Devotionals for the Heart: A Savior

A Savior is Born
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” –Luke 2:11-12 (KJV)

Christmas is such a wonderful and magical season.

It’s the time of year when people tend to be generous and kind toward each other, even if in the other eleven months of the year they are not. Children are in awe anticipating Santa’s arrival, decorations are going up, trees are lit, and the air is filled with Christmas music. Retail merchants are vying for the Christmas club dollars and there is a mad dash to accomplish what one deems important for their family’s Christmas. Everything is bright and glittery. This is what Christmas has become in the 21st century. But two thousand years ago, the first Christmas was quite different.

I always think of Mary (the mother of Jesus) and I can’t imagine being nine months pregnant, riding a donkey ninety miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. That trip would have taken four to seven days over some rough terrain. We know Mary’s origin was Nazareth and Joseph was from Bethlehem. They both were in Nazareth when Caesar Augustus degreed that the whole world should be taxed and Joseph needed to return to his city of origin.

Think how Mary must have felt, tired, uncomfortable in early labor and needing a place to bring her child into the world. One could assume Joseph was poor and they did not have the money to procure a room in a private home, which was made available for the well-to-do. Mary and Joseph might have been turned away from several places before they came to the inn.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
– Luke 2:7 (KJV)

They were offered a stable, an out building similar to a barn and many commentaries dispute whether it was a stable or in a house. Some believe they stated in a family members home. This is not a doctrinal point as to whether he was born in a stable or in a house. What does matter is that He was born.

Why the chosen date of December 25 as the birthdate of Jesus Christ? That is another debate among scholars. Many say it couldn’t have been in winter because the shepherds were outside with their flocks, so some have assumed Jesus was born in the spring. Others say winter because there is a special breed of sheep that can tolerate the colder weather. Winter or spring, He came. God sent His only begotten son as the greatest gift of all (John 3:16)! Jesus came to redeem sinful mankind. The blood of cattle and goats could no longer be atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:12).

So, when we gather on Christmas Day with our families, break bread together and enjoy the fellowship of the season, let us reflect upon Jesus, our Savior, who left the splendor of a Heavenly Kingdom to come down to our level and sacrifice Himself for sinful mankind.

There was a song many years ago that had a line that said, “He would have come, even if you’d been the only one.” That is a humbling thought, Jesus would have come just for YOU. He loves you that much.

Let us thank our Heavenly Father for the wonderful gift of Jesus, and share with those around you the love of God. Let’s not be too busy to be kind to one another and say, “Merry Christmas.”

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: Born Again

Born Again
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” – John 3:7 (KJV)

If you read and study The Holy Bible, you may be familiar with this verse in the book of John where Jesus is talking to Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews and explaining to him about how to be saved.

Jesus answered and said unto him, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3 (KJV)

Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus at night inquiring how one could be born again. It’s interesting that he came at night so his friends wouldn’t know or see his interest in the teachings of Jesus. He marveled at Jesus saying he must be born again to get into Heaven. Not understanding, Nicodemus looked at this experience as a physical one, asking how one could return to their mother’s womb and be born again? He didn’t understand Jesus meant a spiritual re-birth.

Unlike the Sadducees, who generally held to have rejected any existence after death, the sources vary on the beliefs of the Pharisees on the afterlife. According to the New Testament, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead. See what is written in Acts 23:8 (KJV) in regard to the Sadducees and their belief: “For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.”

What is the born-again experience, this new life in Christ?

The new birth is, then, a sovereign act of God by His Spirit in which the believer is cleansed from sin and given spiritual birth into God's household. It renews the believer's intellect, sensibility, and will to enable that person to enter the kingdom of God. To break it down further, it is belief in the Cross, the redeeming Blood of Jesus and accepting the knowledge that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin, came as Man and God to bring us to His Father.

Jesus Christ lived, died, resurrected and is coming again to establish His sovereignty forever. When we accept Him, we are born-again. But, until we do, we are on the outside looking in. God is long suffering and will gently draw us by His Spirit unto Himself. Sometimes this can take years for some people. However, God is patient with us because He wants us all to be saved in His Kingdom!

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)

“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you.” 
– 2 Peter 3:15 (KJV)

Le’ts read 1 Timothy 1:16 where the Apostle Paul is talking to Timothy about the dangers of false doctrines.

