Monday, December 31, 2018

Plan and Will


The most famous two verses in Jeremiah are found in Chapter 29.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

Chapter 29 contains two letters to the captives in Babylon:

1. The first letter recommends them to be patient and composed. (1-19)

2. In the second, judgments are denounced against the false prophets who deceived them. (20-32)

We do find Restoration and Hope in Jeremiah 29:10-14

God’s Word - 10 This is what the LORD says: 

Completion of exile (consequence of sin) - “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, 

God’s promise - I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 

God’s plan - 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, 

God has our future in mind - “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Our response to God’s goodness - 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Cause and Effect - 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

Godly outcome -  14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”



Always accept all God has for you and apply it to your life. Amen?

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Planning Ahead


Soon we will be starting a new year! With it brings new beginnings and opportunities. It can be a fresh slate for our lives in some respects. For some of us it means doing new things for God. For others maybe it means returning to God’s ways. Let’s look at Matthew 2:19-23 today, and see Jesus’ family returning home, back to Israel and God’s people.



    19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

   21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to theland of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.



Today spend some time looking back. Feel good about Godly accomplishments from last year. Thank and praise God for His provision and direction. We must also look at areas where we were not obedient. Praise and thank God for His forgiveness!



Spend time in prayer listening for His direction and will for your life. He has a special plan and purpose for all of us. Let’s make this year a great one for God. Amen?

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Piles of

I think we've all heard about being Christ's salt in the world. In today's culture it's hard sometimes to be "salty" for Christ. Everyone wants bigger and better. I saw a great demonstration by Francis Chan concerning this aspect of our Christian life. He took a small amount of salt in his hand and proclaimed it to be the real deal - very salty. He then showed a large pile of white salty looking material, but was not salty. Chan put the small dose of salt on the large pile.



What just happened? It appears that you now have a large pile of salt (which is good), but in realty you just diluted down the small amount of salt in the pile (which does no good). The world needs us to retain our "saltiness" for Christ. Big piles may be impressive but in the end that's all you have - a big pile of nothing!



 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." - Jesus



Be salt in a world that is impressed with "big piles" - your "saltiness" can change them forever. Amen?

Friday, December 28, 2018

Trusting in Him


It's easy this time of year to get over extended and anxious about many things. Slow down! Take a breath - enjoy a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate) and be reminded of Jesus' promise in Matthew 6.



31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.



When we don't trust in God to provide we end up running around and worrying needlessly. You have what you have because of God's faithfulness not by our own devices. Trust in Him who protects, provides, and guides. We just need to be obedient.



Be wise and seek to always live life God's way. Amen?

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Bread


Bethlehem is a Hebrew word that literally means, “house of bread.” And I think this is significant in 3 ways.

1) Christ was born in Bethlehem, "the house of bread", to identify with the common man. Jesus was not born in the house of royalty, nor the house of riches, nor the house of celebrity.
Bread is one of life’s most common things. God wanted His Son available to all. His birth was announced to shepherds, the common man, but not to King Herod. His cradle was a manger, an animal’s feeding trough in a lowly stable. You don’t have to be rich to know Him. You don’t have to be well-known or popular to know Him. Just be you.

2) Christ was born in Bethlehem to satisfy our spiritual hunger. Jesus said, " I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)
Bread is a good comparison to our Lord because He satisfies, gratifies and strengthens us spiritually just as bread does physically. Christ is all the soul of man needs for spiritual satisfaction. That fact that Jesus was born in "The House of Bread" gives us confidence that God does indeed want to choose us to be His children, no matter how insignificant we may seem to ourselves or to the world around us.

3) Christ was born in Bethlehem to show us that each of us must choose him as Savior for ourselves. If one person eats a meal, it doesn’t satisfy any other person’s hunger.
The Bible says that "we are all partakers of that one bread." (1 Cor. 1:17) That "one bread" is Christ. He is the only bread that offers life and the decision to receive Him is an individual one. He invites each of us to partake of His presence today, and every day. Amen?

