You suffered for us; we join our sufferings to Yours & trust. You alone can grow a fragrant rose of great beauty from the midst of thorns.

by Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro (c) 2012       www.holyspiritpress.org     www.eaglesnestfoundation.org 

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”   But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”  28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”  (John 20:24-28 NIV)

Human wisdom sends out a constant, subconscious message that if we do everything right, all life with be good.  But this is not reality and when we experience the opposite, it is hard.  When beyond hardship we encounter evil, our world can begin to crumble for God did not create us for evil, but for good and we cannot make sense out of that which we are experiencing.   As more happens which doesn’t seem to make sense, we can be tempted to crash and burn…

Last week as I walked and listened to the Lord, looking for whatever He would have me see, He whispered a powerful reminder.  The wounding Jesus received on the cross is still there. The nail scars on His hands and feet have been part of who He is since the crucifixion.

God has used all that Jesus suffered for extreme good!  (By His wounds we are healed from the sentence of death so that ALL who believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord and His sacrifice for us on the cross will receive the gift of eternal life.)  Yet when Jesus rose from the dead, the wounding He received was not gone. It remained.  Thomas put his finger where the nails had been.

Jesus the King of heaven and earth was wounded for our transgressions.  We need to be reminded that suffering is a part of life.  Often, but not always its source is evil.  It grieves us; it wounds us.  But God will redeem it.  If we will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, contemplating His promises (who for the JOY set before Him endured the cross), He will lead us through it, and use everything for eventual good in light of His eternal plan. Eventually the pain from where we have been wounded may be less, or even fade away, but the scars will remain.  They are part of our sacrifice.

If we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us lay aside bitterness and forgive (again and again), without condoning that which was wrong, we will receive a great blessing.  Our sufferings will be joined with those of Christ.  As Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. “ (John 15: 18-19 NIV)  and “22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. “  (Matt. 21:22 NIV)  We may be battle-weary and scarred, but He enables us to dwell in the peace and joy of the ever-present, promised and eternal victory of our King.

This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.   (Acts 2:23 NIV)

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.  (Isa. 53:5 NIV)

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.  (1 Peter 3:13-18 NIV)

…And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  (Heb. 12:1b-3 NIV)

Elizabeth Fulgaro is a wife, mother, writer, inspirational speaker, worship leader, composer, singer & recording artist.  She is also a Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor with a heart for helping Christians understand and steward their finances God’s way. 

For books, worship cds, Bible studies and teachings written by Elizabeth Fulgaro or to schedule her to come speak to your group please visit www.holyspiritpress.org  Worship music audio clips can be found at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ElizabethFulgaro For information on her work for the military and their families please visit www.eaglesnestfoundation.org   Eagles Nest Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible.

Even through seasons of winter in life, You are there working out Your good, eternal purposes. We can rest in You and rejoice in You for all things are in Your hands. You are our hope for only in You do we have life now and forever.

by Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro (c) 2012        www.holyspiritpress.org    www.eaglesnestfoundation.org

Below are a few of God’s promises to revel in today, to be reminded how much He loves us, that we can hear from Him and that He will use us for great purpose every day – if we will let Him.

God’s Word (the Bible) encourages us because it is filled with His promises.  We call these promises, because what God says in His Word, He will fulfill.  God is Truth. Therefore He cannot lie.  He is also unchanging. Therefore, what He spoke through His Word in times gone by can still be relied on today.

The exterior of how we live our lives might change from one generation to the next.  But the interior of who we are as human beings and how God relates to us remains the same.  Here are a few promises to revel in:

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  (John 14:6 NIV)

6 I the LORD do not change….  (Mal. 3:6 NIV)

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  (Heb. 13:8 NIV)

2 “This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’  (Jer 33:2-3)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  (Jer. 29:11-13)

8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. 9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.  (Ps. 25:8-9 NIV)

21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”  (Isa. 30:21 NIV)

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  (Matt 6:31-34)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  (1 Peter 5:6-9)

28 We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.  (Rom. 8:28 Amplified)

7 ….. These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.  (Rev. 3:7 NIV)

3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:  “I have loved you with an everlasting love;  I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.  4 I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt.  Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful “ (Jer. 31:3-4 NIV)

What a delight to be reminded that because He is God and Lord, we do not have to worry.  He is in control.  He will use all things for good in light of eternity.  ALL THINGS.  This does not make suffering easy, but we know that through the trials, suffering and obstacles we encounter, God will use these for great purpose.

Nowhere does He promise us an easy life.  Our physical lives will never become heaven on earth.  But through how He uses us in these difficult places others will experience the reality of the living all-good, loving God through our lives and seek Him in turn for themselves.  In this way, through all our circumstances, God weaves a plan that accomplishes His overall objective that more find Him, so they can be with Him in eternity, and our lives become lives of great purpose to have His effect on others which can have everlasting consequences.

What joy to know that if we seek Him, He will allow Himself to be found!  How humbling to know if we will follow where He leads, He will use us to have an eternal impact on others! How amazing to be reminded that He has the plan (so we don’t have to) and will speak to us, guiding us in the way we are to go!

