"Believe"

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-14)

This morning instead of reading from the stories of Jesus’ birth found in Matthew and Luke, I wade into the deep depths of the Gospel of John. “Christmas is for children,” or, “Christmas brings out the child in us all.” Those are nice sentimental thoughts on one level, but might they hold a more serious truth? Could Christmas be for adults too? On more than one occasion while teaching about his kingdom, Jesus lifted up a child and said things like, “Whoever wants to enter into the kingdom of heaven must become like a child” (e.g., Ma . 18:3; Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17). This has most often been interpreted in a sentimental fashion, lifting out the whimsical, wondrous, carefree nature of children as the prerequisite mentality for entering into God’s kingdom. While these are commendable qualities, and perhaps have a tiny bit of relevance to what Jesus was saying, the biblical evidence points to a deferent meaning. In the first century, children held no status or value in the community. Children were more like slaves in the sense of being the property of another with no status or social value of their own.

While this is far from the case for most children in our North American context, it remains the situation for millions of children around the world. Many of them find themselves as both status-less children and slaves. Jesus’ point was not to become carefree and whimsical, which would have been somewhat foreign concepts to a first-century child. He lifted up a child to reference his utter humility. In the eyes of the society, they brought nothing to the table of value; not even themselves. Here’s a rough translation: “Unless you become humble, like this child, coming to grips with the fact that you bring nothing to the table, no claim of entitlement, no rights (birthrights or otherwise), privileges, status or anything else; unless you humble yourself in this fashion, just like this child I hold up before you, and enter in on the very same level as anyone else, you can’t come in. It’s not because I am barring the door to hold you out. It’s because you are disqualifying  yourselves from even the possibility of perceiving the reality of my kingdom to begin with.”

With this backdrop, hear the Christmas text again:

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

It begins with believing, yet believing can be a deceptive word. We can believe in all we have read through and considered these past days of Advent and still be no closer to the real miracle of Christmas. We can believe Jesus is the Son of God and even the Savior of the world in the same way we believe the sky is blue and gravity is real. The birth of Jesus on Christmas Day, his resurrection on Easter, and his certain return on an unknown future date can be eternal verities we run up the flagpole and salute and yet remain unaffected in our lives by their truth. Examine the text closer:

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God . . .

Believing must lead to becoming, lest believing be emptied of its power. The whole point of Advent—indeed, of the gospel—is that seeds of faith be sown in our minds and hearts such that something genuinely and stunningly new could break through the service and burst into life.

Track further with the text:

Though the language has become cliché and caricatured through the years, the Bible is clear about being “born again.” Jesus said it plainly, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3 NIV).

The anonymous hymn writer may have said it best:

“Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born,
if He’s not born in thee, Thy soul is still forlorn.”

This is the invitation of Christmas: not passive belief but active becoming. It’s taking the risk of new birth. As gifts are given and received and the wrapping paper gathered up, the excitement of the day will recede. As the sentimentality of the day fades, the serious possibility remains: Will you humble yourself like a child? Will you receive, believe, and be born again and become humble before the God of heaven and earth, the Lord over all creation, Jesus Christ? What could be a better story than to say you were born again on Christmas Day?

My family, I pray you will say and believe the words of this prayer this morning. Our Father in heaven, nearer than my breath, thank you for these days of Advent and this new year in Christ. I want to be born again. I want to believe in Jesus in a deeper way than before. I want to receive him into the depths of my being. Lord, Jesus, I want for you to be born in me in a new and deeper way. I don’t discount what has happened prior to this day in my walk with you. I only know it has led to this present moment where I want to say yes to you like never before. I want to become one of the children of God afresh. Come, Holy Spirit, and let the life of Jesus Christ be born anew and afresh in me today and lead forward in a way of growing up in him and into the life I was made for. In the name of Jesus Messiah—the one who came, is here, and is coming again— for his glory and our good, in Jesus’ name, amen. Please pray the same for me.  God bless you my friends!

 Please share your reflections with us in the comment box below as swe pend time in this devotion.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC 

 

 READING THROUGH THE NEW TESTAMENT IN 2025. JOIN US!

There are 260 chapters of the Bible in the New Testament (NT).

There are also 260 weekdays, Mon-Fri in a Year.

So if you read just one chapter of the NT, just 5 days a week. , Mon-Fri, you will read through the whole NT in a year. So I would like for us to join together in reading through the NT in 2025. And in 2025 I am going to use the daily NT reading for my weekday morning ODC Daily Message devotion blog so we can reflect on the readings together..

To make it easy for us to stay on track of what chapter we are on each day I want us to use the Bible plan found at [https://bibleplan.org/plans/new-testament-in-a-year/#net]

It is very simple.

Go to the website.

When it comes up select the language: English

Select the translation: New English Translation

Select the initial reading date: Jan 1st, 2025

Select the time you want to receive a daily email stating the days chapter reading

Enter the email you want the daily email sent to

Click on subscribe!

You will be sent an email tyou need to click on to confirm subsciption Then, starting Jan 1st every weekday morning you will get an email with the days NT chapter reading.

You can invite others, family members, friends to join in. It does not matter where they live. When my father was alive in Cleveland I had him subscribe so he could read through the Bible with us as well. Let me know if you have any questions!

Looking forward to our time together in the Word!

"Come And See"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. All that I am and all that I have, I give to You in trusting surrender--as best as I can and all by Your grace.  ...

"The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, 'Look, here is the Lamb of God!' The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, He said to them, 'What are you looking for?' They said to Him, 'Rabbi' (which translated means Teacher), 'where are you staying?' He said to them 'Come and see.' They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day" (John 1:35-39) 

Lord Jesus, I want to know where You're staying, so I can come be with You. I want to know where You're going, so I can go there with You. Where You are is where I want to be. You're the One I'm looking for. 

So I accept Your invitation to 'Come and see,' so I can "Come and be"--come and be with You. To me, that's one of Your greatest promises in all of Scripture:  "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

Holy Spirit, take away my wordly blinders, interrupt my schedule, break through my business of shopping and activities of Christmas and open up my eyes and my heart to see Jesus in the people around me today.  Guide and lead me to the places and encounters where I will walk away from them blown away by the “God thing” that just happened!  Remind me that Christmas was a “Come and see” day. Wise men, shepherds and others all had to leave their place of comfort to come and see Jesus. And Jesus left the comfort and safety of heaven, took on a human body, the same as yours and mine, and went into a world that was dangerous, so he could be with and encounter the gift of humanity, people like you and me.

 My family, I pray the Holy Spirit will take away your wordly blinders, interrupt your holiday schedule, and open up your eyes and heart to “Come and see” Jesus in the people around you today.  I pray that you come and be with Him and allow Him to come and be with you in all you are and all you do, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!

 Please share your reflections with us in the comment box below as spend time in this devotion.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC 

 

 READING THROUGH THE NEW TESTAMENT IN 2025. JOIN US!

There are 260 chapters of the Bible in the New Testament (NT).

There are also 260 weekdays, Mon-Fri in a Year.

So if you read just one chapter of the NT, just 5 days a week. , Mon-Fri, you will read through the whole NT in a year. So I would like for us to join together in reading through the NT in 2025. And in 2025 I am going to use the daily NT reading for my weekday morning ODC Daily Message devotion blog so we can reflect on the readings together..

To make it easy for us to stay on track of what chapter we are on each day I want us to use the Bible plan found at [https://bibleplan.org/plans/new-testament-in-a-year/#net]

It is very simple.

Go to the website.

When it comes up select the language: English

Select the translation: New English Translation

Select the initial reading date: Jan 1st, 2025

Select the time you want to receive a daily email stating the days chapter reading

Enter the email you want the daily email sent to

Click on subscribe!

You will be sent an email tyou need to click on to confirm subsciption Then, starting Jan 1st every weekday morning you will get an email with the days NT chapter reading.

You can invite others, family members, friends to join in. It does not matter where they live. When my father was alive in Cleveland I had him subscribe so he could read through the Bible with us as well. Let me know if you have any questions!

Looking forward to our time together in the Word!

Comment

 

"More Expectant Faith"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I'm listening for Your leading and resting in Your Presence to begin my day in the communion of prayer with You -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. ...

"At the time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah" (Luke 2:25-26).

A couple days ago I reflected on the expectant faith of the wise men. This morning I reflect on the expectant faith of Simeon. Simeon was full of expectant faith. He was "eagerly waiting for the Messiah." He knew the Written Word of the Scriptures that spoke of the One who would come as God's anointed Son to be the Salvation of Israel and a Light to the nations (Isaiah 9:6; 42:1; 61:1-3 and many more). But he also knew the prophetic word that had been spoken into his spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.

Simeon held on in expectant faith and pressed through in persistent prayer all through the years, by the Word and by the Spirit. And then the day finally came when his prayers were answered and the prophetic promises were fulfilled. The goodness of God was worth the wait!

Before Simeon died, he not only saw the Messiah with his eyes but embraced the Messiah in his arms. "That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the Child in his arms and praised God, saying, 'Sovereign Lord, now let Your servant die in peace, as You have promised. I have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared for all people. He is a Light to reveal God to the nations, and He is the Glory of your people Israel!'" (Luke 2:27-32)

As we "eagerly wait for the Messiah" in this season of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ, remind us of Your written Word and every one of Your prophetic words to each one of us, to our nation, and to our world. Give us the grace of expectant faith and persevering prayer to see Your promises and purposes fulfilled! Give us the grace to wait -- not wavering in faith, not giving up in despair, but eagerly awaiting our Savior, our Messiah, our Fulfillment of Every Promise of God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, I pray today you will eagerly seek out the embrace of God with expectant faith and persistent prayer for the fulfillment of the prophetic promises of God for your life, for your family, for our churches, for our nation, and for our world, in Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. And I join with you and so many in prayer for our nation through this challenging time. God bless you, my friend!

Please share your reflections with us in the comment box below as you “ponder” this devotion.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC 

 

 READING THROUGH THE NEW TESTAMENT IN 2025. JOIN US!

There are 260 chapters of the Bible in the New Testament (NT).

There are also 260 weekdays, Mon-Fri in a Year.

So if you read just one chapter of the NT, just 5 days a week. , Mon-Fri, you will read through the whole NT in a year. So I would like for us to join together in reading through the NT in 2025. And in 2025 I am going to use the daily NT reading for my weekday morning ODC Daily Message devotion blog so we can reflect on the readings together..

To make it easy for us to stay on track of what chapter we are on each day I want us to use the Bible plan found at [https://bibleplan.org/plans/new-testament-in-a-year/#net]

It is very simple.

Go to the website.

When it comes up select the language: English

Select the translation: New English Translation

Select the initial reading date: Jan 1st, 2025

Select the time you want to receive a daily email stating the days chapter reading

Enter the email you want the daily email sent to

Click on subscribe!

You will be sent an email tyou need to click on to confirm subsciption Then, starting Jan 1st every weekday morning you will get an email with the days NT chapter reading.

You can invite others, family members, friends to join in. It does not matter where they live. When my father was alive in Cleveland I had him subscribe so he could read through the Bible with us as well. Let me know if you have any questions!

Looking forward to our time together in the Word!

"The Humility of Immanuel"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. In these first moments of my morning, I want to give You first priority in my day.  ...

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:  Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).

You are the One who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. You are the One who is fully God and fully Man, Son of God and Son of Man, the One who set aside the glory of Heaven to humble Yourself in the likeness of human flesh and blood to live and to love among us as Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23). “You are Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” -- all from Your mercy and love for us (Philippians 2:6-8).

I can't truly conceive and all it means that You willingly humbled Yourself to be conceived in the womb of woman for me. "The sufferings of Christ" began in the womb, not only at the cross or the tomb (1 Peter 1:10). You had it all, yet You chose to sacrifice it all for me and for all who would embrace Your sacrifice of love and grace -- "not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 2:9).

In Your humanity, You showed us the way to the Father -- how to live a life by the leading of the Holy Spirit, only doing what the Father was doing and saying what the Father was speaking, as You lived a life in the fellowship of the Father and in the communion of the Holy Spirit (John 5:19 and 12:49). 

And as Immanuel, you were both born to live for us, and willing to die for us, that in Your death as a sinless sacrifice for us, we might live forever with You in the power and glory of Your resurrection. "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the sharing of His suffering by becoming like Him in His death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection form the dead.... I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own" (Philippians 3:10-12).

Son of God, Son of Man -- One with the Father, One with the Holy Spirit -- come be One within me. Immanuel, God with us, come live in me, that I can live for You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, I pray,  you will completely open up your heart up this morning to the One who is Immanuel, and allow Him to live within you, as you live for Him today in the fellowship of the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your reflections with us in the comment box below as you “ponder” this devotion.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC  

 

 READING THROUGH THE NEW TESTAMENT IN A YEAR IN 2025

There are 260 chapters of the Bible in the New Testament (NT).

There are also 260 weekdays, Mon-Fri in a Year.

So if you read just one chapter of the NT, just 5 days a week. , Mon-Fri, you will read through the whole NT in a year. So I would like for us to join together in reading through the NT in 2025. And in 2025 I am going to use the daily NT reading for my weekday morning ODC Daily Message devotion blog so we can reflect on the readings together..

To make it easy for us to stay on track of what chapter we are on each day I want us to use the Bible plan found at [https://bibleplan.org/plans/new-testament-in-a-year/#net]

It is very simple.

Go to the website.

When it comes up select the language: English

Select the translation: New English Translation

Select the initial reading date: Jan 1st, 2025

Select the time you want to receive a daily email stating the days chapter reading

Enter the email you want the daily email sent to

Click on subscribe!

You will be sent an email tyou need to click on to confirm subsciption Then, starting Jan 1st every weekday morning you will get an email with the days NT chapter reading.

You can invite others, family members, friends to join in. It does not matter where they live. When my father was alive in Cleveland I had him subscribe so he could read through the Bible with us as well. Let me know if you have any questions!

Looking forward to our time together in the Word!

"Expectant Faith"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Put Your thoughts in my mind and Your desires in my heart, as I seek to follow in Your steps today. ...

"In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, 'Where is the Child who has been born King of the Jews? For we observed His star at its rising, and have come to pay homage'" (Matthew 2:1-2).

Before hope was fulfilled, the wise men saw hope from afar.

Long before the day of the birth of Christ, they looked up to the sky and saw a star of hope in the heavens. As the star was rising in the sky, hope was rising in their hearts. So they followed that star until their hope was fulfilled.

There was something unique about this star that spoke to their hearts that there was something unique about this Child. They probably didn't know that the fulfillment of their hopes was destined to be the fulfilment of the Promises of God and the hope of all of mankind.

"For so it has been written by the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler who is to shepherd My people'" (Matthew 2:5-6).

The wise men followed their hearts and hopes. They followed "the star they had seen at its rising until it stopped over the place where the Child was (Matthew 2:9).  And on that day, their hopes were turned to joy. "When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they knelt down and paid Him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:9-11).

Holy Spirit of the Living God, come fill our hearts with hope. Come lift up our eyes to the heavens, from where our help comes from. Give us courage and faith to keep following the star of hope You cause to shine in our hearts until our hopes are fulfilled in You. "Hope deferred make the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled in a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12).

Fulfill the desires You've put in our hearts, Father. Fill our hearts with Your new life. Like wise men on a journey going to see the King, we believe with expectant faith and hopeful hearts that our journey will end in joy! And we will bow down and pay homage to the One whose hope does not disappoint.

"Hope does not disappoint us because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us" (Romans 5:5).  So arise and shine in our hearts, Holy Spirit of God, O Star of Hope, who always leads us to the King. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, i pray as you begin a new week that hope may rise in your heart with expectant faith and courage to pursue the promises our Father has put into your hearts by His Holy Spirit on your journey to the King and His kingdom purposes in your life and our world, in Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your reflections with us in the comment box below as you “ponder” this devotion.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC  

 

"In The Fullness Of Time"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. O come, O come, Emmanuel -- God with us -- God with me, here in my heart and in every moment of my day. 

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So that you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir of God through Christ!" (Galatians 4:4-7)

When the Holy Spirit entered the womb of the virgin Mary "the fullness of time had come." God sent His Son in the likeness of human flesh and blood to be both our example of a life in obedience to the Father and led by the Holy Spirit, as well as our atoning sacrifice for all that would divide us from the intimacy and joy and peace of a personal, living, eternal relationship with God (Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:20; John 3:16).

In "the fullness of time," You fulfilled the purposes of Your first coming and returned to heaven (Acts 1:9-11). And "the fullness of time" will yet come again when You return to this earth in the fullness of Your glory (Malachi 4:5-6; Zechariah 14:4; Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 19:11-16). Your timing is always perfect and Your purposes are always fulfilled -- all in Your time, all in Your way (Proverbs 19:21; Isaiah 55:11; Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:44). "For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay" (Habakkuk 2:3).

Likewise, the days in which we live are also in "the fullness of time." The choices we make and all the choices our governments make as the nations of the earth all fit into Your plans and all affect our lives, our calling, and our destiny for "the fullness of time." In our generation, as in every generation, we can say with Queen Esther that we are alive in our time, strategically positioned and divinely aligned "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14).

Christmas is the time that Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. And we all look forward to the coming of the Messiah in His second coming who will be the Light of the world and restore all things in peace as the One "named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

Come, Lord Jesus -- Prince of Peace and King over all the earth (Revelation 22:12)! "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!'" (Revelation 22:17) Move in our hearts and teach us to pray by the leading of Your Spirit in agreement with the will of our Father and the purposes of God (Luke 11:1; Romans 8:26-27). As we leave this past year and enter into the new, may we be increasing excited and expectant to see what You will do in our lives and our world in our generation (1 Corinthians 2:9; Jeremiah 33:3). The best is yet to come (Haggai 2:9; John 2:10)! And I believe You've allowed us the honor to be alive and called to Your purposes in "the fullness of time" and "for such a time as this!" Lord, let it be so. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, I pray you will be led by the Holy Spirit to pray according to the will and purposes of God in your life and our world -- here in the fullness of time and for such a time as this, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you my friends!

 

"Treasured All These Words And Pondered Them In Her Heart"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You're my Lord and my Savior, and I welcome You into every moment of my day.  ...

"Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favors!' When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.' So they went and found Mary and Joseph, and the Child lying in a manger. When they saw this, they made know what had been told them about this Child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them" (Luke 2:13-20).

Mary "treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart."...

Do we treasure these stories of your birth Lord? Do we take time to ponder these words in the Bible in our hearts? Or do we think we know the stories so well and have heard them so long that we simply gloss over them or treat them like fairy tales or the simple lines of children's Christmas plays?  Have you at any time this season sat down by yourself and read the birth narratives in Luke or Matthew and treasured them, pondered on them, and spent time reflecting on them?

These stories are treasures. These "Christmas Stories" are the Word of God -- "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until It divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). As You've said of Your Word, "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that goes from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, but It shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent It" (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Today God, let Your Word be Treasure in my heart.  Let me prioritize it, seek it, and not let anything keep me from it as a priceless treasure., Remind me that reading and pondering these stories of your birth are the priority of this season, not something to hopefully get to if my busy schedule of shopping, decorating, cooking and entertaining allows.   Let me never take Your Word for granted or treat it with less than the honor and awe It deserves. Let these stories of Your birth and Your hope and Your life bring comfort and peace and joy every time I read them and ponder them.  May I desire to share them as treasures with others. "My child, be attentive to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh" (Proverbs 4:20-22). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, I pray all the stories of the birth of Christ come alive and active in your heart, and you prioritize time to read them, treasure them, ponder them and share them with others, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your reflections with us in the comment box below as you “ponder” this devotion.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC  

 

"We Did The Exact Opposite Of Christmas"

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Like 2:11-12)

I read this morning Luke chapter 1 and 2 the Story of Jesus’s birth.  What we refer to as the “Christmas Story.”  How God in his entirety and all his glory left his heavenly realm far from us, descended to the earth and in the babe Jesus, became Emmanuel, God with us.  In the incarnation God took on completely human form and became like one of us (Phil 2:7-8). In this Christmas Story we see how God changed everything of how we are able to access Him, relate to Him and most importantly, imitate him (Heb 4:15).  Before Jesus was born we had no tangible example of what God was like or how we were to follow him.  Because we had no one to “follow.” What mankind had was a Temple form of worship, in which only a few elite priests could access the Holy of Holies and be in God’s presence.  It was as very religious, legalistic, and distinguished form of encountering God.  With the Christmas story God forever changed that and changed how we encounter him now to a very personal, simple level. 

            In the Christmas Story we see that God chose Mary to be the mother Jesus.  She was not distinguished at all.   She was not of royalty, or the daughter of a high priest or a rich respected landowner.  She was a poor, nameless 15-18 year old girl.

Her husband Joseph likewise was not who you would think would be the earthly father of the Son of God.  He was not a King, or ruler, or a respected religious Clergy.   Nor was he wealthy, owning much land, live stock and riches like the patriarchs of his faith: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. He was a poor, unknown carpenter.  Who for the trip to Bethlehem he did not even have a cart for them to ride in, but he could only afford one donkey for his wife to ride and had to walk the whole trip beside her.

The place in which Jesus born was not distinguished or religious at all.  The Son of God was not born in the Temple, or a palace, or even a nice home in a warm bed on silk sheets, but on straw in a manger among the animals.

When Jesus was born, who did the Angels and the company of heaven go and announce it to?  To Rome and the Emperor? To Jerusalem and King Herod or in the Temple to the high Priests?  No, to poor, common shepherds. (Luke 2:8-12).

This whole story of Jesus’ birth, the beginning of Christianity, and the Christmas story is one of meager, common, humble, unreligious beginnings.  Jesus’ story on earth ended the same way. He is crucified as a common criminal and after he is raised from the dead and leaves the tomb, who is the first people to see him? Women.  (Matt 28:7-10). Not to take offense with the women of today, but back then women did not count, literally.  

Jesus told the women to tell the men to meet him in Galilee which is approximately 60 miles from Jerusalem.  (Matt 28:16-20)  Jesus was saying “church”is not about Jerusalem any more! His church was now about Him, and forming a deep, intimate personal relationship with him.  He wanted a personal relationship with us at our level. But we, mankind did not, and still do not like this.  Even though all of mankind has read or heard this story I just read, that God became incarnate in man in the most humble, intimate, and personal way.  We are uncomfortable with it. We still in some way do not believe it.  That we are ok as we are.  That God wants to dwell personally with us and that we are his plan through whom God will restore the world.  God can’t just reside in me, in my home. To grasp that God is with us, Emmanuel, was just to simple. God can’t reside in me, he must live in something special.

So what did we do?  We built the great cathedrals of St. Peter’s in Rome, St. Paul’s in London, and Notre Dame in Paris.  Great halls ornate with gold and art work. We built big churches on our street corners. We built temples again!  Churches with carved altars, and stain glass windows. We serve the Lord’s Supper in ornate gold and silver chalices.  We did what is the exact opposite of what this story in the Bible tells us to do.  We re-built for us “temples”, We re-built for us “Jerusalem”, the same thing that Jesus had his disciples walk three days away from.  We chose cathedrals over mangers. Cathedrals are the opposite of a manger.  They suggest the opposite of the incarnation message that God is made flesh among us, and that God is present in our ordinary lives.  Cathedrals proclaim God resides here under their steeples, and we must go to them to encounter God. 

The church prefers seeing God in a gold box on an altar than in a panhandler on a street or a single mom in a welfare line. However, that is not the story of Christmas.  

My family, I pray today you will read the Christmas Stories in Luke and Matthew.  Then spend time in prayer and reflect on, “Is how and where you seek to encounter Jesus like that of the Christmas story?” How is it different?  What do you need to change so your faith is simply about intimately knowing Jesus?  May you walk out your door this morning understanding that “You are the church” so that you may lead those you encounter today to understand the same,  In Jesus name.  Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!

Please share your reflections with us in the comment box below

PS: Am I busy this time of year, Absolutely. Yet can I make time to talk to you? Absolutely. The Holiday season can bring out many emotions in people. Need to talk? My door is always open, the coffee pot is always on and my sofa is always warm and a place of peace and non-judgment. Any who needs to chat are welcome to contact me anytime. It's no good suffering in silence. I have cold drinks in the fridge...tea & coffee in the cupboard and I will always be here....You are never not welcome!!  Starbucks and Waffle House are open and a place to talk. You never have to go through a day of addiction, depression, fear, frustration, or anxieties of life alone.  It's always good to talk but its even better to listen, and to be listened to.  Some days this hits closer to home than we think.  I'll always lend an ear and a shoulder and my heart.  My hands are always ready to raise in prayer. Where ever you are, if you are struggling with anything and need to talk, go to your church, call a friend or family member.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC 

   

 

"Good news of great joy for all the people!"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let Your light shine in my heart and through my life today -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. 

"In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see -- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:  to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord!'" (Luke 2:8-11)

"Good news of great joy for all the people!" -- that's God’s heart and His purpose for this season we now call Christmas. To bring salvation and hope, light from our darkness, and good news of great joy for all!  God with us -- "Emmanuel"

So while we can be honest and real about any darkness that surrounds us or even any darkness that remains within us we are dealing with, let us not this season get stuck in discouragement or disappointment or despair. While we can acknowledge any loneliness or anxiety, confusion or fear, Jesus invites us all to lift up our heads and open up our hearts to welcome Him in as our Savior, our Messiah, our Lord. 

Like the shepherds in the field, we can respond to the word of the Lord and the hope of heaven to say, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us!" (v. 15) Let this thing that has taken place become a living encounter today and every day with the One who's come take His place in our hearts. Truly this is the good news of great joy God has for us all! In Jesus' name pray. Amen.

My family, I pray you are filled with the great joy that comes from hearing and embracing of the good news of God's heart for you and His longing to fill you with His Presence -- Emmanuel, God with us -- in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC 

   

 

"Deep Encounters Deep"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Fill my heart with Your Spirit and guide my steps into Your will -Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. 

"In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the Fruit of your womb.... For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy!" (Luke 1:39-44)

Deep calls to deep, as Spirit calls to spirit (Psalm 42:7). Elizabeth's spirit leaped with joy with Mary's spirit. And John, the child within in Elizabeth's womb, leaped with joy with Jesus, the Child within Mary's womb. When Elizabeth and her baby encountered Mary and her Baby, Elizabeth was "filled with the Holy Spirit" until joy overflowed! (Luke 1:41) "In Your Presence there is fullness of joy!" (Psalm 16:11)

Lord Jesus, we can encounter You every day. We can be filled with Your Spirit until joy overflows every day (Ephesians 5:18). We can welcome Your kingdom that has no end right here in the kingdom of our world, in the kingdom of our hearts every day to experience the same joy that Elizabeth and Mary experienced that day. "For, in fact, the kingdom of God is within (us)" (Luke 17:21). "For the kingdom of God is ... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).

The deep in me cries out for the deep in you.  My very spirit that is at the core and essence of who I am desperately desires to encounter the very Spirit of God in a real way!  So come, Holy Spirit. Fill me afresh with Your Presence and Your joy today. Let everything within me leap for joy! "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!" (Psalm 103:1) And as we move through this season we have set aside called Advent of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ, help me set aside time to prepare my heart for the coming of Your Spirit every day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, I pray you intentionally set aside time to encounter the living Presence of the risen Christ today, and are filled afresh with the Holy Spirit, leaping for joy, as your spirit is overwhelmed with the love of Jesus’ Spirit.  In Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me.  God bless you my friends!

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC 

   

"What did You see when You saw Mary's heart? "

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I seek Your face and listen for Your voice to begin my day embraced by My Father, centered in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. ...

"In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, 'Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.' But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to here, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God...'" (Luke 1:26-30).

Mary "found favor with God." What does that mean, Lord? ...

Does it mean she earned it? Does it mean she was worthy of it? Does it mean she was sinless or perfect or worthy of worship herself? What does it mean for Mary? And what does it mean for me? ...

As I ponder my question like Mary pondered her greeting, some Scriptures come to mind:  "The Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to Him" (2 Chronicles 16:9).

What did You see when You saw Mary's heart?  ...

I think You saw the heart of one who knew they needed a Savior. She sang out, "My spirit rejoices in God my Savior!" (Luke 1:47). And I think You saw the heart of one who was quick to rejoice in the One who saves us. I think You saw the heart of one who was humble in Your sight, saying, "He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant" (Luke 1:48). I think You saw the heart of one who was thankful and appreciative, not taking anything for granted, but giving You praise in all things, declaring, "The Mighty One has done great things for me and Holy is His name!" (Luke 1:49) And I think You saw the heart of one who would seek to be faithful to You and Your word and Your calling upon her life, responding from her heart, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

You're the God "who searches our hearts" (Romans 8:27). You're the God who knows our thoughts (Luke 5:22). "O Lord of hosts, You who test the righteous, Who sees the mind and the heart" (Jeremiah 20:12). You see the end of the beginning and the beginning from the end; You see every desire of our heart, every thought of our mind, and every choice we'll make, even as You give us the freedom to make those choices that flow out of our hearts and minds (Isaiah 46:10).

So for Mary and for me and for all Your sons and daughters of God who are called by Your name, we don't earn Your favor or Your grace -- it is the free gift of God (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:9). And at the same time, we are called to be "found faithful" just as we are blessed to be those who have "found favor" (1 Corinthians 4:2). We can't deserve it; we can't earn it -- that only comes by the power of Your grace and the Presence of Your Spirit at work within each one of us -- "For God is working in (us), giving (us) the desire and the power to do what pleases Him" (Philippians 2:13 NLT).

Lord, I want to be "found faithful" as one who has "found favor" in You. By the power of Your grace, give me the desire and the power to do what pleases You -- with humility, thankfulness, faithfulness, obedience, and praise -- just like Mary. "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, I pray you may seek a heart that is favored by God. A heart humble, seeking, rejoicing and found faithful in Him by the power and grace of His Spirit alive and at work within you, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!

I want to encourage you to join me by also sharing with us your thoughts, comments, reflections, and prayers you received from today’s reading in the comment box below.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC 

   

"Greetings, Favored One!"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Centered in Your Presence, grounded in Your Word, I wait to follow Your leading on my journey of faith in prayer with You today. 

"In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, 'Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.... Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son and you will name Him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end'" (Luke 1:26-33).

Mary was a "favored one" -she had "found favor with God." And how was she favored? As the angel Gabriel confirmed to her, the Lord was with her. The Lord had chosen her and called her, empowered and anointed her to know her identity and fulfill her destiny. 

Though Mary didn't understand at the beginning all it would involve and all it would mean, by faith and obedience, she said Yes. Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" (v. 38).

Like Mary, we are chosen and we are called. We are favored with the Presence of God who is with us. And like Mary, we are empowered to know our identity and fulfill our destiny, as the Holy Spirit comes upon us and the power of the Most High overshadows us (v. 35). In Christ, we are "filled with the Spirit" -- the same Spirit the conceived Christ in Mary's womb and favored Mary with the Presence of God (Ephesians 5:18).

None of us will carry the Son of God in our womb, but all of us who will say with Mary "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" will carry "the Spirit of Christ" in our hearts (Romans 8:9). Like Mary, we won't understand from the beginning all it will involve and all it will mean for us, but You invite us to trust Your heart and embrace Your word to "walk by faith" and obedience as favored ones of God (2 Corinthians 5:7). 

With the favor of Your Presence, we have nothing to fear, but only our identity and destiny in Christ to embrace. "In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of Him who accomplishes all things according to His counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of His glory!" (Ephesians 1:11-12) In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, I pray you embrace your identity and destiny as a most favored child of God by the anointing and presence of Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ in you.  You are a favored one of the Most High God, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC 

  

"Are You Preparing Your Heart?"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Help me begin my day grounded and surrounded in Your Presence -- embraced by my Father, centered in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. 

In the days leading up to Christmas, I am re-reading the Stories of Jesus’ birth in Matthew and Luke, I recommend you do the same.

"The angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before Him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord'" (Luke 1:13-17).

This time of year, in these days before Christmas, people prepare their homes for parties, stores prepare their shelves for shoppers, and churches prepare their sanctuaries for visitors. Everybody seems to be preparing for something.

But before the first Christmas, before the first coming of Christ, God You were preparing as well. Your Holy Spirit was preparing the way of the Lord in the earth. You prepared the wombs of Elizabeth and Mary. You prepared the hearts of Zechariah and Joseph.

And then after the birth of John and Jesus, You would be preparing a people who would turn their hearts in repentance and faith to the Lord their God. By the Spirit and the Word, "in the spirit and power of Elijah," John would help many make room in their hearts for Jesus the Christ, the Messiah of Israel, and the Lord of all the earth. He would "make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (v. 17).

Today, between Your first coming and Your second, by the Spirit and the Word, You are still preparing hearts and releasing hope to "make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Make my heart ready, Lord. Make my world in my generation ready, Lord. May we prepare You room in us, "Christ in (us), the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

In the spirit and power of Elijah that prepared the way of the Lord for Your first coming, may we be Your messengers and ambassadors preparing the way of the Lord for Your second coming (Malachi 4:5-6; Zechariah 14:4; Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 19:11-16). "So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making His appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20). 

Come, Lord Jesus -- both here in our hearts today and here in our world forever (Revelation 22:12). "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!'" (Revelation 22:17) In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My Family, I pray you set aside time in Scripture and prayer reading the stories of Jesus’ birth in Matthew and Luke. I pray you experience and embrace the Word and the Spirit preparing the way of the Lord in you and that in the spirit and power of Elijah, the Holy Spirit would use your life to prepare the way of the Lord in our generation and our world, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC 

 

Are You Positioned In The Right Place At The Right Time?

Good morning, Lord Jesus. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Come into my heart and every moment of my day, O Lord, my God who is always with me. 

"Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a Child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver the Child. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in bands of cloth, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn" (Luke 1:4-7).

Joseph and Mary had to get up and go to a different place than where they had been in order to be in the right place at the right time for the purposes and plans of God for their lives. They lived in Nazareth, but their Child, the Messiah, was prophesied and destined by the Word of God to born in in Bethlehem. "But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.... He shall be great to the ends of the earth; and He shall be the One of peace" (Micah 5:2-5).

And just as it was a different place than they would have expected, it was also at a totally different time than they wanted. They planned to be married and they planned to conceive a child together and Joseph planned to impregnate Mary. But Mary was to be pregnant with her Child before the marriage and bear a child as a virgin, as prophesied and destined by the Word of God. "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Look the virgin is with Child and shall bear a Son, and shall name Him Emmanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).

And though there were so many prophetic words and dreams, angelic visitations and supernatural encounters surrounding this historic, divine event, it was not an angel or a prophetic word that moved Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be in the right place at the right time to fulfill their destiny. Rather, it was the command of a pagan ruler by a secular governmental decree that strategically positioned them for their divine purpose. "In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered" (Luke 2:1).

Though You are the God of the supernatural, Your means are often naturally supernatural -- using natural events, circumstances, and relationships to position us in the right place at the right time to fulfill Your purposes for our lives. And though You are sovereign and You see everything that will happen and You know every choice we will ever make, You also allow us the freedom to make our choices that position us for Your purposes (John 7:17; Galatians 5:13; Joshua 24:15; Deuteronomy 30:15). 

Joseph had to make his choices (Matthew 1:24). Mary had to make her choices (Luke 1:38). And they had to make their choices together, which positioned them in the right place at the right time (Luke 2:5). Your hand was at work in it all; and at the same time, so was the freedom of will of the ones You had chosen to accomplish Your will.

Lord, give me grace to sense the leading of Your Spirit in line with the purposes of Your will for my life. Like Joseph and Mary, I want to be strategically positioned for Your divine purposes through me. Let me be found faithful, in the right place at the right time, secure in my identity and fulfilling my destiny. "For we are what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life" (Ephesians 2:10). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family, I pray you seek and sense the leading of the Holy Spirit, who desires to strategically and divinely position you in the right place at the right time to fulfill God's purposes for your life.  And I pray in your freedom to respond you will have the obedience, courage and peace to go where He leads you, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

"Stand against the schemes of the Devil"

Good morning Jesus, Father, Spirit, I begin my day standing on your promises.   

 “Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints. Pray for me also, that I may be given the message when I begin to speak - that I may confidently make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may be able to speak boldly as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Ephesians 6:10-20 is one of the go-to passages in the Bible on Spiritual Warfare.  It is a war that all believers to prepare for, arm themselves, and join together to attack and push back the gates of hell. As we enter into this holiday season of Thanksgiving of giving thanks and being grateful; And Christmas of renewing hope, joy, and experience God with us in a new way, it is no surprise that we also will encounter in people and situations more negativity and hostility. Satan and his dare forces in this world hate this season and will push back at every opportunity and use everyone and everything possible, including you and me, to spoil and distract us from therein “Reason for the Season.”  Our main weapon against spiritual attacks is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”  So I infused in Ephesians 6:10-20 the Word of God that reading this may help arm you so you can “stand firm.” Save this and read it over when ever you feel attacked.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (in bold italics) with corresponding Scriptures inserted.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus” 2Tim 2:1

“I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” 1 John 2:14

Put on

“I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;

my justice was like a robe and a turban.” Job 29:14

“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Rom. 13:12

the whole armor of God,

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Cor.10:4

that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 

“so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Eph 4:14

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” Col. 1:13 

but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 

“When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Luke 22:53

in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience” Eph 2:2

Therefore take up the whole armor of God,

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” 1 Pe 4:1 

that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

“making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Eph. 5:16-19

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” 1 Pet. 1:13 

“Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.” Isa. 11:5

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,” Isa 61:10

“He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.” Isa 59:17

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation,” Isa 52:7

“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Rom 10:15

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith,

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1Joh 5:4

with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.“ Heb 4:12

“He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.” Isa 49:2 

praying at all times

"And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart" Lk. 18:1

 in the Spirit,

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit" Jude 1:20.  "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."  Romans 8:26

 with all prayer and supplication.

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak" Col 4:2-4 

To that end keep alert with all perseverance,

"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake." Mark 13:32-34

 making supplication for all the saints,

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people," 1 Tim 2:1

 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth

"At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—" Col. 4:3.  "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you," 2Th. 3:1

boldly to proclaim

"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness," Acts 4:29

 the mystery of the gospel, 

"how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly." Eph. 3:3

for which I am an ambassador

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" 2Cor. 5:20

 in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."

"For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” Acts 28:20

My family, I pray today in the power of the Holy Spirit you examine your “armor” for weaknesses and/or where pieces are missing and make intentional plans to renew and restore it so you can “stand against the schemes of the devil.”

Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE   

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website:https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC

 

 

 

 

"Ultimate Giver"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Help me hear what You would speak to my heart, as I begin my day in communion with You -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  ... 

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back" (Luke 6:37-38).

Yes, Lord. In many ways, what goes around, comes around; and we tend to get back what we dish out. Help me "do to others as (I) would have them do to (me)" (v. 6:31). I need lots of grace, so help me give lots of grace. I need lots of encouragement, so help me give lots of encouragement.

And I sure don't need lots of judgment or condemnation or un-forgiveness or stinginess, so help me not be on the serving end of any of these listed so that I don't have to be on the receiving end. I don't want to reap it, so help me not sow it. I don't want to lay in it, so help me not make a bed out of it. As Your Word warns, "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you will reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit" (Galatians 6:7-8). 

The name for the holiday yesterday was “Thanksgiving” not “Thanksrecieving.”   Today is “Black Friday” and it is the ultimate reversal and perversion of the real “Black Friday,” which we call “Good Friday”; the day you Jesus sacrificed and gave your life for me.  Jesus, Your Black Friday was about giving however today it is about getting.  Your Black Friday was about others, however todays Black Friday is about “me”.   You Jesus were the ultimate giver, and we who call ourselves Christians are called to imitate your life. So as we go through this holiday season of Thanksgiving, and then Christmas that honors your birth, what better way to honor you than be ultimate givers ourselves. As Paul reminds us, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”  (Acts 20:35) By the power of Your grace, help me sow to the Spirit today. Let me "not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time" (Galatians 6:9). And as I give in Your grace and sow in Your Spirit, help me not hold back but to give extravagantly! . "The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.... God loves a cheerful give" (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Let me be a cheerful giver of a good measure of Your grace by Your Spirit today. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. 

On Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday there are many people and families in your community that are struggling to make ends meet, buy food, pay rent, and pay utilities that out of necessity, will haver to work all day both these days. Waffle House employees, other restaurant workers, retail workers, and others had 12 hour shifts to look forward to yesterday, and the same today. Going to one of these businesses with a plate of Thanksgiving leftovers, or desserts with a kind word and prayer would brighten their day.  Think of ways you can “give a good measure” to those around you.

My family, I pray you will be an ultimate, extravagant giver of a good measure of God's grace through your life today and this holiday season and reap a good measure of God's grace in the harvest to come, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!

Please share your reflections and prayers with us in the comment box below.

My prayer every morning is, “Please send me the ones no one else wants.”

As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  

Thank You!

 TO GIVE CLICK HERE    

.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC. 

 

 

“Just outside the bubble we live in”

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” (Hebrews 13:1)

I love the passage above.  There is a whole world of blessings, experiences, and new ways God wants to bless each of us if we just step out of our safe circle of familiarity and structured life and step into something strange, foreign and unfamiliar.  Taking time to say “hello” to a stranger, someone new, and invite them into a conversation opens the door to God’s grace.  Jesus was “strange”, “foreign” and way outside the life structure and comfort circle of the people he lived with.  However, those who dared to step “just outside the bubble they lived in” experienced amazing love and grace.  And stepping “Just outside the bubble we live in” does not take going on a mission trip, but as this beautiful 2 minute video on a real encounter in life reveals, it is as simple as sitting down in a booth in a restaurant. 

My family,

I pray as we all plan to spend a day with family and friends in our circles, you also remove your blinders and see ways to encounter Jesus just outside the bubble you live in, in Jesus name.  Please pray the same for me.  God bless you my friends!

 

As The Year Draws To An End, PLEASE Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  Thank You Thank You!  

TO GIVE CLICK HERE    

.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC. 

GIVE

"Attitude of Gratitude"

Dear God,

Thanks for everything….

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15-17

 “Do everything in the name of the Lord, giving thanks” v.17.  Christians, those forgiven, redeemed, restored, and saved by love and grace of God through Jesus Christ are to be the most thankful people on earth.  We are to be people a people infused with the “Attitude of Gratitude!” Christians should be known to everyone: co-workers, classmates, neighbors, friends, family, as a thankful people full of gratitude towards God and others.  We are to known as a person who rarely complains or is negative, who is generous, who sacrifices time and resources, who is joyful and a source of encouragement of others. We are to be people who smile a lot, and who bring a smile to others when we walk in the room because they know we are going to share a kind word with them and somehow make  their day a little better.

In a couple days is the day we center around Thanksgiving and reminding and re-centering our life around gratitude. “Thanks Giving” is not a noun, “Thanks-giving” is a verb.  To exist It requires the intentional action of the giving of thanks. To God first, and as importantly to others

My family, I want to thank everyone of you for even the smallest act of love, encouragement, support and friendship you have ever shown me.  I am so gracious of even the shortest span of time I was invited into your life to share a moment together. I thank you for any prayers directed towards me and times we have prayed, worshipped, and read Scripture together.  I thank you for any time your shared a beer or a cup of coffee with me or got your hands dirty working or serving with me. I thank you for when you took the time to encourage or to correct me. I thank you for the gift you are to my life that was given me all in and through the grace of God and Christ Jesus.  And though I end every blog posts of mine with the same five words, this morning they are even more from my heart; “God bless you my friends”!!!

Pease share your reflections and prayers with us in the comment box below.

My prayer every morning is, “Please send me the ones no one else wants.”

As The Year Draws To An End, PLEASE Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  Thank You Thank You!  

TO GIVE CLICK HERE    

.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC. 

Start Small

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I begin today in the spirit of complete gratitude for your Gospel of Grace.

"Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

This morning, instead of a personal reflection of mine, I want you to take a moment to watch this short 4 minute video.  This video is my Thanksgiving go-to every year as it is a great reminder of all we have to be thankful and the many ways we are blessed..  I probably need to watch this video once a week as a constant reminder of to be grateful, and remove any feelings of entitlement  or reasons to complain I may feel about my life.  Share this video with your family and guests before you sit down for your Thanksgiving meal.

My family, I pray today as we prepare for the day of gratitude and thankfulness you will reflect on all God has done, is doing, and will yet do in your life, in Jesus name! Please pray the same for me. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you my friends!

Please share your reflections and prayers with us in the comment box below.

My prayer every morning is, “Please send me the ones no one else wants.”

As The Year Draws To An End, PLEASE Give and Help Us Help Them!

My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over this season in my life and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.  Thank You Thank You!  

TO GIVE CLICK HERE    

.

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC. 

TO GIVE CLICK HERE

"This Was Not What I Signed Up For"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Put Your thoughts in my mind and Your desires in my heart to align my steps with Your path for my life. 

If you have been following my reflection posts, you know that recently my life and the life of my family has been crazy. My daughter moving to Chicago has required me to drive up there and back 3 times recently to help her in finding a home. I have had to spend time in Birmingham helping my other daughter with her home. Our finances are tight, and my wife and I have recently got over some health issues.

The past two days I have been helping a couple doing needed repairs on their home. In talking, and mainly listening to the father, I came to understand all they have going on in their lives. They are in their mid 60s. They have a son who is Autistic and though can function and works at McDonalds, he will never be able to live on his own and will always live with them. Their daughte, who has two young daughters ages 7 and 5 is an addict. Because of this and abuse and neglect to her daughter, this couple now has custody and is raising their grand children. The oldest daughter who is 7, because of the abuse and trauma has suffered mentally. She still is not potty trained and wears diapers that are needed to be changed, hardly talks, does not often respond when her name is called, and has frequent outbursts of anger. His wife has a heart issue that keeps her tired and without energy, and she sleeps allot. So this man is struggling now daily to take care offend support his wife, son, and two grandchildren. He loves his family dearly, however he said this is not what he signed up for.

I listened to the pain and struggles coming from the man’s heart. We prayed together and after I did I thought I have no reason to complain about any of the struggles and challenges I now have in my families life.  

 "Then Moses ordered Israel to set out from the Red Sea and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, 'What shall we drink?' He cried out to the Lord; and the Lord showed him a piece of wood; he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet" (Exodus 15:22-25).

In You, we're on a spiritual journey out of the bondage of Egpyt, through the wilderness, and into the promised land of our destiny. And along the way we can grow weary and worn. We can give in to the negative attitudes of murmuring and complaining and criticizing. We can let our faith waiver as we begin to forget Your faithfulness for salvation and deliverance so many times before and start to lose our vision and hope for the destiny You've set before us.  We focus on the cup of bitter waters we may be drinking from in the present.

But You are the God who makes our bitter waters sweet. Just like You showed Moses a piece of wood,  you remind us of a piece of wood. You remind us of Your cross. The power of Your cross and Your sacrifice of love for every one of us is the power of God for our salvation, for our healing, for our deliverance that refreshes us and renews us to continue the journey. Just as You showed the children of Israel that day, You show us every day You are "the Lord who heals you" (Exodus 15:26) In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My family,  I pray you may drink deeply from the Living Waters every day, from the One who makes your bitter waters sweet, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends! 

Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!

Help Me Share The Gospel!

I could use your financial support for One Direction Community and my family to jump down into the pits and help lift up those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around.  Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.   Thank You!!

 CLICK HERE TO GIVE

Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower

One Direction Community

Email: garyl@onedirection.community

Website: https://www.onedirection.community

Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC