Musings and Nuggets

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.  The government will rest on his shoulders.  And He will be called:  Wonderful Counselor, Mghty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace .                                                Isaiah 9:6, NLT  T here are people who get really upset when greeted with "Happy Holidays"!  Thanksgiving is the official start of this holiday season, however, some of us are offended when greeted with "Happy Holidays"  supposing that it is an attempt to take Christ out of Christmas. In reality, the celebration of Hanukkuh in 2024, called The Festival of Lights, also begins on the evening of December 25th.  It is an 8 day Jewish holiday commemorating God's faithfulness and provisions for the Jews.  This should be a reminder for God's faithfulness to us as well. Kwanzaa which starts on tomorro...

I have Southern roots and grew up in a family who had a lot of sayings.  Most had a nugget of wisdom in them, and some were just comical. I sometimes find myself repeating some of them without even realizing it, until I see the person's confused expression on their face.😊 One of them was "No matter how high you fly, remember that even an eagle has to come down for water at some point."   The lesson is to always treat others well on your way up because at some point you may need need them, and it's just nice to be nice.  Each one of us has probably experienced someone whom we knew growing up who, and as a result of some success in their career or moving to "better" neighborhood,  change from the person you knew growing up into a pompus "holier than thou" person.  James 4:10 admonished us to Humble yourselves [ourselves] before the Lord, and he will lift you [us] up. My Mom's point was that we should always be careful how we treat others and ...

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of saints.  1 Corinthians 14:33  (NKJV) It is now the week after the elections and there are many who are still dealing with raw emotion, disappointment, and fear of what lies ahead. When I read "5 Prayers for Post-Election Peace" that popped up in my inbox on November 6th, it expressed some of what was on my heart so well, that I decided to post a link to it.  It is written by Clarence L. Hayes, Jr.  I hope that you will take the time read it, especially if you are a Believer.  Feel free to share it with others if you feel that it would be helpful.                                                                                              ...

I believe that all of us are finally breathing a sigh of relief that all of the political ads that have inundated our televisions, radios, and mail boxes, holding them hostage, finally cease until mid-term election time comes around in two years.  We need a break!! Some people are elated and celebrating because their candidate(s) won.  Some are disappointed and sad because theirs did not.  Still others are considering and actively researching countries to which they would like to reside (instead of remaining in the United States).   Others are gripped by the fear of what seems to lie ahead and are totally disallusioned about the promise of "justice and liberty for all".   For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  2 Timothy 1:7   (NKJV) As hard as it may seem, we cannot lose sight of the fact that our Sovereign God is still in control no matter how it looks and that we are to walk by faith and no...

Later today, in many communities there will be crowds of children (and some adults) that will "hit the streets" as part of their celebration or observance of Halloween.  First, a little background. According to  Christianity.org.uk ,  "the one thing that we can be certain of is its name, Hallowe'en is a contraction of All Hallows Eve, and this refers to a christian festival known in old language as All Hallows,  that is All Saints day". According to Britannica.com , "Halloween, [is] a holiday observed on October 31 and noted for its pagan and religious roots and secular traditions.  In much of Europe and most of North America , observance of Halloween is largely nonreligious, celebrated with parties, spooky costumes, Jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins, and the giving of candy." Therein lies "the rub".  There is disagreement among Christians about whether or not Halloween is demonic and therefore should not celebrated or observed, and those (who enjoy...

  “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.                                         Matthew 5:13 ( NLT) Tensions and emotions are quite high in our land right now, as well as, other places in the world.  Some because of the aftermath of events such as hurricanes, tornados, droughts, floods, earthquakes, wars, and even rumors of wars.  As we approach the 2024 Presidential Election in America, the temperature of the country is emotionally charged with anger, threats, racial tensions, distrust, fear, and panic. How are those of us who are "called by His name" supposed to respond?  Can the Lord trust us to be salt, light and peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) or are will we be the ones to "agitate and stir the pot" thus turning up the temperature?...