Powerful Living Voice Online Radio by queenephillips | Blog Talk Radio
Gift of Presence
So many are in a shopping frenzy… Trying to finish their gift list. I’m not. Why? Not really sure… May have something to do with age, well let’s call it wisdom. It may have something to do with other pressing financial obligations… Or it just could be I don’t want to deal with crowds. Of course, I’d like to think it has more to do with my spiritual focus on the season. Oh sure, I have grand kids… Gotta get them something! But the best gift of all will be PRESENCE…presence of family, friends and the ever abiding, peaceful, loving Presence of the Lord.
Presence—what an awesome gift!
Praying you will also have the best Gift this CHRISTmas….His Presence!
Fear vs. Faith
Fear imprisons, faith liberates; fear paralyzes, faith empowers; fear disheartens, faith encourages; fear sickens, faith heals, fear makes useless, faith makes serviceable—and most of all, fear puts hopelessness at the heart of life, while faith rejoices in its God.
—Harry Emerson Fosdick
Wow! When I came across this quote, I had to share it. These are timely words for this time of the year. This is the time when “faith” should cause us to rejoice in our God. When we really focus on the true meaning of this season we should be liberated, empowered, encouraged, and healed and eager to serve—and most of all willing to share the message of faith, hope and love.
Although Christmas is the time to celebrate the good news of peace, love and hope that the birth of Jesus Christ brought to earth, it can be one of the most stressful and depressing times of the year for some people. This is because life is filled with fearful transitions and challenges that affect all mankind as a result of Man’s fall in the Garden of Eden.
Still, the Good News is: God’s planned for Man to live victoriously and to triumph over the evil that’s ever present to ensnare his soul and spirit. The plan for a victorious and abundant life is through faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world, and Lord over all. In Him we live, move and have our being (existence). In Him, we have hope, unconditional love and inner peace to get us through the toughest of times, if we believe in Him, rely on Him, trust in Him, and obey His commands.
Search Scriptures, for in them in you will find and know the Truth. That truth will liberate you, empower you, encourage, bring healing to your mind and emotions, and give you a desire to serve God and others; and most of all, place hope at the heart of life, and give you a reason to rejoice in this season.
I pray that you are filled with love, hope and peace this holiday season!
Scripture references: Genesis 3; Luke 2:13-14; John 5:38-40; Acts 17:11, 28; Colossians 1:26-28; Philippians 4:6-8
Still here!
The new decade has begun! And I am still here! I’m so thankful to report that when twelve midnight arrived I was assembled with a large congregation Christian believers giving God praise; thanking Him for a New Year. We don’t know what all this year will bring, but what I DO KNOW is that God is in control. I also know that my life is in His hands and I can be certain that He will keep His promise: Never to leave me nor forsake me. As long as He is with me whatever challenges I face in 2011 I’m in His care. He loves me unconditionally, and only wants what is best for me. To put it simple: “In God I Trust!”
I pray that you would trust Him too!
Happy New Year!
Christmas Reflections
December 25, 2010
Filed under Christmas, Innermost thoughts
Tags: Christmas, family, peace, reflection
It’s Christmas Day! Many are home for the holidays, many are stranded due to inclement weather and flight cancellations.
If I couldn’t share inspiration and encouragement, my innermost thoughts and feelings through the written word my purpose would wither like a plant deprived of water and oxygen. Every moment I get I’m compelled to let the words pour from my heart onto the pages of compositions, note pads, the computer and blogs. I am a writer! That is what we do…write; right? Right.
So here I am on Christmas Day writing; reflecting on the past Christmases and how my perspective has changed over the years. My children are adults now. One has kids of his own. Unfortunately, I won’t see them today. That’s not a good feeling. Reason? Let’s just say, “Complicated!”
Very quiet atmosphere in my home. Appreciate the phone calls and text messages from family and friends wishing me and my family a merry Christmas. The aroma of cornbread dressing, honey-cured baked ham, and all the trimmings permeate the atmosphere. Christmas music and songs are playing to give that added touch of the Spirit to the occasion.