“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” – 1 Timothy 1:16 (KJV)

I am grateful for God’s patience toward us. And I am especially grateful for His longsuffering with me. I had the idea that I needed to clean up my act before I could come to Jesus. I wasted so many years when I could have been serving my King by wrong-thinking. Many accept this deception and lie of the enemy of our souls. 

However, it is important to realize that if we could save ourselves, we wouldn’t need Jesus. We come to Him just as we are and He will do the transformation, the cleansing to form us into new creations in Him. Matthew’s gospel says the following:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
 – Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)

I love this verse, Matthew 11:28, because it was the first one God gave me when I was born-again. It lets me know I can come to my Father when the burdens of life weigh me down. He’s always there and He’s my ever-present help no matter what the situation.

Paul in the above verses in Timothy warned against false doctrines. We have many in our world today. One I’m sure you’ve heard is, “all roads lead to God.” Indeed, there are many roads, many gods, many doctrines but unless they point to Jesus Christ, then you’ve taken a detour.

Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6 (KJV)

And here it is, how to be born-again.

I can only pray that you accept His way and settle the age-old question of how to be born-again. Christ wants all to come to repentance and join Him in eternity!

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry.  

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: Brokenness

Brokenness

A devotional by Nanci Rubin

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
–Luke 4:18-19 (KJV) 

Most of us at some juncture in our lives have gone through or will go through a crisis, a time of bitter disappointment and rejection. Those are the times when we cling to our friends, family and appreciate the support they give us via love, prayer and standing in the gap until we are over this season of disappointment.

But there are occasions when we face catastrophic events. Events that leave us broken. 

Those times are painful, so painful that it hurts to breathe, you don’t want to get out of bed or see anyone. When we are broken, we are irreparable and can no longer be used. That’s the way it feels and you don’t care. The world can go on without you, all you want is to be left alone because in your eyes, it’s over. And this can be a dangerous time spiritually if we isolate ourselves.

The enemy of our souls wants nothing more than to get us away from the Body of Christ (our church family), distract us from prayer and hope to have us blame God for the horrendous pain we are experiencing. Job’s friends and his wife tried to get him to turn against God. 

They even suggested that Job's plight was his fault, that he must have sinned. No, one doesn’t have to be in sin to have one’s world fall apart.

“In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” –Job 1:22 (KJV)

We live in such a disposable world. When something breaks, we just toss it out and replace it. Unfortunately, many hurting people believe this is their fate when they have been broken. But Jesus said in Luke 4:18-19 that He came to heal the brokenhearted. God has anointed His Son Jesus Christ to heal those of us suffering in brokenness.

Romans 8:24-32 gives us the prescription for healing. The Holy Spirit is interceding to our Heavenly Father on our behalf and praying the Father’s will for our lives. We are encouraged that whom He called he will justify. And not only justify, but glorify. Knowing God and following His Son Jesus Christ gives hope to your heart. 

Read Romans 8:24-32 (NLT):

"We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hopefor it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)"

"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

"For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory."

"What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?"

Closing: 

When you find yourself in a state of brokenness, read Romans 8:24-32 as medicine for your soul. It will heal your heart and give you a hope. 

God loves you and He wants only good things for His children. He is a good, good Father. No matter what you’re going through, you don’t go through it alone. He is right there with you, waiting for your SOS call. Let Him help and heal you.

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: Walking with Jesus Christ through life

Walking with Jesus
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

I like the fact that Jesus addressed this statement in Matthew 6:34 (KJV). He said, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

It is wisdom for then that is still applicable for today. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we do know Who (God) holds tomorrow!

Many years ago, Cristy Lane performed the song, “One Day at A Time.” It was and still is, a Christian mantra. Books have been written about walking with Jesus, not ahead or behind, but with Him. Songs have been sung but it all boils down to is the fact that we need to wait upon the Lord. There are benefits when we do.

Isaiah 40:3 (KJV) has this to say about waiting upon the Lord: “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

It's evident that when we wait upon Him, He will be there with us. We will be strengthened by His counsel and will excel in whatever we endeavor to do.

It is so easy to fall into doing things on our own without seeking God’s counsel.

I have to admit, I’ve been guilty. Every time I’ve made a critical decision without consulting my Father (God), nine times out of ten, I end up in a mess or gravely disappointed at the outcome. We should wait for His voice to bring us peace and not step out in uncertainty. Those who wait and listen for what the Bible calls, God’s “still small voice,” will reap in abundance for doing so.

