But he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15 RSV)
When I was younger, one of my brothers would always tell our father that I was the culprit of things missing from the refrigerator that he brought being more specific Reese’s peanut butter cups, which is one of my favorites. I would tell him it was not me who took it, but for some reason, he never believed me. I did not learn until later in life, that my brother would fault me, and he was the one who ate my Dad’s Reese’s peanut butter cups. If I wanted the Reese’s peanut butter cup I would just ask, especially if I did not purchase them. My brother thought it was funny, but I did not think it was a laughing matter. It seems as though this line of defense followed me throughout my life, people would always run to others and tell them, Jairite was the culprit, I was the bad guy, “look what she did to me, “Jairite said this to me” constantly playing the victim before I could plead my case; after a while, I would just fall back, because I know the routine, It was her, Jairite did it, whatever “it” was.
My Ex-business partner always played the victim. Eventually, the truth came out, and the parties involved knew I was not the perpetrator. It’s funny how the tables turn, if she hears of something in the field of my business about me, she is one of my staunchest advocates. The bible did say your enemies would be your footstool. Today, even in ministry it is still happening, folk playing the victim, but I am grateful to God that he knows our heart, a man or woman may justify themselves in front of others, but ultimately God knows our behavior is an abomination in his sight. Watch those who always act like the victim, there is usually another side or sides to that story. Remain encourage that God knows the truth and you will be vindicated. God Bless you.
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (Matthew 1:23b)
The Christmas season is for some an exhilarating time of year, and for some people, it is not so exciting; maybe they lost a loved one or perhaps it’s overrated or their childhood did not bring them good tidings, just coal. I am grateful for the warm memories of the Christmas season that my family afforded me without leaving out the real reason for the season. I want my son to have great memories of Christmas as well, but teaching him that Jesus is the reason for the season and the actual gift, that keeps on giving, that will never break or become outdated or get lost.
Ultimately, we should remember that no matter how we embrace or reflect upon this Holiday season, if you are a Christian, we should be grateful that the creator came in the form of man to redeem and offer us a new life. I am first thankful that God the son has come to be with us. I believe in the virgin birth because I accept Christ as my savior. I look to the hills from which comes my help and my help does not come from man, it comes from an all-powerful and gracious God. This season is a time not only to expect but to reflect upon what the coming of Christ has meant for my life. I hope that I am doing my part as a disciple of witnessing to the glory of God and his goodness and mercies toward us.
I also look forward to all the songs of the Christmas season because they reflect the coming of Christ, the songs we sing throughout the holiday is one thing man’s commercialism of Christmas does not overshadow because the songs tell the story of the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ the King. I am glad the angel of the Lord spoke to Mary and Joseph so that we could have Immanuel, with us. Remain encourage and remember, Jesus, is the gift and the reason for the season.
“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7) Throughout my life in church, we sung the lyrics to the song “I will trust in the Lord until I die…” we did not just sing, we belted it out. The passion that went into singing this song, was not always demonstrated in ones walk with God, but I guess it felt and sounded good at the time. In the book of Job, the Lord said to Satin, have you considered my servant Job, The Lord knew Job trusted him. That is why the scripture ask Satin did you consider my servant job. When will the Lord be able to consider you? Does the Lord know you trust him or is it just lyrics to a song that sounds good when we sing in unison during a Sunday morning worship service? Today, When I sing this song, it is much different than years ago, I may have trusted God, but not to the extent that I trust the lord today. Today, I can stand boldly and sing I will trust in the Lord and know that the lord is good to me and a stronghold in the time of trouble and I believe the Lord knows I trust him. The Bible reminds us that Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. Because our days are full of trouble, I encourage you to trust the Lord and know that he will deliver you from all your troubles, as he did with King David, as with Job and like he has done with you and me, because we are still here able to give our testimony. I trust the Lord and I have experienced the goodness of the Lord. Man might mean well, but as the Apostle Paul said, “When I would do right, evil is always present.” When you trust in the Lord, you will not be disappointed. I pray that as you mature in your faith, the Lord will know you as one who believes in him. And you will be able to say as David did Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. God Bless you.
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