CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2: THE OPEN-DOOR POLICY

FROM THE HEART OF GOD'S WORD...

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2: THE OPEN-DOOR POLICY

Together, let's imagine the first Christmas...

It's a cold winter's night. A few miles outside Bethlehem, some shepherds tended to the sheep, a hard but mundane job that no one else really wanted. Suddenly, before them, stood an angel of the Lord, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The shepherds were greatly afraid. With joy, the angel announces that today, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, is born in the City of David. You will find him wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. To the shepherd's surprise, a host of angels appear singing, "Glory to God in the highest!" Then they departed, and the shepherd said, "Let's go see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." (Luke 2:8-15 paraphrased)

Meanwhile, in the little town of Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph snuggled their newborn baby. Their humble abode is a rickety stable filled with donkeys, sheep, mules, hay, no heat, and a loathsome stench lingering in the air. This location was not their first choice. In fact, they rarely ventured on this side of Bethlehem. Nevertheless, they knew God had provided the exact location for His Child, the long-awaited Messiah, to arrive.

In the stillness of the night, they hear a quiet but steady knock at the door. A bit shocked, Joseph and Mary wonder who it could be. At that moment, Mary could have turned to Joseph and said, "Shush. Be quiet. Let's act like we are not here. Look at this place. It's a mess! I haven't had time to clean it up. Plus, what will they think of us? This stable is not a home for a newborn. Joseph, I'm so emotional right now. I can't handle visiting with anyone. I'm too tired!"

But oh no, we see just the opposite from the heart of Mary. With open arms, they welcomed the shepherds into their home and marveled at all these men had to share. After leaving, the shepherds made widely known what the angels had told them concerning the Child. All who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them.

"But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

Just think what Mary would have missed if she had followed her feelings and not let the shepherds into their home.

As a couple, Joseph and Mary had a very special "Open Door Policy" that passed to the next generation. Jesus was continuously prepared at any moment to engage in relationships with others. His "Open Door Policy" was a continuous revolving door to all, even at the most inconvenient times... the bleeding woman, the paralyzed man, Lazarus' sisters, the blind man, those tormented with unclean spirits, and the list goes on and on. Jesus lived out His “Open-Door Mission” as He proclaimed to the world, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9). Praise the Lord for His example to all of us!

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: Why does Christmas bring families together? What makes this time of year a drawing factor for relatives and friends? Ask God to instill an "Open Door Policy" in your heart that impacts future generations. Be ready for all who pass through the threshold of your home to welcome them with open arms and love. Be prepared to be the hands and feet of Jesus. For some, the open door might not be physical but more spiritual. Ask the Holy Spirit who to pray for and how to pray for them. Listen to His voice. Pray as He leads. God has placed you right where you are for a reason. Like Mary, open the door to all that God has waiting for you.

From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 1: GOD BREAKS THE SILENCE

From the Heart of God's Word...

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 1: GOD BREAKS THE SILENCE (Luke 1:5-38;57-80)

Zacharias was one of the older priests in the church. God viewed him and his wife, Elizabeth, as righteous and blameless because they walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. Elizabeth was advanced in years, yet her desire for children lingered in her heart and mind.

One day, while Zacharias was serving the Lord, the lot fell upon him to go into the temple of the Lord to burn the incense. Image the moment… He walks in to accomplish the regular religious routine. Outside, the others are praying for this act of service. All at once, Zacharias comes face-to-face with an angel…

“I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, was sent to speak to you (Zacharias is the father of John the Baptist) and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their own time. Luke 1:19-20 (Please read Luke 1:5-15 and 57-80 to fully understand this next section)

What was going through Zacharias’ mind? Was he confused? Did he recognize the angel was from God?

Together, let’s think beyond the obvious to a possible monologue from Zacharias…

_____________________________

Shock, fear, and doubt absorb my thoughts. Why am I filled with fear amid one of my greatest priesthood moments? Questions erupt in my mind. This must be the angel of death, not an angel of the Lord.

Suddenly, our eyes meet as the angel says, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for I hear your prayer. Your wife will bear you a son; you shall name him John.” Again, doubt escalates. Elizabeth and I prayed for God to bless us with a child, but now we are too advanced in our years.

The angel continues, “The Holy Spirit will fill him, even from his mother’s womb… to prepare a people for the Lord.”

Without thinking, I shout, “How shall I know this?” Immediately, I’m filled with remorse and regret. If only I could take those words back. Then Gabriel exclaims, “You will be mute and unable to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe My words.”

I open my mouth to apologize, but not a word or sound. I tried again and again, but nothing. Immediately, the angel vanishes. Now, a heavy burden lay on my shoulders. Why, in the midst of serving the Lord Most High, did I doubt His answer to my prayer?