Read 1 Kings 19:12 (KJV). It’s the story about when God spoke to Elijah in a small voice. The Bible verse reads, “And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”

Sometimes, when we hear God's still small voice, we don’t like His answers to our questions. Often, we may want to do or have a thing that’s not the best for us. Or we simply can’t wait.

Let’s say you have questions for God about a job you applied for. It’s exciting and you’re going to make a lot more money than you were making, but this job is going to require you to work on Sabbath. God might have had another job for you that would allow you to have every Sabbath off. The salary was a little less but your health benefits would be better. That is an example of when we need to trust God’s will and wisdom more than our wants. God is very thorough and thankfully He can see beyond today, that is why we must trust Him with every aspect of our lives. He cares for the life of a sparrow, how much more does He care for us?

Let’s read Matthew 10:29-31(KJV). It says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

I don’t always love the lessons I’ve had to learn. But they were ALL my own doing and ALL because I didn’t wait on the Lord and decided to take matters into my own hands. A wrong decision made today might very well affect your life twenty years from now. It is always best to seek God’s counsel and not always trust your own.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Following the footsteps of Jesus and trusting Him with all your heart as you lean on Him is not an easy path. One is ever learning to trust God and the road to Heaven is truly narrow with many distractions along the way. We fall down. But we get up, dust ourselves off and began walking with Jesus again.

We have a Father (God) who loves us and will never love us more or less than He already does, no matter what we do. God loved us from the very beginning and He’ll love us through the end. When we fall and scrape our knees, He is right there, ready to pick us up and cleanse away the hurt and pain no matter what it is or how we got ourselves into trouble.

God does expect us to repent of our sins on a daily basis. He is ready to forgive you before you ask, but do ask Him to forgive you still. Pray to God on a daily basis. You need to keep the lines of communication between yourself and God open, so that you don’t feel distant or separated from Him.

The devil would like nothing better than to isolate us from God and each other because he wants us to be defenseless against his fiery darts. We need to stay prayed up, communing with God daily and assembling ourselves with other believers of like mind. Read Hebrews 10:25.

Given all the above, let us hold tight to God’s Hand and walk with Him through the hills and valleys of this life here on Earth. Don’t look too far ahead, but journey through this life one day at a time with Jesus Christ by your side.

Remember: God has promised to never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) because He loves you with ALL of His Heart! Be encouraged, friends. God will be with you to the very end (Matthew 28:20).

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: On Loving One Another like Jesus loves us!

Let Us Love One Another
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” 

– John 15:13 (KJV)

As I was driving to church for Bible Study the other night, my thoughts and prayers focused upon our nation and of the recent tragic events that have occurred. There is so much discussion given to the whys of aberrant behavior, but the fact remains we are losing many of our youth.

The enemy of our souls has always targeted our children. Years ago my dear grandmother used to say to me, “Child, the world is dying from the lack of love.” It has always been true…

And we know who is love. God is love. According to 1 John 4:7-8 (KJV) we are to love one another! That verse says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone who loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

According to these scriptures, it seems that those who love and are able to share their love with others know God. The world doesn’t recognize this kind of love and are totally unable to understand it. Agape love is a Greco-Christian term referring to love, "the highest form of love, charity" and "the love of God for man and of man for God". The mark of a true believer is their willingness to love, to forgive others and to look beyond one’s self.

Not so many years ago, all of our institutions of higher learning in the United States of America were governed by the church. Today they have become battlegrounds fighting for the minds of our young. We may not be able to physically go to the battleground but we can pray and disrupt the enemy’s evil plans. The Holy Bible advises us to, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16 KJV)

Young people won’t be interested in coming to the “First Chosen Frozen Church” where there hasn’t been a smile seen in twenty years. Our youth are hurting, frightened and have few absolutes in their lives. Fatherless homes are fractured and the children receive no validation. The only true hope is Jesus Christ.

The church family is one of God’s greatest gifts, after Jesus who is our first and finest gift. We need to help our children to realize the love of God for them. The Bible says in Psalm 127:3 (NIV), “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”

It’s time for the local church to step up and reach out to the youth. We have a couple of churches in the area where I live who making an effort to reach our teens. One church in particular has made a real impact. What they’re doing perhaps others will follow suit. The music is loud, they have strobe lighting and I get a headache when I go, but kids are coming by the drones. They are being told that God is not mad at them, but mad for them. The results are amazing!

We have to work while it is yet day (John 9:4), for the time may come when we will not be permitted to minister to the lost. The Bible says in, 2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV), “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”

In James 5:20 (ESV) the Bible also says, “Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” We are God’s hands and feet upon the earth. We’ve been commissioned to go and if not now, when?

