Matthew 1:20-25
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
This is the beginning of the story of Christmas. Joseph was engaged to Mary and he has learned she is pregnant. An angel appears to tell Joseph to take Mary as His wife; for she will have a son that will be the savior of all. The angel said he would be known as Emmanuel that means “God with us.”
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus into the world. The birth of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy and promises made to God’s people. Jesus was a gift of salvation for all men. God gave this gift that all men might believe in Jesus and have everlasting life with God in heaven. Most people are happy to receive a gift, but at times there are those who reject a gift for whatever reason. The same is true with Jesus; some will receive Him and be happy for the gift of salvation. But there will also be those who reject Jesus. It is sad to me someone would reject such a precious gift, but it happens. If you know someone who does not know Jesus Christ, share the good news of His birth and the salvation He brings. If you know those who have rejected Him pray their hearts might be open to understanding His love for us.
My devotions will be on hold until after the first of the year and then they will resume. I pray everyone will have a blessed and merry Christmas. God is always with us. Remember Jesus and be thankful for all you have been given.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Holding on to beliefs
Daniel 3:16-18 (NLT)
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had refused the king’s orders to bow before the gods of Babylon and before the statue of the king himself. The king was angry because of their insubordination and wanted them thrown into a fiery furnace as punishment. Their response was, “we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
In 1955 Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving up her bus seat to a white man. Instead she followed what was right within her heart. In her book Quiet Strength, Parks writes: When I sat down on the bus that day, I had no idea history was being made—I was only thinking of getting home. But I had made up my mind. After so many years of being a victim of the mistreatment my people suffered, not giving up my seat—and whatever I had to face afterwards—was not important. I did not feel any fear sitting there. I felt the Lord would give me the strength to endure whatever I had to face. It was time for someone to stand up—or in my case, sit down. So I refused to move. In an interview about that historic day, Parks corrected some misconceptions: People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.
God tells us to be strong in Him and in the power of His might. Rosa Parks held strong to her belief that the Lord would be with her just as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had believed. She was willing to be punished to stand up or as Rosa says, “sit down” for her beliefs of what was right.
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had refused the king’s orders to bow before the gods of Babylon and before the statue of the king himself. The king was angry because of their insubordination and wanted them thrown into a fiery furnace as punishment. Their response was, “we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
In 1955 Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving up her bus seat to a white man. Instead she followed what was right within her heart. In her book Quiet Strength, Parks writes: When I sat down on the bus that day, I had no idea history was being made—I was only thinking of getting home. But I had made up my mind. After so many years of being a victim of the mistreatment my people suffered, not giving up my seat—and whatever I had to face afterwards—was not important. I did not feel any fear sitting there. I felt the Lord would give me the strength to endure whatever I had to face. It was time for someone to stand up—or in my case, sit down. So I refused to move. In an interview about that historic day, Parks corrected some misconceptions: People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.
God tells us to be strong in Him and in the power of His might. Rosa Parks held strong to her belief that the Lord would be with her just as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had believed. She was willing to be punished to stand up or as Rosa says, “sit down” for her beliefs of what was right.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Our enemy that stands against us
Romans 8b (NLT)
8b If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
The apostle asks a question of those he is writing to. If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Those who know the true might, power and awesomeness of God know there is nothing He cannot do. God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. For God is aware of all that takes place. There is not a moment He does not have authority or control over what occurs. God is aware, God has authority and God is present in each and every moment of everyone’s life.
We have an enemy in this world who is always attempting to threaten the peace in our lives. This enemy hides out waiting for opportune times to attack and bring chaos into our lives. This enemy has a desire to see families destroyed. This enemy wants to take away any feeling of hope. This enemy doesn’t want you to know God. Instead he wants you to have a disbelief in God, to question God’s authority and might. This enemy wants you to think God never existed and has never been present in your life. This enemy is Satan and is just as real as God, but does not have any authority over God nor does Satan have God’s might and power. We are told often about Satan through the Bible. Satan stood up against Israel. Satan challenged God about the faithfulness of Job. Zechariah said Satan stands next to God accusing those who follow God, which would include you and me. Jesus was tempted by Satan and Satan often rose up against Jesus through His disciples. Satan works against God trying to hinder the work of His people, trying to pull them away from God towards sin. Satan even challenged Michael the Archangel through lies in an attempt to discredit God. If Satan would challenge God’s most power angel – Satan will challenge you.
Yes, we have an enemy, but we have God who is stronger and mightier than our enemy. It is why the apostle challenges us and says if God is for us, who can ever be against us? It is a reminder for us - as long as we turn to God, as long as we place our faith in God, we are always protected. For God even gave His only Son that we might have life eternal with Him in heaven. There is no greater love than the love of God. There is no greater power than God’s power. There is none like God and there are none who can defeat Him; not even Satan our enemy.