No, His voice most often will not sound like a human voice resounding in our ear, because He is Spirit.  Instead it will be like a whisper, a whiff of a thought which drops into our minds from seemingly out of nowhere. Initially we may wonder if is our own or His.  He tells us to test it to make sure it is not from the adversary.  But even in this we are not to worry.  God looks at the heart.  He is the perfect Father.  If we are truly seeking His will, if we really want to hear from Him, then He will not let us get off His narrow path.  He will hold our hand.  He will guide us in the way we are to go.  He will shut doors before us where we think we ought to go, but He knows are not His plan for us.

May we have the courage to listen for His Holy Spirit nudges and to follow when what we “hear” may not seem to make sense, but does not contradict His character and way.  May He use us for His eternal purposes again and again for the growth of His Kingdom and our blessing.

Selah! [Pause and calmly think of that!]

END

Elizabeth Fulgaro is a wife, mother, writer, inspirational speaker, worship leader, composer, singer & recording artist.  She is also a Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor with a heart for helping Christians understand and steward their finances God’s way. 

For books, worship cds, Bible studies and teachings written by Elizabeth Fulgaro or to schedule her to come speak to your group please visit www.holyspiritpress.org  Worship music audio clips can be found at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ElizabethFulgaro For information on her work for the military and their families please visit www.eaglesnestfoundation.org   Eagles Nest Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible.

You are Light of the world; Your Way everlasting and perfect. Lead us by Your Spirit. We need You. We will follow.

by Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro (c) 2012        www.holyspiritpress.org   www.eaglesnestfoundation.org

The following devotion is long, yet the reminder of the importance of blessing one another is critical for us to walk out the Great Commission and see more of His Kingdom come and His will being done on earth now as in heaven.  Find a quiet place and be still with Him as He takes us through some powerful Scriptures.  Note: As you read, please keep in mind, there can be people and situations where for a variety of reasons we need to forgive, love and bless at a distance.  For instance, sometimes it is out of respect for their wishes and sometimes it is out of respect for our own safety and well-being.  Each person must ask the Holy Spirit for direction in each circumstance.  God alone knows what is best.  May He bless you with deeper revelations of how to walk out His love (with godly, respectful boundaries) in your own circumstances. ~ Elizabeth

February is a time of year we celebrate secular love, however, the source of all love is God.  Those of us who know Him, revel in His love for it is like no other.  His love is unconditional, unoffendable, merciful, forgiving, unending, infinite and never fails!!!

God’s love was made most clearly manifest through Jesus.  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  (John 3:16 NIV)

It is through God’s love that we were created, have purpose, and can be restored to right relationship with Him which takes us beyond the end of our natural, physical lives and into eternity with Him.

This God who IS LOVE, calls us into relationship, inviting all who will turn and acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord to be adopted eternally into His family as His own.   The invitation stands ready and awaits our response from the moment of our physical birth until the time of our death.

He looks for our response to His love.  If we choose to love Him, too, then He tells us our love will manifest in obedience to Him.  He loves all and desires every single one to be restored to Him. Thus if we love Him, we will choose to love others as well – not in order to get anything in return from them, but because He loves them and asks from us the same.

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us….God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.  (1 John 4:1-12,16b-21)

He tells us that we are each unique and to each of us He has given certain gifts with which He wishes to bless the world and reach even more individuals to give them an opportunity to be adopted into His forever family.  He does this by becoming visible in our lives by the work of the Holy Spirit through us.

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.   14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.  

 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

   “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;  if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  (Rom 12:1-6,9-21  NIV)

None of us are perfect.  None of us can do it all. It is the way He designed it to be.  We are each like one piece of His Body.  Together, we function under Him, the Head and He accomplishes His purposes through us.  But we must choose to work together.

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  (John 13:34-35 NIV)

Our innate nature is to argue and have disputes among us, judging one another, becoming offended, holding grudges, etc. But when we so choose, the Holy Spirit can and will work through us to transform us more and more into the image of Christ….being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:18b NIV)

Jesus calls us to this unity. It was His final prayer to the Father before His passion and crucifixion for us. It is through our unity, which He says the world will recognize who He is.

²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:21-23)

This puts a great responsibility on us!  He knew He created us all different.  He is asking us to choose to honor one another and love one another.  It is a choice, yet without it we cannot represent our King.

It is likely one of the reasons He asked us to love our enemies, forgive one another just as He forgives us and bless those who persecute us.  None of us are perfect. This means even when we are trying not to offend and to bless, there will be times we offend anyway!  (Not to mention in our humanness, the times we succumb to the temptation to be unkind, unforgiving, angry, hateful, jealous, critical, condemning, etc.)  Each of us will offend and each of us will be in a position to be offended.  In order to preserve the unity and functioning as one Body to which He calls us, at those times when we find ourselves hurt, we must choose to forgive (which does not condone wrong behavior) and to bless.

The Lord gave us the example in Numbers 6.  He had Moses tell Aaron and his sons (the priests), to bless the people and by their blessing, the Lord would put His name on the people and with it His blessing.  The Lord’s blessing is His favor, His protection, provision and all that is good in Him and from Him.

