Josephine Mary Schmidt

A Place of Refuge for the Soul

gospel

Life in Christ – Christmas Tree

When we think, at this time, of how God sent His Son, calling Him Jesus, may we meditate on Christ’s mercy.

“Great and Merciful God” was written soon after my deliverance from great darkness and the trickery of evil people. God’s mercy in Christ Jesus was so powerful, His love solid grace to forgive and revive, restore the soul, and give new life and victory over my enemies. It’s the reason why Christ came into this dark world as the light to rescue us from the ruler of the kingdom of darkness and bring us into the kingdom of the Son he loves (Colossians 1:13). The song, “Great and Merciful God” will be released in the new year.

I pray as you meditate, not on the twinkling beauty of lights and tinsel and shining tree – but Christ – fully man, and fully God to walk amongst us and teach us His ways and godliness. I pray we teach our children the true meaning of “Christmas.” The story we tell from our hearts, the Bible, and a life lived to please our Savior, friend, and Heavenly Father.

May we remember, in clarity, that we were lost but now found. That we were a people that had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:10).

My enemies were so confident that they could keep the love of God in Christ Jesus away from me. They had confidence in their trickery and evil to win over my soul and life. But Christ’s love in Jesus and His hope can’t be cut off. May we speak of it, rejoice in it, and share Jesus and His truth and gospel with everyone.

Christ Jesus is the light above our tree, and we, the many lights shining and proclaiming His life given for all to believe in and find their peace and rest in Jesus. 

Let’s be Christ’s Christmas tree this year and the next.

Jesus is the main light of the Christmas Tree and we His lights shining His message to the world

Mind Where Christ Resides

When we watch TV, our minds are so often being filled with things that are not true, things not honorable, or giving testimony to our Lord. When we watch these programs, we are making our minds weak and susceptible to anxious thoughts when we are away from the television that rules so many lives. 

I came away from TV after coming to the Lord Jesus realizing the power of persuasion. The Devil doesn’t want us strong in the Word of God. He desires we live outside the instructions it holds and not leave the things of this world behind to concentrate all our weight on where Jesus is residing in heaven, a place waiting for those who believe in His name. Understanding isn’t something we turn on an off like a tap, but something we can do in the most simple of tasks. I can have communion with my Lord all the time, no matter the small job I’m doing like watering my pot plants. It’s our witness that matters to Jesus. What we are teaching others when words are not being spoken, and the understanding we display amongst the unseen spiritual forces of wickedness in this world.

What happened to the Israelites in the desert was written down in God’s word as an example to us – 1 Corinthians 10:1-6. The Israelites craved things that they had left behind. God was angry at their perspective. We are not to think we are missing out if we forgo TV, which portrays the ignorance of the knowledge of God and a life in slavery to the Devil. People might not understand your choice, but the spiritual forces of wickedness will be disappointed that they have missed the opportunity to weaken your mind and distract you from thinking heavenly where Christ, our Lord is seated.

I love spring, and eating my lunch outside today, I cherished all my spring flowers popping their heads upright in their glory. It’s such a short time we have here on this earth. Our beauty is like a fading flower, and as I looked at these spring flowers with the neighbor’s TV being heard over the fence, I pondered how I want to give all my time left to finish my race and complete the tasks the Lord Jesus has given me. As Paul stated in Acts 20:24 – “the task of testifying the good news of God’s grace.” There isn’t time to waste. God has things for us to do, and we must keep our minds sober and alert so we can pray. We can’t do any of these things by ourselves, but according to God in regard to the Spirit. (1 Peter 4:6-7)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. – Philippines 4:8 NIV