Exiting the Temple, I notice the large crowd of people waiting outside. I try to share my experience with all my might, but not a sound. A look of confusion forms on their faces. Whispers ripple through the crowd. As my eyes meet Elizabeth’s, Gabriel’s words echo in my ear, “Your son will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.” All of a sudden, in my silence, the world around me dissipates.

Frustrated, yet encouraged.

Confused, yet calm.

Fearful, yet humble.

To my surprise, within a few days, my wife, Elizabeth, conceives a child. For a little over nine months, we didn’t leave our home. Still, not a peep or word have I spoken. Humbleness overwhelms my heart. A life change stirs deep within my soul. In this time of silence, God is transforming my life like never before. His love, grace, and mercy are becoming my lifeline. These silent times are teaching me to listen to His still small voice. I long to share it with Elizabeth. But how? I trust in God’s timing. One day, God will allow me to share this transformation with my beautiful bride.

The time finally arrives. Elizabeth brings forth our son. Relatives and friends rejoice with us over this miracle baby. Praises to God echo through the valleys and hills south of Jerusalem. On day eight, the day Jewish babies are circumcised, the officials ask my wife what name to give the boy. I smile as she boldly says, “John.” The authorities argued with her because no one in our family carried that name. Turning to me, they motion for me to write the name down. I open my mouth and shout, “His name shall be called John!”

Immediately, the angel’s words surface, “You will be mute and unable to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their own time.” Filled with the Holy Spirit, I drop to my knees and begin praising God. All in God’s perfect timing. Praise releases. Humbleness flows. Love ignites.

____________________________

All this happened to Zacharias while he was serving the Lord. How many times do we question or doubt God in the midst of serving Him? How often do we allow fear to overtake us as God answers our prayers?

It is in the SILENT times that we learn to LISTEN. Are you experiencing silence? Are you listening?

Hidden in the word SILENT is the word LISTEN.

Scramble the letters to find both. Like Zacharias, we can all learn something from this little assignment.

From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

DECISIONS...

DECISIONS...

"They all joined together constantly in prayer.“ Acts 1:14

I'm so confused! I don’t know what to do?” Have you ever asked yourself this question? You might be asking it right now. Possibly, this picture represents your prayers... “Lord, which way should I go?” How do you make the right decision according to God’s will for your life?

Some choices are obvious. If it compromises what God’s Word tells us, then the decision is clear. God will never lead us to make a choice that contradicts His Word. Some decisions are better-

best choice. For example, let's say you are offered another job with a promotion and a location change. This is a great opportunity, but will be difficult for your high school children. Your current job offers terrific benefits, but the chance for advancement is limited. How do you make the right choice? Let’s go to the scriptures for our answer.

In Acts 1:15-26, the disciples were faced with a situation. They needed to fill Judas’ spot on the team. Peter reminded them of Psalm 109:8: "May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership." A challenge to make the right decision lay before them. Two men met the criteria for the position — Barsabbas and Matthias. Both men were qualified and willing to fill the spot, but only one was God’s best for the position. The answer comes in Acts 1:24-25: And then they prayed, Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry? Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, so he was added to the eleven apostles."

They prayed, trusting God to show them the best man. They didn’t sit around debating about it. They moved forward, seeking the Lord’s will. God calls us to pray and move forward in our prayers. What a powerful example of prayer!

We need to act in the same way today. Bring everything to Jesus. Trust His answer, in His timing, in His way! Pray with boldness when faced with making a decision. Trust that God already has the answer. Boldly allow yourself to learn about prayer through the decision-making process.

Oh, I can hardly contain myself as I am writing these words. God will show you His answer... I promise!

PRAYER CHALLENGE

Faced with a decision? Pray! Now, move forward in God’s will as He reveals His plan. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you to watch for God’s answers to your prayers. Never forget to praise Jesus, for the glory belongs to Him!

Carla McDougal

My Prayer Chair, "Decisions" pg. 63

Stop Sign Along Life’s Journey

How often do you praise God for slowing things down? What about when He puts up a big red STOP sign along life’s journey - how do you respond?

We're created for efficiency; it's our culture's DNA. Sadly, we rarely hear praises to the Lord for stopping and slowing things down. If your in the midst of a STOP moment in life, PRAY Psalm 62:1-2 out loud and in your heart,

"For God alone, my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”

Trusting Him moment-by-moment🙌🏻✝️.

God’s message to me from Nehemiah 2.

From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

PRAYER. PURPOSE. POWER!

PRAYER. PURPOSE. POWER!

"Be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you." 1 Samuel 12:23

"I will pray for you."

How many times is this statement used in a day? Do we actually follow through or has it become a a phrase to make others feel better?