22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 “ Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites.  Say to them:

24 ‘The LORD bless you and keep you;

25 The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.’

27 So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”  (Numbers 6:22-27 NIV)

The Lord told Moses it was through the blessing of the priests on the people that His blessing would come.  Through Jesus we have all inherited the position as priests before Him.  We need to bless one another – in season and out of season; when we feel like it and when we don’t (as an act of will) in order to honor our King and seek peace throughout the Body that the enemy might not be able to use us against each other to create division (and animosity) which keeps the message of Jesus Christ, His Love and gift of life eternal from going forth.  This is not easy! Especially when we believe we are the one who has been wronged!  And yet, the bigger picture is worth working to preserve the unity in His Body through pursuing peace – as much as it depends on each of us individually.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  (Rom 12:18 NIV)

Granted peace cannot be forced.  We can each only do our part.  We cannot force the other party to pursue mutual peace as well.  Thus as much as it depends on each of us, may He bless us with the courage and strength to love when we are not loved back in a way which we can feel; may He empower us to forgive and forgive again when we are wronged intentionally and unintentionally; and may He give us His strategy regarding how to express His love in godly, prudent, Spirit-directed ways to each person He puts around us.

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

…  13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.  (1 Peter 3:8-9,13-18 NIV)

If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.  (2 Cor. 2:5-11)

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  (Matt. 5:43-47 NIV)

END

Elizabeth Fulgaro is a wife, mother, writer, inspirational speaker, worship leader, composer, singer & recording artist.  She is also a Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor with a heart for helping Christians understand and steward their finances God’s way. 

For books, worship cds, Bible studies and teachings written by Elizabeth Fulgaro or to schedule her to come speak to your group please visit www.holyspiritpress.org  Worship music audio clips can be found at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ElizabethFulgaro For information on her work for the military and their families please visit www.eaglesnestfoundation.org   Eagles Nest Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible.

Lord, You are all that we need. To You belongs all that we have. Thank You for being our God

The past week or so, I have been quiet, reflective and thankful.  I have been overcome with thanksgiving for what He has done and is doing (both visible and invisible), in awe of magnificent signs the Lord has given me which I do not yet understand and yet simultaneously depressed in some way.  I have been filled with contentment in all He has provided, realizing the need for nothing beyond His provision and yet looking at everything with uncomfortably dulled senses.

There has been no reason for depression or discouragement and it has been discouraging to feel this way when there is no reason!  Certainly this is the nemesis of depression.  It does not always have a clear cause. And certainly it has increased once again my compassion for those who live under depression’s temporary cloud because this has reminded me personally of its overall numbing effect and how the heaviness of it tempts one to simply stop – everything.  Depression seeks to suck all the potential joy out of life no matter circumstances. And so quietly, reflectively, inwardly I have continued to make the choice to worship my King regardless, purposely thanking Him for where I have been because I know that in and through all things He has great purpose.

This morning came the breakthrough and the lifting of the cloud – for which I am utterly thankful, for He did not have to allow the breakthrough so soon.  He revealed to me the source of my discouragement.  I have been weighed down by a sense of hopelessness.

This is interesting because consciously I know and seek to live daily that my hope is in the LORD and nothing else.  And let’s be clear.  Hopelessness is NEVER from God.  Through God we always have hope, because He is in control and in Him we always have a beautiful future through eternity because of Jesus!!!  I know this.  You know this.  We all seek to live it.  And yet this morning, I needed His reminder.  Unwittingly I had slipped into the pit of hopelessness and did not even know what it was.

Why?  I know my assignments from Him.  I know that I am part of a remnant army called to help others understand Him and His way enough to be called themselves to be part of the group who will live lives for Him according to His way, rising up one by one to be His love and represent the righteousness of His way on earth as in heaven, permeating our culture with the attractive fragrance of Him until many, many seek and find Him!!!  When I speak of living His way I am not speaking of a legalism which will manifest in perfect lives, for none of us will ever be perfect.  Meant here is a love for God which finds its expression in hearts which want to do everything and live every moment for Him.  These are lives where we seek to mirror the values of His Kingdom in heaven on earth.

Integral to this is the increasing understanding of the value and dignity of every human being: the born, the as-yet-unborn, the ill, the aged, the executive, the laborer, the homeless, the prisoner, the invalid,…..every human being.  Foundational is the understanding that we are either under God, or we are not and that if we say we want His blessing and His help, then we need to understand what living “under God” means.  We need to respect and follow what He says about the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, the importance of fidelity when married and of keeping chaste our bodies which are His temple when not – to allow God with His Way to elevate our thoughts above the emphasis on sexuality as the ultimate of human existence and re-direct our attention to that which is spiritual, not just carnal and finds its pinnacle in devotion to Him.  Necessary is the comprehension that God speaks to us, if we will listen and that we cannot follow Jesus Christ, if we are not listening and looking for where His Spirit directs us. Critical is knowing that if we profess faith in Him, there is an inherent allegiance which goes with this where like Mary, Joseph and Jesus we say to the Father: “not my will, but yours”.  Essential is the leaving behind of the self-centric mentality, even for those of us who believe, which focuses on turning to God to get what we think we want instead of trusting God to be God (having our best interest at heart and asking Him constantly what He wants of us.  It is crucial to finally grasp down deep within us that everything (EVERYTHING!!!) we have is HIS, not ours.  To Him belong our time, finances and every ability with which He has endowed us.  These are not to use the way we think is good, but the way He leads us, where He leads us. (Again, daring to learn to listen so we can follow.)  Indispensable is the comprehension that we have nothing to fear when He is our God; in fact, it is the fear of the LORD, which is the beginning of Wisdom.  He is our true and only wealth.  He is all that we will ever need, for He promises to supply the rest.  To have our eyes opened to the joy and freedom of worshipping Him with abandon, experiencing the power and strategy He releases in response, and then having the courage and perseverance born of faith to take daily steps in that direction as He leads.  Allowing Him to lead us into how to integrate our faith with every aspect of our lives, including how we vote and otherwise participate in the stewarding of our country through involvement in the governmental process as responsible citizens, in a way that honors Him above all else.

