Peace, Joy, Hope and Love

This morning I spent some time pondering some verses in Romans. I was struck by how much what we all long for is provided to us through Jesus. Jesus is the solution and often, walking with Him, takes us through some difficult times. But the end is secure in Him. What we long for is found in Jesus.

Take a moment to read this passage.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Rm. 5:1-5)

Here are a few questions for reflection:

1. What are your longings?
2. What does this passage bring to your mind?
3. What hope does this passage give you?

Take a moment to thank Him for all He has done and is doing for you.

Maranatha (Come Lord)

His Promises

I read in Genesis 12 this morning. I was struck by the exceedingly lavish promises the Lord unilaterally gave to Abraham. These were just the first of many promises the Lord gave Abraham.

“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Gen. 12:2-3)

There are many promises in the Scriptures. Jesus would come to deliver His people and He will come again to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and just a few.

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Cor. 1:20)

As we anticipate the coming year, what promises of God come to your mind? How does He want you to order your life based on the promises He brought to your mind?​

Maranatha (Come Lord)

Christmas Greetings From Eastern Africa

Merry Christmas to you from us. This past Sunday in worship I heard words from Romans 15:4-7 that seem particularly timely. Consider the vision and virtues in this passage.

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in
accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
​
Amid the many ways of Christmas celebrations this season, I hope we can see in some way the presence of the One who loves us and expressed that love in Jesus-Yeshua, Immanuel, God with us.

Jesus-Yeshua knew and respected the scriptures. Being “Word in flesh”, Jesus-Yeshua embodied and revealed the heart of God – the essential, sacrificial, eternal, passion of God to love and be loved. The kind of love that gloriously envelops the world as the Angels continually call out, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of God’s glory” [Isaiah 6:3]

And to think that Lifeway Missions (LMI) gets to be part of this world mission of love – person by person, small and big steps of hope, forgiveness, and healing, through faith, reason, and justice among the unreached people groups (UPGS). Thank you for participating in this kind of love. I thank God for you!

May you celebrate Christmas with joy and thank you for being part of what God is doing through Lifeway!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [Romans 15:13]

With love and joy,

Dr. Aila Tasse
Founder/President- Lifeway Mission Intl.

What Do I Want For Christmas?

My wife and I hosted three other couples for a Christmas dinner at our home last night. Toward the end of the evening, my wife asked the group what each of us wanted to share along the theme of Christmas. We could share a verse, poem, or thought.

I shared a verse about the Lord’s coming. He came first as the Word who dwelt among us. We celebrate His birth on Christmas Day. But He has a Second Coming. We don’t know when that will be but we do know He is coming again.

Jesus says, “‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20) This is what I want for Christmas.

What do you want for Christmas?

Maranatha (Come, Lord Jesus)