Bethlehem Blessing

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  • Recognizing Bad Fruit

    Bad fruit at the market often is bruised and dented. However, when Jesus speaks of bad fruit it can be that of a person’s actions.

    A long time ago, I met someone who was like a wise adult figure to some of the people around me.

    I should have known at that time that this person was someone who produced bad fruit, because when I tried to see them as an authority figure, they ignored me, put me off, and totally disregarded what I had to say.

    Over time, this person, whom we’ll call Shawn, seemed to care. But I think I was thinking of how Shawn treated others, not me. They spoke of him in a positive light, so again I was fooled.

    Then, about five years ago, I saw Shawn and began to tell him of my most recent accomplishments. During our short conversation, he kept edging away, placing his foot at an angle toward the door as if he were in a hurry. We were at a large event, so everyone was talking with everyone. Except he didn’t seem like he wanted to speak with me. Thoughts of my friends telling of this man’s niceness echoed in my mind. Not for a second did I think he was of the bad fruit variety

    During the summer, at a gathering, I saw Shawn again. This time, he didn’t respond to the lovely and positive news I had. Not at all.

    An hour or two into the party, I got an inkling from the Holy Spirit about Shawn. I then realized that he had been speaking negatively about me to someone we’ll call Frank.

    He had told Frank not to speak to me. It was about some trouble I had had with someone, and I was asking Frank for help. Shawn told Frank not to talk to me and had no idea what my concern was. He just thought he’d play God in this case.

    Well, this was an issue due to the notion that Frank had just been diagnosed with a serious disease, and I wanted to support him. Because of Shawn’s being judgmental without knowing my whole story, I cannot give Frank the kindness he really needs

    Shawn acts like someone he is not. He is not the objective person he pretends to be. He is like the rotten, wilted grapes on the vine. They’ve been there a while, but haven’t made it to their grave yet.

    Matthew 7:17 reads, “A healthy tree bears good fruit, but a poor tree cannot bear good fruit.” GNT

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • We Must Protect Ourselves

    A long time ago someone came into my life. It was like they were dancing on a cloud with glitter droplets sprinkling where they walked. It was as if they had rays of light emanating from within. I was mesmerized and enchanted.

    As I glided across the ice rink where we met, I was happier than ever. He laced my skates, hugged me as we warmed ourselves by the heaters, and took me out night after night.

    It seemed like I was in heaven on earth and had found my soulmate.

    I was young and had never been in love before. I knew this was it. For a while.

    I didn’t know I had to guard myself, and that wolves lurked out and about. Then one day, I was over his place and he struck me. I ran to the bathroom and ended up standing in the tub with my clothes on. I couldn’t run far enough.

    I had been on my way to work and had stopped over for a coffee. He turned on me like a monster and beat me up. I cried and ran outside, grabbed my 10-speed, and rode to work with my makeup all messed up. And I am pretty sure there was blood on my clothes.

    After about an hour, he showed up at the pharmacy where I worked, trying to talk to me as if nothing had happened. I escaped from the aisles where I was shelving some products to behind the counter, and my boss intervened.

    Soon after that scene, I left him. As I went along in my life, I vowed never to give someone like him the time of day. So, when I met another sweet talker, I thought he was nice and almost fell for the crap all over again. But this time I was walking with Jesus, and I prayed about it. I then felt the Holy Spirit communicating to me to beware. I turned down this person’s invitations and avoided all encounters afterward.

    Proverbs 4:23 reads, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” NIV

    Thank you for reading.

    l love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Adopting Christ-like Virtues

    I cried tears of joy as my many brothers showed their respect for the words of God.

    It was the occasion of a mass and a Celebration of Life event for our beloved sister.

    I sat and watched as each of my brothers recited Bible verses during a Mass we attended for my sister’s passing. One by one, they stood at the pulpit, sharing what completely resonated with them and was appropriate for the day.

    I knew my brothers were good men who treated people kindly and loved one another and me. However, I hadn’t seen this type of dedication from them before. Mostly, I remember them as we played football, tetherball, and Red Rover. Their display of all that is lovely and peaceful touched my soul.

    The day was beautiful in every respect. We connected with God and felt his presence as we mingled, caught up, and shared memories. Phone numbers were exchanged, stories were told, music echoed throughout the venue, and there were poetry readings, photographs, videos, and plans for the future.

    I met new people, forged new relationships, and reconnected with family I hadn’t seen in years.

    Jesus was all over this day of remembrance, love, and deep feelings.

    Colossians 3:12 reads, “You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” GNT

    Thank you for reading,

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Jesus Has Power

    I kept reading about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. About relying on him. About not using our own strength.

    After some time, I began to let go of what I had and turned it all over to Jesus. There is something about doing this that is freeing. It’s also about getting a clear mind. One that is not worried or cluttered with all kinds of junk that can stop you from advancing toward your dreams.

