being devoted in 2010 - Norman's Notes

You can see Norman's Notes in the left hand-column of the blog. If you would like to give your heart daily to scripture in 2010, this might fit your time of devotion perfectly. Whether to start or close you day, meditating on scripture, hiding His Word in your heart, is food for the soul! 'Norman's Notes' is a Facebook page that does not require membership to view; but should you like, do become a fan. Share with a friend in need of encouragement. May you be blessed by the verses in your daily life. Our hope for everyone in 2010, is that they will draw closer to the Lord. These are in difficult times; be reminded that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. May the Lord's prosperity (search the Word for it's true meaning) be with you in the New Year abounding in your life!

A year's end reflection to "Let Your Light Shine Before Men" in 2010

Came across this Christmas Tree reflection about the New Year ...

...I don't want to enter into 2010 with regrets. I want a clean start and renewed bulbs. My husband might not have wanted to go bulb by bulb over the top strands, searching for the culprit, but I want to go bulb by bulb through my life. One little sin can dim an entire tree. Have you investigated your light strands lately? Is there one little bulb keeping you drenched in shadows?

Next year, my sad tree will be boxed away and a new one will replace the saggy branches and tired bulbs. That's fine, that's what happens. Nothing on this earth can last forever.

But I don't want to be replaced as a Christian. I don't want God to stop giving me opportunities for His work because I was irresponsible with my last assignments. I know I have His full love regardless, but I want my lights burning at full capacity, not weak and fading in the night. I want others to see the glow within me and crave it for themselves, finding peace and forgiveness with Christ for their New Year. I want to burn for the Kingdom of God! And not just at the holidays - but all year long.

As wonderful as my tree has been these past five years, it's just a fact that a fully lit tree is more appealing to the eye than a half-lit attempt. And the same goes for us as Christians. If we're not walking with the Lord and glowing from His glory, then how will others see the path to follow?...

to read in it's entirety ... "Let Your Light Shine Before Men" in 2010 Betsy Ann St. Amant Crosswalk.com Change is a given and obviously circumstances will not always be the same, but the priority we give to what is important can be a constant if we keep it in perspective and act accordingly by the grace of God. Given your circumstance, commit to ever shine your brightest given your for Him!

Cross on Xmas?

A friend shared Why is X Used when it Replaces Christ in Christmas? by R.C. Sproul | Ligonier Ministries Blog and I'm glad she did; it's timely. Why Is the 'X' used in Xmas? Another common abreviation is Xtian. "There's a long and sacred history of the use of X to symbolize the name of Christ, and from its origin, it has meant no disrespect." Check it out! It is important to have true understanding so we can be right-minded as we keep Christ in Christmas and in our daily lives. As you consider it, think about how others see it when it is used. The 'X' always reminded me of the Cross. Maybe you can get Cross on Xmas! ;-) Whatever we do, we want people to see Christ.

Celebrating Christ

Thinking about keeping Christ in Christmas, it's important to understand what we do during the holidays, why we do them, and whether they are what we want to achieve in our celebration. Understanding where the traditions we develop stem from is helpful in this consideration. Some would say 'don't do this because' or 'do so because' and/or judge others for what they do/don't. But I am challenged to personally celebrate Christ however I might, and hoping that others will see Christ in me as I do so. As the saying goes, 'knowledge is power'; and wholeheartedness is what He desires of us. I found Crosswalk.com's Advent in Church and Cultural Tradition a basis of insight as to how Advent activities has evolved; arming me considerations for my own personal celebration in the big and even little pasttimes of the season. May you wholeheartedly be blessed this Christmastide!

An Opportunity to be 'devoted' to Christmas

sharing Christmas devotionals - hope you enjoy keeping Christ in your Christmas. Twelve Devotionals of Christmas: Inspirational Christ-centered Christmas Devotionals from Crosswalk.com

Feast on Christ 'Turn Lonely Holidays into Feasting Holy Days'

I lost my mom hospitalized on my birthday the 11th and passing some days later (a few years back); it casts its hue on this time of year. But God wants us to more than 'observe', but 'participate' / 'engage' (be His bride) - 'DO this in remembrance of me'. Regardless of our emotion or lack of , we must be 'real' with it to experience the fullness of Him. Some of us will do more, some less, our ways will vary but be real! and feast on Him every day! Enjoy the article... Turn Lonely Holidays into Feasting Holy Days It mentions 'upcoming Holy Days 2009-2010