We live in a fast-paced world. The challenges our kids face is unique from our generation. They face a different kind of enemy and it’s growing like a malignancy: social media.

And as with all things, there is good and bad. Let’s offer them a hand up not a push down. 

Let’s get serious in our prayers, in our youth groups and in all activities that include our youth. They are our future.

Let’s Pray: Father God, create in us a clean heart and a right spirit so that we may see others through your eyes. Help us to love the unlovely and lend a hand to those who are lost from you. In Jesus Christ’s Name we pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: The Fear of the Lord and Intimacy with God

The Fear of the Lord
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” –Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)

When I was baptized as a child, at the age of eight, church was a very different experience from today’s services.

We were assembled in a one-room country church with no air conditioning and we used the cardboard funeral parlor hand fans. Yes, when you see this depicted in a movie, we actually did use them. All the windows were opened, birds chirped and there was always anticipation for the Word of God from the pastor. Dinner on the grounds was the end to a perfect Sunday. We’d go home, take a nap and get ready to come back for the evening service.

Children remained with their parents for the sermon in church and we didn’t move about or talk. We were taught the fear of the Lord. And, it had nothing to do with physical or emotional fright as one would feel when threatened by an adversary. It was respect. God was revered.

We had respect for God, His house and everyone in the ministry. As a matter of fact, our generation was taught respect for all authority and we as children were taught to pray for our teachers, our family and our country. I am saddened that this concept has been abandoned along with the fear of the Lord. This is my perception and I am expressing what I see through my eyes. We need a little more conviction and a little less condemnation.

I’m not judging anyone’s heart when it comes to their faith in God, but according to the Bible, God made some very distinct rules governing His house and those He destined – pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelists and apostles – to perfect the saints and to do the work of the ministry. There were and still are qualifications regarding those in authority ministering God’s Word. It appears that in this 21st century, many things have become obsolete. Rules are ignored or bent to fit the need or the direction that man has destined for the church.

According to 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV), “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

The church is not a building. We, the believers, are the church. But what are we bringing each time we gather? Would an unbeliever even feel they were in church?

Several years ago, John Bevere wrote a book, The Fear of the Lord: Discover the Key to Intimately Knowing God. In his book, he wrote, “Do you think the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is going to come into a place where He is not given due honor and reverence?”

I think that this is a question we probably should consider today. We have become so familiar with God perhaps even taking Him for granted. Do we truly welcome Him into our churches? Or, have our services become rote? The Bible says in Leviticus 10:3 (NASB), “Then Moses said to Aaron, "It is what the LORD spoke, saying, ‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.’” So Aaron, therefore, kept silent.”

I have pastor friends who long for a mighty move of the Spirit of God and can’t understand why miracles aren’t happening in their churches. They do not see the casual behavior of their parishioners, the eating and drinking in church, cell phones in use and all manner of distractions. This is not the atmosphere for the miraculous. We have become de-sensitized to the things of God. We live in a highly technology-driven world and we are inundated with all manner of distraction.

We need to return to a true fear of the Lord. When we enter into God’s house (our church buildings), let’s do so with thanksgiving and let us dwell upon Him. Worship Him and give Him all the Praise.

I have been blessed to had experienced powerful moves of God and it had little to do with the size of the meeting. It had everything to do with those gathered being in one accord. We were not asking Father God for anything, but with hearts of worship we fell at His feet. In that atmosphere miracles occur. This, I believe, is what occurred in the Upper Room with the disciples.

If we as believers would humble ourselves and seek God’s heart, not only would our churches be more like the New Testament church, but our world would be a better place in which to live.

Let’s Pray: Father God, let us not forget how great You are. Let us enter into Your gates with thanksgiving and Your courts with praise. Return us to the former things and set aside anything that distracts us from You. In Jesus’s Holy Name we pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: How to live a life led by The Holy Spirit

The Spirit-Led Life
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air. and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” 
–Genesis 1:26-27 (KJV)

Every human has three parts: body, soul and spirit. We are made in the likeness of God. Jesus Christ said that God is a Spirit. According to John 4:24 (KJV), “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” 

But how do we as Christ-followers live a life led by God's Holy Spirit?

I’ve spent a lot of time wondering how one can worship and live a Spirit-led life in a world fraught with uncertainty, fear, distrust, pain, suffering and evil pushing against the walls of our hearts.

What exactly does it take to live a sanctified life?

I imagined a state of perpetual prayer and never leaving your prayer closet. When stresses of life began to push us to the edge, we need to learn God’s way of coping. I began to read what God’s Word (The Holy Bible) had to say and I also read commentaries on living a Spirit-led life. My research led me to a few conclusions.

I found in my study many questions that I’d never asked.

Does the Holy Spirit condemn you if you do wrong as a Christian?

No, it’s your spirit that condemns you. God said in His Word that He’d send us a Comforter, The Holy Spirit, who is here to help us, not accuse and condemn. I’m certain all of us have felt the pangs of guilt after we’ve erred. Don’t condemn yourself, make the correction then and ask the Father to forgive you. He will. We need not carry so much guilt because God sent His Spirit to help show us the way.

According to John 14:16 (AMP), Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Standby) that He may remain with you forever.” 

We need to become more conscious of the fact that we are spirit beings, and not just physical or mental beings.

We spend a lot of time on our physical bodies. We diet. We purchase products that make outlandish claims to ensure we look a certain way. We study and make higher education beyond necessity. Often, we place tremendous burdens on our youth by pushing them further than many can go. Even our educational system stresses the importance of having the best grades along with being accepted to the best schools. 

The point that I’m making is, we neglect our spirit while we build our physical and mental beings. There are rules by which you can develop and train your own human spirit. Practice them until they become a part of your day just as bathing and brushing your teeth. Once you incorporate them, living a Spirit-led life will become much easier.

Rule #1 is to meditate on the Word. I read somewhere that if you ever want to do anything great in life, take time to meditate on the Word of God. In other words, think about His Word.

Rule #2 is to practice the Word. There are many “talkers” of the Word but not many “doers” of the Word. We are admonished by God as it is written in James 1:22 (KJV) to be doers of the Word. “But be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” You cannot be a doer of the Word and continue to talk unbelief. Speak faith.

Rule #3 is to give the Word first place in your life. There are rich dividends for giving God’s Word first place in your life. His Word is alive and is medicine to our bones.

According to Hebrews 4:12 (KJV), “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

In Proverbs 4:20-22 (KJV) it is written, “My son attend to my words, incline thine ear to my sayings. Let them not depart eyes, keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”

Rule #4 is to instantly obey the voice of your spirit.

The human spirit has a voice. We call that voice conscience. When we get saved and experience the New Birth, our conscience is quickened. We gradually begin to recognize what has always been there. We were born knowing intuitively right from wrong. Before salvation, The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and reveals to us our need for forgiveness and that Jesus is the answer to the forgiveness. After salvation, The Holy Spirit literally comes and resides in us. He is our Counselor and Guide, pointing us to Jesus Christ.

If you have had the privilege of meditating in God’s Word, practicing His Word putting His Word first then The Holy Spirit who lives within you (1 Corinthians 6:19), is an authoritative guide.

If you follow these four rules and practice them, after a while you can know the will of God even in the minor details of life. 

I hope that you have found these rules to be helpful as you strive for success in life and seek to live a Spirit-led life.

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: A Symbol of Jesus Christ's Promise to Return

The Folded Napkin

A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.” – John 20:7 (KJV)

A few weeks ago, the Christian Church formally and personally celebrated Easter. The resurrection of our Lord is a time of joy, re-birth and appreciation. Within theology and Christology, there is definitely a place for the historical Jesus and the cultural context within which he lived, alongside the divine person of Christ Jesus who gifts us with salvation and eternal life and lives within us through His Spirit.

Many years ago, my pastor at the time preached a sermon on the folded napkin, it so impressed me, that I never forgot. We have to consider that Jesus was a reflection in many ways of the culture within which he was born and lived.

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after his resurrection? The gospel of John 20:7 tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the other grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. I can only imagine her fright and shock as she ran to find Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and I don’t know where they have laid him!” – John 20:2 (KJV) 

Peter and the other disciple took off running to the tomb so they could see for themselves. The other disciple being faster outran Peter and got there first. Cautiously he stooped and peered in. He saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn’t go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived, breathless and without hesitation, went inside the tomb. He was stunned to see the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, we need to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the master and servant and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating.

The servant would dare not touch the table until the master was finished. Now if the master was finished eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers and mouth, clean his beard, and wad up the napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, “I’m finished.”

But if the master got up from the table, folded his napkin and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant, “I’m coming back!”

