For several years we have tried various products to get rid of large oil stains from our concrete driveway.  Both our vehicles have leaked oil over time and left stains that seemed to be permanent.  Well meaning neighbors and hardware store employees had given us their ideas and advice, but nothing was working.

One morning during my daily Bible reading, I read two passages in Deuteronomy 27 which referred to “setting up large stones, and whitewashing them with lime.”  (Deut. 27: 2, 4)

The thought occurred to me – “could lime take out oil stains out of our  driveway?”  I decided to ask the computer this question and came upon a recipe for removing oil stains using lime and turpentine. My husband and I purchased the ingredients, followed the recipe and instructions (prayed over it) – and found out that it actually worked!

In our walk with the Lord, we sometimes think that God is not interested in such trivial matters as an oil stain. But we were reminded that our faith is not compartmentalized – it is a daily relationship with our Heavenly Father who loves us more than we can imagine. He cares about everything in our lives. We only have to ask Him for help – and then follow through with the directions He gives us.

By following through with following Him -

- He will help us remove more than oil stains from our lives !

Studying doctrine of various religions will lead you to an awareness of differences. How to get to Heaven is a primary subject.  Another is how to live out my faith, and still get to Heaven.  Also, is Heaven an actual place – and what about Hell – does it exist?

Salvation is key. Wondering about the possibility of losing my salvation during my lifetime on earth can be troubling. Where will I go when I die and why? Is life here on earth all there is?

Jesus Christ offers us an intimate relationship with Him on earth, and on into Heaven. He shows us the way to do this by receiving the Holy Spirit. It is by  love and grace that we receive our salvation -  not by any works we perform. Jesus is our eternal intercessor – providing the “only” way to get to God. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we no longer need to question our salvation or wonder if we will lose it.

Other religions do not offer the hope and free acceptance of a living God. True Christianity sets us free from heavy bondage and useless traditions which can be found in the theology of other religions. It is through relationship and not religion that we ultimately get to know  God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Think through your theology -

- if you get lost, ask Jesus to find you.

These are the words of a Christmas Carol, which, over the years seems to have fallen be the wayside. This Christmas Season, I don’t recollect it being played over the airwaves, or sung at church. I did a little research on Wenceslas and discovered that he was revered for his piety and generosity. He even became known as a “father of the wretched.”

It is nice to know that legendary names of people aren’t always fictional – that they did indeed exist and stood for what was proclaimed about them. Unfortunately, their legacy can fall by the wayside if not kept alive by writings, songs, movies, etc.

How interesting that the legacy of an obscure carpenter from Nazareth has not fallen by the wayside. Jesus walked the earth (without internet !), and influenced more people than can be counted. His holy name continues to pervade  societies and cultures around the world.

The Bible provides an historical background and platform from which to get acquainted with Jesus – our Lord and Savior. His name and legacy indeed existed and still stand for what was proclaimed – in centuries past – and into the present – and on into the future……..

- never to fall by the wayside……..

The Word of the Lord – God’s Word – is His testimony of Himself. The Bible bears witness of who God is and what He has done and will do. We are to read and follow His commandments on a daily basis. We are to take delight in His counsel.

Reading God’s Word  provides us with much needed advice to get us through our days. We can know with certainty that His advice is filled with absolute truth and His amazing love.  No- where, or from no-one else,  can that combination be found !

With today’s technology, we have incredible opportunities to dig into God’s Word and discover His treasury. Going deeper and deeper provides choice riches beyond compare. He promises us wealth greater than silver and gold.

“My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold and my revenue than choice silver.”    (Prov. 8:19)

God’s wisdom illuminates our pathway to righteousness and eternal salvation – to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Our  eternal destiny is the final pay out.

“For whomever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.“  (Prov. 8:35)

Open the Bible and read God’s Word -

- and discover your  “eternal”  testimony……

Those are usually my words most of the year, but since we are in the middle of the Christmas Season and tasty recipes  – well………….

So while at the grocery store I found a reputable brand of mayonaise on sale, both the diet and regular brand were listed for the same price.  At first I gravitated toward the diet variety, but then I wondered if it might not taste as good. Then I decided to read the labels for both the diet and the regular – hoping the information would help sway my decision.  Calories and fat content were my focus. Much to my surprise, the calories were the same! The fat content wasn’t much different either – and in fact, the diet brand contained some undesirable fat, along with watered down ingredients. I decided to go with the wholesome choice and not settle for the watered down variety……..