My celebration is more inward though, if there is such a thing… Basically, I’m just so thankful for the reason for this season—the Gift of salvation— I was given a second chance to embrace Grace, unconditional love, and peace that Christ assures everyone receives if they would accept Him as Savior and Lord.
Traditionally my Christmas celebrations were with lots of people dropping in, family, children screaming, opening presents, lots of food (up cooking all night on Christmas Eve, wrapping presents, laughing and talking while sipping hot cocoa or apple cider. Nevertheless, I’m learning to treasure the quietness. Still at certain times it’s a challenge to battle the feeling of lonliness during the holiday season when missing loved ones that have transitioned from this earthly life. If you’re facing this same challenge, then you know what I’m talking about. Although they are gone, hopefully, the good times you shared in times past will be your inspiration for this holiday season.
Finally, I pray that you and your family have a Merry Christmas, and that the joy of this season blasts like a trumpet in
your hearts so that all we hear and ask the reason for your joy. Then you will have opportunity to share, “It’s the joy of the Lord…Jesus is the Reason for the Season!”
Merry Christmas!
The JOY of CHRISTmas!
Imagine for a moment a clear bright starry still night. Shepherds are watching over their flock. Suddenly their space is invaded by the brilliance of blinding lights like that of a football field at night. A chilling fear freezes them like an ice sculpture. And then an angel reassures them, “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
The spirit of Christmas can be surmised in the message of comforting news heralded by the angel to the shepherds. The angel’s presence was so profound it was frightening. The splendor and majestic ambiance had to have been breathtakingly terrifying. Although the angel’s appearance was frightening the message was calming. It was good news sent forth to bring great joy to ALL people, not just for a season, but for an eternity. This Joy can only be described as “great”. There are no words in the English language to articulate its depth…it is the Joy powerful enough to resurrect the lifeless soul. It is the Joy that emanates from the Life that has no beginning and no ending. Nothing can compare to this Joy. This Joy will silence doubt, calm fears, and mend broken hearts. This Joy is so overwhelming that tears flow without reason, and can only be explained as “joy unspeakable.”
The spirit of Christmas emanates Joy. Christmastime reminds us of God’s good news—“Joy to the world!” The JOY God desires for us is NOT based on circumstances and situations, but on the Gift of Salvation
to all mankind through His Son, Jesus the Christ—Savior of the world. I announce to you, the JOY OF CHRISTmas is Yeshua, (which means ADONAI saves). May Joy permeate your home this Christmas!
©2010 Queen E. F. Phillips
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The Spirit of Christmas
In corporate America office staff and employees are entertaining for the holiday season. Galas, banquets, office parties, house parties are some of the gatherings during this time of the year. Although there may have been disagreements and division during the year, it is something about this season that gives reason for coming together. Even the least religious look forward to the festivities.
Whether religious or not, practicing Christians or only Christian by profession, it is the “spirit” of Christmas that permeates the atmosphere. It is the season of good news and hope that is meant to bring great joy. Although it was over 2000 years ago, the same declaration that melodiously resounded in the atmosphere still serenades during this season, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL the people” (Luke 2:10).
No doubt, many are uncertain about the true significance of the season. Nevertheless, they can sense the excitement and enthusiasm that the Christmas season brings.
Here’s the significance of the season and the reason for hope…a Savior was born (came wrapped in humanity as the revealed Word of God) to rescue all mankind from hopelessness, despair, and a life of violence and eternal destruction. He came to bring peace on earth and good will to all on whom His favor rests. His favor will rest on those who receives Him as the Christ, the Anointed One, the Lord.