Let us not only remember Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, but the fact that he did leave a folded napkin to symbolize that He is not finished and He is coming back for His faithful servants within His Church.

And Jesus commissioned His disciples after His resurrection and said to them, “I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” –Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

I am mindful when I eat out about the napkin. If I’ve enjoyed the meal and the service has been excellent, I always fold the napkin and place it by my plate. The establishment may not understand the significance of the folded napkin, but it is my way of saying, “I’m coming back.”

We not only have a hope, but a promise, because Jesus said He’s coming back.

My Prayer: Father (God), thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, for all of humanity. Teach us, O Lord, to be kind and to love as Jesus taught. We will be your hands and feet on the earth and share the Good News of Jesus and the promise of the folded napkin. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance. She has placed it in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: Promises

Claiming the Promises of God
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

I wonder how the Biblical giants lived by such great faith? When I read the scriptures of overcoming faith, I wonder, can I do that? Is it possible? By faith, we receive. If it wasn’t possible, God wouldn’t have made such claims, as He does in Mark 9:23 (KJV) when Jesus said, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

Scripture gives us a blueprint on how to do it. According to Matthew 21:21-22 (KJV), Jesus answered and said unto them, “Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea, it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive.”

Notice, He didn’t say you might receive, He said you shall receive.

Four Steps to Claim What God Promises

Step #1: Say It!

Positive or negative, it’s up to you. The woman in the Bible with the issue of blood could have said, “It’s no use for me to go to Jesus. I’ve suffered for twelve years.” But she spoke positively. According to Matthew 9:21 (KJV) she thought, “If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.”

Sometimes because of our unbelief and timidity we may have lost out on a blessing, a healing or a missed opportunity to witness. We should yield to the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit when He gives an unction for us to pray for a certain situation. We can have what we say as long as it lines up with God’s Word and we have faith to believe God for it.

The Bible says in Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV), “Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

God is so ready to give us what we believe Him for. He delights in His children and loves to give us good gifts. He says in Matthew 7:11 (KJV), “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

Step #2: Do It!

Your action either defeats you or puts you over. Your action is really important. The Bible says that Jarius approached Jesus while his young daughter was at home near death. He was the ruler of the synagogue and had faith to believe Jesus could heal his daughter. Even when he was told his daughter was dead, he was proactive and exercised his faith. Read about this remarkable story in Mark 5:36-43 (KJV).

We read in the Bible where Jesus instructed those He healed to go and “do” something. Wash their eyes or get in a pool of water. The widow of Zarephath was to make the prophet a cake from the last bit of flour and the last oil in her cruse. Do you think her son would have been healed if she hadn’t done what the Lord led her to do? Read 1 Kings 17:8-24 (KJV) for the full story.

Step #3: Receive It!

The woman with the issue of blood felt in her body that she was healed of the plague. It is written in Matthew 9:22 (KJV) how Jesus turned and when He saw her, He said, “Daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith has made thee whole.” And the woman was made whole at that moment.

You can notice that the feeling and the healing followed the coming and doing. The woman said it first. She came for it second. Then she received, and felt in her body she was healed. There is no doubt in my mind that she told her family and friends all that the Lord had done. Wouldn’t you have? If I had suffered twelve years with a disorder, you bet I’d tell someone that I was supernaturally healed.

The Bible says that this woman had gone to many physicians, spent all that she had and was never better. God has provided everything we will ever need by the life and death of His son, Jesus. His sacrifice paved the way for us to be saved, healed and delivered. It is finished.

Step #4: Tell It!

There are many instances in the Bible where Jesus instructed the person healed to "Go and tell" or "Go and show" their healing to the priests. It’s important to testify to what the Lord has done. The Bible says in Revelation 12:11 (KJV), “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

We can speak a good confession and in so doing so we can write our own ticket with God. Our words frame our outcomes. The Bible confirms these steps for our success in every area of our lives as it is written in Psalm 45:1 (KJV): “My heart is inditing a good matter, I speak of the things which I have made touching the King, my tongue is the pen of ready writer.”

The Gadarene demoniac was healed when he saw Jesus afar off and ran toward Him and worshipped Him. According to Mark 5:19 (KJV), “Jesus suffered him not, but said unto him, 'Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.'”

I’m sure we have all experienced that adrenaline rush and good feeling after we’ve witnessed to someone about what God has done in our lives. The enemy hates for you to give God the Glory and Honor due Him. We must always “tell.” 

Again, how could we not? God is a good Father and He loves us beyond anything we can imagine. Remember He loves you just the way you are and He loves giving good gifts to His children.