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Sharing


The Bible presents Christ as the Son of God and the Son of Man. The heart of Christianity is the Person and work of Jesus Christ. No man can come to God except through Him. Here are three things that we should remember as we are sharing Christ this Christmas:



Our History Recorded It. The birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem was no accident. It was the fulfillment of God's divine promise.



Our Hymns Reviewed It. Hymns emphasize the views of songwriters regarding the Person and work of Christ.



Our Hope Reaffirmed It. There is no other name through which pardon comes. All must come to Jesus in order to be saved.



There is no other name in which we can trust. Amen?

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Merry Christmas

The real and true story of Christmas is found in Luke.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.



Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!



Celebrate Christ in all you do this day. Amen?

Monday, December 24, 2018

One Life

This has been around for a long time. I don’t know who wrote it, but it always makes me think about Jesus’ impact on the world. Enjoy!



He was born in an obscure village,

Earthly riches were not important to Him

He did not travel extensively, only once did

He crossed the boundary of the country in which He lived,

In infancy He startled a King, in childhood He amazed Jewish leaders,

He worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty.

He then became an itinerant preacher.

He never held office.

He never had a family or owned a house.

He didn’t go to college.

He had no credentials but himself.

He healed multitudes without medicine,

He made no charge for His service,

He never wrote a book, and yet all the libraries of the world could not hold the volumes that have been written about Him,

He never wrote a song, and yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined,

He never founded a College, but all the schools put together cannot boast of having as many students,

He never practiced psychiatry, and yet has healed more broken hearts than all the Doctors far and near,

He was only thirty-three when the public turned against him.

The devil tried to destroy Him, but the grave could not hold Him.

His Name stands highest of the heavenly glory, acknowledged by angels and feared by devils

Nineteen centuries have come and gone,

And today he is the central figure of the human race.

All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed,

All the parliaments that ever sat,

And all the kings that ever reigned

 have not affected the life of man on this earth

As much as that one solitary life.



May all of you have Merry and Spirit filled Christmas!

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Christmas Eve's Eve

Tonight we are having a Christmas service at Hopewell. It may seem at an odd time, but I believe anytime is appropriate to acknowledge, worship, and focus on Jesus. Don't you?



We have had a lot of babies born in to our family over the past three years. Raising children comes with many questions and much faith. They'll be fine. God will see them through it all.



Just like He did over 2000 years ago to another couple with lots of questions and nervousness - Mary and Joseph. On the original Christmas Eve's Eve they were travelling far from their home, very pregnant, and much "not knowing" - where they would stay, what the future held, bringing up the Son of God! 



God saw them through it all and we now have Jesus to celebrate at Christmas and all year long. Today let's praise God for always being there for us when we need direction, love, and hope.



Share God's Christmas story with someone today. Amen?

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Christmas Gifts

Do you want to give that "perfect" gift to someone this year? Consider what Jesus says in Luke 4:18-19 - “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

 

Jesus is announcing that Messiah has come and that the Scripture has been fulfilled. Immanuel – God is with us! He wanted to make sure that the world knew who He was, and of the ministry of compassion. Jesus proclaims freedom to the poor in spirit, those imprisoned in sin, and give hope to the hopeless. He healed the sick, lame, and blind to give people a miraculous sign of His power. Jesus shows His love for everyone – regardless of our condition. His power is available to all who believe in Christ as Savior.



This Christmas may we take on His compassion for the world around us. We have many opportunities to show God’s love in a real way. Today and tomorrow may be your greatest opportunities to share with your family and friends this Good News.



Are you ready to share Christ with someone? Today can be that day. Amen?

Friday, December 21, 2018

What Love Is

This is a paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13 that someone sent me recently. Please enjoy and think about it!


If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china  and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of LOVE will endure.


                      -Author Unknown

Thursday, December 20, 2018

These Things


Is this true that unto to us a Child is born, and unto us a Son is given?



If we accept this gift of salvation then we too are reborn, and we are given to the Son. To give Him honor and glory all the days of our lives should be our



Isaiah 9:6 declares: For unto us a child is born, for unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.