These are some of the messages it is so important that we understand. The mountain to be climbed to get these messages out recently once again has seemed insurmountable. Who will hear?  Who will understand?  Who will care? In other words, as one begins to climb doing one step after another, only after the ascent has begun does the fullness of the obstacles to be overcome and the many hills in between become visible. Who can do this?  For a moment the mountain to which He has called me has seemed too high, the path too rocky and long, the destination of a nation which recognizes a need for God and its return to Him, too difficult to reach.  And so this has been the root of the temporary sense of hopelessness which manifested in the dullness of depression.

This morning I am so thankful for the freedom of realizing its source!  First, was His gift showing me why my senses had been dulled.  Next He reminded me of a basic tenet of following Him.  We are not responsible for the result of the work we do for Him, only for our own obedience to the steps He sets before us.  He is responsible for the result.  It will take His power to accomplish it. We do not even have to worry about the final result, no matter how big the problem/challenge He has shown us. We are only responsible for our obedience to the steps.

This is something probably most of us know, but sometimes oh-so-inadvertently we forget and hopelessness creeps in.  Oh the freedom of once again realizing all we can do is obey!  There is nothing else He requires of us.  We do not carry the burden for the result. He does.  He will do what He has promised and redeem a people who at the moment do not even know He is real.  All we each have to do is our part.

And so my gratefulness increases.  I will obey….  I can obey with great joy because I do not carry the responsibility for the outcome.  God does and He is faithful.  I choose to move forward rejoicing that He has blessed me with good work.  I can delight in every day.  I do not have to worry about the bigger picture.  He is the Victor.  He is the LORD.  I am His child.  I am His beloved Bride.  All things are in His hands, not mine…..and so today, I feel energy returning, for He has blessed me with the definition of that which has oppressed me in recent days.  And with eyes open to the hopelessness which has sought to slow down my listening for, hearing and obeying the voice of my Lord, now I can go forth and do my day – not in the melancholy of hopelessness, but with great joy!  Will you join me?

PSALM 25:5 (NIV)

Guide me in your truth and teach me,  for you are God my Savior,  and my hope is in you all day long.

Elizabeth Fulgaro is a wife, mother, writer, inspirational speaker, worship leader, composer, singer & recording artist.  She is also a Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor with a heart for helping Christians understand and steward their finances God’s way. 

For books, worship cds, Bible studies and teachings written by Elizabeth Fulgaro or to schedule her to come speak to your group please visit www.holyspiritpress.org  Worship music audio clips can be found at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ElizabethFulgaro For information on her work for the military and their families please visit www.eaglesnestfoundation.org   Eagles Nest Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible.

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You give us the armor and sword to bring victory when we embrace Your way and choose You as Savior, Lord & Guide. There is nothing better than Your Way. All the rest is deceipt. We look to You for Your answers.

by Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro (c) 2011   www.holyspiritpress.org   www.eaglesnestfoundation.org 

God is Sovereign.  He is Supreme.  He is Victor and Conqueror.  He and all those who are with Him win….in the end (and for all eternity.)  However, we must be aware that while “in the temporary tents of our bodies” there is evil all around us.  Evil is anything which is not of God.  For if we are not of God and with God, then whether by default or on purpose we are against Him.

Evil often masquerades and exalts itself as good and right, though it represents a lie because it is contrary to God’s way.  Evil seeks to fool and makes fools of those who come into agreement with it.

Evil is rooted in deceit and exaltation of self, creating its own wisdom and declaring this false wisdom as truth.  Evil is fueled by God’s supernatural adversary who puts his supernatural power behind all things which are not God’s way in an attempt to broaden the influence of his own supernatural spiritual kingdom.  The supernatural nature of evil cannot be seen with our natural eyes, for as we have learned as Christians, our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places.

God’s supernatural is always more powerful and conquering over that of the adversary.  However, we are not supernatural and therefore need God with us in order to defeat that which comes against us.

Knowing at its root our battles are  supernatural and spiritual, many of us have worshipped God as He has asked.  We know worship causes Him to release His power into our circumstances.  We have prayed without ceasing.  We know prayer invites release of His power with His answer.  Yet though we have sought to assault evil spiritually from our victorious position in Christ as Redeemer, still in our communities and homes evil can lurk seemingly unscathed.

