He does it for you and me everyday

Every December I always find I'm telling myself the same thing....besides "shop earlier'' and promising to not eat as many butter tarts as last year. I tell myself to value people over the season more. Value people over the decor...the crazy schedule...the gifts....even the good things that come with Christmas. Tonight I was able to be in the same room as the people I love most in the whole world. We enjoyed our Glowasky family tradition of decorating our tree. Lots of laughter and memories. I am so so so blessed, I know many people who do not have this joy in their lives or even people around them who love them for who they are. I continue to get updates from friends and ministers of Christ who are in Thailand. The water that continues to overtake their homes and families continues to leave devastating consequences. Please in the rush of the season continue to pray for Bangkok and Thailand. Please continue to pray for Peter and Pat Dewitt as they serve Christ there and are practically offering assistance in whatever way they can. He was just sharing again how another church was found in their church building, under water vulnerable to sharks and snakes. The believers were rescued and so many others are looking to the church for direction, many are looking to Christ.....Peter shares the harvest is plentiful right now, practically and spiritually, amen.  Please also pray for Auntie Nataya. When April and I backpacked Thailand we spent a lot of time with her and the YWAM team there, we haven't heard from her yet and are concerned.
There are many many overwhelming things happening around us in the world to precious people...whether we know them or not. There are also overwhelming things happening in our cities, neighbourhoods, churches and family and friendship circles. Jesus is the only way there can be reconciliation or healing or even be the answer to an unable to answer question. We must go to Him and His Word for the answers.....practically being apart of the solution is another way we can support those who desire love and who have practical needs, but are not experiencing relief . You know this and probably have received this in your own life also. The book of James says it so well: "What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds…Can such faith save him….Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food . If one of you says to him, '' Go I wish you well, keep warm and well fed,'' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it…In the same way faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions is dead.'' James 2. 14-17.
Jesus Himself at busiest moments of His ministry, when trying to hide away was moved with compassion for....people and their hearts, physical and spiritual needs. He took moments while teaching to heal, save and speak directly to individuals. I encourage and challenge you women of God, in our busiest season of the year, let’s make adjustments, change your Christmas dinner to include people who are longing for connection.....perhaps in that act alone you'll discover ways you can invest practically in their life. Taking time to SEE people as JESUS does transforms us again into more of His likeness and we are the ones who are changed. We must ask Jesus to do this in our hearts. I honestly do not remember a Christmas in my family where we didn't have a house full of people who needed love and practical needs met throughout the holiday season. Both christian and non. Whether my parents had a lot or even when they had very little. This act not only was obedient to the Word but set for us kids such an example of Christ and His desire to see needs fulfilled.
Sister I encourage you make a change this year in your Christmas routine. Perhaps sponsoring a child, or even investing in support relief for Thailand. Look in people and not at them while in the malls....ask God for an open door to walk with someone, wherever they are at in life.

The great beauty of all of this is that Christ Himself did and does exactly that for you and me...everyday.

Mary