{"id":402,"date":"2021-08-22T22:29:25","date_gmt":"2021-08-22T22:29:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/galleygreetings.com\/?page_id=402"},"modified":"2024-08-15T12:10:17","modified_gmt":"2024-08-15T12:10:17","slug":"blog","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/galleygreetings.com\/?page_id=402","title":{"rendered":"Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Blog<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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GREETINGS!\u00a0 This is a term we don\u2019t use very much in this present day and culture, which is a shame since it is rich with deeper meaning than \u201cHello\u201d or \u201cHi\u201d. \u00a0\u00a0Webster\u2019s defines \u201cgreetings\u201d as \u201can expression of good wishes\u201d.\u00a0 My NASB (New American Standard Bible) uses this term in Luke 1:28 when the angel Gabriel delivers to Mary, the Lord\u2019s plan of salvation.\u00a0 \u201cGreetings favored one! The Lord is with you.\u201d The following verse indicates that Mary was perplexed at the salutation and being on the \u201cBC\u201d (Before the Cross\/Christ) side of things, very understandable.\u00a0 When I look at that salutation in context of who Jesus is and what He has done, I am overwhelmed with the implications of God\u2019s love and very good intentions for all mankind.\u00a0 This simple word becomes for me a call to rejoice, a message of hope and encouragement, as well as a reminder of Whose I am and Who is with me.<\/p>

Galley Greetings started out not as a website but as a personal encouragement to family and friends who received my cards, early homemade versions of Come, Expected Jesus<\/em> and other gifts and notes to encourage them in Christ.\u00a0 I never envisioned where it would lead \u2013 only that I was Spirit urged (nagged is a better description – to push me out of my comfort zone) to follow His plan for the book project He inspired.\u00a0 I came to understand His bigger vision for not only those single parents I would have the privilege to walk with for a season, but for all parents that seek tools to help disciple the precious children with whom our Lord has entrusted them.\u00a0<\/p>

I am not a wordsmith or a natural blogger.\u00a0 However, I plan to share content on this site offered to me by others I know, trust, and admire that will bring encouragement, practical tips and resources that articulate His message of hope more elegantly than me.\u00a0 Your comments, suggestions and questions are welcome.\u00a0 I will do my best to reply in a timely manner.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0May God alone be glorified by the fruit that comes from this endeavor. \u00a0 \u00a0-Melissa Galley<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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The following reflections are a compliment to Come Expected Jesus: An Advent Devotional for the Family.<\/em><\/p>

Day 1<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Young children rarely struggle with believing that God exists and that He created all things.\u00a0 It is true because Mom or Dad said so! LOL. Over time, however, there comes a whispering voice (probably much like the serpent\u2019s voice in the garden of Eden) that throws out the question, \u201cis God REALLY real?\u201d The apostle Paul indicates we are given the evidence through creation and that much like with Adam and Eve we examine and choose to accept a lie.\u00a0 I struggled for many years as a teen and young adult with God and creation.\u00a0 Eventually His wisdom prevailed and asked me what specifically I was hung-up on. \u00a0I wanted to reconcile all that I had been \u201ctaught\u201d in public school and university with what God says He did in the Bible.\u00a0 I laughingly realized of course I couldn\u2019t and to do so was putting God in a box through the foolish speculations of men (and my own heart wanting to go my own way).\u00a0 My God is an ALL or nothing kind of God.\u00a0 He went ALL in on ALL His works \u2013 including me and you \u2013 with specific plans and purposes for our good.\u00a0 Faith is taking God at His word \u2013 especially on this.\u00a0 It is a foundation that He will continually build upon as He reveals the \u201cWHY\u201d.\u00a0 Help your children grasp that the \u201chow\u201d isn\u2019t important \u2013 it is all about the \u201cwhy.\u201d\u00a0 Jesus loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 2<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0As an educator of young children and a parent, I was bombarded with \u201cWhy?\u201d continuously.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think we ever stop asking that question!\u00a0 Finding the answer to whatever \u201cwhy\u201d we have at any given moment can either drive us crazy in our own and\/or other\u2019s opinions or drive us towards the One with all the answers. Seeking God\u2019s wisdom brings all \u201cwhys\u201d closer to His perspective: He loves us (you, me, ALL people) and He wants to have a relationship with all of us.\u00a0 In Genesis 1:27 God reveals that we are \u201cmade in His image.\u201d We are created very different from the rest of creation with a spiritual DNA so to say that causes a heart\u2019s desire that is only satisfied by Him and through Him.\u00a0 People hold a very special place in God\u2019s heart, and He deeply desires that ALL will come to know Him. Jesus loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 3<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest \u201cwhy\u201d hurdles that both children and adults alike have difficulty with is evil\/sin. God doesn\u2019t wonder about it, it doesn\u2019t surprise Him, He has always known about it.\u00a0 When God gave warning about eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, His phrasing indicates He knew that both Adam and Eve WERE going to stop trusting Him and follow their own feelings, opinions, and belief (aka: sin.) God didn\u2019t create flawed people.\u00a0 He created people with free will \u2013 the freedom to choose. \u00a0Sadly, we all choose the wrong way (Romans 3:23) just like Adam and Eve \u2013 \u201cbad news\u201d \ud83d\ude41<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Helping children grasp the reality of the \u201cbad news\u201d (sin and death) is necessary to understand and receive the \u201cGood News\u201d (forever life with LORD.)\u00a0 Reassure children (and yourself) amid the bad things that happen, that before God even started His creation, He made a way for people to be reconciled with Him through Jesus, the \u201cseed\u201d that would rescue those who choose Him and crush the head of the enemy (death). \u00a0He is in control of the situation.\u00a0 God \u201callows\u201d sin to exist for His purposes and ultimately for His glory, because Jesus loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 4<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Little steps of faith lead to bigger steps of faith.\u00a0 I think this was true of Abraham.\u00a0 Abraham experienced God\u2019s faithfulness even when Abraham allowed fear and feelings to make bad choices.\u00a0 God tested Abraham\u2019s faith such that God\u2019s lovingkindness (grace and mercy) was always revealed in the outcomes.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0This was especially true in the case of God\u2019s test concerning Abraham and his son, Isaac.\u00a0 This incident demonstrates the extent of God\u2019s heart in that He desires our relationship with Him to be the priority in our life and that when He asks us to do hard things, we can trust Him with the outcomes.\u00a0 God asked Abraham to \u201coffer\u201d his beloved son \u2013 just as God would \u201coffer\u201d His son, Jesus. \u00a0Abraham put the wood on Isaac\u2019s back just as a wooden cross was put on Jesus\u2019 back.\u00a0 God, Himself, provided the substitutionary sacrifice required. \u00a0Abraham trusted God with Isaac\u2019s future and we can trust Him with our future as well.\u00a0 God\u2019s plan for Abraham is also His plan for you and me.\u00a0 It always points to Jesus who loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 5<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0I love to go visit the zoo in the late fall when the second or third cool fronts have lowered the south Texas humidity to at least 60% and heat index to a balmy 70o<\/sup>. The animals love it too \u2013 especially the lions.\u00a0 There are 2 male lions at the zoo I frequent that like to roar this time of year.\u00a0 Their habitat is in the middle of the zoo \u2013 but you can hear them clearly from the parking lot.\u00a0 Those roars always instill a feeling of acknowledgement that lions are powerful and solicit awe (respect).\u00a0 I think that was God\u2019s point as He portrays Jesus as the Lion of Judah.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Some clarification here about lions in the Bible.\u00a0 Satan is also described as a lion, more specifically as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8).\u00a0 Both indicate great strength and power \u2013 but the difference is the way in which the word is used in context.\u00a0 Satan is akin to just a lion \u2013 a creature that, yes, is powerful to wreak havoc, to maim and kill, but still a created being.\u00a0 In Revelation 5:5, \u201cLion\u201d is capitalized and used as a name \u2013 most specifically of Jesus \u2013 eternally the King of kings \u2013 the real LION KING. Thayer\u2019s Greek Lexicon suggests that looking closely at the broader context of Scripture where lions are mentioned indicate the LION KING is characterized as a \u201cbrave and mighty hero\u201d that rescues from death.\u00a0 Jesus the LION KING loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 6<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Not all get to choose the government\/nation under which they live, however, all get to choose their king.\u00a0 We are all subjects in a kingdom \u2013 the kingdom of self or of God.\u00a0 As in the garden, the kingdom of self declares its own edict to God, \u201cYou\u2019re not the boss of me!\u201d The kingdom of self enslaves one to attempting to provide for itself that which only God can do and so lives a life of conflict and misery.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jesus the King, however, reigns over a kingdom that reflects His character \u2013 a king like no other. \u00a0Isaiah 9:6-7 tells us He is called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace and proceeds to describe a kingdom of increase, justice, righteousness, and peace that is eternal.\u00a0 This King has always been in existence and will continue to exist. \u00a0Someday all will be forced to their knees when the King returns in all His glory (Phil. 2:10), but for now He is patiently waiting for those who willingly draw near as true subjects, to experience in the here and now as well as eternally, a wonderful relationship with a loving Father who provides all things needed.