October 20, 2017 - I like movies about super heroes. Probably one of my favorites is Captain America. Before he was transformed into Captain America, he was a small man in stature but a large one in heart. He had no special skills or talents just a desire to serve his country when it was in need, with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. While he was in training his heart, not his size or strength, set him apart from the rest of the trainees. It was discovered that he was the kind of soldier that they needed to get the job done. So his body was transformed to match his spirit and his heart. God works like that in the lives people. He always has, and still does today. He takes the ordinary and turns them into the extraordinary world changers. He turned a shy Moses into the great leader of His people. He used a shepherd boy to slay a giant and transformed him into a king. He chose an unassuming Mary to be the mother of Jesus. He used Tax collectors, carpenters, fishermen, ex prostitutes, business men and women, to establish His church. He used people just like us!
Every time that I read the story of the birth of Christ at Christmas it gives me great joy and confidence in knowing that God loved me so much that He was willing to come from His throne in Heaven to this earth to be born in a manger. He could have been born in a castle or even a great temple, but He chose a stable. He could have announced His coming to kings and princes, but He chose shepherds. God could have chosen a King and a Queen to be the parents of His son, but He chose a carpenter and a housewife. When I look back at how God works throughout the bible there seem to be some things that never change.
1) God always uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Just as Joseph and Mary were ordinary common folk of the day, so were all the disciples. He used fisherman, tax collectors, carpenters, folks just like you and I. They had problems with anger, depression, fear, doubt, health issues, finances, but God used them to change the world.
2) God uses simple things to accomplish great things. He spoke, and the world came into existence. The touch of Moses staff caused the Red Sea to part. A smooth stone in a shepherd boys slingshot brought down a giant. A baby born in a manger brought salvation to the entire human race.
3) Gods plan includes all people. He doesn't care how rich or poor you are. He doesn't care how attractive you are or even who your mom and dad are, He loves you and wants you to be part of His family.
4) Wherever God is, there is great Joy. On that night the sky exploded with the sound of angels singing " Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men !" (Luke 2:14) The angels sang because God had come to earth and revealed Himself as Savior and Lord. That's why we as Christians should always be able to find joy in all circumstances. If Jesus resides in your heart joy will be there too.
My pray for you this day is that you find the joy of the Lord in your heart and the peace that passes all understanding. That His love will bring happiness to you and all your family. Remember God loves you so much that He came from heaven to earth to give you a way to live with Him forever. He wants to use you to change the world and make a difference in others lives. All you have to do is give yourself over to His guidance and obey. Let God transform you into the great person that He has put inside of you.
I'm Just Sayin,
Mike Belgard
