so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.

2 Corinthians 1:9 AMP

Anything that drives me to the Cross and puts me on my knees, is a good thing. – Charles Stanley

The crisp, rainy October morning caused my morning commute to drag on, as red brake lights peppered the freeway. The lull provided a space of time for me to talk with the Lord about an issue that had been dogging me for weeks. “Father, lately, when I read Your Word, my heart feels like a porcelain sink. Making no penetration and rolling right off. Why? Is it something I’m doing? An issue I’m unaware of? Is it just the enemy?”

I’m not sure when or what I expected to hear from the Lord, but it certainly wasn’t what I “heard” Him speak to my heart (and His quick answer stunned me!). Almost as if the Lord was saying, “It’s about time you asked!

I continued on to work and began my day, which often includes listening to a sermon/podcast softly playing in the background. Today was no exception. But this time, the message stopped me in my tracks. The pastor spoke of “striving” as he quoted the familiar verse of Scripture, Psalm 46:10. Cease striving (be still) and know I AM God.

He went on to share specific truths that included, “I strive when I do not trust (God). And when I’m not trusting, then I’m trying to handle it myself.” Yikes. As if that’s ever a good idea.

I prayed, “God, trust in You is what I write about, talk about, teach about. How could it be that I have stopped trusting You and started trusting in myself and my abilities? How can it be, Lord?” But even as I asked the question, I knew it was true.

Maybe it was the result of a particular trial that has stretched on for several years or even a few of the successes He has provided. Whatever the cause, I repented. Right there among the post-it notes and paperclips. Sin hardens our heart and deafens our ears. Forgetting my own inadequacy apart from Him, and then standing in my own ability, is called pride. If only typed words could convey the blush/embarrassment of my heart.

It’s so easy to do, isn’t it? One small challenge here, a life-altering trial there. It can even be a success here or a mountain-top there, and before we know it, we’re trusting in our own abilities to hold things together. Rather than trusting in Almighty God and His ability to use these dust bunnies, with all our inadequacies, for His glory.

If you see yourself in my (embarrassing/humbling) account, what should you do? Repent. He is faithful to forgive. Acknowledge: God, I don’t just feel inadequate, I am inadequate. I claim YOUR adequacy because of Your Holy Spirit who lives within me.  Forgive me for slipping into self-trust rather than relying on You.

Let’s pray – Thank You, Father, that You are the good, and merciful, and all-powerful Lord of all creation. Nothing is too hard for You. Enable me to rest in Your care, Your plans, Your will and Your perfect timing, and not myself. Cause my inadequacy to drive me to my knees in dependence on You.  Whatever the outcome, You are good and You are faithful. And I trust You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

When, not if …

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Isaiah 43:2 NKJV

But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:30-31 NKJV

You’ll never find God or His Word sugar-coating reality; telling us plainly … “When the waters rise and when the flames come …” When, not if. And if you’ve been alive longer than 20 minutes, you know the truth of that “promise.” Adversity. Flood waters. Flames. Trials are woven into the fabric of real life. No one is exempt. Yet, He doesn’t leave us there …

Layered in that raw reality is also the promise that, when the trials come, He will be with us. Though He is the omnipresent God, there is a unique coming-alongside that we experience when trials attempt to overwhelm us, when they graze our lives. As Nazi concentration camp survivor, Corrie Ten Boom put it, “He doesn’t give us the train ticket until we board the train.”

When trials touch our lives, He is uniquely there in a way that sunny days and overflowing bank accounts do not require.

Even when the trial is of our own making. Take a closer look at Peter in the above verse. He took his eyes off of Jesus and instead, zeroed in on the literal wind and waves, and began to sink like a rock. The Word says that, “Immediately, Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him.” No hesitation. No withholding. Immediately. Yes, a lecture followed, but His Presence was not withheld, when Peter so desperately needed it.

I can testify from my own life, that while He has allowed (and I have sometimes caused) great challenges in my life, He has also never failed to lavish me with His Presence in them. A Presence I uniquely felt during the deepest, darkest trials. And He will do the same for you dear one, when you walk through your day of trial … He is with you.

When trials touch our lives, He is uniquely there in a way that sunny days and overflowing bank accounts do not require.

Becky White

Father, we are so thankful for Your presence when life hits us square between the eyes. When life just plain hurts, You are with us. Please enable us to rest in that simple truth. We are not alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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