Cross My Heart Ministry

“I bring you good news of great joy…
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:10, 14
(emphasis added) 

It was a night probably like every other night for the shepherds: quiet, lonely, dark, and cold. They were bottom rung on the social ladder. Sheep were their companions and life’s work, the sky their roof, and perhaps a rock sufficed as a pillow. It was a lonely, rugged, and right down hard way to live.  

Then Gabriel crashed in with a melody of JOY: 

“I bring you good news of great joy…” (Luke 2:10)

The rest of the heavenly choir added a chorus of PEACE: 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men…”
(Luke 2:14)

Two thousand years later, and we humans (regardless of which rung of society we live on) are still longing for peace and joy.  

It’s an eternal truth and timeless desire:  we crave peace and we desire joy.  

Deep inside, we know it’s more than we deserve. We strive for it, reach for it, and pedal hard to attain it. But it’s elusive, fleeting, difficult to get, and almost impossible to keep. That is, when we try to do it on our own.  

And that’s really the point.

The whole message of Christmas and the reason Christ came: We can’t do it on our own! God never intended for us to achieve the peace and joy we desire through our own efforts or merit.  

In coming to earth … coming to us … coming to love us and forgive us, God did for us what we can never ever do for ourselves: He brought us peace and joy. God did it all! He brought glory to Himself as He simultaneously brought peace to us.  

Does Christmas find you feeling like you are not enough – feeling empty, joyless, and anything but peaceful, no matter how hard you try, how early you get up, how many cookies you bake or gifts you wrap? If so, then welcome to the human race. And congratulations on having a heart that is ready to receive the peace and joy that can only come from above. It can’t be conjured, manufactured, or produced from inside yourself (or from the monumental efforts you make at Christmas … or any other time of the year).  

This Christmas, let it all go. Let Him have it. In total abandon, acknowledge your “inner shepherd” – lowly, needy, living a hard life and longing for more. Perhaps lonely, lacking, and having little. Definitely craving peace and joy. And finally, in desperation, crying out to Him as the source for what you need.

It truly can only come from Him.  

Every one of us falls into one of two camps: you are God’s child, or you are not His child. Which is it?  

You may be His child. You may have given your life to Him long ago, but behaved as if your salvation was just for that day – the day He comes back for us. But peace and joy is for this day, too! Receive it! Grab hold of it! Remind yourself to embrace what you already believe:

Jesus, I know the truth! I know you set me free from all this performing and doing! Today I’m coming back to renew my relationship with You. I’m here today to acknowledge that what saved me for that day is what brings peace and joy for this day. It’s YOU. Not what I do or bring, but what You have done and what You provide. Fill me with peace and joy – again! I love you! I rejoice that I am your child! 

You may be masquerading as His child. You may be the good girl. The church lady. The one who grew up in church, has served on every committee, delivered countless casseroles, visited the sick, did the VBS crafts, and even went on the youth mission trip. You know you are a good girl, but is your good, good enough? Is it time to finally, once and for all, declare: 

Lord Jesus, I know about You. But I’m ready to know You. If you want my life, then you can have it. I’m finally ready to give it all to you. Nothing held back. I’m weary of working and striving and pretending. I am a sinner. I want to change, but I just can’t do it on my own. I need you. Here’s my life. I am yours.  

Today’s post from Laura was previously published on
AReasonForHomeschool.com

This week, we celebrated the end of the I Kings study with a special event in Siloam Springs, AR. We hope you’ll enjoy this inspiring Christmas message from Gina Franzke, Director of Women’s Ministry at Cross Church in Springdale, AR (sponsor of Laura’s weekly Bible study).

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
Genesis 3:15

Have you ever paused to consider how many Christmas carols and songs refer to bells?

• Carol of the Bells
• Silver Bells
• Jingle Bells

We sing about bells. We decorate with bells. And we love to ring those bells!

Bell ringing has long been used to make an announcement or signal something is about to happen. The country church bell rings to signal the beginning of the service. A bell rings to call children to the classroom. And cancer patients ring a bell to celebrate the end of chemotherapy.

The sound of bells is an announcement, a celebration, and perhaps a new beginning.

God’s prophetic words to the evil one in Genesis 3:15 may seem an odd choice for the celebration of Christmas. But make no mistake—these are, in a sense, the ringing of a bell. God announces His plan to redeem the world. Satan may have thought he won out in the Garden, but God rings the bell for the gospel: the offspring of a woman would eventually crush the evil one’s head.

Genesis 3:15—often referred to by theologians as the “proto-evangelism” or first gospel—was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Fully God and fully human, Jesus is the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15.

Matthew 1:21 is another bell echoing the Genesis 3:15 announcement:

She will give birth to a son,
and you are to give him the name Jesus,
for He will save His people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21 is God making good on His Genesis 3:15 promise. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus brings victory over sin and death.

The coming of Jesus Christ is a spiritual bell-ringer for all humankind.

Is His coming a bell-ringer for you? Have you received the gift of spiritual victory that comes through the person of Jesus Christ? If so, ring your bell this holiday season so that others will hear and be drawn into Your worship of Jesus!

In this week’s devotional video, Laura discusses how the birth of Jesus fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:

“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”

She will give birth to a son,
and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21

Welcome to Christmas!

This is the season of contrasts and clashes:

• They say, “Happy Holidays,” and we respond, “Merry Christmas!”
• They belt out, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” while we sing, “Silent Night.”
• They put out a huge inflatable Frosty, as we are setting up the nativity set.

Is Christmas a secular holiday? Yes.

Is it a spiritual holiday? Absolutely YES!

As followers of Christ living for Christ, we should feel that tension in everyday life — as we watch the news, see today’s movie and TV viewing choices, and note the language, attire, and behaviors that have become accepted as normal in our culture.

Choosing to live as devoted women of God means we are living counter-culture.

It’s uncomfortable. It’s stressful. It’s disconcerting.

Sometimes we feel judged and mocked — not just by the media or people in far-away places, but even by those who live next door. The wall that separates “us” from “them” feels like it’s growing taller and harder with every passing day.

But then comes Christmas.  

The twinkling lights, the cheerful red-and-green décor, the familiar music, the fresh scent of pine, the warm and comforting taste of gingerbread … our senses are assaulted with the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the season. And in an almost magical (make that miraculous) way, it seems to bring about an invisible truce.

Hard hearts become softer. Normally deaf ears might be willing to listen. Deep inside those who might be most resistant to the truth is a seed of desire — perhaps unacknowledged and unidentified, but still there. The longing for it all to be true. A yearning for something this world cannot offer. Hope for more. And that, dear friends, is our window of opportunity!

Christmas is our time to join with the angels in proclaiming the “good news of great joy!” Let’s not squander this once-a-year chance to share Christ’s love while defenses are down and hope is up.

All around us, hearts are primed and ready. Let’s be prepared to walk through the doors that may be open (or to at least wedge our toes into the crack)!

How can we be ready? How can we prepare? We abide in Him! We keep on growing our own relationship with Jesus, so we are ready to introduce others to Him. I’ve found that immersion in the Word is the best way to get to know the Living Word — Jesus!

Are you abiding in His Word every day? Yes — we are entering the too-much-to-do-and-not-enough-time-to-do-it-all season, but that means it is even more important that we’re filled up with Him FIRST!

Please, do not neglect the Word in December! Read it, write it, reflect on it, and then sing it, share it, and live it!  

The verses we’ve selected for this Christmas season come from the Old and the New Testament. Some are clearly familiar and connected to Christmas; they may even be displayed on the Christmas cards you send and receive. Others may seem odd in connection with Christmas, but a closer reading will reveal the connection.

Christmas was not Plan B.  As we look back, we see the breadcrumbs God left for us sprinkled throughout the Old Testament — all pointing forward to the Bread of Life.

How extraordinary that God would become man. How amazing that love would propel Him to leave heaven’s glorious light to descend to the earth’s darkness. Reflecting upon God’s eternal plan, we realize there was no other way. A perfect sacrifice was required, and only God could provide it. But man sinned, so man must pay the price. Jesus, God-Man, exclusively satisfied the requirements.

Christianity is exclusive in that regard. God came to us. Immanuel means, “God with us.” At Christmas, we celebrate the good news that He came. Our confident hope for eternity rests in His completed work. As we hurl ourselves into the frenzy of shopping and wrapping, baking and cooking, decorating and hosting, we can simultaneously rest in the knowledge all that of our work and activity is not to earn His favor, but to celebrate that we already have it!

Our monthly Write The WORD and ‘Do It’ List downloads
are now available from our Downloads page.
We pray these free resources will help you keep a Mary heart
and check off all those Martha lists during December!

“And God is able to bless you abundantly,
so that
in all things at all times, having all that you need,
you will abound in every good work.”
II Corinthians 9:8

What a great verse! God is able to bless you and bless me—and to do it abundantly.

Blessing is defined differently in God’s economy than in the world. Our culture measures blessing in dollars, square footage, or social media views and likes.

But when God blesses us, it’s about what we get to be part of, not what we get.

Blessing from God is “catch and release.” He blesses us so that we can bless others. And when you get that—and when that becomes the desire of your heart—everything changes. You receive a new perspective on who you are, the purpose for your life, and why you were created.

• Not just blessing, but abundant blessing.
• Not just some times, but all times.
• Not just a little, but all that you need.
• And not a few of our works, but every good work.

Because of God’s provision, we are blessed with everything we need: the presence of His Spirit, the gift if of His Word, and the daily gift of time and people to love on.

Because of God’s presence and provision, we can abound at ALL times and in EVERY good work. Does that truth stir your heart, friend? Does it light your fire? Does it spur you on, as it does me?

The word abound means to be over and above, to exceed the ordinary, to overflow, and to have a surplus.

What a promise! What a God! How good He is to us! He is the God of unlimited resources—the creator and sustainer of our universe and the lover of our souls.

I read this verse on my birthday this past week, and chose to receive it as a great gift from our very good God. It’s a gift for you, too! But like any other gift, we must open and use it before we can truly own and appreciate it.

Are you ready for some abounding—some “catching and releasing”? I know I am! Thank you, Lord!

This week marked the last session of the I Kings Bible study. We invite you to watch the latest teaching video, as Laura unpacks lessons from chapter 22 and the story of King Ahab begrudgingly seeking advice from God’s prophet, Micaiah.

Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good.
Romans 12:9

Paul makes a declaration about love at the beginning of verse 9: Love must be sincere. He then follows up with several ways we can walk that out. The first two applications address how we respond to good versus how we respond to evil.

Paul maintains that love, then, is active—not passive. Love is more than a noun; it’s also a verb.

Words are cheap. How easy it is to wax poetic, say the right thing, and tell folks what they want to hear. Everyone longs to be loved, but don’t we also want the love we receive to be genuine … real … authentic?

Pretended love is fabricated. It is manipulative, self-seeking, and opportunistic. It’s not really love at all, but only a cheap counterfeit. Love is proven real by what it does. How it is lived out.

Do we love others because of what they can do for us … what we can get from them?

Do others love us with less than honorable motivations?

In our flesh—our human condition—we are predisposed towards selfishness, pride, and insincere love. We default to making it “all about me.”

• Do I love others … so that I will be filled up?
• Do I love others … so that I will be needed?
• Do I love others … so that I will feel love in return?

If our emotions are never returned in kind, how do we respond? Irritation? Disappointment? Anger? All those could indicate an insincere love.

Sincere love expects nothing in return. It releases love without the expectation of being lifted up, fawned over, or even thanked. If my love boomerang doesn’t come back at me, do I stop playing the love game?

The NASB version for Romans 12:9 reads, “Let love be without hypocrisy.”

Do I love hypocritically? Do I say one thing with my lips but hold a different attitude in my heart and mind? Sincere love is consistent from the inside all the way to the outside!

Sincere love is a fierce love; it actively hates evil. It fights against, defies, and seeks to eradicate evil. And it simultaneously clings to the good. Even when it’s hard to do it, we keep holding on … clinging to the good!

What does loving sincerely—by hating evil and clinging to good—look like in your life?

In this week’s teaching from I Kings, Laura discusses the arrogance and selfishness of King Ahab, as displayed in chapters 20 and 21. We hope you’ll take a few moments to watch and ask God to direct your heart’s response to this convicting message.

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me,
if only I may finish the race and complete the task
the Lord Jesus has given me –
the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
Acts 20:24

It may have taken Paul a bit of time to accept the baton Jesus was offering, but once he grabbed hold of it, he just kept running! Nothing else mattered. Not even life itself was more precious to Paul than completing his assignment from Jesus.

In Acts 20, Paul’s race is taking him to Jerusalem—and, humanly speaking, it will not end well for Paul there. He knows what lies ahead. He is not sprinting with his eyes closed. He runs with determination and a relentless commitment to finish strong.

The Holy Spirit has warned him that the next leg of his race will bring prison and hardship. His response: “I consider my life worth nothing to me.”

After the Damascus Road experience, Paul’s life is defined by carrying the good news to anyone who would listen … and even to those who refused to listen! By the end of Acts, there is an even greater urgency, a determined compulsion to run harder.

Paul ran hard not because he was an over achiever or because there was a reward waiting for him. He ran for Jesus. He ran because the baton he carried was given to him by our Savior. Do you and I run for the same reason?

The good news of salvation is a message we all carry. If we know and love God, we know the gospel … but are we eager to share it? Do we look for opportunities to deliver it, or hide our baton and share it grudgingly? Are we carrying it where Jesus has directed, or—like the poor guy who intercepted the football, got turned around, then ran the ball into the opposing team’s end zone—are we running hard but in the wrong direction?

Paul was sent to Jerusalem. Some are sent to Africa or Alaska, China or Canada. You and I may be sent across town or across the street.

WHERE we end up matters much less than WHO sends us. Whatever our destination, the message will be the same: the gospel. But are we running races not assigned to us? Are we sitting on the sidelines when we should be in the race?

How can we know? We ask.

Jesus, empower me by your Spirit to run the race You have assigned to me. Show me my race. Help me to do no more – and no less – than You have apportioned to me. Fuel me for the race by Your Spirit. Thank you for the precious baton of truth I carry: the good news, the gospel. Help me to never ever get over what You have done for me. Help me to run all the way to the finish line and to run for Your glory!

This week was our once-monthly break from Laura’s I Kings Bible study, so she instead shared a devotional based on November’s Write the WORD topic: GOOD. We invite you to watch our latest YouTube video and be challenged to overcome evil with good in your own life!