Archives for December 2016

How Will You Weather Unexpected Answers?

December 19, 2016

Queue the Christmas music. I’m dreaming of a brown Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know. Where the tree tops glis…Wait! Brown?! Yes brown. Welcome to a West Texas Christmas.

It was an exciting day at our school. The last day of the semester before we took Christmas break; it was even a half day! All the kids were so excited. Everyone was having their class parties and celebrating the season. The morning actually started off warmer than the high was the previous day. What a great way to start the day! Well, if you live in West Texas or have ever visited then you know what I am talking about when I say “If you DON’T like the weather just wait 5 minutes – It will change! Only in this instance it was “If you LIKE the weather then

get ready in 5 minutes you may not!” Well, the weather did change! And right at the end of the school day before school ended for lunch.

The weather changed from a beautiful day with nice mild temperatures to the wind blowing a million miles an hour. Here is the problem with strong winds in our area. When there has not been any moisture falling, it creates a nice dry ground. Well, since we are surrounded by forever flat nothing but farmland, the wind picks up the dirt and we have dirt storms. The sky turns brown and visibility drastically drops. If you have to actually get out in it, you are sandblasted and covered in dirt in just seconds.

Road Trip

This year in particular we were scheduled to walk out of the school building, straight to our vehicle, and hit the road. We were headed to my sister-in-law’s house to celebrate Christmas with my husband’s family. Of course this is when we would have a dirt storm! Why wouldn’t we have one then!? It makes for great traveling weather. As we were driving down the highway I was watching for tumbleweeds and debris. It was a moving obstacle course with the added challenge of not getting blown off the road. As I was looking into the brown sky I began singing, in my head, “I’m dreaming of a brown Christmas” while thinking it would be nice if it was really white. We don’t get many white Christmases around here.

Through the brown sky I could see that we were passing cotton fields. It was also stripping season. We began passing one field that had already been stripped and the cotton bales were all lined up. As we passed a couple of bales I realized that, for whatever reason, the farmer had not put tarps on any of the bales yet. The wind was strong enough that it was grabbing cotton off the tops of the bales and it was flying through the air. And there it was! I got my white Christmas after all. Was it what I was thinking about when I thought of a white Christmas – well, no! But, God has His own way of doing things.

Weather the Storm

This brought to mind a conversation I had with a dear friend earlier in the week. We were talking about this very thing – how God does not always answer our prayers the way we plan. We all have expectations or envision things a certain way. Sometimes we have a plan for what we want or have an idea of how we think God should answer our prayers or help “fix” a problem, BUT…this does not always work out the way we plan. Sometimes, God surprises us with a plan that totally changes the course of our day, year, or even life. God has His own plans of how He will help us navigate the seasons and weather the storms of our Brewing Ground. This is how he refines us through our Brewing Ground. And, He has a purpose and reason for doing things the way He does.

Humble Beginnings

Let’s think about Mary, Joseph, and the birth of Jesus for a minute. After all it is Christmas.

^“7And 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

I can imagine it went something like this. Mary and Joseph are traveling. Mary tells Joseph the baby is coming. Thank goodness they are coming into a village. Joseph is frantically trying to find a room for them. There is nothing to be found. Knowing that time is running out, Joseph frantically prays for a place for them. He gets an answer to his prayer alright – a stable! I am sure that as he was walking up to the entrance he had a “human” moment and thought “Really? With the animals and poo – these aren’t very sanitary conditions? This is not quite what I had in mind God. Well, Ok!”

We now know that God had a purpose and plan for those humble beginnings. However, that may not have been what Mary and Joseph saw standing there at the entrance looking at the animals and smelling the air. But, they had faith in God and His plan!

Weathering Unexpected Answers

God is so creative! His plans are very organized, well thought out, and with every detail in place. And, His plans are always exactly what we REALLY need (even if we don’t think so). He is refining us as He is helping us weather the storms of our Brewing Ground. When you encounter a new season, stormy weather, or challenge will you trust God and His answers? Will you be flexible and use the stable or be open to whatever God plans? This requires an incredible amount of faith. Not knowing what the plan is or how it will turn out is challenging. Will you weather your storm in faith and be open to the unexpected answers to your prayers?