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: Why it is important to get to know God

Getting to Know Him
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”– John 15:15 (KJV)

What do we want in life? Happiness? Health? Security? Marriage?

Most of us would probably choose one or more of these things. And interesting enough, we can enjoy them all when we have relationship with our Savior. But without knowing Him, our glass is only half full. If our spiritual health is not well, we will have deficiencies in other areas of our lives. These deficiencies can yield the following symptoms, impatience, anger, frustration and periods of depression, which we don’t understand and seldom equate to our relationship with God. However, the Bible tells us not to worry and to seek Him first.

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
– Matthew 6:31-33 (KJV)

“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”– Matthew 6:33 (AMP)

The Amplified (AMP) version of the Bible makes it so personal. It puts everything in proper perspective. The Bible makes it very clear that when we make God a priority, He will give us the desires of our hearts. God has no trouble with us having things, as long as things don’t have us.

Our passion should be to know God. There is value in knowing Him. We can do nothing without Him. Peace comes in His presence. When we are in crisis, and feel all is lost, that is not the time to distance ourselves from God. We need to seek Him. If we continue to distance ourselves from God, we will eventually allow other gods to eat up our time, our thoughts, and our desire for the things of God. Other gods can be anything that takes away your time for prayer and fellowship with our Creator.

“I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without me ye can do nothing.” – John 15:5 (KJV)

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much fruit (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me (cut off from vital union with Me) you can do nothing.” – John 15:5 (AMP)

If you want a closer relationship with God, you are going to have to do a few things to develop and cultivate that relationship. Think about your personal friends. They wouldn’t be your friends for very long if you didn’t take time to talk with them, visit or show concern about events that occur in their lives. Why do we think we can be close to God when we give Him no time at all, or when we do it is a passing “hello,” or only when we are in need?

There are three things we can do to help develop our relationship with our Father:

#1: Create Space for God

This is hard for a lot of people. They have never learned the art of being still and quiet. Our environment is so infused with outside stimuli that most of us can’t hear the person beside us much less the still small voice of God. God is always talking, but unfortunately most of us are too.

“Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there.” – Mark 1:35 (AMP)

#2: Create a Place

We need a place set aside and uninterrupted to fellowship with God. We may not have an Upper Room but we should be able to find a place. It is our “prayer closet,” our place set apart. It can be a section of a room, a closet, a chair, and an X on the floor, but it’s your designated area to meet with God.

“But when you pray, go into your most private room, close the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.” 

– Matthew 6:6 (AMP) 

#3: Seek the Face of God (Worship)

Worship and reverence will bring intimacy. Taking time to thank him for all He’s done in your life, instead of asking Him for more. We need to make special time to celebrate Who He is.

“You [Samaritans] do not know what you worship; we [Jews] do know what we worship, for salvation is from the Jews. But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 

– John 4:22-24 (AMP)

Get to know the Creator (God) and see things around you change.

God bless you as you seek Him!

~*~

Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: Queen Esther, prayer and the power of fasting

For Such a Time as This
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

The book of Esther is a dramatic account that can give us insight into God’s special and purposeful plan for our lives. He didn’t create ‘junk’ when He created you and He wants you to succeed. Take a look at the life of Esther.

Esther is a young and beautiful Jewish woman living in Persia and reared by her cousin, Mordecai. Because of her beauty, she was taken to the King of Persia to become part of his harem. He saw something special in Esther and took a liking to her and made her Queen. However, he didn’t know her Jewish heritage.

Haman is the scoundrel of the story. He is a vengeful and egotistical advisor to the King. Haman tells the King that the Jewish people have different customs and do not obey the King’s laws. The King authorizes Haman to handle the fate of these people. Haman announces a government issue edict of genocide.

What can Queen Esther do for her people? The King hadn’t requested her presence in a month. Mordecai persuaded her to speak to the King on behalf of the Jewish people reminding her of her unique place in history and that silence is not an option. Let's read what Mordecai told Esther in the Book of Esther, Chapter 4 and verse 14 (KJV):

“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed, and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 

Esther knew that going to the King unsolicited could be her death sentence. So, what does she do? She calls for the Jewish people to join her on a three day fast. Following the fast, she dresses to the nines, approaches the King, and tells him of Haman’s plot against the people. The Jews are saved, Haman is hanged on the same gallows he’d prepared for Mordecai, and Esther receives Haman’s estate.