The characteristics and attributes of Jesus are described here with two word titles:



Wonderful Counselor - The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— Isaiah 11:2

Mighty God - and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;  but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Isaiah 11:3-4

Everlasting Father - Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. John 14:9-10

Prince of Peace - “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14





At this time of year, let’s remember who to focus on – Jesus, and to focus on - our relationship with Him. Amen?

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Christmas News

News bulletins are for world events, and our Lord’s birth was in obscurity. The first people to hear were shepherds. There were senators in Rome, princes in Jerusalem, and philosophers in Athens. But there were shepherds living out in the fields, and to them the wonderful news was given. It was indicative of how God works even today. Notice three features from Luke 2:8-20:

1.     An Unexpected Surprise (v. 8). They were minding their own business, (or their own sheep) just another day in their lives, another night in their shepherding. Probably the most exciting thing that happened was a visit from a marauding wolf, which is why they kept watch. Suddenly an angel appeared, and a bright light, the glory of the Lord, filled the sky. The creation story in Genesis begins in a similar way, with God speaking in the darkness. Throughout history, God brings light into human darkness. The prophets looked forward to the day when the people walking in darkness would see a great light. But for these shepherds it was an unexpected surprise. God still breaks into human history in unexpected ways to bring light into our darkness. He comes to those not expecting or even seeking Him. He comes to those going about the ordinary business (and busyness) of living. Shepherds were not highly esteemed in those days. The very nature of their work precluded regular observance at temple and synagogue. Their honesty was not rated highly (they weren’t allowed to stand as witnesses in court). God still surprises people like that today (1 Cor. 1:27–29). Some of you can look back to last Christmas and you are surprised to find yourselves here today. Who would have dreamt that God would meet you and bring you into His family? Others here are perhaps still in the dark, going about your business with little thought of angels and glory and God. He longs to break into your life. This Christmas could be a great surprise for you as you understand for the first time what it all means.



2.     An Unusual Sign (v. 12). Bethlehem may have been a “little town,” but finding the right baby wasn’t easy, so the shepherds were given an identifying sign—not just a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, for most babies would be in that state. The identifying sign would be a baby lying in a manger. This baby was in an animal feeding-trough, His first bed. The New Testament word “sign” means not just an identifying mark, but something that has in itself significance. So what is the “significance” of the manger? It indicates the depths to which the Son was willing to stoop in love (2 Cor. 8:9). It marks the beginning of the life of one who was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. It marked the kind of lifestyle He would adopt in His earthly ministry (Luke 9:58). He was born a Savior in a manger, and He died a Savior on a cross. The manger also meant the shepherds could visit Him freely. Spurgeon says: “We might tremble to approach a throne, but we cannot fear to approach a manger.”



3.     An Unbelievable Story (vv. 17–18). These shepherds were the first Christian missionaries. They had seen the Christ, and they told everyone what had happened to them. The good news about Jesus is something to be shared, and the best people to share it are ordinary folk who have had a personal experience with Him. You may not know everything, but if God has unexpectedly broken into your life, you have something to share. We have someone to share—a baby in the manager, a man on the Cross, a returning King!


O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray;cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel.

This Christmas and always praise God for sending Jesus! Amen?

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Preparing

There are three things we can learn from Simeon and Anna as found in Luke 2:21-40 about how have peace and contentment. The third thing is that we need to prepare ourselves to receive God’s blessings.


Simeon was not a particularly important man, but he was known as a righteous and a devout man. In Greek that means “taking a good hold on something”. For him, God was at the center of this his life. Similarly, God was at the center of Anna’s life. She was constantly in the Temple day and night. She was known for her fasting and prayers. She was always worshiping God.

These were not CEO (Christmas and Easter Only) type of worshipers! Simeon and Anna were the type of worshipers who would have been present every time the church doors were opened. They were involved in nearly activity open to them, because they were dedicated people who loved God with all of their hearts, their souls and their minds.

It’s intriguing that it was ONLY to them that God revealed His message of peace.
You might be a Christian, but unless you commit yourself to putting God at the center of your life you’ll not only miss out on the peace of Christmas you’ll also miss out on a lot of other blessings from God.