This is because evil is not conquered by worship and prayer alone.  Worship causes us to enter into the Dwelling Place of God where we are in Him as He is in us.  Worship adores God, acknowledging His rightful place as Leader over our lives and welcomes Him, inviting His presence and strategy.  Prayer partners with God for His perfect purposes and will to be realized and the Holy Spirit responds to prayer by moving situations and people into perfect position.  But the deliverance from evil does not just happen, though God has set everything in place to make it available.  Deliverance must be reached for and grabbed.  Like a gift set before us, it must be opened and received to have its intended effect on the recipient.

Thus the final element to the conquering of evil in our society, and the deliverance (the setting free) of individuals and whole areas from it, is the free will of each individual involved.

Those who are already free from a specific evil in our society, need to stand against it – not in condemnation, criticism and hate, but in firmness and unwavering conviction which finds its root in love of God and wanting His Way.  We worship, pray and act and as the Holy Spirit touches those around us in response they each receive opportunity to choose God and His Way as well.  God responds to the worship and intercession of those who love Him and are already free by charging the atmosphere with the power of His Spirit and putting the people in place to offer opportunity for those who are not yet free of evil’s grip to grab the hand of another and find their way out.

Though the foundation of worship and intercession preceding action is vital because it places us under God’s covering and gives us His strategy (and His supreme power to execute it), the people surrounded and effected by the evil individually must choose God’s path, which Jesus illuminates as He shines His light through us in their dark places.  Unless they so choose, the Conqueror, Jesus Christ, will not assert His conquering, healing, restorative power into their lives, but will respect their free will.  Thus in the end, God does not let evil win.  The individual does.  Every individual has a free will choice which must be exercised to decide whether or not to allow that which is evil to continue to exist in his or her life.

For each person who chooses God, if he or she then will press into learn to hear His Spirit’s voice, He will guide the individual in all things, including leading him or her out of any remaining bondage and into the freedom He always intended for that individual.  In so doing, evil in whole regions will be defeated, one consecrated worshipping, praying, Christ-following life at a time.

EPHESIANS 6:10-18 (Amplified)

¹⁰In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

     ¹¹Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

     ¹²For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

¹³Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

     ¹⁴Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

     ¹⁵And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the ^[a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness ^[b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

     ¹⁶Lift up over all the [covering] shield of ^[c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

     ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit ^[d]wields, which is the Word of God.

     ¹⁸Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

Selah! [Pause, and calmly think of that!]

END

Elizabeth Fulgaro is a wife, mother, writer, inspirational speaker, worship leader, composer, singer & recording artist.  She is also a Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor with a heart for helping Christians understand and steward their finances God’s way. 

For books, worship cds, Bible studies and teachings written by Elizabeth Fulgaro or to schedule her to come speak to your group please visit www.holyspiritpress.org  Worship music audio clips can be found at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ElizabethFulgaro For information on her work for the military and their families please visit www.eaglesnestfoundation.org   Eagles Nest Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible.

Lord God, bless every person with an increase of You that by Your Spirit we might be Your love to the world.

from Elizabeth:

On December 16, 2011 the Lord gave me a prophetic word which He released me to publish today.  It has been posted at the link below to the Christmas Worship blog.  I encourage you to read it. 

http://christmasworship.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/prophetic-word-for-christmastime-2011-2012/

In the meantime here are links to three songs for you (all of which are accessible at www.youtube.com/user/ascendinworship

1) our family’s Christmas card to you – a slideshow of some of our home’s Christmas decorations to the rendition of “Carol of the Bells” as recorded for the Christmas Worship CD featuring our three young adult children and me in the background.  This is a gift of love and prayer from our home and family to yours!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qj0JFYovBI&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL  

2) A slideshow to “You Came To Set Us Free” – a new worship song on the Christmas Worship CD  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJemQQSTcyk&feature=related 

3)  “One Nation Under God” – to remind us of the path before us as we move into 2012 to do good work for our King.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d593RguxQI8&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL 

Regular postings to this blog begin again after January 1st (though you are always welcome to find good nuggets of His Wisdom in the blog archives!)

To God be the glory!  May God bless you all!

~ Elizabeth

Lord, You are the gift. There is no greater gift - no greater love. We look to You, bow to You and adore You with all the angels in heaven and those who have gone before.

Dear “Nuggets of God’s Wisdom” Readers,

We have entered the time of year traditionally known as Advent where we “prepare our hearts” for Christmas and the annual commemoration of Christ’s birth. This is less about celebrating His birth than remembering what this birth represented to us – how the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ changed our future, making physical death into the door of reunification with God in heaven instead of an end to hope.  In His birth, life and death He gives us the path back to God.  He shows us the way. He shows us how we can expect life to be and how God is ever-faithful.  He will use all things for good in light of eternity.

With the release of the CHRISTMAS WORSHIP music CD November 2010, our Lord laid on my heart to have a special blog dedicated to restoring Christ to the heart of Christmas. This is a blog where posts from November through December help us press deeper into the heart of God and understand His way in a manner we can implement into our own lives and better be His sheep following Jesus, our Shepherd.