8b If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
The apostle asks a question of those he is writing to. If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Those who know the true might, power and awesomeness of God know there is nothing He cannot do. God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. For God is aware of all that takes place. There is not a moment He does not have authority or control over what occurs. God is aware, God has authority and God is present in each and every moment of everyone’s life.
We have an enemy in this world who is always attempting to threaten the peace in our lives. This enemy hides out waiting for opportune times to attack and bring chaos into our lives. This enemy has a desire to see families destroyed. This enemy wants to take away any feeling of hope. This enemy doesn’t want you to know God. Instead he wants you to have a disbelief in God, to question God’s authority and might. This enemy wants you to think God never existed and has never been present in your life. This enemy is Satan and is just as real as God, but does not have any authority over God nor does Satan have God’s might and power. We are told often about Satan through the Bible. Satan stood up against Israel. Satan challenged God about the faithfulness of Job. Zechariah said Satan stands next to God accusing those who follow God, which would include you and me. Jesus was tempted by Satan and Satan often rose up against Jesus through His disciples. Satan works against God trying to hinder the work of His people, trying to pull them away from God towards sin. Satan even challenged Michael the Archangel through lies in an attempt to discredit God. If Satan would challenge God’s most power angel – Satan will challenge you.
Yes, we have an enemy, but we have God who is stronger and mightier than our enemy. It is why the apostle challenges us and says if God is for us, who can ever be against us? It is a reminder for us - as long as we turn to God, as long as we place our faith in God, we are always protected. For God even gave His only Son that we might have life eternal with Him in heaven. There is no greater love than the love of God. There is no greater power than God’s power. There is none like God and there are none who can defeat Him; not even Satan our enemy.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
God can use evil for good
Genesis 50:20 (NLT)
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
This verse follows the death of Jacob, the father to Joseph and his brothers. The brothers of Joseph had committed evil - selling Joseph into slavery. In slavery Joseph had to serve others and was placed in prison for an offense he did not commit. Yet Joseph stayed committed to God and took on a positive outlook. Eventually Joseph was released from prison and put in a powerful position in Egypt. Even though his brothers committed an evil act, Joseph saw where God had used the opportunity to put Joseph in a position where he could help the people of Israel. So what others meant for evil, God used it for good.
Currently in the news we are hearing many allegations of abuse at colleges and other institutes. There have been many atrocities committed and many people wounded. This is not the first and probably the last we will hear of problems like this. These problems have been taking place throughout the course of history. I do believe God is bringing this evil to light for this nation and the world to see what happens when evil hides in secrecy. God is also doing another great work and bringing forward people who have been abused in their life, have dealt with their abuse and can now give hope and advice to others. We will always have evil things to face in this world, but God can take those evil moments and morph them into something that becomes good. Those who have been hurt and wounded are speaking out to help those who have been abused. They are the cheerleaders against abuse. They are the ones brings about laws to help the abused. Yes there was evil committed, but God is using that evil to setup something good for others.
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
This verse follows the death of Jacob, the father to Joseph and his brothers. The brothers of Joseph had committed evil - selling Joseph into slavery. In slavery Joseph had to serve others and was placed in prison for an offense he did not commit. Yet Joseph stayed committed to God and took on a positive outlook. Eventually Joseph was released from prison and put in a powerful position in Egypt. Even though his brothers committed an evil act, Joseph saw where God had used the opportunity to put Joseph in a position where he could help the people of Israel. So what others meant for evil, God used it for good.
Currently in the news we are hearing many allegations of abuse at colleges and other institutes. There have been many atrocities committed and many people wounded. This is not the first and probably the last we will hear of problems like this. These problems have been taking place throughout the course of history. I do believe God is bringing this evil to light for this nation and the world to see what happens when evil hides in secrecy. God is also doing another great work and bringing forward people who have been abused in their life, have dealt with their abuse and can now give hope and advice to others. We will always have evil things to face in this world, but God can take those evil moments and morph them into something that becomes good. Those who have been hurt and wounded are speaking out to help those who have been abused. They are the cheerleaders against abuse. They are the ones brings about laws to help the abused. Yes there was evil committed, but God is using that evil to setup something good for others.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Our pain helping others - Todd Bridges
Lamentations 3:31-33 (NLT)
31 For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. 32 Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. 33 For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.