    When we stop trying, striving, and clawing uphill to get somewhere, we can relax. I know in this world it isn’t often that we can let go and turn ourselves over to anything. But it is all different doing that with our Lord. He wants us to depend on him for everything. We are not to live this life alone.

    I didn’t know that at the time, or I wouldn’t have been frustrated. I would not have felt hopeless, stuck, and afraid of what lay ahead.

    Jesus promises to give us hope and a future, and not to harm us. And he wants us to have faith in him, in what he says, and in ourselves as we navigate the earth’s terrain with him.

    It says do not be afraid about 365 times in the Bible, in various words. We can move along feeling good and have a positive outlook because he’s always looking out for us and taking good care of us.

    I think sometimes there is a fear of what our judgment will be at the end of our lives. But if we try to do the right things, repent of the sins we commit, change negative behavior to what’s good, and adopt a healthy perspective, we’ll be okay.

    And, if we follow the narrow path Jesus leads us on, we will always choose correctly.

    Psalm 20:7 reads, “Some trust in their war chariots and others in their horses, but we trust in the power of the Lord our God.” GNT

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Selfishness, Confusion, and Evil

    I had noticed a while ago that some others were not happy for me as I achieved my goals.

    You would expect that if someone went so far as to cheer you on, they’d seem thrilled when you hit a milestone. Well, in the above case, they were not. I was so busy accomplishing things, I didn’t notice this at first. First there was a smirk, then laugh, then a put down.

    I think most of us project goodness onto other people because we are generally decent. So, we naturally steer our minds that way. However, in this world, there are some who just have a bad attitude and are not happy. Many times, this turns into envy, and thoughts of nothing but what serves them. Because of their position or place, they can see nothing but what’s wrong with others.

    I do not like to consider evil as being around or running rampant among us. It is, though.

    James 3:16 reads, “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”NKJV

    The Bible says we are to love God and one another. It seems there is not enough of this going on.

    When I sensed evil lurking in the vicinity I was in, I immediately prayed some verses for protection from my Promises from God book. He does promise to protect us. I believe, so I knew that any weapon formed against us would not prosper. And I do know that Jesus will take care of those who do wrong in the way that they deserve. After all, the Bible is a Book of Law, a history book, and a book designed to help us live a good life.

    I will move forward, assuming there are many kind people in this land. But if I detect any evil from anyone, I will be praying the verses that direct these types to a life they might not expect a Christian woman to pray for.

    I pray that when you meet people, they are wonderful and have goodness in their hearts.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • True Peace is Staying Close to Jesus

    It was early this morning when the Holy Spirit let me know there was trouble on the horizon. The issue was that certain people did not want me to fulfill my purpose on earth.

    These individuals were the last I would have considered mean or downright rotten earlier. Though when I do have a sensation in the gut area — a gut feeling — I know it’s meaningful and always right because it’s the Holy Spirit. He teaches us all things.

    In addition to the feeling, I had been thinking that the evil types who didn’t want success to visit my camp were on the brink of taking some sort of action against my Kingdom endeavors. Sometimes, it is hard to believe that so much darkness survives out there.

    So, I prayed. Then I found this verse. Ephesians 6:11 reads, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” NKJV

    The armor is what Jesus tells us in the Bible. We are to read and digest what is there for us. Because when we know what the Lord says about certain things, we do not have to be afraid. He always takes good care of us and does not want any harm to come to our lives.

    In fact, Jesus sees peace ahead for us. He wants us to relax, be comfortable, and not worry.

    I settled down, decluttered a few things, did the dishes, collected the trash, and stayed close to my Bible all day so far. This is when I thought that I wouldn’t be able to do anything after I discovered the devil was out to get me through others. I do not make this stuff up. I had known something was lurking anyway. The Holy Spirit had been trying to alert me for days.

    John 16:33 reads, “I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” GNT

    It is true that there is a beautiful peace when I keep my mind focused on Jesus. And since I cannot do more than one thing at a time, I am at peace the whole time. If I need to, I go back to the verse I read before and meditate on it again.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown.

  • Jesus Means What He Says

    When Jesus says something in the Bible, he means it. There are times when we’re not exactly sure what he is saying because there are often parables to figure out.

    As I mentioned earlier, we can Google the meaning of any verse.

    We can, though believe all that he says.

    He is good and wonderful, and he protects us when we ask him to, and even at times, he answers prayers we haven’t even prayed. And often he goes beyond what we ask. He can do more than we can even think of.

    I remember a time when I did not even know that I could pray for what I needed. I was running down a dark street at about midnight. I had no phone or weapons. I had been in the middle of a crime-ridden city all alone. I ran so fast I could hardly breathe. At that time, I had no idea Jesus was even around. However, when I think back on it, I know he was protecting me.