\u00a0 Jesus is the King who walks beside and guides in the Way of His kingdom, providing strength and courage to overcome the kingdom of self. His encouragement through His counsel leads to hope and peace.\u00a0 Jesus desires you to be a part of His everlasting kingdom because He loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 7<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Just because you cut down a tree doesn\u2019t mean you have killed it \u2013 especially true of crepe myrtles.\u00a0 When we bought our second home the original owner had not considered the damage that a mature tree would do planted a few feet from the house.\u00a0 We naively thought we could cut it down, drill holes in the stump, put in stump killer and move on.\u00a0 Soon, where one tree had stood, we had a multitude of crepe myrtle shoots filling a 10\u2019 x 10\u2019 area of our new flower bed.\u00a0 We battled that stump for the four years we lived there.\u00a0 I went by that house a few years ago.\u00a0 There are now several large crepe myrtle trees growing next to the house. The root system of that stump must have been very deep and wide.\u00a0 That stump prevailed.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Roots are very important in prevailing.\u00a0 Jeremiah 17:7-8 defines spiritual rootedness as trusting in the Lord in such a way that there is evidence of the benefits of such trust.\u00a0 Roots weather storms such that one will not just survive but thrive.\u00a0 Storms will come and some will be very bad and long enduring.\u00a0 Trusting in God enables one to face storms without fear and the overwhelming anxiety that paralyzes. Trusting in the Lord brings an inner joy and peace as He is seen providing all that is needed. Trusting in the Lord strengthens one\u2019s relationship such that spiritual fruit is produced.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0God caused the stump of Jesse to prevail in such a manner. When the tree of David seemingly was cut\/destroyed for hundreds of years, Jesus came into a young family from that stump that had deep roots.\u00a0 God was faithful to His promise to David, and He will be for you.\u00a0 Jesus is your deep roots, and He loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 8<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0A pastor once pointed out that genealogies in the Bible are interesting stories in themselves. On the surface they can be quite boring, however, when you can connect an interesting fact with many of the people within a genealogy you can see how God worked in and through the generational details to carry out His plan of salvation.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0In the New Testament there are two different genealogies of Jesus that are very important in establishing Jesus as the fulfillment of God\u2019s promise to David that the Messiah would come from his family line.\u00a0 Both accounts (Matt. 1:1-17 & Luke 3:23-38) substantiate that, yes, Jesus was born of David\u2019s family line but also that He was born supernaturally through Mary.\u00a0 In short, Joseph\u2019s line (Matt.) points to the fact that he can\u2019t be Jesus\u2019 father because Joseph was a direct descendent of Jeconiah (a great grandson of Solomon) with whom God cut off from the covenant for his abject rejection of God (Jer. 22:30). \u00a0Mary\u2019s line, through her father Eli in Luke\u2019s account, shows that Jesus is the descendent of Nathan who was Solomon\u2019s brother (1Chron 3:4). \u00a0Mary and Joseph were related through the tribe of Judah just as we are all related to one another (the human race) through Adam as Mary\u2019s genealogy points out. \u00a0God wants us to know He has a plan of redemption for ALL of us and He is very involved in each detail because He loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 9<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Joseph\u2019s genealogy is very important in that God choose an earthly father for His Son that had a heart that trusted God (like David) AND that would put him and Mary in Bethlehem at just the right time. I love to think upon the account of Jesus\u2019 birth in Luke.\u00a0 God shows His heart for the lowly and the poor in announcing the birth of the King of kings to shepherds.\u00a0 I am sure all \u2013 including Mary \u2013 were clueless in the manner of salvation that this King would bring.\u00a0 God gave a clue that day in that the baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling cloths prepared for unblemished lambs destined for the atoning sacrifice in the temple.\u00a0 What is clear is that God\u2019s plan of great JOY, set in motion before He started creation, was intended for ALL people as the angels declared.\u00a0 Jesus came because He loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 10<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jesus wasn\u2019t the Messiah people expected and most miss recognizing Him as such.\u00a0 Even John the Baptist had to have help (John 1:32-34). Biblical prophecy can seemingly present a distorted line of site and\/or timing such that in the moment even godly men can\u2019t recognize fulfillment. \u00a0A biblical scholar once analogized this concept as standing on a mountaintop and looking across the horizon towards other mountaintops.