• December 12-19, 2009: Hanukah or Festival of Lights
• March 30-April 6: Passover/ Feast of Unleavened Bread
• May 19-20 (sunset to sunset): Feast of Weeks or Pentecost
• September 9-10 (sunset to sunset): Feast of Trumpets or Rosh Hashanah
• September 18: Day of Atonement
• September 23-30: Feast of Tabernacles or Ingathering
• Every Friday sundown to Saturday sundown: Sabbath rest and celebration of our Father'

and notes: 'for more information on God-established Holy Days, visit: http://biblicalholidays.com/Excerpts/What%20happened.htm. Be sure to check out the sections that reveal the Messiah in each Holy Day description.'

Hanukkah: Bringing More Light into the World

Hanukkah: Bringing More Light into the World, Page 0 Christ is in Hanukkah; have you found Him? 'It is not uncommon to find Christians—whether Messianic Jew or Gentile Christian—celebrating Hanukkah. For Gentile Christians, it serves as a reminder that our God is a god of miracles—past, present, and future.

It is also a reminder of Jesus’ words recorded in John 8: 12: When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."'

Check it out!

Advent: Zacharias’ Prophetic Song (Crosswalk.com)

Advent: Zacharias’ Prophetic Song (Luke 1:67-79) - Christian foundations - Christianity.com There's a whole subplot to the story of the birth of Christ - Zechariah sings of it. "Finally, I am led to see that this Song is: The Song of a Soul Revived (vv. 74-75) Zechariah's songs, if you will, speak of the practical and metaphysical (transcendental) effects of the birth of Christ to the nation of Israel. Practically he says the key to victory over enemies is the coming of Christ. Transcendentally he says that this releases signals (v.74) the ability to worship God without fear, in holiness and righteousness. What is Zechariah singing about?..." Check it out ...

Advent in Church and Cultural Tradition

Advent in Church and Cultural Tradition, Page 0 We all have reasons or not for why we celebrate the Christmas holiday the way we do. How much thought did we give to it. What is the original source? It is not so important what we do as to 'why' we do it. Are we appeasing paganism or celebrating Christ? Many of our traditions were 'made' Christian, some have nothing to do with it, and others are steeped in it. Give it some thought and act accordingly! Then, remembering the reason for the season, enjoy holiday blessings!

Being the church seven days a week

Being the church seven days a week by Kevin Martineau This is a concept we must re-evaluate in our heads and operate on. "This is a concept that God has been really challenging me with for the last year or so. (This past spring I preached a series on this topic called "The Church has left the building"). Church is not somewhere we go and church is not something we do. We are the church seven days a week. The point ..." Give it some thought!

"When the Pastor Suffers"

When the Pastor Suffers | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction It's not that I'm morbid in thought ... but these things happen. I've always been one to say that 'to have considered the possibility is to be prepared' ... Few understand cancer better than pastors. They regularly visit hospitals and counsel church members who suffer from this devastating illness. Cancer strikes nearly every family at some point. But for pastors caring for multiple families at all times, cancer is a never-ending fight. They watch beloved friends who formerly looked so healthy begin to whither away as they withstand bouts of chemotherapy treatments. In the worst cases, pastors are left to comfort the grieving family and conduct the funeral. But who is left to comfort pastors when they get the dreaded diagnosis?. Check out the entire article.

Top 7 Charities That Offer Online Christmas Help For Low Income Families

This is just worth the share! So many people struggle this time of year. Give them some thought and here are some helpful charities. Be a blessing to anyone you can this Christmastide. Top 7 Charities That Offer Online Christmas Help For Low Income Families Make Use Of is the source of so much useful information. I'm sure once you've visited their site; you'll follow it like I do. God bless you, every one! God bless you 'Make Use Of'!

Press On

sharing thoughts from ... Facebook | Shelz Norman Got to get into a full court press! consider the analogy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full-court_press a Sister was posting about 'taking care of our temple' and I was reminded of another scripture in Philippians 3 'Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I PRESS on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I PRESS toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus'. We should be in a 'full court press' but some of us are still on the bench (and not a bench press). Rather than let the world press against us; let us PRESS ON. Check out the song 'Press On' by Selah: metrolyrics.com/press-on-lyrics-selah.ht... walkertracker.com/suge