Merry Christmas! Let’s Brew in Faith!

Have you ever gotten an unexpected answer from God? Comment Below!

Seize Your Miracle Calling!

December 12, 2016

Christmas is Here

Well, the Christmas season is in full swing. Christmas day will be here before we know it; 14 days and counting. This is such a fun time of year with family, decorations, parties, events, shopping, gifts, travel, and the list goes on. However, it is so easy to plan too much. This can make the holiday season so stressful. In the midst of an overwhelmed schedule, it is so easy to become distracted from the real reason we celebrate Christmas – Jesus’ birthday. AHHH! Jesus’s birth, the world’s first ever Christmas miracle.

Christmas Miracle

Not only was Jesus the first Christmas miracle, I would also say that His birth was also the best Christmas miracle of all time. On a scale of Christmas miracles, I think

Jesus’ birth ranks #1. Now, there is no official Christmas miracles scale to measure this on; however, if you think about it, I bet you will agree.

^“27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary… ³⁰And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. ³¹And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.” Luke 1:27, 30-31 KJV

First and for most, He was born of a virgin. Miracle – Absolutely! At no other time in history has this ever happened. Secondly, angels were involved. God sent angels to both Mary and Joseph to prepare them both for what was about to happen. Miracle – Yes! Third, there was a star that led the three wise men to baby Jesus. They were able to find Jesus AND make it there before God told Joseph to leave during the night. Miracle – I Think So! Most importantly, Jesus came to earth to live with us and save all of humanity; this gives us the opportunity for eternal life with God. Miracle – You Better Believe It! Jesus’ birth is timeless. His Christmas miracle spans the ages; past, present, and future. Jesus is everyone’s Christmas miracle. His miracle is a gift that keeps on giving. So, I think it’s safe to say that His birth is the top Christmas miracle of all time. Even though Jesus’ birth is the ultimate Christmas miracle, He did not stop there. The Bible is full of stories about miracles that Jesus completed during His time here on Earth.

Jesus’ Ministry

Once Jesus grew and matured into a man He began His ministry by teaching, spreading the word, and completing miracles. He healed the sick, lame, blind, and diseased. Jesus cast out demons. He calmed a storm, walked on water, and turned water into wine. There were times when Jesus fed thousands with very little and even brought the dead back to life. Jesus did so many more things during His ministry that are not even written.

“²⁵And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” John 21:25 KJV

As I was studying Jesus’ miracles, God revealed some overarching themes. First, all these miracles were used to demonstrate His authority and power. The miracles were meant to prove to everyone that He is in fact the son of God. Next, Jesus also used them as teaching tools. He seemed to always have a lesson of some sort with each miracle. Last, these miracles demonstrate his compassion, grace, and restoration for us. Can you imagine living in that time and actually being in His presence? WOW – it’s hard to even imagine. We don’t witness miracles in quite the same way today as they did back then. But make no mistake, miracles do still happen.

The Challenge

Miracles today come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They may or may not involve angels. They may come from an earthly angel – you. What may seem insignificant to you may be a miracle for someone else. Sometimes the smallest thing is the biggest miracle. Case in point, a small helpless baby is the savior of the world and the greatest Christmas miracle of all time. Jesus is no longer “physically” here with us; however, he is here in our hearts. We are now His hands and feet on Earth.

Jesus began whispering a challenge to my heart. “There are 14 days left until Christmas. Will you shine like a star leading people to God? How will you be My hands and feet. What miracles will you carry out for Me? Stay alert and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit; He will prompt you when it’s time. Then, seize your miracle calling, even if it seems insignificant.”

This Christmas season will you stay focused on Jesus, the greatest Christmas miracle of all time? Will you be His hands and feet? There is still enough time for a Christmas miracle; even more than one. How will you be a miracle to someone else? When the Holy Spirit is at work, something as simple as a hug, smile, cup of coffee, or Christmas wassail can be someone’s miracle. Maybe it’s a prayer or the gift of friendship. Or, maybe it is something big! The possibilities are endless! Your miracle calling may only be a piece in a much bigger miracle. You may never know if what you do is a miracle to that person. The key is to stay alert and open to the promptings of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. What are They guiding you to do? So, will you join me in being the hands and feet of Jesus? Will you seize your miracle calling, even if it seems crazy or silly?

Lets Brew Christmas Miracles!

What if a miracle you have experienced in your life? Comment below!

Get Your Guiding Light! Holy Spirit Series – Part 4

December 5, 2016

The Drive

Do you remember that terrible storm you got caught driving in? Maybe it was rain, snow, or dirt here in West Texas. Whatever it was, all you remember was that you could not see. Maybe you remember taking a road trip. It was a great day for driving, not a cloud in the sky. You could see for miles until you got to the middle of nowhere and it was pitch black. While driving, you realized that the GPS was leading you the wrong way. “Now what?” Well, since society now relies on technology for everything, you, of course, do not have a map! And, remember you are stuck in the middle of nowhere. All you can remember is

being lost and that you could NOT see.

Often times, you find yourself in different situations where you are lost and cannot see. You just need some kind of guiding light to appear and lead the way. Wouldn’t that be GREAT! Have you ever found yourself lost in life; when you can’t see and you just need to know which way to go? Have you ever needed a guiding light to light your path?

Biblical Truths

Let’s be honest, everyone needs direction from a guiding light. I have FANTASTIC news for you! You either already have or can get a guiding light of your very own. This brings us to Part 4 in the series on jobs of the Holy Spirit, Guiding Light. So far, this series has focused on how the Holy Spirit ministers to your heart when you are already saved. We have learned about the Holy Spirit being a Comforter, Teacher, and Intercessor. I feel that I cannot do a series on the Holy Spirit and neglect the jobs that I have grouped together under guiding light. You will not find this specific job title of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Bible. This is my own creation, which combines several critical jobs of the Holy Spirit in one. So, without further ado…let’s begin.

Invites Us to Salvation

^“17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17 KJV

Our journey to eternal life with God all begins with the Holy Spirit. Revelation 22:17 talks about the Holy Spirit being our guiding light by inviting and leading us to salvation and an eternal life with God. He gives us an invitation, lights our path, and shows us the way to salvation for all that can hear and are thirsty for life everlasting.

Renews Us

^“4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, ⁵Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; ⁶Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; ⁷That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 KJV

This verse talks about the next step in the process of salvation. It states that our works are not what save us. Salvation is a result of the kindness and love of God. Since Jesus died for OUR sins it’s His grace that saves us. This allows the Holy Spirit to be able to “wash” and renew us in order to complete the salvation process putting us on a path to life with God.

Dwells in Us

^“11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:11 KJV

What better way to provide guiding light than for the Holy Spirit to actually live in us? This is what automatically takes place with salvation. This is how the Holy Spirit is able to be our guiding light and minister to our hearts.

Convicts of Sin

^“13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. ¹⁴For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ¹⁵For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. ¹⁶The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ¹⁷And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:13-17 KJV

^“16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 KJV

Once the Holy Spirit lives in us, He is able to provide His guiding light by convicting us of sin. These verses make it clear that living by the whims of the flesh will lead to death. The Holy Spirit offers life; so, He provides guiding light and convicts of sin in order to guide us down the path to life.

Guiding Light

So, the Holy Spirit invites us to salvation, renews us, dwells in us, and convicts of sin, all while providing a guiding light that leads to a path of life. In addition, all of this is combined with ministering to our hearts by comforting, teaching, interceding on our behalf, and much more. Wow – there is help and hope! The guiding light of the Holy Spirit is a critical component to not only surviving but also thriving on our Brewing Ground. Therefore, if you have not found your guiding light, seize the moment! The Holy Spirit’s guiding light is available to everyone – you need only to accept it. Choose eternal life with God and live with and for Him, saved by Jesus, and guided by the Holy Spirit. There is no better team to be on!

How has the Holy Spirit been a guiding light for you? Comment below!

Let’s Brew!