SNOW ON THE EVERGREEN

Jesus, Jehovah, Immanuel.

Abundant joy rich to tell.

There is a love that fills my heart,

like snow in the deepest part.

 

El, Creator, Merciful, Love.

Blessed assurance from above.

There is a peace from Heaven’s crown,

like snow gently falling down.

 

Savior, Messiah, Adonai.

Blood outpoured to sanctify.

There is a grace from only Him,

like snow coating every limb.

 

Unspeakable Gift, Redeemer, King.

Sing the song the ransomed sing.

There is a life made wholly right,

like snow turning woodlands white.

 

Spirit, Counselor, Author, Friend.

Kingdom wonders never end.

There is a seal that is lasting, clean,

like snow on the evergreen.

 

 

But as many as received him, to them gave he power

to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 1:12-13

SNOW ON THE EVERGREEN

 

In the woods, here in Veery Glade, snow comes straight down, piles up, the birds scurry at the feeders, and an evergreen planted years ago stands coated with snow.

 

God gives a power to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ, His Son, to become His child. An identity transformation occurs by a force from Heaven when God recognizes belief in hearts. Since the power is given by God, the new identity is not a power humans have by their own doing. Becoming a child of God is only obtained by faith.

 

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

 

The god of this world, Satan, blinds the mind. When someone is blind, she doesn’t see or understand the plan of salvation. When someone is spiritually blind, she is easily led into any kind of thinking. When there is no foundation for faith, the house crumbles.

 

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2

 

As I look at the snow-covered evergreen, I’m reminded of hope, of renewal. The Living God is the Miracle Deliverer. He can create in us a renewed mind, right spirit and clean heart. We rely on Him through prayer to work miracles. Write in big letters on a piece of paper I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES and display the message on your refrigerator so you can be reminded every day.

 

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:

Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:18

Our miraculous God can make sin white as snow, blotting out any trace of wrongdoing. He invites us to come and reason with Him. Who would turn down such an opportunity from God Himself? Who wouldn’t want their sin whitened out? I know—probably someone who thought she had no sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:8

 

I remember a co-worker telling me he was perfect in his own way and as he went through life, imperfect layers were being pulled off. For him, there was no need for redemption. Don’t let yourself be deceived. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. So much rides on faith.

 

While it’s true that all people are made in God’s image, it’s not true that all people are children of God. If everyone were a child of God, there would be no need for God to send His Son to die for our sins. The devil wants people to think they are not in need of a Redeemer. All attention on Jesus Christ, God’s remedy for sin, is what the devil works tirelessly to destroy.

 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1John 1:9

 

Pray for understanding. God provides the remedy only in His Son, Jesus Christ. There is no other remedy or way. Philosophies and self-help strategies can’t save a soul. I saw a disturbing funeral service online in a Christian church and the name of Jesus was not proclaimed from the pulpit or in the obituary. What was repeated several times was the deceased’s mastery of a tradition rooted in Buddhism. It seems some churches believe everyone goes to Heaven no matter what, but the Bible doesn’t preach that.

 

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:18

 

Jesus, born a human, humbled Himself and died on the cross for the sins of the world. All salvation is on one name—the name of Jesus Christ. There are not multiple ways to come into the presence of Almighty God. I trust your church is strong in faith and the Word of God, holding only to the one truth and putting all eggs in God’s basket. If not, get to praying. (Actually, no church is perfect and filled with imperfect people. So again, pray for understanding.)

 

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14

 

As I watch the snow coat the evergreen with a white gown, I remember the Holy Spirit deposited within us— the faithful—as a guarantee. By the Holy Spirit, we become what we never were—children of God. By the blood of the Lamb, we are covered.

 

Keep praying to our Heavenly Father who tirelessly listens. Hold to the pattern and plead the matters heavy on hearts. Raise the torch for God who is more than able to do what we ask.

 

And now, O LORD GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant.

2 Samuel 7:28

 

Enjoy the miracle of renewal like snow on the evergreen. May we be reminded of the cancellation of sin, sealed identity and God’s ongoing goodness.