Revealed

The book of Acts is filled with excitement! Miracles happen in every chapter. We in Pentecost have stood on this book for years as the basis of our faith. The primary characteristic of this book is that the people refused to limit God. Once He displayed His power and poured it upon them they never took it for granted.

I have observed in recent years that instead of taking advantage of the power that God has given us through the Holy Ghost, we have taken Him for granted. We have limited God in various ways because of tradition or habit and often squandered His desire to help us in times we need it the most. In other words, if God doesn't do it as we think He should, it isn't God. On that note, look at the ways God revealed Himself throughout the Word: 

-God spoke to His followers through angels.

Acts 8:26 "An angel of the Lord said to Philip..."

Acts 10:2 "An angel of the Lord came to him and said..."

Acts 12:7“The angel struck Peter on the side and woke him up ‘Hurry! Get dressed and put on your sandals.'"

-God spoke to His followers through visions.
  
Acts 9:10 “The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision.”

-God spoke to His followers through His Holy Spirit.

Acts 13:2 “During this time the Holy Spirit said to them. ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for which I have chosen for them.’”

-The Lord spoke to His followers directly.

Acts 23:11“The next night the Lord came and stood by Paul. He said, ‘Be brave!’”

Reflect on these verses and let God open your eyes to the fact that He did not (and does not) use just one or two ways to speak to His followers. The answer was, “Don’t limit God to your incomplete knowledge of Him.” 

We have that tendency to do that, don’t we? Pray that in this New Year God will let you experience in more than one way the power of His glory.

Two Voices

We have two natures: the spiritual and the sinful. The voice we hear from the spiritual nature comes from Jesus Christ. The voice we hear from our fleshly nature comes from the enemy according to Galatians 5:16,17. The spiritual nature and the sinful nature are always in conflict with each other.

What then, can we do to replace the negative thoughts that come to our mind from our sinful nature? We can switch to thoughts of God’s truths about ourselves from our spiritual side.

If you are a Christian:

-John 1:12 says You are a child of the King, not a worthless nobody.

-Colossians 2:10 says You are complete in Him, not lacking anything.

-Romans 8:1, 2 says You are forever free from condemnation. You are not guilty.

-Romans 8:35 says you are loved forever, not unlovable.

-Philippians 4:13 says You can do all things through Christ. You are not weak.

-2 Timothy 1:7 says You have been given a spirit of power, not a spirit of fear.

Memorize these Bible verses or write them down on a card and put it in your Bible. Have them close by so you can read them when the negative nature attacks your mind. Focus on and believe what God says about you! Hear the right voice and press on.

A Person Of Worth

Words that we hear in our home can build or tear down our worth as a person.  The Bible speaks of words of life and death in Prov.18:21 where it says,”Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." As we hear words of affirmation and encouragement they are words of life to us while words of criticism and belittling are words of death.  Other people add to the collection of life-giving or death words in a person’s heart.  Over time a person begins to see themselves in the light of these words. Is this the final word or is there hope that one can develop a sense of worth as a person?

If we look in the Scriptures we see that God never meant it to be this way. He speaks words of life into the heart of every person.  We read in Genesis that when God completed the creation of the world He made man in his likeness or image.  This likeness gave man and later also the woman He made the capacity to think, to make decisions, to know right from wrong, to be creative and to have the ability to communicate and have a personal relationship.  Not only did God put this potential in the heart of man and woman He also gave them an assignment to use these abilities.  They were told to rule over the things He had created and give to each a name. Herein lies the potential to organize, care,  and to be in charge.

Although the assignment to be fruitful is linked to increasing in number  it could also indicate creativity in other areas.  Fruitfulness can also speak of the outcome of our labor, of putting our God given creativity to work in a job, a home based business, our homes or in areas where God has given us a creative interest which every person possesses who is created in the image of God.  Fruit speaks of a beautiful outcome of our labors.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the creation of man is God seeing the need for man to be in a relationship, to have a companion.  God places this need and capacity into the heart of each person.  Each has the potential to be a friend, a companion, a helper or a person of influence.

This is what God had in mind when he created you.  He created you in his image so that you could think, make choices, use your creativity, build relationships, faithfully work at the tasks in your hand and be a person of influence in the lives of others. But that’s not all.  This was only the beginning.  In Psalms 139 he says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and describes the creation of each person with words like “knit together” and “woven together” and “ordaining our days” all of  which require a plan by a great creator.  God had a plan for each of our lives and put together each person with abilities, personality and potential.

But the greatest evidence of our worth is that he loved us so much that he sent his son to die for us when we were sinners and totally unlovable.  We were worth it to him.  But there’s more to that as well.  When we believe that Jesus died for us and we accept his forgiveness we become his child.  A son and daughter of the King of Kings.  As we live in that relationship with him we begin to reflect his godly character and we produce the fruit of the Spirit named in  Galatians 5:22-23 as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The beauty of this fruit in our lives makes each of us a person of impact and influence.

No matter what “words of death” others have spoken about you God’s view of you rises above those words and he speaks “words of life” into your heart today.   He says, “I created you in my image, I gave you abilities to rule, organize, manage your area of life, I gave you a creativity that if followed will bring you joy, I made you to be a companion or friend to someone, to be a person of influence, you are precious to me, I loved you so much that I gave my son to die for you and now I want you to be my representative to share this love with others on earth. ”

God made you a person of worth.  He decided when he planned your life what abilities he would give to you.  We all have varying amounts of ability to organize, lead, create or influence but we have the choice as to what we want to do with that which God has entrusted to us.  God also gives us opportunities where we can use these abilities.  The fruitfulness depends on how we care for, cultivate and use each of these abilities which in turn results in the fruitfulness of influencing the lives of the people God has placed in our world whether they be children, spouses, employees, friends or neighbors.  You are special to God and he wants to use you to speak “words of life” into the lives of those around you.

A New Thing

Isaiah 43:18, 19 LAB “(What I have done in the past) is nothing compared to what I’m going to do! I’m going to do a brand new thing.”

What goes out of style will come back again. When we left Union almost 7 years ago, I threw away boxes and boxes of old phonograph records. CD's and MP3's were the rage of the day and record players were obsolete. I should have known what goes around comes around. Now old 33's are the rage and record players and turntables are making a comeback. Who would have thought?

As you contemplate the freshness of a new year, you’re tempted to quickly rejoice over God’s words to Israel. Who wouldn't want to be part of God’s “brand new thing”? You get excited as you pray for and anticipate a new work of God in your life and in the world in 2017.

Yet anyone who has ever worn beautiful new shoes may wish to think carefully about the possible consequences of new things. The shoes looked so good when you tried them on, and you even made sure they were the right size, but walking all day in that new purchase frequently gives us second thoughts. And all of us who start a new diet in the new year know that discouragement frequently settles in around the third day!

It's right to ask for God’s new things in the new year, but are you ready for the sacrifices that may accompany the blessing? Does commitment accompany the request? The new thing that God began in the life of the Apostle Paul on the Damascus road would take him into hostile cities, over stormy seas and through many prison cells. He learned to say “press on” long after the newness had worn off.

If you're ready for God to do a new thing in your life in 2017, then expect sacrifice to get you there. The new will wear off in just a short time. That's why so many young Christians waver in their faith because they don't expect to deal with some of the stuff they face. You may be the same in your thinking that the New Year is going to change things in your life for the better. It might, but it also might not. Receive the new thing from God, but remember the cost in keeping it new. That's something you never want to forget.

Certain Things Well

Romans 12:6 "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well."

Every person looks at life differently. A friend of mine shared with me recently some thoughts about dreams and goals he had had when he was younger. His message was, " If only I had to do it all over again..." Then he stopped and said, "but God was always in control!"

So you are not alone in having dreams/goals that have come and gone. We all have had some dreams/goals that die or have not yet come true. Sometimes you are helping make someone else’s dreams/goals come true. By walking with the Lord and raising a Godly family (biological or spiritual) we can be an answer to our parents’ prayers and dreams.

Many of us are experiencing and living our dreams - dreams of marriage, having children, of walking by faith with our loved ones, introducing others to Christ. We can also help others fulfill their dreams. A couple that I met at church a few weeks ago had a dream of living in a free country. They are living their dream and the dream of many who thought it worthwhile to fight for this goal called freedom.

We can help others realize their dreams by giving them food and clean water, by giving them an education, freedom and justice, and by helping others find peace through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said that "if we do it unto the least of them, we have done it unto Him."

We can’t realize our dreams/goals if we try to relive the past. We must go forward. Don’t go back to where you were and what you knew. God’s miracles happen when things look impossible. The Red Sea parted after Moses stepped into it. God’s grace is always there. It’s like He says, “Just keep pushing and don’t worry about falling. I will pick you up and I will pour my grace on you. I will dump it on you! Just ask me.”

Commitments To God

Isaiah 50:7 "Because the Lord God helps me, I will not be dismayed; therefore, I have set my face like flint to do his will, and I know I will triumph”

This is the time we all began to talk about things that are important to us in the New Year. We try to outline our goals, resolutions, and plans. This is the first time in 45 years I'm not planning out a church calendar.

Because last year was a year of transition for Becky and I, we decided to re-affirm some of the commitments we have made to God. What was it we would continue to do with all our hearts and minds and souls? What would we pour our lives into this year?

Here are some of the affirmations we made to God and to each other for the year.

-We will continue to love the Lord our God with all of our heart and soul and strength.

-We will continue to serve and to please Him in all of our ways.

-We will continue to read and obey the Bible, using it as the standard for our life.

-We will continue to love and be faithful to each other.

-We will continue to love and be faithful to our children (son/daughter-in-law) and grandchildren.

-We will continue to give our tithes and offerings to the Lord.

-We will continue to work hard and do the best we can to win people to Christ and help the unfortunate around the world.

There were more, but these were the most important to us.

How about you? Do you write out your commitments to God? If not, I encourage you to do so. Keep them in your Bible, so they are always before you. Make this year the best it can be with the help of the Lord.

Happy New Year!

Philippians 3:13, 14 NIV "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."


As Christmas time comes to an end and we anxiously await the words "Happy New Year!" my family had our traditional get together usually the last week of December. We go to my sons' house, where we talk about the past and look ahead to the New Year.

We ponder and discuss all the interesting occurrences of yesteryear; the good times, the bad times, the frustrating times and the fun times. We share what valuable lessons we learned from our experiences, what God showed us and how He was faithful through all of it.

We do this as a tribute to the loved ones we've lost and then as an opening to the next chapter of our lives. After we have laughed a while and sometimes cry, we begin to look forward with great excitement, wondering what God has for us this coming new year. What new experiences will we go through and what new lessons will we learn. It's all fresh and new and that is exciting.

In doing this I believe it helps us to view each year as a season, understanding that God is Sovereign and has new seasons of experiences and growth to make us more like Christ. I can testify there were times my family went through seasons of grief and there were also times we experienced seasons of joy.

It helps me to remember that God is in total control and that we are constantly growing as His children and that He knows the plans He has for us. Plans of new wisdom, insight and understanding that He wants to impart to us, if we will allow Him to.

It also gives us a fresh new outlook of the coming year and enables us to leave the past where it belongs, not that we forget the past but learn from it and move forward into our present future with opened hearts and minds to receive whatever God has for us.

So start out the New Year with a fresh point of view to new experiences, memories and blessings. Having an open mind and heart to where ever the Lord may take you with full assurance and confidence that He is with you. There's no limit to what God can do in your life and nothing is impossible with God. God opens doors that no man can shut and also closes doors that no man can open. The possibilities are endless with God that is according to His will.

Every year is a new season, so be prayerful of what God has planned for you and be willing to walk by faith in obedience as you follow His leading. Remember that His plans are always for good and not for evil to give you a future and a Hope. As you forge ahead, God always has a plan and a purpose for what you will go through and experience. Remember that God always has a reason for what He allows in your life and through it you can trust Him completely. 

The Bible says to not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough worries of it's own. Trust in your Heavenly Father who knows everything you need, who is your God and your Provider. He is faithful and He will do it. When we are willing to let go and let God work in us and through us, He will always stretch us and grow us. It is an important part of the growth process. Continue to grow in your relationship with Him and in His Word. Pray for God to mold you and make you pliable in the potters hand and then watch the master craftsman work on His masterpiece; which is you!