\u00a0 You can see other mountaintops, but you can\u2019t see the valleys in between. People tend to focus in on one or two specific points of prophecy (the mountain top) and lose the overall intention of God\u2019s plans and purposes which are usually played out in the valleys. People want to see the conquering King that wields justice and defeats all enemies. God wants us to first grasp His character which is fully reflected in His Son, Jesus. God reveals to all His good intentions through the Servant Messiah.\u00a0 Jesus, through His gentleness and mercy, calls all to enter into a forever relationship that by its nature and power defeats all enemies in the here and now as well as in the future.\u00a0 Jesus loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 11<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jesus\u2019 final entry into Jerusalem is recorded in all 4 Gospels. It is clear that Jesus orchestrated the event by arriving on the colt of a donkey as an announcement to the world and especially to the Jews that He is the Messiah that God spoke of through the prophets and worthy of the praise and honor that the people gave Him.\u00a0 It is clear that the people saw Him only as one who would hopefully free the Jewish people and the land from Roman rule (i.e.: a political leader) and not one that would free them from the bondage of sin. The lack of humility got in the way of seeing things clearly.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Humility is recognizing that \u201cGOD is GOD\u201d and \u201cI am not\u201d.\u00a0 That He alone is holy and is worthy of my homage which includes not just the lip service of praise but also a lifestyle of following Him that reflects His character.\u00a0 Jesus demonstrated true humility in that He set aside His right to respond as God to become an obedient servant to the Father\u2019s will on our behalf. (Phil 2:5-11).\u00a0 Jesus desires for us a heart of humility that leads to genuine praise of the King.\u00a0 \u00a0Jesus loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 12<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The posture of humility encompasses a view of God as holy \u2013 a concept I must admit that I, along with most in our present age and culture, am unable to wrap my brain around. God in His grace helps me glimpse a small measure through \u201cthe Lamb standing as if slain\u201d.\u00a0 As A.W. Tozer most elegantly proposes in Knowledge of the Holy<\/em>,<\/p>

\u00a0<\/em>\u201cWe must like Moses cover ourselves with faith and humility while we steal a quick look at the God whom no man can see and live\u2026\u2026We must hide our unholiness in the wounds of Christ as Moses hid himself in the cleft of the rock while the glory of God passed by.\u00a0 We must take refuge from God in God.\u00a0 Above all we must believe that God sees us perfect in His Son while He disciplines and chastens and purges us that we may be partakers of His holiness.\u201d<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The Lamb\u2019s scars are not for God, but for us to see and be reminded of God\u2019s holy (perfect) plan to reconcile an unholy people to Himself.\u00a0 Jesus, the Holy Lamb, loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 13<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0I was directing my grandkids to choose a few favorite Advent reproducible ornaments as they were helping me test some of the crafts for the devotional.\u00a0 My granddaughter, who was 4 at the time, grabbed the lamb photo as a \u201cfirst pick\u201d because \u201cHe\u2019s SOOOOO cute!\u201d Big brother\u2019s response was, \u201cYou know he dies.\u201d \u201cMEME!!!!!\u201d, she wailed.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0I pointed out that that photo she adored was \u201ctouched up\u201d and showed her the original photo of the lamb covered with ugly spots of mud and dirt.\u00a0 I explained that the spots represent all the wrong things people have ever done, will do today and will ever do in the future.\u00a0 Being old enough to understand discipline and the resulting \u201cOUCH!\u201d, I then explained that Jesus chose to experience the ultimate \u201cOUCH!\u201d (death) even when He had never done anything wrong.\u00a0 Jesus loves all people so much that when He took the punishment of ALL peoples\u2019 wrongs, God honored Him by forgiving all people who trust and believe in Jesus. Jesus\u2019 blood is like the software that turns the spots white or washes them away so that when God sees us – He sees His precious perfectly white Lamb.\u00a0 Jesus, our substitutionary Lamb loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 14<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0An empty plastic egg is a huge let down to a 5 year old.\u00a0 That was how old my youngest was when \u201cResurrection Eggs\u201d became a popular tool to tell children about Jesus. \u00a0My announcement, \u00a0\u201c\u2019This egg\u2019 is why we celebrate!\u201d probably didn\u2019t help.\u00a0 The empty egg wasn\u2019t what he expected.\u00a0 It would take a few more years before he would fully grasp the significance of what that empty egg really meant.\u00a0 Much like all of us, even the disciples, it takes time to respond in faith. And when faith interacts with knowledge and understanding then the celebration naturally comes \u2013 at any time and in every season.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The empty tomb isn\u2019t a quiet mystery.\u00a0 It is a bold and loud declaration of hope.\u00a0 Phil Wickham\u2019s song, \u201cLiving Hope\u201d sums this up very well:<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Then came the morning that sealed the promise.