Matthew Henry writes the following commentary on these verses. Therefore the sufferer is thus penitent, thus patient, because he believes that God is gracious and merciful, which is the great inducement both to evangelical repentance and to Christian patience. We may bear ourselves up with this, 1. That, when we are cast down, yet we are not cast off; the father’s correcting his son is not a disinheriting of him. 2. That though we may seem to be cast off for a time, while sensible comforts are suspended and desired salvations deferred, yet we are not really cast off, because not cast off for ever; the controversy with us shall not be perpetual. 3. That, whatever sorrow we are in, it is what God has allotted us, and his hand is in it. It is he that causes grief, and therefore we may be assured it is ordered wisely and graciously; and it is but for a season, and when need is, that we are in heaviness, 1 Pt. 1:6. 4. That God has compassions and comforts in store even for those whom he has himself grieved. We must be far from thinking that, though God cause grief, the world will relieve and help us. No; the very same that caused the grief must bring in the favour, or we are undone. Una eademque manus vulnus opemque tulit—The same hand inflicted the wound and healed it. he has torn, and he will heal us, Hos. 6:1. 5. That, when God returns to deal graciously with us, it will not be according to our merits, but according to his mercies, according to the multitude, the abundance, of his mercies. So unworthy we are that nothing but an abundant mercy will relieve us; and from that what may we not expect? And God’s causing our grief ought to be no discouragement at all to those expectations.
We have a hard time understanding it, but there is a purpose to the grief and suffering in our lives. We can recall in the Bible Job suffered greatly losing his family, his servants, and even his possessions. God allowed this to happen to show Job’s character, to prove Satan wrong and to Glorify God. God did not leave Job to his suffering, but instead brought healing due to God’s unfailing love. Job didn’t get back the children he lost, but we can be assured they went to be with God where Job would later be with them. Job was also blessed with more children who were raised in a Godly home. Job didn’t get back the servants he first trusted or the wealth he first possessed, but Job did get back more servants he trusted and more possessions than he ever lost.
Last night I saw the childhood actor Todd Bridges, who played Willis in the NBC/ABC sitcom Different Stokes. Todd was on Dr. Drew HLN talking about the abuse he suffered in his life as a child. Todd talked about the pain and grief the abuse cost him. Then he talked about how he survived and how he hopes his story will reach out to others and help them. I know there were those who had to be watching and thinking, “If Todd Bridges made it, I can too!” God doesn’t enjoy the hurting or sorrow we face. However, God is pleased when His people can turn to Him and realize He was always with them even in their moments of pain. God never abandons and His love is always there. He uses our pain to ease the pain of others. God bless Todd Bridges for speaking up and for Dr. Drew brings these painful situations to light to help others heal.
31 For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. 32 Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. 33 For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.
Matthew Henry writes the following commentary on these verses. Therefore the sufferer is thus penitent, thus patient, because he believes that God is gracious and merciful, which is the great inducement both to evangelical repentance and to Christian patience. We may bear ourselves up with this, 1. That, when we are cast down, yet we are not cast off; the father’s correcting his son is not a disinheriting of him. 2. That though we may seem to be cast off for a time, while sensible comforts are suspended and desired salvations deferred, yet we are not really cast off, because not cast off for ever; the controversy with us shall not be perpetual. 3. That, whatever sorrow we are in, it is what God has allotted us, and his hand is in it. It is he that causes grief, and therefore we may be assured it is ordered wisely and graciously; and it is but for a season, and when need is, that we are in heaviness, 1 Pt. 1:6. 4. That God has compassions and comforts in store even for those whom he has himself grieved. We must be far from thinking that, though God cause grief, the world will relieve and help us. No; the very same that caused the grief must bring in the favour, or we are undone. Una eademque manus vulnus opemque tulit—The same hand inflicted the wound and healed it. he has torn, and he will heal us, Hos. 6:1. 5. That, when God returns to deal graciously with us, it will not be according to our merits, but according to his mercies, according to the multitude, the abundance, of his mercies. So unworthy we are that nothing but an abundant mercy will relieve us; and from that what may we not expect? And God’s causing our grief ought to be no discouragement at all to those expectations.
We have a hard time understanding it, but there is a purpose to the grief and suffering in our lives. We can recall in the Bible Job suffered greatly losing his family, his servants, and even his possessions. God allowed this to happen to show Job’s character, to prove Satan wrong and to Glorify God. God did not leave Job to his suffering, but instead brought healing due to God’s unfailing love. Job didn’t get back the children he lost, but we can be assured they went to be with God where Job would later be with them. Job was also blessed with more children who were raised in a Godly home. Job didn’t get back the servants he first trusted or the wealth he first possessed, but Job did get back more servants he trusted and more possessions than he ever lost.
Last night I saw the childhood actor Todd Bridges, who played Willis in the NBC/ABC sitcom Different Stokes. Todd was on Dr. Drew HLN talking about the abuse he suffered in his life as a child. Todd talked about the pain and grief the abuse cost him. Then he talked about how he survived and how he hopes his story will reach out to others and help them. I know there were those who had to be watching and thinking, “If Todd Bridges made it, I can too!” God doesn’t enjoy the hurting or sorrow we face. However, God is pleased when His people can turn to Him and realize He was always with them even in their moments of pain. God never abandons and His love is always there. He uses our pain to ease the pain of others. God bless Todd Bridges for speaking up and for Dr. Drew brings these painful situations to light to help others heal.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Our thoughts and words need to be guided by God
James 3:5-6 (NLT)
5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
The Apostle James, half-brother of Jesus, tells us we can make grand speeches, but it only takes a few incorrectly chosen words to create a spark that sets the forest on fire. It doesn’t take much for our thoughts and words to turn against us. We need to always guard our heart and keep it on the right path.
Ravi Zacharias writes in, Beyond Opinion: Living the Faith We Defend (Thomas Nelson, 2007), pp. 258-261 that In 1981, Stuart McAllister was part of a mission whose primary task was to help the church in Eastern Europe by transporting Bibles, hymn books, and Christian literature to believers.
On one occasion, while attempting to cross the border from Austria into what was then Communist-ruled Czechoslovakia, Stuart and his colleague were arrested and thrown into prison after guards discovered their concealed cargo.
Without any idea when or if he might be released—it would be a two-week confinement—Stuart's empty time and restricted space began to bring to surface feelings, questions, and doubts.
"In such circumstances," Stuart writes [in retrospect], "we are forced to face what we mean when we speak of faith. Do we have to believe in spite of the evidence to the contrary? Do we believe no matter what? How do we handle the deep and pressing questions our own minds bring as our expectations and reality do not match? For me, in my time in prison, I expected God to do certain things, and to do them in a sensible way and time. I expected that God would act fairly quickly and that I would sense his intervention. My reading of Scripture, my grasp of God's promises, my trust in the reliability of God's Word, the teaching I had received, and the message I had embraced, had led me to expect certain things, and in a particular way. When this did not occur in the way I expected, or in the timing that I thought it should, I was both confused and angry." …
Stuart continues: "Since I had never given any conscious thought to worldviews in general, or mine in particular, I was unaware how many unexamined assumptions I was living by. I did not realize how little change had penetrated my heart, and under pressure the gaps were painfully revealed and felt. From the perspective of time, I can now answer these questions meaningfully, but I needed the experience of doubt and hardship to show me how much I did not know or was not rooted in the biblical answers to these core questions. A worldview that merely answers questions intellectually is insufficient; it must also meet us existentially where we have to live."
5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
The Apostle James, half-brother of Jesus, tells us we can make grand speeches, but it only takes a few incorrectly chosen words to create a spark that sets the forest on fire. It doesn’t take much for our thoughts and words to turn against us. We need to always guard our heart and keep it on the right path.
Ravi Zacharias writes in, Beyond Opinion: Living the Faith We Defend (Thomas Nelson, 2007), pp. 258-261 that In 1981, Stuart McAllister was part of a mission whose primary task was to help the church in Eastern Europe by transporting Bibles, hymn books, and Christian literature to believers.
On one occasion, while attempting to cross the border from Austria into what was then Communist-ruled Czechoslovakia, Stuart and his colleague were arrested and thrown into prison after guards discovered their concealed cargo.
Without any idea when or if he might be released—it would be a two-week confinement—Stuart's empty time and restricted space began to bring to surface feelings, questions, and doubts.
"In such circumstances," Stuart writes [in retrospect], "we are forced to face what we mean when we speak of faith. Do we have to believe in spite of the evidence to the contrary? Do we believe no matter what? How do we handle the deep and pressing questions our own minds bring as our expectations and reality do not match? For me, in my time in prison, I expected God to do certain things, and to do them in a sensible way and time. I expected that God would act fairly quickly and that I would sense his intervention. My reading of Scripture, my grasp of God's promises, my trust in the reliability of God's Word, the teaching I had received, and the message I had embraced, had led me to expect certain things, and in a particular way. When this did not occur in the way I expected, or in the timing that I thought it should, I was both confused and angry." …
Stuart continues: "Since I had never given any conscious thought to worldviews in general, or mine in particular, I was unaware how many unexamined assumptions I was living by. I did not realize how little change had penetrated my heart, and under pressure the gaps were painfully revealed and felt. From the perspective of time, I can now answer these questions meaningfully, but I needed the experience of doubt and hardship to show me how much I did not know or was not rooted in the biblical answers to these core questions. A worldview that merely answers questions intellectually is insufficient; it must also meet us existentially where we have to live."