With new experiences and new lessons come new wisdom and insight. Always make it a priority to seek out wisdom as hidden treasure or fine gold. In Proverbs it says that it will be like a garland of grace around your neck and honor you and present you with a crown of splendor. As you go through new experiences and new adventures whether they are good or bad, my encouragement is to keep your eyes fixed on Christ and He will give you rest and peace, because He is our peace and loves you and cares for you deeply. Keep in mind that if even the wicked give good gifts to their children how much more will your Heavenly Father give to those that ask Him?

Let us give thanks to the Lord for getting us through another year as we look forward to what He has for us up ahead and praise Him that He is faithful and worthy to be praised! May the Lord bless you and your family with a blessed New Year!

Happy Endings

1 Peter 1:13 "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”

Scripture teaches us that that if we trust Christ, we  all get a happy ending. Even more, this permanent happy ending than could never be described in a movie or book. Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:9 that we can’t even conceive what it would be like!

On the other hand, how many Christians have been severely wounded because they expected their happy ending to come on this side of eternity? I confess that I am one of the worst. I seem to have this deep seeded sense of entitlement that tells me, because of certain struggles and disappointments, that my “happy ending” is just around the corner. But God never promises that in this life.

1 Peter 1:13 warns us that to have our hope set on the things of this world is to be often disappointed with the outcome. In other words, we become foolishly and unnecessarily vulnerable to being wounded or taken out.

So for those of you who are sick of getting sucker punched, get your hands up, and your heads down by adjusting your hopes and expectations away from the happy ending that our culture guarantees, and on to the happy ending that Our Lord promises. It could be your defining moment for the new year!

Renewed

Isaiah 40:31 NIV "...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
      
A New Year is almost upon us, which usually means we want to start afresh and hopefully do things differently this year.  We have been rushing around both before and after Christmas, enjoying the company of family and friends and stressing out about all sorts of things which have nothing to do with Christ’s birth.  As children we counted down the days until Christmas morning when we would awaken to presents and the fun and laughter of all that day brings.  As adults we count down the days, madly baking and buying last minute presents and cards to send to our many family and friends.  After the celebrations have finished we clean up and wonder why we went to all that trouble and we are left tired and flat after the hustle and bustle is over.

The passage above from Isaiah points out to us that if we have faith and hope in the Lord then we are able to draw on the strength and peace that only God can give as we start this New Year.  I used to think that this passage was just for saints and those who spent all their time working for the Lord, but over the years I have come to realize that it applies to all of us, no matter the reason for our tiredness and listlessness.  It could be that we have become weary from the days of endless stress at work or at home and all we feel like doing is crawling into our own shells and shutting the rest of the world out. Illness or family tensions leave us exhausted.  It could be through a feeling of loneliness or perhaps the opposite – too many people crowding in and making demands on us, that we simply want to stand up and say “enough is enough”.  That is when God wraps us in His loving arms and lifts up our heads so we can face another day.

Don't let the post-Christmas blues dampen your new year. Understand and receive the promises of God each and every day. Make up your mind that your are too blessed to be stressed in 2017!

Christ Plus Nothing Equals Everything

1 Corinthians 2:2 NIV "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”       

If you’re thinking about making some New Year’s Resolutions, consider this one from the Apostle Paul and say to yourself: “This year I resolve to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified.”

Sammy Hall wrote a song with this verse in mind in the late 60's. Paul’s message then and now is radically simple. Salvation is in Christ alone.

-It’s not Christ plus your good behavior.         

-It’s not Christ plus the years you preached or taught a Bible study.

-It’s not Christ plus your tithe.

-It’s not Christ plus the church you attend.

-It’s not Christ plus the number of verses you memorize.

-It’s not Christ plus your title in the church.

-It’s not Christ plus wisdom from the latest Christian seminar.

-It’s not Christ plus a  fast.

-It’s not Christ plus a good driving record.

-It’s not Christ plus well-behaved children.

-It’s not Christ plus the right job.

-It’s not Christ plus the right spouse.

-It’s not Christ plus the latest technology.
It’s simply Christ. Christ plus nothing equals everything!

That’s a message that is as right throughout the coming year as it will be a 100 years from now. Let your new resolution for the year be nothing but Christ and Him crucified. You'll see and feel the difference it will make in your heart and your life.

Salty Christians

Mark 9:50 "Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." 

After I read these verses, I began to think about the reasons for salt being  good thing.

-Salt enhances the flavor of food,

-Salt is used to preserve meat.

-Salt is used to thaw ice.

-Salt is a water softener.

Because Jesus said, we are the salt of the earth, how are we then, as His followers salting the world around us?

-We enhance our surroundings.
Our behavior is based on the Biblical values ofintegrity, truthfulness, peace, joy and love. We dress modestly to set a standard. That standard carries much more influence over our testimony than we realize.

-We preserve by being there to help neighbors, co-workers and family when they need someone to comfort them.
We are like a healing ointment.  We share the gospel with them so they can choose to know the power of Christ within them. Those in trouble, those in need, and those who are discouraged know who to call on when they need help the most.

-We melt icy relationships by being kind and loving to those around us even when they are cold to us. 
In time they will melt. Love never fails. It's kind, patient, longsuffering, and always bigger than the giants of hatred. Even when we are rejected, it's love that can turn the corner in that situation.

-We soften the world around us by smiling and being gentle and kind. 
We make an effort to be friendly to all people regardless of their race, religion, color, or lifestyle.  We help those in need. Kindness shown will be kindness known by the giver and partaker.

So, let me ask you, are you still a salty Christian? Or have you lost it?  You can become a salty Christian again by repenting and asking the Lord to be in control of your life once again.  He produces salt in our lives.

The Christmas Story (Part 2)

-It's about humble beginnings.

When kings, presidents, and other rulers appear in public, great celebrations often begin. From a biblical perspective, God came first ,not as a ruling king, but as a servant, a baby born in humble circumstances. His becoming human helped humans identify with Him. The Christmas story speaks of  true humility.

-It's about identity.
Jesus' followers noted numerous clues to his identity and there were many prophecies written years before His birth.

a. Micah told around 700 BC of deliverance through a coming Messiah or "Anointed One" from Bethlehem. We know that  according to the Christmas story that Jesus "was born in Bethlehem of Judea."

b. Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. He wrote, "The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." The name "Immanuel" means "God is with us." Biblical accounts declare Mary was a virgin when she bore Him.

c. Additional prophecies concern the Messiah’s lineage, betrayal, suffering, execution, and resurrection. 

Can we trust the biblical accounts of the Christmas story? Here are three important points to answer that question:

d. Eyewitness Testimony.
The Gospels bear evidence of containing, eyewitness accounts. In a courtroom, eyewitness testimony is among the most reliable evidence.

e. Early Date.
Dr. William F. Albright, one of the world's leading archaeologists, dated every book of the New Testament  before about AD 80. There is no known record of NT factual authenticity ever being successfully challenged by a contemporary.

-Manuscript Evidence.
Over 24,000 early manuscript copies of portions of the NT exist today. Concerning manuscript attestation, Sir Frederic Kenyon, director and principle librarian of the British Museum, concluded, "Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established."

The Christmas story is notable for its enduring messages of hope, peace, goodwill, family and humility. It was foretold by prophets and has substantial manuscript support. But there is another reason for considering the story of Jesus' birth, perhaps the most important.

-It's the reason for the season.

Jesus' followers taught that His conception and birth were part of a divine plan to bring us genuine peace, inner freedom, and self-respect. They believed that God wants us to enjoy friendship with Him, and meaning and purpose. Yet, our own self-centeredness separates us from Him. Left to our own, we would spend both time and eternity in this spiritually unplugged state. Jesus came to help plug us into God. Mary's baby was born to die, paying the penalty for our self-centeredness, which is "sin." When the adult Jesus died on the cross, He carried the penalty due all our sins then rose from the dead to give new life.

Jesus explained, "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." God can become your friend if you believe in Him, that is, if you trust Him to forgive you. He will never let you down.


Christmas is meant to celebrate peace and joy. Amidst the busyness of shopping, parties, presents, and fun, consider the Christmas Story and the Prince of Peace who came to spread love and joy to all who believe in Him. It's a story that has a happy ending for all who believe it.

The Christmas Story (Part 1)

When you share publically the Christmas story in this age and time you are often attacked for your belief and aspect of this wonderful tale. Yet, the Christmas story stands out as one of the greatest events of history, and I believe there are some reasons why this story stands above all others in history.

-It has stood the test of time

For two thousand plus years people have told of the child in a Bethlehem manger; of angels who announced his birth to shepherds; of learned men who traveled a great distance to view him. That a story persists for many years does not prove its truthfulness. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the tooth fairy survive in the popular imagination. But a twenty-century plus tenure of this wonderful story at proves it stands the test of time. Modern society has tried to kill it, yet it still lives as the greatest story of them all.

-It's one filled with promise and survival.

Jesus' society knew great pain and oppression. Rome ruled with a tight fist and corrupt tax collectors burdened the people. Some religious leaders even sanctioned physical beating of Jewish citizens participating in compulsory religious duties to appease the government.

Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary traveled a long distance to Bethlehem to register for a census but could not obtain proper lodging. Mary bore her baby and laid him in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. Eventually, King Herod sought to kill the baby. Warned of impending risk, Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt, then returned home after Herod's death. Imagine how Mary felt. Traveling while pregnant would be challenging, but  fleeing to another nation lest some king slay your son would not be pleasant. Yet she, Joseph, and Jesus survived the ordeal. In the midst of social and cultural challenges, the Christmas story offers encouragement toward survival and hope of new life linked to someone greater than oneself.

-It's about peace and goodwill.

Christmas carolers sing of "peace on earth." Greeting cards extol peace, families desire it, and the news reminds us of its fleeting nature. The Christmas angel announced to some shepherds, "'Don't be afraid! . . . I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!" A crowd of angels then appeared praising God and proclaiming peace among people of good will. The Christmas story brings a message of peace and goodwill that can soothe anxious hearts and calm interpersonal strife.

-It's about family.

Christmas is a time for family gatherings. This interaction can often bring great joy or great stress. Estrangement or ill will from past conflicts can explode.

Joseph and Mary had their share of family challenges. Consider their circumstances. The historical accounts indicate that Joseph's fiancée became pregnant though she was a virgin. Mary believed an angel told her she was pregnant by God. Now, how would you feel if your fiancé/fiancée exhibited apparent evidence of sexual activity with someone else during your engagement? Suppose your intended said that God had sanctioned the whole thing. Would your trust and self-esteem take a nosedive? Would you cancel the wedding?

Joseph, described as "a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace Mary publicly." But an angel appeared to him in a dream, explaining that the child was conceived in her by God, and told him to "name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."Joseph followed instructions and cared for his family. His continuing commitment to Mary and Jesus played a significant part in the boy's birth and early childhood. With God's help, their family overcame major obstacles and so can your family in this special time of the year.

(End of Part 1)

All I Want For Christmas

A few years ago during an altar service at Christmas time I heard one of my members weeping and praying for her lost family members. She prayed, "Lord, all I want for Christmas is the return of my prodigal. Lord, please, for Christmas could my children come home. Would you set him free from his addictions. Cause her to choose not to live with her boyfriend. May they see the emptiness and destructiveness of their choices. And, Lord, may we have peace in our family for Christmas."

For so many years people have asked for just such gifts at Christmas.  Maybe you have as well. When a loved one is involved with an addiction that causes heartache and strife the pain during the holidays becomes increasingly intense. Only those who have experienced such a calamity can truly understand.

Yet, God knows the desires of your heart. He knows exactly what you want for Christmas.  He is so willing for you to ask, to be honest, and to cry out. So don’t be afraid to tell Him how your heart aches, about your fears for your loved ones, about your concerns for your other children, about how overwhelmed you feel at this time meant for celebration.         

At the same time, remember that His answers almost always look so different, and have such later timing, than our requests. We can’t understand what He is doing. He tells us His ways are above ours. Yet Scripture tells us repeatedly that He knows and understands and is filled with compassion for our pain.

He has given us many wonderful promises that enable us to express our love for and trust in Him and to see His faithful responses. Just read and meditate on these words from God:

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.“

Philippians 4:6, 7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Matthew 7:9-11 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Matthew 11:28, 29 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

So for this Christmas, I join you in asking God for miracles in the lives of your prodigals. But I also ask that He will help you to seek Him first and enable you to experience His peace and freedom from fear and deep rest in Him.

Have You Found Your Bethlehem?

Luke 2:4, 5 "Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem… He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child." 

It was a journey of approximately 100 kilometers, but traveling over hills, through villages and around rivers would likely have made the trip even longer. Christmas pictures always show Mary riding a donkey but we really have no idea of their mode of travel. In any case, whether on foot or on the back of a donkey, it wasn’t an easy journey, especially for a women nearing the end of her pregnancy.

Why did she go? Government officials decreed a census and that everyone must go to one’s “own city,” the place their families called home, for this official registration and counting. Perhaps Mary was also quite ready to leave the village of Nazareth where tongues were wagging about her pregnancy and unmarried status.

But Mary and Joseph knew they were going far from family and into a city whose streets would be filled with traveling strangers. They were assured of no warm welcome and no cozy place to birth the expected child. Perhaps they hoped for a small house, a distant relative to open their home, or a way for Joseph to earn money for their keep, but in almost every way, they were traveling into the unknown. The journey was long and hard, the destination uncertain.

Nearly nine months before their arrival in Bethlehem, Mary spoke life-changing words to God, words that were to comfort her in the many uncertain years ahead. “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” With those simple words of faith, she could endure the long journey on the back of a donkey, the cold streets of Bethlehem, the staring faces of strangers, and even the crude stable with its straw-lined manger.

Have you found your Bethlehem? Has the path been long, the people uncaring, the circumstances burdensome? When we submit ourselves as servants to a loving God, we can in quietness and confidence add “May it be to me as you have said” no matter the place or position in which we find ourselves.

The Reason For The Season

Santa lives at the North Pole...
     JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh...
     JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
  
Santa comes but once a year...
     JESUS is an ever present help.
  
Santa fills your stockings with goodies...
     JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited...
     JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.
  
You have to wait in line to see Santa...
     JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
  
Santa lets you sit on his lap...
     JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"...
     JESUS knew our name before we were born.  Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
  
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly...
     JESUS has a heart full of love
  
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO...
    JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"...
     JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."
  
Santa's little helpers make toys...
    JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but...
    JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
  
While Santa puts gifts under your tree...
     JESUS became our gift and died on a tree...the cross.

We need to keep Christ in Christmas!  Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Tis The Season To Be Gloomy?

Feeling low this Christmas season? You’re not alone. Amid cheery songs, festive parties, gifts and good wishes, many lonely people are crying or dying on the inside. Maybe you’re one of them. Romantic estrangement, family strife, and bereavement can make your holidays dismal. One of Elvis Presley’s most popular songs was “Blue Christmas.” A lonely crooner mourns heartbreaking lost love. Performers from The Beach Boys to Celine Dion, Loretta Lynn, and Jon Bon Jovi have recorded it. Does even thinking about that song make you depressed?

Several factors can produce Christmas blues. Hectic activity can bring physical and emotional stress. Overspending can produce financial pressure. Year-end reflection and focus on loss can magnify sorrow. Depression can lead to thoughts of suicide, especially among the socially isolated.

Is your family apart this season by necessity or choice? Maybe an “empty chair” reminds you of your pain. Does Christmas “Ho, Ho, Ho” contrast with your deep anguish? One widow recalled how she felt during the Christmas after her husband’s death: “Little mattered to me. I didn't want to hear carols. I didn't want to be cheered up. I didn't want to look at perky Christmas cards. I wanted the same thing I'd wanted every day for eight months: the strength to force myself out of bed in the morning, to brush my teeth and to eat.”