<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Your buried body began to breathe.<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Out of the silence, the roaring lion,<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Declared the grave has no claim on me.<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Jesus, yours is the victory!<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free.<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me.<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 You have broken every chain.<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 There\u2019s salvation in your name.<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Jesus Christ, my living hope.<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jesus, our roaring lion King, loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 15<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cI\u2019M GOING TO SAVE THE WORLD! Not today. Maybe tomorrow,\u201d declared my 4 year old suddenly from his car seat in the back. There was a long silence then, \u201cI\u2019m a hero.\u201d\u00a0 Even as adults, we are still drawn to the childhood storyline of the knight in shining armor swooping in to slay the dragon and save the damsel in distress. And much like my son in that moment, we want to be the hero.\u00a0 More often than not, however, I find myself as the one crying out for help and in distress.\u00a0 This is where Jesus reminds me that I know how the story ends.\u00a0 Jesus has already saved me, defeated the dragon of death and someday He will return riding in on his white horse to swoop me (princess bride\/Church) to live with Him\u2026..happily ever, ever. I can stand in His peace with confidence of this true hope.\u00a0 Jesus our hero, the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS, loves you, this I know.<\/p>

(Side note about the book cover)<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0I struggled for months over the cover of Come, Expected Jesus<\/em>.\u00a0 In early drafts that I gave as \u00a0gifts, I used several \u201cChristmas\u201d themed covers.\u00a0 I sensed this time, however, that I was to present this current project differently.\u00a0 I prayed earnestly while I finished up the manuscript and sent the rough draft out for editing.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Soon after and VERY early one morning I woke out of a deep sleep recalling Rev. 19:11-21.\u00a0 I did not include this passage in the book for obvious reasons. The description of Jesus is so metaphorical that it would be very disturbing to children and even to some adults.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cWhat are You trying to tell me, Lord?\u201d I asked. \u00a0\u201cDid I hear you wrong and should have included this?\u201d<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cWhat did John see first?\u201d was the reply.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0In that moment I literally saw the cover much like it is currently published.\u00a0 Yes, I can honestly say that my hero arrives on a white horse.<\/p>

Day 16<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cWait for it \u2013 it\u2019s going to be good.\u201d<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jesus appeared many times to His followers after His resurrection finalizing preparations with them for what they were ultimately going to accomplish in His name as His witnesses to the whole world. But first He commissioned them with the task \u2013 WAIT – for the Holy Spirit\u2019s baptism.\u00a0 The Holy Spirit would be the Helper that would enable His followers to accomplish everything the He asked and more.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0It is telling that the first account of the Holy Spirit\u2019s \u201cinfilling\u201d is revealed first by the sound of a loud wind and then by visible \u201ctongues of fire\u201d over each of those few devout followers who were gathered in God\u2019s house for the celebration of Pentecost (a Jewish celebration of harvest). \u00a0Although the moment of Jesus\u2019 gift of the Holy Spirit is not as dramatic as that first time, the resulting work is just as powerful. \u00a0It is through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that our hearts are changed to be able to not only hear the voice of God and see what He is doing, but also to equip us to \u201cspeak of the mighty deeds of God\u201d (Acts 2:11) that brings about the harvesting of souls. \u00a0It is the Holy Spirit that reveals and seals in the heart the truth that Jesus loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 17<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0I was standing in the grocery store check-out line and noticed that the woman in front of me had, \u201cJesus has my back\u201d printed tastefully on the back shoulder of the t-shirt she was wearing.\u00a0 What a great example of literally putting on the armor of God by choosing to declare Jesus as my shield!<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The first occurrence of the word \u201cshield\u201d in the Bible is when God, Himself, uses it in self-description to Abram (Gen 15:1) before He makes His covenant.\u00a0 In my search for more understanding of shield used in its biblical context, I found of course the obvious characteristic of protector, but also the subtleties of help, ruler, salvation, truth, trustworthiness, and faithfulness.\u00a0 In the Psalms, David used a form of shield that in the literal sense meant \u201cto be prickly.\u201d This describes a kind of shield that was marked by points like a thorny hedge and was curved such that it provided protection to the backside as well as the front.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jesus wants us to know that as children of God, He has our back. He surrounds us on all sides to save us, help us, protect us, and lead us in His way of truth.\u00a0 Jesus loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 18<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cMeme, we\u2019re going the wrong way! \u00a0We have to go back!\u201d, declared my panic stricken co-pilot holding my phone with the map app. We had just traveled through a very confusing interchange in the Dallas\/Ft. Worth metroplex area and as I looked over at my grandson\u2019s face filled with anxiety and lack of confidence in navigational skill, I realized that our trip was in need of an unplanned stop. I first commended him in recognizing that we were on the wrong highway and since he was fairly new to co-piloting I suggested a stop to assess the situation.\u00a0 Was trying to backtrack through an unfamiliar interchange of 5 highways with unclear signage in heavy traffic really a best choice? \u00a0I took the opportunity to not only teach him something about navigation, but also trust in the driver (to know not to go back to confusing intersections!)\u00a0 We mapped out a different way that although took longer to reach our destination, ended up as an enjoyable scenic drive through tree lined neighborhoods, and around a large lake with beautiful parks of green grass along the shoreline.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0In our faith journey with Jesus, we forget that He is the driver.\u00a0 He wants us to recognize when we are going the wrong way.\u00a0 He wants us to stop, seek Him, and work with Him and through Him a course correction that brings peace and joy.\u00a0 Jesus really wants to lead us beside still waters, because He loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 19<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0My father-in-law, Orval, suffered from dementia in the last few years of his life to the point where the family felt it best to place him in a memory care facility.\u00a0 He knew he wasn\u2019t \u201chome\u201d, and he experienced some periods of anxiety when he was, \u201cReady to leave here!\u201d and, \u201cWould someone come please pick me up from the station?\u201d\u00a0 Even though he didn\u2019t know where he was in time or place, he never lost his identity as a follower of Jesus.\u00a0 And that knowledge impacted an entire community.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Neil T. Anderson writes, \u201cThe most important belief that we possess is a true knowledge of who God is.\u00a0 The second most important belief is who we are as children of God, because we cannot consistently behave in a way that is inconsistent with how we perceive ourselves.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>Orval functioned in memory care like he always did in the years I knew him \u2013 following his Good Shepherd.\u00a0 He greeted everyone with a smile and welcomed each face.\u00a0 He asked workers, patients, and visitors alike, \u201cHow can I pray for you today?\u201d.\u00a0 Orval spoke lovingly of Jesus, praised the LORD aloud throughout his day with joy and gratefulness, carried his Bible around and read it, and prayed – on his knees – every night.\u00a0 We did not realize the impact of his \u201cway of living life\u201d until his last days when all the workers who had had interaction with Orval came to visit him in hospice and shared with us how their lives were forever changed because of Orval\u2019s daily demonstration of an identity wrapped up in a genuine relationship with Jesus.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jesus wants for you what Orval has. An abundant life in and through Him (see John 10:7-18, 26-29<\/em>) because He loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 20<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0One of my favorite parables that Jesus told was about the house built on the rock that stood the CAT5 hurricane storm test.\u00a0 Matthew\u2019s version indicates this man is \u201cwise\u201d and Luke\u2019s rendition tells us \u201chow\u201d the man was wise: \u201cwho dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock,\u201d (Luke 6:48).\u00a0 Jesus is telling us that when we do the work of digging into His Word, not only believing He is the rock on which secures the foundation, but also \u201cpracticing\u201d His blueprint for building, we will not just survive the inevitable storms, but stand firm and unshaken in the midst of them.\u00a0 Jesus wants us to have, \u201cjoy in chaos\u201d and \u201cpeace that makes no sense\u201d (from the song: Firm Foundation by Chandler Moore) because He loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 21<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jesus knew exactly who He was.\u00a0 At the age of twelve He had already identified Himself in relationship with Father God,\u00a0 \u201cincreasing in wisdom and stature\u201d (Lk 2:49-52).\u00a0 His brothers and home townsmen, like most of the world, couldn\u2019t see him as the Son of God, only as a home builder (see Matt. 13:53-58).\u00a0 Building, however, was something He once did (a trade), but it isn\u2019t the whole truth of \u201cwho He IS\u201d.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0In all Jesus\u2019 \u201cI am\u201d statements, He is very specific about His identity, character, mission, and purpose.\u00a0 Jesus is Christ, inviting us to share with Him relationship with Father God much like He did with that mixed group of fishermen, a tax collector, a physician, and others over 2,000 years ago.\u00a0 Like those first followers, when I acknowledged and embraced the truth of Jesus\u2019 identity, then the foundation of my identity changed from one who was dead\/imprisoned to one forever alive and free \u2013 a beloved child of God.\u00a0 Jesus truly is the way, the truth and the life, because He loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 22<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0My younger sister and I are 13 months apart and as a gift to one another for our 50th<\/sup> birthdays we celebrated a \u201cyear of Jubilee\u201d together.\u00a0 We started on my 50th<\/sup> by committing to discover what Jubilee would look like for a modern day Christian and actually practicing what we discovered. Then for her 50th<\/sup>, we celebrated by comparing notes and sharing stories of how Jesus worked through our discoveries.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0One of the aspects of Jubilee is \u201cdoing justice\u201d.\u00a0 This aspect took some time for me to grasp but, from our understanding of the biblical phrase and context, this is a call to treat others fitly and fairly; to treat others with due appreciation, enjoy others properly; and to behave in a manner worthy of my ability. Jesus perfectly demonstrated what this looks like throughout the Gospels in accordance with Matt 22:37-39.\u00a0 Jesus loves Father God wholeheartedly and submits to God\u2019s way of justice. Jesus sees us as God sees us with such passion that He perfectly fulfilled the \u201cjust due consequences\u201d (death) for our unrighteousness so that we could, through Him, not only be justified but also have the ability to see AND treat one another as He does. Jesus loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 23<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cI need a hug,\u201d I sighed under my breath.\u00a0 It had been a long night volunteering in a leadership role at a hot air balloon festival on our church campus with another challenging day and night looming before us. My husband, Paul, and I were strategizing our next task when the event chairperson called us over to the tethered balloon area.\u00a0 \u201cYour next,\u201d she declared.\u00a0 For someone very prone to motion sickness, I was hesitant, but not wanting to reject the gift offered, I climbed into the basket with Paul and up we went.\u00a0 It was an awesome experience to be above the bustling crowd of people below and to have a unique view of the racing balloon launch.\u00a0 As our balloon descended, I realized I wasn\u2019t feeling any motion sickness, but instead a fresh and renewed strength. I had just been given a bird\u2019s eye view reminder of the vision of what Jesus was doing through the event in which we were called to serve.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jesus\u2019 hugs come in lots of ways, shapes, and sizes, but as always in the most perfect timing to encourage, bring joy, and remind that He loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 24<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cBe Prepared\u201d is a motto I grew up with as a Girl Scout. \u201cWillingness alone is not sufficient in serving; knowing the job well and anticipating issues is the key,\u201d I was told.\u00a0 This training was helpful in living life; however, it wasn\u2019t until my relationship with Jesus began to grow that I began to understand the \u201cspiritual wisdom\u201d side of preparedness.\u00a0 Preparing practically for things and anticipating issues is wise and of good reward even in the secular world. \u00a0 Adding the spiritual dimension of knowing Jesus to preparedness, however, takes the practice of this wisdom to a whole different level.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jesus sent his disciples out with nothing but the clothes on their backs, but He didn\u2019t send them out \u201cunprepared.\u201d\u00a0 Their training or preparedness was given through their close relationship with Jesus.\u00a0 Listening to what He said, watching Him work, rest, eat, pray, worship, etc., and doing what He did living life (aka: spending A LOT of time with Jesus). When my first activity of preparation (for anything \u2013 particularly my day) begins with time with Jesus, He fills my lamp with oil and keeps it lit so that I can see Him working in the execution of those plans.\u00a0 My time with Him prepares my heart to hold my own plans loosely, broadens my perspective to see people and situations with love and compassion, and to respond to others with a measure of the grace and mercy He extends to me that results in joy! (See Luke 10:1-24) Jesus wants to prepare you for this joy filled experience as well, because He loves you, this I know.<\/p>

