Ellen Chauvin | Soaked & Sprouting – Soaked in God's Word, Sprouting Seeds of Faith

Standing in the Presence of God

December 3, 2020 by Ellen Leave a Comment

Today’s reading: Luke 1:18-19, 26-30

In the story of Jesus’ birth, the angel Gabriel bursts into the lives of two ordinary people: Zechariah and Mary. He had earth-shattering news for both of them:

Zechariah would become a father in his old age. His son John would prepare the way for the Lord.

Mary would become mother to the Messiah, even though she was a virgin.

This news was enough to change the course of Zechariah and Mary’s lives. But how can the things Gabriel said change the way we anticipate Christ’s birth? It’s simple, really.

Gabriel tells both Zechariah and Mary “Do not be afraid” (vv 13, 30). Fear may grip you during this season. Perhaps this is your first Christmas without a loved one. Maybe you can’t imagine how you will purchase simple gifts for your children or family. Maybe, you just can’t muster up the joy that should envelope you at Christmas. Don’t be afraid. Have no fear. Fear not.

How?

Stand in the presence of God.

“Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was He who sent me to bring you this good news!” Luke 1:19 (NLT)

Gabriel stands in the presence of God. As we approach the birth of our Savior, finding time to stand in His presence may seem impossible. But spending time with God is the only way to find joy and peace during this busy season.

Our time with Jesus doesn’t have to be only first in the morning, as we begin our day.

We can take God’s presence with us throughout the day.

When God’s presence goes with us, we will find rest (Exodus 33:14). And everybody can use a little rest during Christmas, amen?

Points to ponder:

*Take God’s Word (and his presence) with you during the day. Memorize a favorite verse. Repeat it often during the day.

*Give the gift of God’s Word. Buy a small gift Bible and give it anonymously.Standing in the presence of God

The Big Secret to Being Content

November 25, 2020 by Ellen 1 Comment

We’ve been studying contentment this Thanksgiving month. The apostle Paul has given some wonderful advice on being content in Philippians 4. But…

What happens…

When the music ends…
When the habit is forgotten…
When the pressures of the season overwhelm me…
When the sandpaper people scratch me…
When I’m not sitting still at His feet…
When I don’t think I will ever get this Christian living right…
When I can’t make myself content even with all these lessons?

That, my friends, is when we need to remember Paul’s secret to being content: I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Above all else, remember this.

All things: We are ready to face anything.

Through Christ: as believers, we have Christ in us (Galatians 2:20) and resurrection power available to us (Ephesians 1:19-20). That resurrection power enables us to say no to sin and discontent, and yes to God!

Who strengthens me: We are self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency (Philippians 4:13 AMP). Our strength comes not from our own trying or striving, but from Christ alone. We wholly depend on Him for all our spiritual power.

The more time we spend in God’s word, the more we know Him. The more we know Him, the more we want to be like Him.

I watched my granddaughter demonstrate this so innocently one night. She was about six at the time. That night, there happened to be an “older” boy visiting. He was eight. Brooke had her young eye on him. She watched him drink milk, and suddenly she wanted some. He sat on the swing, and before we could blink, she was next to him. She kinda liked him, and wanted to do what he did.

Same premise here. We want to be more like Christ. We want to dig deep into His power, and be content in all situations. We want the peace that surpasses all understanding. So we’re gonna follow Him around (in scripture) and get to know Him.

And when we do, our contentment becomes more than just singing praises when we’re down. It becomes more than just a habit to be practiced on auto-pilot. It becomes a new way of life for us!

Grace be with you,