    Recently, I was in a scary situation. I didn’t know what was around the corner, or even straight ahead of me. In this case, I made it out of the scene in the nick of time before any danger arrived. Because it was right before a tragedy might have occurred, I know it was Jesus who got me out of there. I believe there are times when things come down to a close call because he wants us to know it was him who saved us.

    It is good to know that he’s in charge of everything. I feel safe because of this fact. I do things to stay safe myself, but I know he’s always right there next to me. And he’s right there next to you, always too. Even as he is with me, he’s with you. He’s everywhere.

    2 Samuel 22:31 reads, “This God– how perfect are his deeds, how dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection.” GNT

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • We Have a Say So

    It is Jesus who orchestrates everything. We do, however have a chance to determine for ourselves what happens to us too.

    Right in the Bible, it tells us how we can help ourselves.

    Isaiah 55:11 reads, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” NIV

    The above verse is about praying Bible verses back to Jesus as a prayer. We can say the verse aloud, pray it in Jesus’ name, and thank him and praise him for it. Praying Bible verses is the strongest form of prayer

    When we are not sure what verse to pray for what it is that we need, we can Google “What is a Bible verse for (the problem I am having…) and in addition, we can also ask Google the meaning of the verse to make sure it is what we want to pray.

    When I began my walk with Jesus, I did not know we could pray verses. But now that I do, I do it often.

    One of my favorite verses to pray back to Jesus is Romans 4:17. It reads, “As the scripture says, ‘ I have made you father of many nations.’ So, the promise is good in the sight of God, in whom Abraham believed–the God who brings the dead to life and whose command brings into being what did not exist.” GNT

    Romans 4:17 means that God’s power enables him to do the impossible. And even when something has not happened yet, he is so awesome that we can know it will occur because he says so.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • I Receive My Plans From God

    When I first heard about the Lord’s plans succeeding, and not my own, I wondered. How could that be when he’s given us brains and the ability to make decisions.

    However, after having made a multitude of the wrong decisions in life, I rest easy knowing that Jesus is in charge. It actually relaxes me, calms me and sets me free to be able to rely on him. To let him instruct me as to my purpose.

    Before I knew about Jesus, I had no purpose. I didn’t know why I was on this planet. Now, I rejoice in the idea that there’s a divine reason for our lives, and that he’s got plans for me to follow. And I do believe that what we’re doing here is preparing for our lives in heaven. We’re getting ready to live on forever. Also, I do think it matters what we do while we exist on earth.

    When the Holy Spirit gives me the download for direction and the road to follow, I try to go for it as soon as possible. Sometimes I don’t know the exact reason for the plan, but I try to focus on it long enough to figure it out. What helps me in this endeavor is to read the promises he makes in the Bible. When Jesus tells us something, we can believe it. He is always right and honest. What he says is always true, no matter when we read it.

    When it comes to Jesus’ purpose for my life and his plans for me, I know they are good. For example, the time of day I write this blog has changed lately. My plan was to do it whenever I happened to think about it, with no schedule at all. Now, the Lord has me writing early in the morning. I see that it is better this way. I think more clearly early, and when I am finished, I get the good natural chemicals like dopamine coursing through my veins, making me feel accomplished and wonderful. What a way to start my day.

    Proverbs 19:21 reads, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”NIV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • When What You Hoped for Didn’t Manifest

    For years, I had thought about something. Hoped for it. Waited to see if it could work out. Then today I discovered that it just cannot happen. It did involve others, so it did depend on their free will.

    I know there is a reason beyond the obvious why this wasn’t going to take place. I know there is a divine reason. Maybe it is that I myself was not ready or able either. Maybe it is because I have important work to do, and I really don’t have time to devote to anything but that.

    I have already begun considering a variety of possibilities. When it comes to the work situation, I know it is a big part of the “why” behind all this. I have a lot to do, and I have a huge project on my desk right now.

    I already feel Jesus consoling me–letting me know it’s going to be okay, and that he’s with me.

    Psalm 34:18 reads, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ NIV

    I know that writing this blog is good for me. It’s part of my job. But it gives me inspiration and is therapeutic, too. It’s because when I speak to you with my words, they resonate with me. Sometimes it’s like you have to hear yourself say something for it to settle in your brain.

    Now that I am not distracted by all of the wishing and hoping I will settle down and come up with some systems for achieving my goals. As I understand it, systems consist of a set of steps that lead to something. They are step-by-step plans that move toward what you want to happen. For me, baby steps that inch me towards what I’m dreaming of work best. I can’tlook at a whole project all at once too often.

    The relaxing part of this objective I’ve just outlined is important. I think I will incorporate a few healthy habits into the blueprint for my newfound life after disappointment. I will be stretching early in the day, walking or doing aerobics, lifting some free weights, and meditating more. I will be consulting my Eating Well cookbook and painting more.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown