Resolution

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The Last Cigarette

My daddy stopped smoking on a Sunday morning in winter.
Standing by the wood heater that warmed our three small rooms,
He smoked the last cigarette down to ashes.

Inhale, exhale. The smoke spiraled up into the air
And we all breathed it in as we waited for Mama
To get our coats and her Bible.

The last cigarette burned down to Daddy’s fingers that had hung
Years of sticks strung with tobacco into rented barns.
Tobacco fed us ‘til Daddy gave up the farm
And moved us to a better life in town.

Inhale, exhale. A final smoke ring circled in the air above our heads.
Daddy opened the heater door and dropped the last cigarette
Into the fire.
Ashes to ashes, the past went up in smoke and a shower of sparks.

Then, bundled up against the cold, we began the walk to church—
Our breath like smoke on the frosty air.
_____
Resolution: a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner; to make up one’s mind.
“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank.” (Daniel 1:8a, NASB)

By Hazel King
© 2008

The Most Important Day of All

There are two days in every week that we should not worry about, two days that should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed, forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. Nor can we erase a single word we've said - yesterday is gone! The other day we shouldn't worry about is tomorrow, with its impossible adversaries, its burden, its hopeful promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our control. Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds - but it will rise. And until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn. This leaves only one day - today. Any person can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down. It is not the experience of today that drives people mad - it is the remorse of bitterness for something which happened yesterday, and the dread of what tomorrow may bring. Let us, therefore, live one day at a time! -

Author Unknown

Today is the most important day because it is the only one we have. What will you do this day that will draw you closer to Christ and to family and friends? Yesterday is a canceled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is the only legal tender you have. Spend it wisely.

Go Tell It On The Mountain

(Photo by Hazel King)

Just after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and gave them a challenging assignment. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 15:16) Their mission—if they chose to accept it—was to make Jesus known to all the world. At that time, the extent of the world was not completely known and the disciples must have felt overwhelmed at the magnitude of their task. Do you think they succeeded in their “mission impossible”? I think so. With “word of mouth” their only advertising tool, the name of Jesus is now more recognized than the world’s most famous celebrities. Even with all the electronic communications available to us today, word of mouth remains the most effective means of spreading a message. People respond more readily to a message delivered by someone they know, especially if it is based on personal experience. The message is heard because the messenger is known. You may think that everyone in your personal world has heard the gospel story. That may be true, but have they heard your story? Will 2009 be the year you accept the mission to tell others what Jesus means to you?

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7, KJV)

By Hazel King
© 2008

Life, Lemons, and Lessons

(Photo by KPC)

The baby in the photograph has obviously just had a sour experience, one he doesn’t care to repeat. A little lemon in a tall glass of sweet iced tea is good. Lemonade is a treat provided enough sugar is added to prevent lockjaw. Lemon by itself can be hard to swallow. The saying “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade” may be good advice but it isn’t always easy to do. So how can we deal with the lemons life throws at us? For one thing, we can look for the lesson. There is always a lesson in every experience. The sooner the lesson is learned, the less likely we are to make the same mistake again. Someone once said, “I may get bitten twice, but not by the same dog.” Bad experience plus lesson learned equals fewer repetitions. On the other hand, if we keep doing what we’ve always done, we’ll keep getting what we’ve always gotten. In the spiritual realm, each of us has particular weaknesses or sins that may be hard to overcome. We keep making the same mistake, or committing the same sin, over and over. God is loving and forgiving if we ask him, but each time we give in to sin we become less able to overcome it. Likewise, each time we resist temptation, we grow stronger and more able to resist the next time. Like the little fellow above, we can learn that some things in life are not as good as they look and just refuse to try them again.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, KJV)

By Hazel King
© 2008

Mary at Christmas

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7, KJV)

He was finally here, the baby God had promised her. A baby like any other baby, yet like no other baby for he was God’s own son. A miracle—and she was part of that miracle. So was Joseph, for he had chosen to trust God and her that this baby was indeed a miracle and not cause for shame. Together, they marveled at all that had come to pass since the angel had told Mary she would give birth to the Son of God. And now here they were in Bethlehem and Messiah was here, just like the prophets had foretold. There were other prophecies, too, and they frightened her now as she held the baby close. He was so perfect, so tiny, and she loved him with all her heart that she was sure would one day be broken. But for now, he was hers to care for and watch over and love, and the joy of his coming overwhelmed her. She whispered his name—Jesus!-- and her heart was at peace.

By Hazel King
© 2008
(Photo by Hazel King)

The Night Before Christmas

(Photo by Corliss Sinclair)

It was a night like any other night. The sheep had been fed and watered and were settling down. Occasionally a young one would bleat, briefly disturbing the quiet. The shepherds sat by the fire talking softly about this and that, nothing in particular. Just an ordinary conversation about ordinary things. Then, suddenly, the night sky was lit up like day and was filled with beings of such terrible beauty and brightness that the shepherds were terrified. Then the being spoke: “...Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger”. (Luke 2:10-12, KJV). And the sky was filled with even more angels, all singing praises to God. When the light faded and the angels disappeared, the shepherds were no longer afraid. Instead they were filled with great joy about the good news and went to find the baby of whom the angel spoke. As they walked toward Bethlehem, they spoke excitedly among themselves about what they had seen. It was a night like no other night. It was the night before Christmas.

By Hazel King
© 2008

Two More Days Until Christmas

(Photo by Hazel King)

Two more shopping days until Christmas. Too much left to do before the day arrives. Hurry, hurry. There’s no time to waste. Drive to Walmart, to the post office, to the shopping mall, and the supermarket. Hundreds of hours and dollars invested, hundreds of miles driven. Two more days until Christmas; then it’s all over for another year. Whew.

Contrast that image with this one. It has been estimated that it took Joseph and Mary approximately three days to make the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a distance of about 70 miles. It must have been slow going, with Joseph leading the donkey while Mary rode. I wonder what she and Joseph talked about as the donkey plodded slowly onward. They must have felt anticipation and perhaps a bit of anxiety as they continued toward their destination, the place where the prophets had predicted Messiah would be born. Yet they walked in obedience, believing in the promise of God. Two more days to Bethlehem. Two more days until Christmas began.

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” (Luke 2:4-5, KJV)

By Hazel King
© 2008

O Christmas Tree!

(Photo by Hazel King)

Once upon a time, Christmas trees were simple, with natural ornaments like pinecones and berries and strings of popcorn. Now, there are Red Hat trees, John Deere trees, Harley-Davidson trees...you name it, somebody has decorated it. It is all very unique and interesting but I’m still a traditionalist at heart. I like trees decorated with kindergarten crafts, family photos, and Baby's First Christmas ornaments. I like to see stars and angels and baby Jesus in a manger. I like to picture a heavenly host appearing to shepherds and singing hosannas. I like to reflect on the miracle of God’s own Son becoming one of us, an earth-dweller, with all our problems and messy emotions and limitations. It was not an easy task--it cost him his life. He was crucified on a cross fashioned from a tree. He did this to show us the love of the Father and to tell us about heaven—his home—a place where we, his children, can all live happily ever after in his presence. As you enjoy your own tree this season--however it is decorated--may the joy and wonder of Christmas shine in your heart now and forever.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, KJV)

By Hazel King
© 2008
hazel811@embarqmail.com

He Was Born For You

The Bible says that Christ was born for you.

Luke 2:11 ...There has been born for YOU a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

This message is Personal. Christ was born for you. He was aware of you from the beginning of the world. He knew your name as he died on the Cross. He has a plan He would love to see fulfilled in your life.

This message is Powerful. It has the ability to save your soul and give you eternal life. The assurance that when you die you will go to Heaven. The world can not promise you anything like that. Not Government, Wall Street, Medicine, Science, only God can do this Powerful work in our lives.

This message has great Potential. It is like medicine that is prescribed for you. It is only good if it is taken in. It does you no good in the bottle. We hear the Christmas songs. We see the decorations, special church services, living nativities. All the earth is declaring the Glory of God but it is for YOU. For God so loved _________ that He gave His only begotten Son. Insert your name in that blank, go ahead read it again and insert your name. Do it out loud. That is the message and meaning of Christmas. Christ came for You. Christ died for You. Merry Christmas.

Do You Think I am a Fool?

1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."

Once there was a man who did not believe in God. One day while hiking in the mountains he fell off of a cliff. He managed to grab a branch and hold on for dear life. He called out for help; no one answered. He called out to God. God said, "What can I do for you?" "Please help me," was the man's reply. God said, "Why should I? You do not even believe in me." The man said, "I do believe; please help me, tell me what to do." "Do you trust me?" asked God. "Yes, yes, just do something. I am losing my grip."

"OK," said God. "Let go of the branch." " What?" said the man. "Let go of the branch?" "Yes," said God. "Trust me." The man looked down and then said, "Do you think I am a fool?"

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart....

Remember....If God brings you to it, He will get you through it.

The Problem With Sand Castles

Have you ever watched children making sand castles? They laugh and play and have a great time and at the end of the day the ocean comes in and takes it all back. Really it's not so different from real life. We work and we build and we admire our little Kingdoms and in the end time comes in and takes it all back. In the Book of Matthew the Bible asks a very important question. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? What are you building? Don't store up treasures here on the earth they will only wash away. Store up your treasure in heaven. What kind of treasure? Kind acts towards others. People you have won to Christ. The difference you have made in peoples lives. The example you leave behind for your children. Many of the things we do and invest in are all so temporary. Turns out the most important things in life, are not things at all. Think about it. The waves of time are getting closer everyday.

Someone's Knocking at the Door

When I was growing up, door to door salesman were a common occurrence. When they came to the door we sounded "Condition Red" and went into action. TV was turned down, lights turned off, and everyone remained still as if no one was home. I am sure the sales people were used to this pattern and even though they knew someone was there they also knew no one was coming to the door. In the Book of Revelation 3:12 we read these words "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me."

In the same manner many people ignore Christ's desire to come into their lives. They pretend He is not there. They ignore the knocking at their heart, but unlike the salesman Jesus does not go away. He knows we are there and will continue to knock the rest of our life. He is persistent because He loves us. Christ also knows if we do not answer a terrible fate awaits us. Eternity separated from Him in a place the Bible calls hell. There is a message here for all of us. If you are not a Christian the message is to open your heart and invite Christ in. If you are a Christian the message is that maybe we are not persistent enough in sharing our faith. We give up too soon or don't even try at all to tell others about Christ. I read a statistic recently that 95% of Christians never lead another person to Christ their whole life. Can that possibly be true? In order to answer that question I suppose we all have to ask ourselves ...am I in that 95%?

Hard Candy Christmas

(Photo by Hazel King)
My mother was four years old in 1929 when Wall Street fell, causing the Great Depression. Hard times? She’s lived them. She remembers Christmases when she and her six siblings received pencils for school and maybe an apple or an orange and a few pieces of hard candy. She does not remember such times with regret or bitterness. Those are good memories because the family was sheltered and fed and loved and together.

The current economic outlook is gloomy, with dire predictions that “it will get worse before it gets better.” We may face some hard candy Christmases of our own. And someday we, too, may look back and remember days of deprivation with something like fondness. There is something liberating about getting back to basics, lightening our loads, living life at its core. Food, shelter, clothing: What else do we really need? The Bible says if we have food and clothing, we should be content (1 Timothy 6:8). True contentment lies not in having what you want, but wanting what you have. Be thankful for hard candy. The taste can be very sweet.

By Hazel King
© 2008
hazel811@embarqmail.com

Want to Hear Some Good News?

Looks like this guy could use some good news right about now.

Luke 2:8-10 (New American Standard Bible)
8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

We all could use some good news right about now. When we listen to the news, all we hear is how bad the economy is, corruption in politics, murder of a child in Florida possibly by her mother, O.J. going to jail....finally, and professional athletes on the wrong side of the law...again. But, when we read this passage the Angel says "I bring you good news of great joy for all people." What was this good news, you ask? It was the coming of Jesus Christ. It was Good News then and it is Good News now. People need to hear it so we need to share it. Have you shared the God News with anyone yet this year? If we heard about a great Christmas sale we would share it, so why not tell people about the greatest free gift in the history of the world: Salvation through Jesus Christ. Free for us but cost Him His life. What are you waiting for? You and I have 13 shopping days before Christmas. That means we have 13 days to share the Good News of the Coming of Christ with people. Make up your mind to tell someone before Christmas comes and goes. People are Dying to hear some good news.

Look a Little Closer

Its the busiest time of the year. Travel, shopping, parties, special Church Services and TV specials. But, Do you hear what I hear? Do you see what I see? Do you know what I know? Look a Little Closer. Don't miss it. This boils down to a Birthday Party. One we have been celebrating over 2000 years. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. What does that mean to you? Well it means we have been given a gift. The greatest gift we will ever receive. Purchased at a great price, non-transferable, lifetime and beyond warranty. Eternal Life. But in order for a gift to become a gift it must be accepted. You can purchase a gift, offer a gift, but for it to become a gift it must be received. Have you accepted this great gift? If so you do have something to celebrate. Now share the Good News with someone else. Good News of Great Joy a Savior has been born for YOU. It was the message to the Shepherds near Bethlehem and it is still the message for all of us. So, in all the Hustle and Bustle look a little closer and let me know what you see.

A Chance Encounter?

(Photo by Hazel King)
She was walking down the sidewalk as I crossed from the other side of the street. Tall and slim with her dark hair in corn rows, she glanced my way and slowed her stride. As I drew closer, she said, “Ma’am, can I speak to you?” She’s going to ask me for money, I thought, and she did. “Could you spare fifty cents?”

My answer was to ask how just fifty cents could help her. She replied that she asked only for fifty cents because most people weren’t willing to give much, if anything at all. She then told me her story about not being able to get a job and her health problems. She volunteered that she did not use drugs or alcohol and promised me that she would not use any money I gave her for that purpose.

Was her story true? I have no idea. Did I give her money? Yes. I had only a few dollars in my purse at the time, barely enough for a loaf of bread, but I gave it to her in the name of Jesus. I would rather be conned out of a few dollars than to turn away someone in need if I have the means to help even a little. It was not my responsibility to judge her, nor am I accountable if she bought alcohol or drugs with the money I and others gave her. I am responsible only for what I do. She thanked me with a hug and said, “When you go to church, will you please pray for me? Pray for Desiree.”

It was only later it occurred to me that this encounter with Desiree happened the same day The Christmas Guest devotion was published on this website. Isn’t it just like God to see if we really mean what we say? If this was a test, I hope I passed because I felt the love and compassion of Christ himself flow from me to this woman, my own “Christmas guest.” Will you, too, please pray for Desiree?

“… Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. ...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” (Matthew 25:40, 45, KJV)

by Hazel King
© 2008

Left Behind

I have been in the Ministry almost 30 years. More than once I have remained at the Church with an Unclaimed child waiting for their parents to realize they were missing something. They would return embarrassed and usually the problem was that each parent thought the other had picked up the child. Well, this has been going on for sometime. It can happen to the best of us. As a matter of fact it once happened to Jesus.

Luke 2:41-45 (New International Version) 41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.

During the Christmas Season we can get so busy that we realize we have left Christ behind. What should we do? There are three things

1. Realize that Christ is missing.

2. Remember where you left Him.

3. Go back and get Him.

Usually we realize he is missing when we stop reading our Bibles, stop praying, and neglecting Church attendance. Something happens to let us know Christ is not present anymore. We left Him behind. Go back and find Him, it is not hard. Resume your daily devotion, begin to pray again, and find a church where you can attend and be involved. He is there patiently waiting or you to return.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Helen Steiner Rice wrote a classic Christmas story-poem called "The Christmas Guest." It was about a man who had a vision that Christ would visit him on Christmas day. Conrad waited all day for the Lord to appear at his door but the hours went by with no sign of his expected guest. Three times there was a knock at the door. First, there came a shabby beggar. Conrad gave him shoes and a coat. Then a tired old woman came by. Conrad gave her food and a place to rest. Finally, a lost child found her way to Conrad’s door. He dried her tears and took her back home. By then, Christmas day was nearly over and Conrad was filled with disappointment that the Lord had not visited as he had promised.

When soft in the silence a voice he heard,
"Lift up your head for I kept My word--
Three times My shadow crossed your floor--
Three times I came to your lowly door--
For I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet,
I was the woman you gave something to eat,
And I was the child on the homeless street.
Three times I knocked and three times I came in,
And each time I found the warmth of a friend.”

God doesn’t always appear to us as we expect. The Jewish people did not expect their Messiah to come as a baby in a manger or riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. As Christians, we expect our Lord to return in the clouds with great glory and someday—maybe sooner than we think--he will. In the meantime, however, he may also come to us as someone in need, someone we can help or encourage. The Bible says that whatever we do for others, it is as though we do it for Christ himself. Let us watch for his appearance and ways we can serve him and others during this holy season.

By Hazel King
Photo by Hazel King

Copyright 2008

Reflections

Notice the reflection of the buildings and bridge in the water. When it is still you can see them clearly, but if the water is stirred up, busy so to speak you could not see them at all. As 2008 comes to a close it might be a good idea to be still for a moment and reflect. During this season everything is busy, very busy. Take some time and look back. Did you accomplish the things you set out to do this year? Did you have a list of goals for 2008? How did you do? Don't have a list, well they say 3% of the people write down their goals the other 97% work for them. I do know this....If you aim at nothing you will probably hit it. Thomas Huxley said the secret of success was "Do what you are supposed to do, when you are supposed to do it, whether you feel like it or not." Why not take a few moments right now and reflect. It's going to get very busy today. Sorry have to run the phone is ringing.

Love One Another

John 3:16 For God so Loved the world that He gave......

Have you made your shopping list out yet? Some have already started and some won't start until December 24. It is so hard because we are trying to buy things for people who for the most part don't need anything. Well, not anything material. There are other things we can give. Some of those things are far more important than one more gift card or fruitcake. Do people really eat those? Here are some things we can give that will not only benefit the recipient but us too. Love.... make sure you let people know how much you love them. How do I do that you ask? Tell them. Call them up, go see them and tell them. Don't assume they know it. Then share some reasons why you love them. Forgiveness....the scripture is very clear that if we want to receive forgiveness we must give it to others. There may be someone this year who has really wronged you in some way. You are angry at them and with good cause. God has forgiven us so many times when we were wrong, shouldn't we do the same with others. There is someone who needs your forgiveness this year more than anything else. We are called on to Love one another. Volunteer your time, after all time is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Call and ask a soup kitchen if you can come in and work. You will receive so much more than you will give. Visit a homeless shelter, Domestic violence shelter. Many times the children in those shelters don't receive anything at Christmas. So before we go and spend money we don't have to buy presents for people who don't need them stop and consider a different sort of gift this year. For God so loved the word that He gave....Himself.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

During WWII American soldiers were going through a small European village searching house to house. They were looking for snipers, enemy soldiers, and civilians that might be hiding from the Nazis. In one basement they found an inscription on the wall. Evidently someone had been hiding there. There was a star of David drawn on the wall and these words...

I believe in the sun, even when it does not shine.

I believe in Love, even when it is not shown.

I believe in God, even when He does not speak.

Faith, it helps us to see the unseen. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith also helps us hear things others might not. During this time of the year I hear God speaking loudly to all who will listen. He is reminding everyone of His Son's birth. Listen to the music in the Mall. Christmas songs that remind us why we celebrate this time of the year. Nativity scenes, greetings of Merry Christmas. Gifts given and received, reminding us of the the greatest gift of all...Christ. Families traveling to be with one another and share their love. God is not silent, He is not whispering , He is screaming to us that this is all about Christ. Can you hear it? Listen. Do you hear what I hear?

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Psalms 46:2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change...

Change is coming, you can feel it in the air. The season is changing and so are we. That is the way God created it. Nothing really stays the same except God. This Christmas there may be new members of the family by marriage or by birth. There may also be those who are absent by divorce or by death. Many will have a different job than they had last year and, some will not have a job at all. As we gather this Christmas there will be stories to tell, news to catch up on. We are a little older, hopefully wiser and, most importantly maybe a little more aware of the one for whom the Holiday is named. That's right, Christ. The reason for the season. That first Christmas they brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. That's not really what Christ has on His wish list this year. So what does he want, you ask? You , the answer is he wants you. All of you , your heart, your life, your devotion, your eternity. So Give yourself the gift that keeps on giving. Give your Heart to Christ. If you need help in knowing how to do that write to me nc_jeff@hotmail.com. Merry Christmas. I hope I was the first to tell you that this year.

Leap of Faith

The skier in the photograph obviously has quite a bit of experience on skis. Or else he’s a novice who’s one nanosecond from a major panic attack. It takes huge doses of confidence or courage to strap skis on your feet and push off down a mountainside. Ideally, it takes many hours of training and preparation.

There is no how-to manual for life. We learn on the job, so to speak. We prepare ourselves as best we can, within the limits of our human understanding and knowledge. But things don’t always turn out like we planned. Moses was groomed to be a pharaoh but God called him to lead the Israelites out of bondage. Moses protested that he was unsuited for the position but God overcame all his objections. And Moses led the Israelites to the promised land.

We don’t see ourselves as God sees us. We may think we’re unsuited for the plan he has for us. We may protest out of fear of failure but we need to remember that God makes no mistakes. If he chooses you for a particular task, he knows that you can succeed. Never let fear make your decisions or hinder your growth. When God nudges you to do a work for him, take that leap of faith.

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” (Isaiah 43:19a).

By Hazel King
Copyright 2008