How serious are these five words to God?

In the verse above, who does Samuel say we sin against when we fail to pray for one another? THE LORD GOD HIMSELF.

God calls us to pray for each other, lift one another up in prayer, and to cry out in pray for the needs of others. This was instilled in Samuel at an early age. Not able to conceive, Hannah, cried out to God for a son. In her pain and distress she made a vow to The Lord...

"If You will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son,then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life." 1 Samuel 1:11

God heard her cry, answered her prayer, and as a result she followed through with her promise. His mother's example left a "Prayer Imprint" on Samuel's heart. As a result, we find example after example of Samuel praying for others. I love the fact that when he says he will pray, he did it right then... 1 Samuel 7:5.

Do you believe your prayers make a difference?

Do you mean what you pray or do you just say the words out of duty?

Get ready to be blown away. James 5:16 says...

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that YOU may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Hold it! Praying for others heals me? This word in the Greek actually means "to make whole; to free from errors and sins." Now this is a new and fresh thought. When I take time to pour out my heart to God on behalf of others, I am affected. My relationship with Jesus is deepened. WOW! Praise God for His Word that teaches us all things.

LIFE CHALLENGE... When you tell someone you will pray for them... Do It! Follow through with that commitment to pray. In fact, here is a double challenge, when you tell someone you will pray do it right then... in the grocery store, on the phone, at work, at church, during exercise class, in the yard. I find when I pray right then, in the moment, I am more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's nudge to pray later.

From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER

IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER

In the bleak mid-winter

Frosty wind made moan,

Earth stood hard as iron,

Water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow,

Snow on snow,

In the bleak mid-winter

Long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold Him

Nor earth sustain,

Heaven and earth shall flee away

When He comes to reign:

In the bleak mid-winter

A stable-place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty —

Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim

Worship night and day,

A breastful of milk

And a manger full of hay;

Enough for Him, whom Angels

Fall down before,

The ox and ass and camel

Which adore.

Angels and Archangels

May have gathered there,

Cherubim and seraphim

Thronged the air;

But only His Mother

In her maiden bliss

Worshipped the Beloved

With a kiss.

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a Shepherd

I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man

I would do my part,

Yet what I can I give Him:

Give my heart.

-Christina Rossetti (1830-1882)

Oh, how I love these songs of old. Finding the depth and meaning in the lyrics is like discovering a treasure box filled with valuable stones. "In the Bleak Midwinter" is a perfect example.

God has given us the greatest Christmas gift in history - His Son, Jesus. Is there any way to repay God for this gift of sending His Son? Not only no, but never! The only gift He's looking for from us is our surrendered hearts.

Jesus said in Matthew 22:37, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

Have you surrendered your heart to Jesus? If not, now is the best time!

Merry Christmas From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

GOD BREAKS THE SILENCE

GOD BREAKS THE SILENCE (Luke 1:5-38;57-80)

Zacharias was one of the older priests in the church. God viewed him and his wife, Elizabeth, as righteous and blameless because they walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. Elizabeth was advanced in years, yet the desire for children still lingered in her heart and mind.

One day, while Zacharias was serving the Lord the lot fell upon him to go into the temple of the Lord to burn the incense. Image the moment… He walks in to accomplish the normal religious routine. Outside the others are praying for this act of service. All at once, Zacharias comes face-to-face with an angel…

I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, was sent to speak to you (Zacharias is the father of John the Baptist) and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time. Luke 1:19-20 (Please read Luke 1:5-15 and 57-80 to fully understand this next section)

What was going through Zacharias’ mind? Was he confused? Did he recognize the angel was from God? Together, let’s think beyond the obvious to a possible monologue from Zacharias…

"Shock, fear, and doubt absorb my thoughts. Why in the midst of one of my greatest priesthood moments am I filled with fear? Questions erupt. This must be the angel of death, not an angel of the Lord.

My eyes meet face-to-face with the angel as he says, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.” Again doubt escalates. Elizabeth and I prayed for God to bless us with a child, but now we are too advanced in our years.

The angel continues, “The Holy Spirit will fill him, even from his mother’s womb… to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Without thinking I shout, “How shall I know this?” Immediately, remorse fills me. Regret embeds my heart. Looking deep within my soul, the angel of the Lord exclaims, “You will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe My words.”

I open my mouth to apologize, but not a word or sound. I tried again and again, but nothing. Immediately, the angel vanishes. Now, a heavy burden lay on my shoulders. Why in the middle of serving the Lord Most High did I doubt His answer to my prayer?

Exiting the Temple, I notice the large crowd of people waiting outside. With all my might, I try to share my experience, but not a sound. A look of confusion forms on their faces. Whispers ripple through the multitude of people. As my eyes meet Elizabeth’s, the angel of the Lord’s words resound… Your son will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. All of a sudden, in my silence the world around me dissipates.

Frustrated, yet encouraged.

Confused, yet calm.

Fearful, yet humble.

To my surprise, within a few days my wife, Elizabeth, conceives a child. For a little over nine months, we didn’t leave our home. Still, not a peep or word have I spoken. Humbleness overwhelms my heart. A life change stirs deep within my soul. In this time of silence, God is transforming my life like never before. His love, grace, and mercy are becoming my lifeline. These silent times are teaching me to listen to His still small voice. I long to share it with Elizabeth. But how? I trust in God’s timing. One day, God will allow me the opportunity to share this transformation with my beautiful bride.

The time finally arrives. Elizabeth brings forth our son. Relatives and friends rejoice with us over this miracle baby. Praises to God echo through the valleys and hills south of Jerusalem. On day eight, the babies are circumcised, the officials ask my wife what name to give the boy. I smile as she boldly says, “John.” The authorities begin arguing with her because no one in our family carried that name. Turning to me they motion for me to write the name down. I open my mouth and shout, “His name shall be called John!”

Immediately, the angel of the Lord’s words surfaces, You will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time. Filled with the Holy Spirit, I drop to my knees and begin praising God. All in God’s perfect timing. Praise releases. Humbleness flows. Love ignites.

___________________________________

All this happened to Zacharias while he was serving the Lord. How many times do we question or doubt God in the midst of serving Him? How often do we allow fear to overtake us as God is answering our prayers? It is in the SILENT times that we learn to LISTEN. Are you experiencing silence? Are you listening?

Hidden in the word SILENT is the word LISTEN.

Scramble the letters to find both. Hmm… Like Zacharias, we can all learn something from this little assignment.

Merry Christmas From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

CHRISTMAS TREASURED GIFTS

CHRISTMAS TREASURED GIFTS

Jesus' humble entrance into the world changed the future forever.

God, in the flesh, brought hope to a world filled with corruption, chaos, and moral decay. In the little town of Bethlehem during the utter confusion of the census, Jesus' birth silently swept in like a wintery snow.

Questions arise like why did the Wise Men bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh as gifts for Jesus? Why not blankets, clothes, and toys? That seems more practical and useful.

Imagine the Wise Men just doing their thing, when out of nowhere they notice a new star beaming in the sky. As astrologers, these men were experts in the field of studying the night sky. Night after night, they understood the details surrounding the stars and their formations. But, what was this star singing in the east? Where did it come from? Checking their records and charts, it was nowhere to be found. In all their wisdom and knowledge, possibly Numbers 24:17 popped into their minds...

"A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab and destroy all the sons of tumult."

With little time to waste the Wise Men begin following this star. Imagine their journey. Possibly they were singing praise songs or contemplating what they would say first. With every step, their hearts beat faster and faster.

Keeping their eyes on the star their journey ends at the little town of Bethlehem. Excitement builds. Joy fills their hearts.

"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." (Matt. 2:2)

Still following the star, they notice the starlight beaming brightly on a meek little home. The pounding of their hearts resembles their knock on the door. As it slowly opens, they spot a toddler clinging to his mother's leg. Tears slowly well up and they can hardly contain themselves. The King, the Messiah humbly stands before them. In awe of His presence, these Wise Men fall on their knees before Him in worship and praise.

Without a word, they begin digging into their bags. One by one they lay their treasured gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh at the feet of the Child - the long-awaited King. Tears puddle beneath them. Physically weary yet spiritually energized they leave this humble abode to return home. What a trip back that must have been.

Reading through Matthew 2:1-18, God reveals some treasured gifts for each of us. Why did the Wise Men choose these three gifts? Let's discover some deeper meanings and purposes.

Gold symbolized Royalty - The King of the Jews

Frankincense was a Fragrance - Used in the Temple to represent Priesthood

Myrrh was an Ointment of Death - Prophesying Jesus' Death

God had it all planned. He directed the Wise Men not only with the Star for direction but also with the perfect gifts! Each of these items had both spiritual and prophetic significance as well as they were all very valuable gifts. As a result, these presents provided Joseph and Mary with the financial resources needed to flee to Egypt, escaping the wrath of Herod (Matt. 2:13-18). They experienced God providing for them every step of the way.

Oh, I love how God teaches so many life lessons through His Word that we can apply to our lives!

May this Christmas be one you will remember as life-changing. Not because of the gifts you receive or places you go, but one that embeds a deeper desire for a relationship with Jesus.

Maybe the most precious gift you can give someone is the gift of prayer... a gift that keeps on giving.

From My Heart to yours,

Carla McDougal