Through Christmas there will continue to be periodic posts here in “Nuggets of God’s Wisdom”, but my priority will be pressing into God for how He wants to speak to us this Christmas season.  Please join me! 

Here is the link to Christmas Worship:  www.christmasworship.wordpress.com   As usual, you can choose to receive these emails automatically by subscribing by email.  Please let others know about this blog and the Christmas Worship CD.  Can you imagine how our world would change if the focus became Jesus once again and He were truly worshipped for who He is at the center of all things this year at Christmas and beyond.

May God continue to pour the abundance of the riches of the wisdom of His way into you and through you for His glory.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Merry Christmas!

~ Elizabeth

Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro         www.holyspiritpress.org    www.eaglesnestfoundation.org  

Please consider giving the gift of CHRISTMAS WORSHIP this Christmas. Christmas is coming.  A few years ago, the Lord whispered to my heart that He wanted to be worshipped at Christmas and He showed me how many of the songs we sing beautifully tell the story of His birth and why He came, but very few actually worship Him during this festive season.  As a result in December 2009 I was in the studio beginning to record CHRISTMAS WORSHIP, which includes 7 new, original Christmas worship songs, which the Lord had me compose specifically for this project.   It can be purchased at www.holyspiritpress.org or amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Worship-Elizabeth-Fulgaro/dp/B004D9931G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320069144&sr=8-2  or  itunes or CDbaby.com  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/elizabethfulgaro3.  Music clips can be heard at the CD Baby or amazon.com links.  May God receive the honor and worship He is due this Christmas season.

Jesus, You are the Door to the eternity with the Father, for which we were created. How we long to hear "well done" as You have spoken to "Chachi" Corral. Lord, we no longer fear death, but embrace Your live, trusting in You completely until You take us home for eternity.

by Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro      www.holyspiritpress.org     www.eaglesnestfoundation.org 

There is a funeral to be attended tomorrow.  It is for the son of a friend.  Those of us who knew him and know the family are grief-stricken.  He is a fallen warrior.  But he is more.  He was and is an adopted son of the Most High God.  We mourn for him here.  And yet, he lives in God and with God, in His intimate heavenly presence.  We are assured we will see him again, for he knew who God was and had asked Him to be his Savior and Lord through the sacrifice on the cross of Jesus Christ.  He has simply gone on before the rest of us.

Mourning will always be when someone we love suddenly disappears out of our lives.  The Bible tells us even God is well-acquainted with grief.  It is He who created us with an emotional make-up, which would need to grieve when there was loss.  He also  knew grieving would not be easy.  But simultaneously He knew our separation from these loved ones would be temporary, for He sent Jesus and knows that death is not the end, but a door to the eternity to come.

We need to change our attitude toward physical death. This is key to walking in the freedom God has for us both now and forever.   Grief will remain, but we no longer need to walk in fear of death or structure everything we can so as to avoid it (or pretend physical death is not eventually coming for each of us).

Before Jesus was born, lived, died and rose again, there was no hope.  Now we live in hope.  We do not have to structure our lives with a view of dread toward death, but in the peace and joy of a view toward eternal life.  Indeed, physical death is a door we will each pass through.  How we long to stay with those we love here!  But God is waiting to embrace us even closer when God draws us from this life to life with Him in heaven.  The separation will be for the blink of an eye.

Lord, comfort those who mourn.  Lift all of our eyes to You.  Help us see our lives from Your viewpoint from here to eternity.  By Your Spirit encourage us to live in the hope which You alone offer us day by day.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1 Cor. 15:54,57  (NIV)

⁵⁴ When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”… ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Tim. 4:6-8 (NIV)

⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Selah! [Pause, and calmly think of that!]

END

The above devotion is written with highest regard and gratitude to LCpl Joshua “Chachi” Corral who gave his life defending our freedom in Afghanistan on November 18, 2011.  May the seeds of faith he planted while here for his Lord and Savior bear mighty fruit which brings a huge harvest into the Kingdom of God.  May the testimony of his faith and the difference it made in his life here and forever cause many come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord through his life and death.  May the story God wrote with his life, go on to produce more good fruit.  We wait for the day we will see him again in eternity.  We ask God to comfort his family. Well done, warrior.  We salute you.  We miss you.  We will never forget. ~ Elizabeth

LORD,You are our strength and our song! In You we have life and have it to the full! We join creation to sing, worship & declare Your glory!

by Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro (c) 2011   www.holyspiritpress.org   www.eaglesnestfoundation.org 

Sunday is a divine pause to worship our King and reflect upon His majesty.  Our worship is our gift to Him for we turn focus from us and onto God.  And yet we are the ones blessed in the process for as we worship He writes His Truth upon our hearts, which fills us with His peace, hope and joy and causes us to be able to stand strong in all circumstances because we have learned who He is.  The Israelites used to sing Psalms as they ascended the mountain to go and worship God as He instructed.  We still ascend when we worship, but now spiritually by the power of His Spirit entering His throne room every time we choose to worship and praise Him.  As a result, He fills us with His presence and power, thereby strengthening us for the battles which invariably come.  It is God who is our strength;  He is our shield.  We only need to worship, seek to hear His voice and obey, then watch how He will use all things for eventual good.  What a mighty God we serve!  ~ Elizabeth

PSALM 111 (Amplified)

 ¹PRAISE THE Lord! (Hallelujah!) I will praise and give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart in the council of the upright and in the congregation.

²The works of the Lord are great, sought out by all those who have delight in them.

     ³His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever.

     ⁴He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious, merciful, and full of loving compassion.

     ⁵He has given food and provision to those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever and imprint it [on His mind].

     ⁶He has declared and shown to His people the power of His works in giving them the heritage of the nations [of Canaan].

     ⁷The works of His hands are [absolute] truth and justice [faithful and right]; and all His decrees and precepts are sure (fixed, established, and trustworthy).

     ⁸They stand fast and are established forever and ever and are done in [absolute] truth and uprightness.

     ⁹He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant to be forever; holy is His name, inspiring awe, reverence, and godly fear.

     ¹⁰The reverent fear and worship of the Lord is the beginning of ^[a]Wisdom and skill [the preceding and the first essential, the prerequisite and the alphabet]; a good understanding, wisdom, and meaning have all those who do [the will of the Lord]. Their praise of Him endures forever. [Job. 28:28; Prov. 1:7; Matt. 22:37, 38; Rev. 14:7.]

WORSHIP SONG

I WILL REJOICE ~song & lyrics by Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro (c) 2007                 from the WALK ON WATER worship CD

1) I will praise Your name, I will rejoice

I will praise Your name, I will rejoice

I will praise Your name to the heavens every day.

I will rejoice!

Chorus

For You are God; yes, You are God

You are the only One who can.

For You are God; yes, You are God.

You are the only One who can.

2) I will lift my hands, I will rejoice

I will lift my hands, I will rejoice

Lay my burdens down and dance before Your throne

I will rejoice!

3) I will shout Your names, I will rejoice

I will shout Your names, I will rejoice

Redeemer and King, You set the captives free

I will rejoice!

“I WILL REJOICE” is available on the WALK ON WATER CD on itunes, at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ElizabethFulgaro and at www.holyspiritpress.org/store 

WORSHIP PRAYER ~ when we address God, focusing on Him and adoring Him, our prayers and proclamations become declarations of worship which honor our King.  According to His promises, He responds to our authentic worship with release of His sovereign power into our circumstances in the way He deems best.  

Holy God, we praise Your name.  All of heaven above adores You.  Sometimes in the rush and press of our daily lives, we succumb to fear that we won’t have enough or that you have forgotten us.  And yet, when we forcefully pause and reflect on Sundays, we remember You are.  You are always with us, always providing, always enabling exactly what we need at the proper time.  You never fail, are always faithful and cannot lie for You are truth.  You give us the work of our hands and promise to use all for good.  You speak to us in a way we can hear if we are seeking to listen.  You lead us in the way we should go, forgive us all shortcomings when we repent and love us infinitely now, exactly as we are.  How blessed are we to be under the sovereignty and dominion of You, the One true God.  In Jesus’ name, Amen

END
Note to ASCENDING IN WORSHIP on Sundays: I have always loved music and worship music, but have not always understood worship.  For many years it was just a word used to describe church service or a type of music.  But that changed radically in Feb. 2004 when friends prayed over me to start hearing (thus composing) new songs from heaven.  (Since their prayers I have composed over 350 worship songs and recorded more than 60.)  Then in Feb. 2005 the Lord gave me a vision which implied worship changes things.  I needed to understand what the vision meant.  I needed to understand His way.  After months spent in Scripture studying everything I could find about worship, it became clear that indeed God promises to respond to our worship with a release of His power, which changes things.  Thus worship is not a song, service, drum beat or lifting of hands (though all of these things with a worshipful mindset can be worship).  Worship is an attitude of heart which adores God in the majesty and sovereignty of who He is in our lives at all times.  Worship is the ultimate expression of our trust in Him, because we choose to spend precious time contemplating the awesome wonder of all He is, without the need to ask Him for anything.  It expresses to God we can abandon ourselves to worship Him because we trust He already has everything else handled – that which we can see and which we can’t. 

Worship is not a Sunday activity, but a lifestyle.  However, Sunday is the traditional day within most Christian circles to take a pause from our work which helps refresh us and honors God as our ultimate provider and protector from whom all good things come.  Worship honors Him and strengthens us in Him.

On Sundays, to facilitate this “pause” before God, NUGGETS OF GOD’S WISDOM features Scripture and song lyrics to assist in laying down everything that burdens us and constrains the mind, to enter into blissful, restorative worship of the only One who can which writes His promises on our hearts. 

To God be the glory forever and ever!

~ Elizabeth

Please consider giving the gift of CHRISTMAS WORSHIP this Christmas.   There is nothing like it…..Christmas is coming.  A few years ago, the Lord whispered to my heart that He wanted to be worshipped at Christmas and He showed me how many of the songs we sing beautifully tell the story of His birth and why He came, but very few actually worship Him during this festive season.  So I asked Him what songs He wanted released.  The result is CHRISTMAS WORSHIP, which includes 7 new, original Christmas worship songs, which the Lord had me compose specifically for this project. It is available for purchase at:

• www.holyspiritpress.org
• amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Worship-Elizabeth-Fulgaro/dp/B004D9931G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320069144&sr=8-2 
• CDbaby.com  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/elizabethfulgaro3.  Music clips can be heard at the CD Baby or amazon.com links.  May God receive the honor and worship He is due this Christmas season.
• itunes

May God receive the honor and worship He is due this Christmas season!

Elizabeth Fulgaro is a wife, mother, writer, inspirational speaker, worship leader, composer, singer & recording artist.  She is also a Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor with a heart for helping Christians understand and steward their finances God’s way. 

For books, worship cds, Bible studies and teachings written by Elizabeth Fulgaro or to schedule her to come speak to your group please visit www.holyspiritpress.org  Worship music audio clips can be found at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ElizabethFulgaro For information on her work for the military and their families please visit www.eaglesnestfoundation.org   Eagles Nest Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible.

We remember the profound, miraculous gift of Your birth.

by Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro (c) 2011    www.holyspiritpress.org      www.eaglesnestfoundation.org

Christmas is coming.  Before we spend, we need to pray.

In our culture there is a beautiful tradition of giving each other gifts at Christmas as an expression of love and caring.  But too often if not handled correctly, this can put undo financial pressure on households which potentially causes ongoing discord and unrest long after the annual “holy”-day festivities are past.   To stay in the peace God intends for us, we must avoid the cultural landmines of too many commitments and too much spending.  Our focus today is “holy”-day finances.

It is still November, yet already permeating the airwaves, cyberspace and written media is a plethora of messages encouraging you to focus on spending.  Either you will be “merry” if you give the right gifts or you will be “merry” if you finally get what you want.

When did a gift ever bring lasting inner peace and happiness?  It is not possible, because that is not what God ordains as the source of true inner peace and joy – He is.

Now you may say – let’s be practical. I have to give gifts.  It’s expected!

Perhaps it is expected, but this is where our faith should give us strength and courage.  The Bible is clear that we are not to worry about what others think of us, but only about what God thinks.  So before you shop, PRAY!  God knows your financial circumstances.  He knows where you are now, where you’ve been and what’s coming up.  He is the One who enables us to have all that we have.  He is the One to whom everything we have belongs.  We are mere stewards, which means it is our job to put the money He provides to work the way He ordains.  To whom we give what is part of this.  God knows how He wants money spent.  We are obliged to seek His will even in this and not succumb to any social pressure or pressure within families.

Sound hard?  Might be.  On the other hand you might find it quite freeing!  That’s the way God intended it to be.

Cultural pressure is to spend lavishly on others so they know they are loved and yet, no gift should be a prerequisite to love.  If there is a threat you will lose someone’s love or friendship if the gift isn’t “good” enough, then perhaps this friend’s love or friendship was never authentic.  Love can never be measured by how much money is thrown at it.  Love is separate from money.

As Christians we are blessed!  Our Christmas focus is the Gift of Jesus,  not the gifts.  We can stop and pray when the pressure to buy sneaks in and do a double check with God to see what He thinks.  In this way, we can avoid spending more than perhaps we can afford.

So make your list.  Check it twice.  Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you exactly what to do to cause each person you cherish to feel valued – but within your budget.

Selah! [Pause, and calmly think of that!]

END

Note: I have another blog called: THRIVING ~  NOT JUST SURVIVING ~ MONEY BLOG (live purposely, live responsibly, live well) where I will begin posting more practical money management tips.  I encourage those who want to become better stewards to subscribe.  You are also welcome to submit money questions.   We are to live in the world, not of the world, but we must know how to handle what God provides rightly.  However, it is not taught.  Thus the blog:  http://thrivingstudentmoneyblog.wordpress.com/.    May God guide our every step! ~ Elizabeth

Please consider giving the gift of CHRISTMAS WORSHIP this Christmas. Christmas is coming.  A few years ago, the Lord whispered to my heart that He wanted to be worshipped at Christmas and He showed me how many of the songs we sing beautifully tell the story of His birth and why He came, but very few actually worship Him during this festive season.  As a result in December 2009 I was in the studio beginning to record CHRISTMAS WORSHIP, which includes 7 new, original Christmas worship songs, which the Lord had me compose specifically for this project.   It can be purchased at www.holyspiritpress.org or amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Worship-Elizabeth-Fulgaro/dp/B004D9931G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320069144&sr=8-2  or  itunes or CDbaby.com  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/elizabethfulgaro3.  Music clips can be heard at the CD Baby or amazon.com links.  May God receive the honor and worship He is due this Christmas season.

Elizabeth Fulgaro is a wife, mother, writer, inspirational speaker, worship leader, composer, singer & recording artist.  She is also a Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor with a heart for helping Christians understand and steward their finances God’s way. 

For books, worship cds, Bible studies and teachings written by Elizabeth Fulgaro or to schedule her to come speak to your group please visit www.holyspiritpress.org  Worship music audio clips can be found at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ElizabethFulgaro For information on her work for the military and their families please visit www.eaglesnestfoundation.org   Eagles Nest Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible.