Mostrando resultados por autor "Janice Alonso" en Todas las categorías

Once I learned, and am continually reminded to relearn, that I am not in control, life becomes more manageable. I do have choices over some things, but often even when I feel I’ve made a practical decision, situations zoom into treacherous waters. Based on a personal experience and Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and by petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

What kind of treasures do you seek? The answer to that question will tell you what is most important in your life, and therefore your heart. Based on a personal experience and Matthew 19:21: Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.”

Many people do their jobs without praise or recognition for their efforts and contributions to ensure our daily lives run smoothly. Based on a personal experience and Ephesians 6:7: “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”

Most of us are given a name at birth. The reputation we give that name depends on us as we live out our journey here on earth. What does your name bring to the minds of others? To God? Based on a personal experience and Isaiah 43:1: “But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel, ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you by name, you are mine.’”

As much as we may try to plan our lives toward a goal. As much as we may try to always do the right thing. As much as we feel we have prepared for a rainy day. Life always throws curve balls. Is it God’s will? Is it God’s will to trust in Him in all situations? Based on a personal experience and Matthew 6:9-10: “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’”

Can we learn from our mistakes? Should we seek help and advice when life’s highway becomes riddled with potholes? Many successes are reached on rungs of failure. Based on a personal experience and Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”

Too often we link darkness to bad things. After reading scripture, I came to understand darkness brings night, which can gift us with blessings beyond our imagination. Based on a personal experience and Psalms 139:11-12: “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me, even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light for you.’”

No matter what you need, how you feel, or where you are – God will provide. In this story, God literally sent me The Jesus Man. Based on a personal experience and Isaiah 66:13: “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.”

Life often seems to dole out a disproportionate amount of rough patches to smooth sailing days. Much of what we do is to manage or do damage control to what is unfolding around us. What we can do is to make intentional efforts to seek out those good things that lie there and let those warm feelings be what touches our hearts. Based on a personal experience and Lamentations 3:25: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.

A simple devotional with not only a message at Christmas but for all year through. A piece I wrote for my church’s 2015 Advent Devotional Book based on Luke 1:46-55

Joy does come to us. Sometimes it comes a bit at a time; sometimes it rushes in all at once. Joy does come to us. Based on a personal experience and Psalm 30:35: “Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”

We traditionally set aside Valentine’s Day as the time to express our love for others. Christmas is the time when God’s expressed His love for us by extending His most precious gift. Based on a personal experience and 1 John 4:8: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Have you ever been so pumped, so prepared, or so ready for the big day only to find yourself wilting when the moment finally arrives? Then you’ll appreciate this five-year-old angel’s distress. Based on a personal experience and Luke 12:32: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

My childhood vision of what the Christmas Angel looked like was limited in its scope because of my narrow experiences. As I grew older and became more “worldly,” my perception changed. While her outward appearance may differ from individual to individual and culture to culture, her message does not. Based on a personal experience and Luke 2:9-10: “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”

It is difficult to bear heavy burdens day in and day out. By focusing on serving others and attending to their needs for the glory of God, we find comfort and peace in our struggles. Based on a personal experience and 1 Peter 4:10: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

When we focus our thoughts, words, and actions on what is best for others, we have less time to dwell on ourselves and what we feel is best for us. The irony is that when we think of others, “we, ourselves” are the biggest beneficiaries. Based on a personal experience and Psalm 89:14: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.”

Elf on a Shelf brings impish acts and often the expectation of daily presents. This story suggests a way to promote good behavior toward and giving to those around us. Based on a personal experience and Acts 20:35: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)

Knowing God’s ever-watchful eyes are observing us at all times can be discomforting. Knowing God’s ever-loving and forgiving heart is with us brings strength in times of uncertainty. Based on a personal experience and Romans 5:6-8: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I feel this is the best story to end 2021 and to begin 2022. No matter where you live, what your profession is, the age you may be, we have this in common: the last two years have left their indelible markings on us. While we may not be able to change some things, we can change what is in our hearts. Based on a personal experience and Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”

When we cast our eyes and thoughts on worldly issues, we are brought down. When we ponder heavenly concerns, our spirits are lifted. Based on a personal experience and Psalms 121:1: “I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?”