One possible influence, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a form of depression the medical community doesn’t completely understand. The Mayo Clinic says genetics, age and body chemistry could be the culprits. Mayo recommends seeing your doctor if you feel down for days and have motivation problems. Symptoms can include changing sleep patterns and appetite, feeling hopeless, contemplating suicide, or seeking comfort in  the wrong places.

So how can you cope with Christmas loneliness?
Some suggestions:

-Spend time with people, especially positive ones who lift your spirits. Perhaps you’ll be grateful for their cheer.

-Exercise regularly. Blood pumping can help clear your mind.

-Eat right. Overindulgence can mean temporary highs followed by disappointing flab.

-Enjoy sunlight, outdoors if possible. Brighten up your home and workplace. Light therapy sometimes helps SAD.

-Talk about your feelings. Keeping them bottled up can mean anxiety, ulcers, sour disposition, and/or explosion.

-Give to others. Volunteer.  Physicians are convinced that giving is essential for optimum physical and mental health in our fragmented society.

-Seek counsel. I used to be embarrassed to obtain professional counsel. Now I recommend it. We all can use good advice navigating life’s storms.

-Develop spiritual roots. I’m glad that before my dark days began, I had a friendship with God. If you're tired of friends who betray, manipulate, disrespect, or desert you remember God won’t. He cares for you, values you, will listen to you and comfort you. You can trust Him. He always wants your best.

The Greatest Gift

It was a simple scene on that first Christmas Day- a rough room, a young couple, and nothing but a feeding trough to put their child in. It was probably quite cold and with family far away there was little help. Not exactly the Hallmark moment we like to show in Christmas pageants, but this rustic scene marked the greatest event in the history of mankind.

God's Son became human and came to earth to save us. God had promised to send a Messiah, one who would save His people from their sins. He could have easily burst on the scene as a full grown man, a mighty warrior with fiery eyes and arms of steel. This was what many people were looking for, but it wasn't how God did it. He arrived in the arms of a young girl. He was a very small package, wrapped in rags, given from the heart of God. He was the perfect gift.

God gave His only Son to die in our place so that we, in all our brokenness, could know forgiveness. He came so that we could know what love feels like, real love – love that never leaves, love that never disappoints, love that is never betrayed. He sent His Son into a corrupted world to bring us hope.

How are you doing this Christmas? ,Are you having a hard time finding hope in the world? Are you having a hard time finding peace? It doesn't have to be that way. You can have peace and find hope and know forgiveness through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart.

All you have to do is pray this prayer and believe:

"Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Bring peace to my world this Christmas. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."

If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, pray it right now and Christ will come into your life as He promised. If you invited Jesus Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you and that you have eternal life. That's the greatest gift of all.

Hush!

Silence is often interpreted, but not misquoted. So many of us have said things on the spur of a moment that we regret. One thing I've discovered is that you can never undo the harm you create with a misspoken word. With social media today enhancing them greatly have come cowards who write vicious, nasty things about others they have a quarrel with. They also hide behind others in a rumor tree that damages the lives of innocent people. All it takes is one false story to create a mountain of negativity toward someone who is innocent.

Its better to keep your opinion to yourself rather than impugn the reputation of another. Sometimes silence is golden. I will admit that I have spoken out of turn before and when it was over wish I could recall the words. I learned over the years that not every sheep in my fold was an innocent lamb. There were some wolves disguised in the flock.

How many of you have been credited with saying something that you never spoke? Most pastors can readily identify with that terminology because they are often falsely accused of speaking words they never said.
Ministries have been destroyed, churches divided, and families torn apart by misquoted words. The Bible tells us that "the tongue is full of deadly poison." How true that is!

The cobra is a beautiful and graceful snake. Natives charm them with music and make them seem to be in a trance. All it takes is one bite from this beautiful creature and death is almost certain. All it takes is one misquoted word and the life that you live can be shattered. Every one of us has had a cobra somewhere in our past. Whether on the job, in the neighborhood, or even in the church, they have misspoken or misquoted you and caused great problems. I could write a book about some of the junk I've had to try and clean up because people dropped my name in a conversation or misquoted something I said.

So friend, the next time you hear a bunch of gossip, go to the source before you say anything. If you can't verify what you've heard, just keep your mouth shut. Your silence in such matters is worth more than silver and gold.