Bethlehem Blessing

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  • Jesus’ Grace

    Earlier today I sat counting up my money in my head. I figured on eating a plant-based diet not only so it may help me lose weight, but so I would spend less on meat, chicken, and fish.

    Also, I considered I would have a lower heat bill if I dialed the furnace down to about 62 degrees. Another way to save that occurred to me was to buy clothes only at the thrift store.

    With the price of gas so high now, I know if I remained close to home, I could save money at the pump.

    So, as I relaxed into a new lifestyle of saving money I wondered if there was anything else I could do.

    Just yesterday, I wrote a chapter in my memoir book about getting things with no money. Isaiah 55:1 reads, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” NIV

    I prayed the above verse ass a payer over my situation with an apartment complex. They were charging me about $5,100.00 to break my lease, so I could move to a less expensive place. After praying I added a second prayer that included getting all of the money back not just the one part I had prayed for.

    After having prayed and believed without doubting I got a call about the return of all of my money.

    The worry, and anguish and the concern melted away like a bowl of orange sherbet sitting in the sun on a tropical beach. I felt like I was on that beach relaxing in a lounge chair under a canopy while turquoise waves splashed rhymical upon the shore. This is all because Jesus bestowed his grace upon me out of the goodness of his heart. He gave me grace, and mercy for recent hardships I have encountered.

    Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And that not of yourselves ; it is a gift of God not of of works, lest anyone should boast.”NKJV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Jesus Says We are His

    When I read in the Bible that Jesus said you are mine, I felt loved. I do feel loved because of that. I feel taken care of and cherished. For God to say the above statement is so awesome. To have God who is capable of everything and who is everything, love us is amazing, He could be doing anything, and he chooses to love us.

    Growing up my human father was too busy to tell me he loved me. I do understand and I forgive him. But I never knew what it was like to have someone tell me they loved me until now.

    Recently, a got away from someone who claimed to love me, but in reality, it wasn’t love. They now, no longer say they love me for some reason. And what it feels like is that they only miss the things I did for them, not me. If it was really loving the love would still be there and requests for my return would be announced.

    Isaiah 43:1 reads, “Israel, the Lord who created you says, ‘Do not be afraid–I will save you. I have called you by name–you are mine.’”GNT

    When Jesus does not want us to fear, and wants to save us, that is love.

    Also, in the following verse he says it. Jeremiah 31:3 reads “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying” ‘Yes I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, with loving kindness I have drawn you.” NKJV

    Everlasting love is the best love there is and that is what Jesus has for us. With that I feel I can do the things I need to do in this life. I can take on challenges and feel that I am going to be successful–to win, Jesus’ love is empowering.

    I feel capable knowing I am the Lord’s and knowing he will always love me. It makes me want to be a good person, and to do good things.

    I pray that you feel Jesus’ love and that you know that you are his. Amen.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Jesus Can Do What is Impossible For Us

    I spent a couple of hours filling out an online application for a purchase I am making. Part of it I am paying for and the other part that needs to be approved is for renting something. However, I need both of these things. They work together.

    I said a prayer that the approval would come, yet there is a glitch. They’re saying because I have already purchased something else, that they might not give me the yes, I want. It looks like it doesn’t matter that currently someone else is responsible for the “something else.” It does not look good. I know it does not look like this is going to be a success.

    Proverbs 3:5 reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.” GNT

    Because I believe what Jesus says in the Bible, I will carry on with an optimistic attitude. I will continue with my preparations for the above-mentioned acquisition. I will not worry.

    I have heard that the Lord is the God of the eleventh hour. I think that is true, so that we will know that if something happens in the nick of time, we will attribute it to Jesus. Well, I am already giving him credit for what’s about to happen because I have prayed for it. He says if it is within his will and we believe without doubting, our prayers will be answered.

    I have faith that what I want and need is in the Lord’s will. It is something that will help me with my work, as well as make me happy. I have seen through my walk with Jesus so far that he does care about these things. I think sometimes some people might think that he is only on the watch for what we do that’s wrong. Although he does want us to do good and kind things he also wants us to experience the joys of living too.

    So far, since I have arrived back home after the morning out, I have fed the cat, made a smoothie, and I am writing this blog. To make it easier to be positive and have faith, I will stay busy by cooking some Thai chicken, reading some uplifting books, watching some TV on the iPad, and tidying up a bit. Then I will meditate, talk with Jesus and drift off to a quiet slumber.

    I know it can be difficult to wait, especially in this world where we can have what we want in the span of a couple of minutes with our phones. Yet the Lord does things in his perfect timing. I have seen it.

    One time I was waiting for a prayer to be answered for a very long time. I was in a time crunch. Someone was going to be arriving on the scene where I did not need them to be. And so, I was able to get everything done that needed to be finished and get out of there before said person showed up. This was one of those times where it was a split second happening. I was able to pull out of the driveway just as this unwanted person got there. In an instant I was up the street and gone. Free from danger.

    If you are praying and hoping. Have faith. I pray that good things will work out for you. Amen.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Looking Forward to Jesus’ Blessings

    At a time when I could be thinking that there’s not much to see ahead of me, I know deep down that there is. I will and do believe in the Lord, what he says, and what he does for us. What he says in the Bible is true.

    2 Corinthians 5:5 reads, “God is the one who has prepared us for this change, and he gave us his Spirit as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.” TEV

    This verse above fires me up. I am ready for what’s to come. What’s to happen in this life soon.

    I can already tell there are plenty of roads I will follow, plenty of income streams that will provide what I need to succeed. It is all very exciting. One path that scared me years ago was public speaking. Now I keep thinking of it, and I am feeling I will be good at it, and it just may help some people. I am not sure, yet which subject I will be speaking about, but I have a few ideas.

    I think in some way I would like to encourage women who have lost their way for one reason or another. I say that because I lost my way, and now I am back on track. In the Bible it talks about us being able to help others with the same help Jesus has given us.

    2 Corinthians 1:4 reads, “He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.” GNT

    I love working for the Lord. It is a purpose in this life. For a long time, I did not know what I was supposed to be doing with myself and my time. Now that I do, I am enjoying living much more.

    Another thing I am considering off in the future somewhere is coaching. I think all of us could use a good life coach. Who wouldn’t want someone in their corner just like the boxers have in the ring. Although, most of us aren’t punching anyone, I think it would be nice to have someone to tell us we’re doing a good job on a regular basis.

    Of course, everything I do, no matter what it is, is grounded in the word of God. I think when we follow the Bible and Jesus, we can live wonderful and productive lives. Success can be ours, and we can be happy.

    I pray that you find fun and fabulous paths to walk on. And that you are able to find success in all that you do that’s good. Amen.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Jesus Knew What I Needed

    Last night when I finally got home and sat down, I felt weird. I could not explain it. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I just knew I had nothing left to give, and that I couldn’t even do the smallest of things.

    I looked up at the painting I have of Jesus and asked him to help me. I am not even sure if I put it in the form of a prayer as I usually do. I told him that I did not know what I needed. I was so sad that I broke down in tears. I was really upset.

    Maybe it had something to do with the fact that my life was previously in a shambles. It was a mess. And maybe it was fallout from that. It could have been residual effects. Lingering trauma. Bad vibes that hadn’t died. I really wasn’t sure.

    Then for some reason, I picked up a pen and paper. I wrote down the day, time, and the date. Then one by one the events of the day popped into my head. It was as if the Lord was reminding me of what a good life I have now.

    The first thing I wrote was that everything is okay and good. Next came the following: I ‘m going to feel better soon; I have nothing to worry about; someone who’s happy in their life will be visiting me tomorrow; they love me; I talked to one of my brothers today for quite a while; another brother is helping me with one of my songs; I am picking up a custom-made family photo next week; I will be earning from a screenplay I’m writing, from my nonfiction books, and from my art; eventually I will be able to help people who are in need; I am healing more each day; and most of all, Jesus loves me.

    Moment after moment as I wrote I felt the pressure lift off of me and I felt stronger. I even got hungry. I was cured. And all of this was in a very short period of time.

    Jesus works miracles. This was one of them.

    I picked up what looked like the contents of a whole box of tissues off of the floor, tossed them out, and headed for the microwave to heat up some pasta.

    A good part of the day today, I spent thanking the Lord for fixing me up. I said I don’t know how you did it, I just know you did it. Thank you so very much for that.

    Isaiah 40:31 reads, “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.” NRSV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • The Path Ahead is Clear

    I have been in a season of problem after problem. No matter how hard I tried to move forward it just wasn’t happening. And even lately leading up to this very day, I have been fighting to remain positive.

    When some of Jesus’ prophets let me know that everything was going to be different and better from here on out, I couldn’t believe it. I wondered if it were a joke or something bad. But, since I have been behaving myself and staying away from sinful actions or thoughts, I am coming to think I am in store for a beautiful rest of my life.

    One of the prophets relayed the following Bible verse for those listening.

    Hebrews 10:35 reads, “Do not lose your courage, then because it brings with it a great reward.” GNT

    I am thinking that because what has been prophesized is about some new avenues of work for me, that this is right on the mark. I do have to have faith and be brave to do what it is that I want to do. These jobs are some that I have never done but have always wanted to do. And doing them does require learning a lot and preparing for them too.

    Since it has been a while since I have done something new and different, I’ll admit it is a little scary. I am trying not to fear though. It says some form of the words, do not fear 365 times in the Bible. And I know that is because with Jesus we have nothing to fear, no matter what’s up. He will protect us and guide us along wherever we go.

    Isaiah 45: 2 reads, “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron.” NKJV

    So, no matter what type of adversity lies ahead, Jesus will take care of it even before we come upon it. And that does make me feel safe. It creates a feeling inside of me that’s ready to act, to forge forward, and to be confident.

    I will have my green tea, meditate, and take several deep breaths and go for it. I don’t care if someone criticizes me, laughs at me, or makes fun of me. I have been in more challenging situations.

    One time I was in a skyscraper building, being afraid of heights, I got nervous at about floor number ninety while on the elevator. You could see the boats below in the river looked like pin dots. I was going to say, somehow, I made it through the heights. But it wasn’t somehow…. It was with Jesus’ help. At the time when I was 17 years old, I did not know of Jesus, but he kept me safe anyway.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Saved From My Enemies

    I was taking forever to get myself to just do something as simple as to go out and get my mail. You might wonder what the problem with that could possibly be. Well, it was that out there, there were always a group of evil types gathering and getting ready to pounce like lions in the jungle.

    And that’s not all. More evil lurked out near the trash cans, and over by the gazebo. Not so nice situations were coming at me from all around. I couldn’t breathe a comfortable breath.

    I don’t know why I didn’t turn to prayer at once when these situations first occurred. I just don’t know. What I have learned though is that no matter what I should pray. No matter if it seems like there is no hope and nothing could be done, I will pray anyway. According to the Bible, all things are possible with God.

    So, I prayed. I prayed that these people would leave me alone. And I went a step further. I prayed that none of them would be around when I went out to take care of anything I needed to do. Also, that I would not see them and that they would not see me. I will tell you, I know it seems like that is impossible, but it’s not. I can see that. In the past few days none of them have surfaced. Not even for a second. I feel free!

    I am thinking that maybe the Lord Jesus had the above happen so that I would know for sure that prayer works, and that is our defense when it comes to things like this, and for all that we need.

    Thank you, Jesus, for giving us the ability to pray, and the major blessing that it is. You are so very awesome. You think of everything. Amen.

    After all of this, I know I can go forward with all that is on my agenda. All that I want to do in this life. I will stop before I do anything, think of what’s involved, and pray. We don’t need to say elaborate prayers. They can be short.

    I pray that you have no fear with regard to saying your prayers. Pray, and believe without doubting. Amen.

    Psalm 18:3 reads, “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.” NIV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Write it Down and Watch it Happen

    You know when I write my blog and speak about things that I have planned or things that I hope to have happen, eventually they do happen.

    I had been thinking that this was because I had it in my mind or something. But that’s not it. It is because in the Bible it talks about what will come after we write down what we see in our mind’s eye.

    Habakkuk 2:2-3 reads, “The Lord gave me this answer: ‘Write down clearly on tablets what reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance. Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. It may seem slow in coming but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed.’” NIV

    This verse creates a desire in me to write down everything I can think of about the future as I see it for myself. It makes me feel like I have a certain amount of control over my life. I do realize though that it is Jesus who orchestrates our lives and all that takes place for us. So, it is with the Lord’s divine help that what we want happens, and of course it must be within his will.

    Jesus wants us to do what is lovely, kind, noble, and good. And when we follow in accordance with his instructions, we can have good lives. Problems will arise, but in my opinion, they show up to help us have more faith, and to convince us that prayer is the way to go not matter what is going on.

    We can write down our objectives with regards to what we see ahead of us, and Jesus will direct our steps that lead us to being successful. When we write out our plans as well as when we pray, we can put forth our views, our needs, and our desires.

    After I am finished here with this blog, I am going to locate a pretty little notebook, write down what I want for myself: Where I will live; what style of house I will have; what friends I will keep in my life; what kind of friends I will add; what I would like to have with my forever man, and what I want for my career.

    I say I will keep the above thoughts and wishes, and desires, and prayers in a little notebook so I can read it at night before I go to sleep. It will have a spiral edge so I can read it every night. I do believe what we read before sleep and first thing in the morning seeps into our subconscious. And it is there that our actions spring from.

    I pray that you will get what you need and want in this life, and that you will continually pray for it all. Amen.

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Narcissists Subtlety Manipulate the Unsuspecting

    The easiest way to clue you in on what a narcissist is, is to mention some of the ways they take advantage of people.

    One of the sneakiest techniques they use is what is called “breadcrumbing.” It’s where they provide others with just enough positivity to convince them, that they are kind. But for narcissists it is all fakery, and dishonesty. They aren”t even a little but truly nice. The term about the breadcrumbs comes from the idea that they deliver niceties a little at a time.

    When they give out things that create happiness in huge amounts, it is what’s called “love bombing.” It can be done in a romantic situation in the form of expensive jewelry, dinners, or trips as well as saying “I love you, too soon. It can also be done when they do anything above and beyond what’s considered normal.

    Because these narcs are too proud to ask for things, they often cajole you into doing services for them. like fetching items, cooking, cleaning, errands, laundry and any type of work. An example of this is hearing them say “I am going to go out and clean the garage.” What they’re trying to manipulate you into is cleaning the garage for them while they watch the game on TV.

    Also, they demand to have their egos stroked. That is being told how great they are, how good they look and such. If you don’t bow down to them, they’ll find other sources–other people who will and leave you in the dust.

    A narcissist crossed my path when I moved. Someone living nearby kept stopping me, interrupting what I was doing and insisted on telling me long twisted stories about how they had been wronged out in the world. The cajoling began almost immediately. It came in story form about a drug store messing up some prescriptions. It was one complaint after another. It was designed to get me to mention whether or not I took prescription drugs. This person was attempting to judge me as a candidate for dating them.

    Right after the conversation about the pills, an attempt to create a level of jealously in me, arose. It was a series of questions about another person who was absolutely beautiful and in great shape. I didn’t know who they were talking about after the first few descriptions of the stunning woman. Then in typical narcissistic manner, this guy’s Mr. Nice Guy’s mask fell to the floor. He suddenly became angry with me for not knowing who this woman was. And he had a snotty look on his face while acting like he was some kind of God, and in charge of the whole planet, and everyone in it.

    I ignored this man the next time I was outside, and each time after for a while. Then, he tried to gift me with something. He told me he’d give it to me and didn’t. Narcs like to punish the people they manipulate too. I think he wanted to make me mad because I had ignored him for so long.

    I am not going to let him get away with bothering me again. I am going to tell him; I am not on the market for anything or anyone. Telling him that I don’t even like him is what’s coming out of my mouth the next time I see him.

    He is a swindler, and a rotten person who claims to be a church member who obeys the word of God. But he does not practice what he preaches.

    The Pharisees in the Bible did not practice what they preached either.

    Matthew 23:3 reads, “They tie up cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” NIV

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown

  • Celebrate God

    I talk to God even in the middle of the night. I keep Jesus’ picture propped up against a pillow on the side of my bed. I like seeing him when I wake. I know he is always there even if I can’t see his picture though.

    I talk to the Lord about everything. Whatever is on my mind is what I have a conversation with him about. I don’t wait to go to church to say anything. I just go for it.

    I celebrate him all of the time. In fact, I have what I call his “birthday lights,’ which are Christmas lights, on my silk Ficus trees. I put them on whenever I am going to be in the living room. And, I have another set of them in the bedroom.

    One year on Christmas Day, I baked him a cake. Then I saw a Bible verse about not doing human things for him or something like that, and decided I better not bake him cakes. But he is so nice and kind he probably wouldn’t mind if I did it again.

    The things God does for me are amazing. He is awesome. I even prayed about meeting friends. I prayed and asked if he would let me know if certain people were the type I wanted to hang out with. When I meet people, I am going to listen for the Holy Spirit telling me through what seems like intuition, what is right to do.

    Jesus is in charge of everything, so I know he cares about it all. Nothing is too small for his concern, and nothing is too big either. He does want us to step with him moment by moment like little children, and I do.

    When I first heard about staying that close to him, I wondered how a person could do that. It’s easy though. And I feel safe always that way. When God is directing your steps, you don’t have to worry, fear, or get upset about things that would normally cause problems.

    People of all kinds like to celebrate God. My neighbor lady just brought me over a set of crystal glasses because someone told her I was religious. She is appreciating God in her own way. It’s beautiful.

    I will sit here tonight and take in the glistening disco balls on my Ficus trees with the lights shining on them. I am celebrating.

    Philippians 4:4 reads, “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!” MSG

    Thank you for reading.

    I love you,

    Lisa Brown