Put Christ at the center of all you do this Christmas. Amen?

Monday, December 17, 2018

Looking for Christ


There are three things we can learn from Simeon and Anna as found in Luke 2:21-40 about how have peace and contentment. The second one is that we need to look for Christ.


We had a little nativity scene at my last church that was placed right in front of where I sat. My first Christmas there I found their tradition was that the manger was empty until Christmas Eve. No one told me so I thought Jesus was missing! Seriously it’s easy- to lose Jesus at this time of year. We must look for Jesus in what we do with our families, and truly keep Him as the reason for the season.

Simeon was looking for Jesus. He’d been promised by God and the highlight of his life is when he finally sees Jesus. Simeon prays in Luke 2:29; “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

What robs many people, including Christians, of the peace that Christmas can bring is that we get caught up in looking for everything but Jesus. And thus, the manger of Christmas becomes empty for us.

Where is Jesus at in your Christmas?


Today and throughout this season may we receive God’s peace. Amen?

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Main Thing


There are three things we can learn from Simeon and Anna as found in Luke 2:21-40 about how have peace and contentment.


The first is that Money (or Stuff) isn’t important.

One of the BIG stresses of this season is gifts. Who to buy for, what to buy, the busyness, and how can I afford it - are great stressors. Simeon & Anna didn’t fall into that trap. They were looking for the Messiah and who did they pick? They picked Jesus, this baby being carried by Joseph & Mary., they were part of the ordinary crowd of people like those who came into the Temple every day. If ANYTHING distinguished them – it was the fact that they were poor. Luke 2:21-24: When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”.

In other words, according to the law, a person of means who gave birth to a child was required to bring a lamb as their sacrifice. But a poor couple brought what Joseph & Mary offered: a couple of small birds. But, this couple’s poverty didn’t phase Simeon & Anna. They weren’t distracted by appearances. The Holy Spirit directed them, and wants to direct you to Him as well. 



Look for Christ everywhere this Christmas. He can be found. Amen?

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Living Lord

Christmas can be a very stressful time of year. Many people say they would love to escape Christmas altogether. Some parts of the world have gained a reputation for violence at this time of the year.  It wasn’t supposed to be that way. The angels proclaimed; “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

How can we assure ourselves of that peace?


Luke introduces to us two people who meet the baby Jesus. The way that these two react to Jesus that may hold the secret. We can learn from Simeon & Anna how have peace and contentment.


 Jesus Presented in the Temple

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. 22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. -Luke 2:21-40


Always seek the living Lord. It will put a smile on God's face, and yours too. Amen?

Friday, December 14, 2018

Believe in the Gift


How would you describe Jesus as a gift to an unbeliever?

We could quote; "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Or let them know 700 years before the birth of Christ a prophet wrote; For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6

Jesus brought this incredible, priceless gift to us on a personal level; “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15

So we can testify; “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” – 1 John 1:3 (NIV)

God’s greatest gift to us is a relationship with Jesus Christ, and a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Amen?

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Humility


Christmas began as a very humble event, an event that exhibited the greatest humility the world has ever seen—the God of glory being laid in a cattle trough.



Look at Luke 1:39–54;  39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary’s Song 

46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thronesbut has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful

  

May we observe Christmas with the personal humility that reflects our Savior. God gives grace to the humble.

Amen?

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Light of the World


 This season has already started out with so many people being sick, and the threat of the disease is very real.. We need to remember during these trying and frightening times that Jesus brought forth light into the darkness.  Almost 100 years ago we faced similar conditions, but then as now we can celebrate Jesus as the light of the world.



 This was plainly seen by thousands of people during the American influenza epidemic of 1918. During the height of that plague, churches and all public gathering places were ordered closed. Yet more than ever, it was then that people needed hope and consolation. Burdened by his inability to reach out to people in their time of need, one resourceful pastor thought of the magnificent stained glass windows that graced his church. Those windows faced a major thoroughfare and were large and commanding in design. He had numerous floodlights placed inside the church; illumination through the glass to the outside world gave passers-by the full effect of the windows story.



 There for all to see were the matchless portrayals of Jesus: Jesus the good shepherd bearing a lamb on his bosom; Jesus the searching Savior rescuing the lone lost sheep while the ninety-nine rested safely on the fold; Jesus praying in Gethsemane; Jesus on the cross; Jesus triumphant in Resurrection glory. The silent sermons of light and stained glass spoke an eloquent message.



The Gospel of John puts it this way: The true light that gives light of every man was coming into the world. People who passed by the church would stop reverently, silently. They found themselves filled with new resolve and encouragement. They saw ever more clearly in that age of sickness the light of Christ glory which was coming into the world.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Saving Love


Christmas is a time that reminds us that God reaches down to the most lost and hopeless sinner. Yes, that includes you, me, and all humanity.

Look at Ephesians 2:1-10 - 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God loves you deeply. Acknowledge it, praise Him for, and be obedient to His call on your life. 

Amen?

Monday, December 10, 2018

Peace and Hope


Christmas Hope brings us His peace. This hope is named Jesus! For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16



 Last week studied Christmas signs and symbols, and how they can lead us to Jesus. The end product of this story is the birth of Christ the greatest gift of hope of all. Even in the most serious problems we can get closer to God. Joseph was called to care and protect Baby Jesus and His Mother Mary. Upon hearing God’s instructions clearly he obeyed them immediately.



 Joseph followed his directions perfectly in Matthew chapter one:



 He married Mary, who was carrying the Son of God in her womb.



24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.



 He named the child Jesus as he was instructed.



21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”



Listen and obey God's direction for your life. Allow His peace to rule your world. Amen?

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Firstborn

We are taught that "being first" is important. In the Olympics you receive a gold medal. In sports you become "world champions". At the fair you get a blue ribbon. At other events you might receive a trophy. Jesus is first in many ways. In today's Scripture he is called "firstborn". The word firstborn can mean first in birth order, but also first in sequence, or first in rank. Matthew 1:25  - Joseph did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.


Jesus is “firstborn” in other ways too:

1. He is God’s firstborn. ( Hebrews 1:6 & Psalms 89:27)

2. He is firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15)

3. He is firstborn from the dead (Revelation 1:5)

4. He is firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:29)

Is Jesus always first in your life?

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Enduring Love


As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward us” (Psalm 103:11)



God’s mercy, grace, and love show the height of His love. He promises us that nothing can separate us – Nothing! Praise God for His enduring love.



Romans 8:35-39 - 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord



Remember God’s love for you this Christmas – His name is Jesus!

Amen?

Friday, December 7, 2018

The Angels


When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:15-16

We all know the song, O Come All Ye Faithful:

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

We have that same calling and opportunity to experience Christ.

Remember the last verse?

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

Accept Jesus in every area of your life. It’s the best present you could ever receive.

Amen?

Thursday, December 6, 2018

The Jesus Star


After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” – Matthew 2:1-2



The star stands out in significance as relevant and vital today as when God hung it in space. The Bible tells us that God commissioned a particular star to serve as a travel guide for a group of men from the East who had developed an interest in looking for a child to fulfill a prophecy that in Bethlehem a ruler to shepherd Israel would be born. They found Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in a house where they fell to their knees, worship the child, and gave Him gifts. The star is a symbol of God’s gift of direction to us. It is His travel guide to seekers who will look and follow. The star led the wise men to Jesus, the Light of world. As we light our Christmas tree and the star in our homes, businesses, and churches may we remember that Jesus is the true Light in a world of darkness. He points the way to God - always. 

Amen? 

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Why Christmas


Why did Jesus have come to earth the way He did 2000 years ago?  Part of the answer is found in Hebrews 2:14-18; 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.



Jesus did not enter the world just to be here, He had a mission to fulfill:

1. He came to deliver us from the fear of death. (14-15)

2. He came to deliver us from the fury of judgment. . (16-17)

3. He came to deliver us from the force of temptation. (18)

He has come for us; now He invites us to come to Him. Joy to the world!



Have you received His joy?