The revealed Plan of Salvation for all that will receive it by faith in Christ Jesus. So why not take advantage of the gatherings and share the good news this year and all year by living peacefully with your fellowman. Jesus Christ being the Prince of Peace gives you peace that is incomprehensible but real. Therefore, your gatherings won’t just be temporary false pretense but permanent influence as a result of God’s unconditional love. The spirit of Christmas is love, peace, joy, happiness and hope eternal not for a day, but for a lifetime.
In the spirit of CHRISTmas,
Merry CHRISTmas to you and your family
To be continued…
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Big Birthday Bash!
I am so excited! I’ve been invited to a big birthday celebration on Saturday, December 25th. This will be the first birthday bash I’ve ever attended for this very special person. I’ve known him for quite some time now, and I can’t begin to express my gratitude for him being a part of my life. He has been the best thing that ever happened to me. Not to mention the best friend I could ever have. Sadly, years ago his birth was important; it meant everything. Now it seems it means nothing to so many…just another day that’s been commercialized by retailers looking to make a year-end profit. I believe if everyone who says he’s their friend would join together to promote the “power of unity” among believers who understand the real reason for this season, it would bring back the meaningfulness of CHRISTmastime.
Surely, by now you know whose birthday party I’m attending on December 25th. Yep! It’s JESUS CHRIST—the SAVIOR of the world. Do you know Him? If not, you are still welcome to come to the big birthday bash and meet Him. I’m sure friends of His are gathering at a location near you, or in your vicinity. He really wants you to be His friend too. He’s the kind of friend you’d be glad to have; He will never let you down. He’s a friend for life!
Christmas Perspective
From a child I have been told that Jesus is the reason for the season. For years I have heard that because God gave us His greatest Gift, we should give gifts to others for Christmas. Wait! Don’t stop reading… All my adult life I have heard that Christmas is the time of giving. However, this year I have a different perspective. Yes. Of course, I’m going to give gifts! My different perspective is this: Perhaps we have focused so much on giving at Christmastime that we’ve forgotten about the “receiving” aspect. When a gift is given, it must be received.
Have you ever been given a gift that you really didn’t like, want, or need? What did you do with it? Hmmmm…
If you didn’t use it, wear it, display it, appreciate it, or like it then you really didn’t RECEIVE it. We have been given the GREATEST GIFT. We have been given the BEST GIFT. We have been given the ETERNAL GIFT. We have been given the GIFT OF PEACE, the GIFT OF LIFE EVERLASTING. No amount of money is enough to pay for the GIFT we have been given. But have we received the GIFT?
This CHRISTmas remember it is also a time of “Receiving” just as much as it is a time of “Giving”. Yes, Jesus is the Reason for the Season. But what makes it more purposeful is when we give hope to others by sharing the gift of Light and Love and receive Him (JESUS THE CHRIST) as the Gift of Life to the world. If you haven’t, RECEIVE Him; He is God’s Gift to you!
Merry CHRISTmas!
The Savior is Born!
January 3, 2010
Filed under Uncategorized
Tags: baby, Bethlehem, Christ, Christmas story, hope, Joseph, Luke, Mary, virgin mary
I have given birth to my Firstborn Son! Yes, it was painful but I was not alone. Joseph was right there with me, and I could feel an unexplainable warmth and presence even in the pain.
There were rooms available in the inn, so I gave birth in an animal feeding area. Joseph wrapped the Baby in strips of cloths and placed Him in an animal feeding trough, amazingly, the animals provided some warmth. He’s beautiful but I’m sure every mother thinks her baby is beautiful.
I’m in awe that I’ve witnessed the fulfillment of prophecy in my life! I will ponder these things in my heart. Even though may read this centuries later and find it degrading; however, I’m certain that what the Father wanted.
Even more miraculous was the arrival of visitors who shared an amazing story of how they found us…a Star. They brought gifts…very expensive gifts.
It’s been eight days now, and we’ve arrived in Jerusalem to present our Firstborn to the LORD, according the Law of Moses. And His Name is Jesus (Yeshua). Emmanuel…
Favored one,
Mary
©2009 Queen E. Phillips, QEP Enterprises