Preparing the food for this Christmas Holiday reminds me that watering down recipes may seem good at first,  but harmful side effects could be experienced later…………

This Christmas don’t let the message of the birth of our Lord and Savior get watered down or tainted with unhealthy ingredients………

- and oh yes, pass the mayo !!

Nehemiah reminded the people that although the word of God had convicted them of their sins – that they had failed to love God wholeheartedly and obey Him – they were to go and rejoice !

Instead of having a ” pity” party, they were to go and have a “holy” party – for God had touched their lives and brought them into His Holiness……..to go and have a “feast” with the joy of celebrating “Him” !

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.  (Neh. 8:9)

Wow – can you imagine? Go and have a feast? What does this response from God tell us about His love for us? And the joy we can experience in His presence?

“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength……….do not be grieved………and all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them. (Neh. 8:10-12)

Have a “feast” – party on – with God !

The Lord’s Prayer is well known by many. It has appeared on plaques, dishes, blankets, bookmarks, t shirts – just about any object imaginable. It has been preached, read, memorized and appears to transcend religious denominations.

If we are not careful, we can recite the words without allowing them to sink into our heart, mind and soul. It is a simple yet powerful prayer – perhaps overused in our modern culture as a robotic password of sorts for reaching up to God.

It is important to consider and meditate on the deep meaning of each passage. One of them being – “THY” will be done. Without recognizing that it is God’s will which will be done (and not ours), we can fall into the trap of claiming “our” will be done instead. This can lead us into disappointment, and a lack of faith.

We need to give up our supposed “right to rule”, and allow God’s sovereignty to become master of our lives.  HE is in control,  HE created the universe – HE knows what HE is doing !!

“Hallowed” be YOUR  name———

–and not mine !

Are you holding back feelings of grief, sorrow, anger or even joy? Is fear a constant companion, and a prime culprit for a lack of connection to others, or even yourself?

Addictive behaviors to cover up the emotions within are a temporary relief – but then they need to happen over and over – and sometimes lose their effectiveness. Eventually, what was covered up becomes exposed – and this can lead to destructive behavior ……..and even lead to premature death.

The good news is that we can find healthy ways to get help. By reaching out to those who have found their way out of unhealthy lifestyles and establishing a loving relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – we can turn away from destruction.

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”  (Ps. 84:11)

We can freely receive His love and forgiveness, and walk in His light.

- then instead of  “holding back”………we can freely  “give” back !

A particular hummingbird has displayed extraordinary flight patterns with such precision and speed, that we have named him “Top Gun” ! He almost seems to not only exhibit amazing aerodynamics, but a sense of humor as well.  We have watched him hover over our grass at just the right height to be gently showered by the lawn sprinklers. Many times he will instantly appear right in front of us at eye level, briefly hovering as if to say hello. Other times he will appear from a corner in front of a window, stare at us, and then just as quickly disappear – only to appear again – his signature “peek a boo” moments ! His in-flight spirals, rolls, and dive bombs are thrilling to watch – truly a “top gun” experience !

These tiny birds remind us of the beauty and complexity of God’s astounding creations – and His creativity -

HE will forever command the title of  “transcendental” top gun !

Have you ever asked yourself this question? And did you ask yourself this question because the other person either became hurt or angry, or both? I call this “stepping on a landmine” !

Sooner or later, we will inadvertently step on a landmine – it is inevitable. No matter how hard you try, there will come a time when you say or do something that rubs somebody else the wrong way.

If you think about it, we all come from varying backgrounds, families and circumstances. We have learned ways of communicating that may not be understood in the same way by everybody we meet. Our best intentions can be perceived as questionable.

When a situation blows up, picking up the pieces can be a difficult process. It takes time to repair the damage. Even then, our most sincerest actions and words can be misunderstood.

Without the power of prayer, we can be left with a life of ruined relationships – continually sorting through the debris.

By receiving Jesus as our Lord and Savior, God promises to send us His helper, the Holy Spirit, to guide us through our world of landmines. With His help, our prayers become powerful allies -

-  so we can be “well” able, and not “disabled” !