Day 25<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God:<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For He has clothed me with garments if salvation,<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 And as a bride adorns herself with jewels.<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 And as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up,<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise<\/em><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To spring up before all the nations. <\/em>(Isaiah 61:10-11 NASB)<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The best encouragement I can give comes from my source.\u00a0 Be still and know HIM.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Day 26\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTouch\u00e9.\u201d Jesus\u2019 words will do that \u2013 touch you in a way that you can\u2019t deny a heart changing point has been made.\u00a0\u00a0 My touch\u00e9 moment occurred most recently when I was researching the metaphorical use of a sword as the word of God in Ephesians 6:17.\u00a0 What I thought was a tactile weapon for offense against the enemy takes on a different image when used alongside Hebrews 4:1-16 that I hadn\u2019t considered before in previous studies.\u00a0 The \u201csword\u201d used here is double-edged and small in size like a large knife used for dissecting or cutting up flesh\/meat, much like the precision tool of a fine chef or the scalpel in the hands of a surgeon.<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jesus has challenged me into \u201ctaking the sword of the Spirit\u201d and in trust, willingly place it back in His loving and skilled hands to cut out \u201churtful ways in me\u201d (Psalm 139) and bring me to a place of rest and restoration.\u00a0 A heart transformed by Jesus then becomes a powerful and effective \u201cweapon of witness\u201d (aka: sword) not only in speaking His words but actually following in devotion His words and His ways. My personal testimony of who Jesus is and what He has done for me is what the enemy is terrified of.<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Yes, heart surgery is hard, and recovery takes time, however, Jesus, is faithful with each skilled cut to take away that which kills the soul, restoring the health and true life to the spirit, because He loves you, this I know. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Day 27\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Celebrating one another\u2019s \u201crebirthdays\u201d has become a new tradition in our family.\u00a0 With the grandkids, it is an occasion to celebrate Jesus\u2019 redeeming grace in our lives, to have a spiritual conversation that encourages discipleship, and of course eat cake! (LOL)\u00a0 In Luke 10:20 Jesus tells his followers to, \u201cRejoice that your names are recorded in heaven\u201d and then proceeds to show them what that looks like.\u00a0 Rejoicing in the Lord is an occasion to worship that results in a joy that transcends all circumstances.\u00a0 Jesus wants us to be encouraged in our daily lives that can be, more often than not, challenging and full of hardship.\u00a0 His joy becomes strength (Nehemiah 8:10) which reflects His good intentions towards you for a future with Himself (Jeremiah 29:11) because Jesus loves you, this I know.<\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Day 28<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0My sisters, mom, and I had made plans to attend a Christian women\u2019s conference for our annual \u201cDaughter\u2019s Day Out\u201d at the last minute.\u00a0 As a result, we were hiking up the long trek to the nosebleed section of Reunion Arena.\u00a0 Of course, we were late – again, and the opening worship had already begun.\u00a0 At the top of the stairs as we entered the arena, my sister-in-law stopped.\u00a0 I knew what she was experiencing.\u00a0 I had the same kind of awestruck reaction the first time I had participated in one of these conferences.\u00a0 I took her hand and guided her up another long set of stairs to our seats.\u00a0 The 360o<\/sup> view of the arena with almost 20,000 women praising God with one voice was even more powerful than that first time, engaging all my senses and giving me a taste of what I look forward to in the future \u2013 a multitude praising God.<\/p>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Participation in corporate worship of Jesus in the here and now, fulfills our destiny and purpose of life which is to declare adoration of the triune GOD in the truth and knowledge that Jesus loves you. \u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Blog GREETINGS!\u00a0 This is a term we don\u2019t use very much in this present day and culture, which is a shame since it is rich with deeper meaning than \u201cHello\u201d or \u201cHi\u201d. \u00a0\u00a0Webster\u2019s defines \u201cgreetings\u201d as \u201can expression of good wishes\u201d.\u00a0 My NASB (New American Standard Bible) uses this term in Luke 1:28 when the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-402","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/galleygreetings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/402","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/galleygreetings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/galleygreetings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/galleygreetings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/galleygreetings.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=402"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/galleygreetings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/402\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":756,"href":"https:\/\/galleygreetings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/402\/revisions\/756"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/galleygreetings.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}