There are six lessons to be learned from the Book of Esther:

Lesson #1: God has a plan for our lives. We may not be called as Esther to assist in the delivery of God’s divine plan to save a nation, but we may be called upon to witness to someone in need. Don’t despise small beginnings. Zechariah 4:10 (KJV) says, “For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven, they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”

Lesson #2: We are given divine moments to alter circumstances. As believers, there are no such things as accidents or coincidences. God’s timing is providential. Esther’s divine moment of providence came by accepting her responsibility, to go to the King. God will use you only if you’re ready, or He will find someone else. Psalm 37:23 (KJV) says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delighteth in his way.”

Lesson #3: We must stand with courage. There are many modern-day martyrs The Columbine massacre comes to mind. Rachel Scott and Cassie Bernall were reported to have professed their faith in God, refusing to deny their beliefs. Valeen Schnurr also held fast to her faith and survived the ordeal. Pastors around the world are imprisoned for preaching the gospel of Christ. Pastor Andrew Brunson was released from a Turkish prison. And of course, there was Queen Esther. Read about how she survived and saved the Jews in Esther 4:16 (KJV) says, “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. I also and my maidens will fast likewise, and so will I go into the King, which is not according to the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

Lesson #4: Fasting and prayer bring clarity and hope for deliverance. God is not mentioned in the Book of Esther even once. But Esther was clear that in this situation, a Heavenly response was needed for an earthly situation. She needed direction. When we need God’s grace, fasting and prayer opens the portals for spiritual growth, removes distractions and places us on a path to humility. Fasting does open Heaven’s gates. There are moments in our lives when a situation calls for a solemn fast. Joel 1:14 (KJV) says, “Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord, your God, and cry unto the Lord.”

Lesson #5: God demands obedience. Esther’s obedience saved God’s people from genocide. She acted in obedience and by doing so she saved a nation and received the best. We don’t get a pass on this one. God’s Word is pretty clear about where He stands on obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV) says, “To obey is better than sacrifice.”

Lesson #6: God uses everything and everybody for His divine purpose. No part of our lives is untouched. God is in control of every aspect, whether we want him to be or not, and there is nothing that is not subject to him. Hebrews 2:8 (KJV) says, “Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet.”

We may not be called upon to save a people but God has chosen a plan for each of us. Something that only we are capable of doing. When we feel totally unqualified for service, it is probably the best time for God to elevate you.

I pray for the courage that Esther had, I’m sure she was afraid to boldly go to the King, but obedience to God and loyalty to her people shoved her fear behind her as she took a leap of faith.

Let us listen for God’s direction and be obedient to follow where He leads.

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni, a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: New Beginnings and Bible verses

A New Year, A New Beginning
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me.”
 ~Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

This Scripture strikes me as one that could easily be construed for a new beginning, a clean slate upon which one can write. Happy New Year to everyone. I can’t wait to see what God will do in this new year. He never ceases to surprise me and He reveals himself in so many subtle ways. 

A good example being when I ordered some Amaryllis bulbs for the holidays and as they began to bloom to my pleasant surprise there was an Avocado seed in there, I was beyond delighted. God knew how much I love Avocado plants. I felt He’d given me a special present and it touched my heart in such a way that it made me weep. 

Surely God is a giver of good gifts! Just like it says in James 1:17 (KJV): “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, and with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” 

After a half century of living I’ve finally learned not to make resolutions I can’t keep, not to go on diets that I won’t stay on and not to join a gym that I won’t go to six months down the road, no matter how many health benefits it offers. What I do try to do is wait upon Him to show me my course for the new year. I have been perpetually blessed by new vistas, new friends and new opportunities. I truly believe each one is God ordained. If He has taught me anything it is the art of waiting. 

While I wait, God's promises found in The Holy Bible. Psalm 37:23 (KJV) encourages my heart. It says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way.” 

May we all learn in this New Year, to be sensitive to the Lord’s leading. For many of us it’s not just another New Year, but perhaps a new season in our lives. New challenges, but no matter what we’re facing He has the solution before we know the question.

This is my advice to you: Trust God to guide you and He will. Our choices have consequences. Our every action has a reaction. God is for you. He doesn’t work against you and He truly does want you to succeed in everything you undertake. Remember Romans 8:28 (KJV) which says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

Let us be an example of God’s mercy and grace to everyone around us. Let this be a year of new beginnings. Let us put aside any pettiness we may harbor and not forget to be kind.

Shalom.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni, a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.