Thursday, December 8, 2011
God With Us
John 3:2 (KJV)
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus by night for fear other Jewish leaders might know he was meeting privately with Jesus. He wanted to speak to Jesus and acknowledge God had to be with Jesus because no man could perform the miracles Jesus performed unless God was with Him.
Reginald Fessenden, a Canadian engineer, worked for Thomas Edison in his New Jersey Laboratory. Fessenden was convinced the “wireless telegraph” which was used to transmit Morse code could carry a human voice. The wireless telegraph was used by the navy to transmit information to offshore ships, through dots and dashes. Suddenly on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1906 from Brant Rock, Massachusetts a voice was heard on the headsets of the wireless operators. Next was a woman’s voice singing as the crews of the ships intently listened. The wireless rooms on the ships were crowded as someone was heard reading a poem through the radio equipment. Then there was a violin solo of O, Holy Night. Fessenden read the Christmas story from the Book of Luke. A phonograph was played and prayer was given. The transmission then ended as Fessenden turned off the equipment.
The miracle of modern radio astounded sailors across the ocean. It is interesting Fessenden who performed this miracle gave testimony to Jesus Christ through music, Bible reading and prayer. This man knew his accomplishments could not have happened apart from God. For Reginald Fessenden before even turning on the switch to send his radio message bowed his head and prayed God would be with him. I think sometimes we have forgotten God has been with us. We don’t give God enough credit for the miracles in our lives. Take a moment today and pray; give God thanks for what He has done in each of our lives. God we give you thanks and we praise you. Amen.
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus by night for fear other Jewish leaders might know he was meeting privately with Jesus. He wanted to speak to Jesus and acknowledge God had to be with Jesus because no man could perform the miracles Jesus performed unless God was with Him.
Reginald Fessenden, a Canadian engineer, worked for Thomas Edison in his New Jersey Laboratory. Fessenden was convinced the “wireless telegraph” which was used to transmit Morse code could carry a human voice. The wireless telegraph was used by the navy to transmit information to offshore ships, through dots and dashes. Suddenly on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1906 from Brant Rock, Massachusetts a voice was heard on the headsets of the wireless operators. Next was a woman’s voice singing as the crews of the ships intently listened. The wireless rooms on the ships were crowded as someone was heard reading a poem through the radio equipment. Then there was a violin solo of O, Holy Night. Fessenden read the Christmas story from the Book of Luke. A phonograph was played and prayer was given. The transmission then ended as Fessenden turned off the equipment.
The miracle of modern radio astounded sailors across the ocean. It is interesting Fessenden who performed this miracle gave testimony to Jesus Christ through music, Bible reading and prayer. This man knew his accomplishments could not have happened apart from God. For Reginald Fessenden before even turning on the switch to send his radio message bowed his head and prayed God would be with him. I think sometimes we have forgotten God has been with us. We don’t give God enough credit for the miracles in our lives. Take a moment today and pray; give God thanks for what He has done in each of our lives. God we give you thanks and we praise you. Amen.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Prayers of the righteous
Proverbs 15:29 (KJV)
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Matthew Henry writes: God sets himself at a distance from those that set him at defiance: The wicked say to the Almighty, Depart from us, and he is, accordingly, far from them; he does not manifest himself to them, has no communion with them, will not hear them, will not help them, no, not in the time of their need. They shall be for ever banished from his presence and he will behold them afar off. Depart from me, you cursed. 2. He will draw nigh to those in a way of mercy who draw nigh to him in a way of duty: He hears the prayer of the righteous, accepts it, is well pleased with it, and will grant an answer of peace to it.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 3:8-9, “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.”
Faith in Christ makes us righteous before God. We know from Proverbs and the book of James that God listens to the prayers of those who are righteous. So those who have faith in Christ their prayers are heard without failure. In fact the Bible tells us Jesus provides intercession to God for us to ensure our prayers are known. With that knowledge we should do as the Bible says and always be in an attitude of prayer; praying for our families, our friends, ourselves and others. Let’s all pray for each other and thank God for all things done in our lives. Let’s lift up the needs of others to God that God may answer according to His will.
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Matthew Henry writes: God sets himself at a distance from those that set him at defiance: The wicked say to the Almighty, Depart from us, and he is, accordingly, far from them; he does not manifest himself to them, has no communion with them, will not hear them, will not help them, no, not in the time of their need. They shall be for ever banished from his presence and he will behold them afar off. Depart from me, you cursed. 2. He will draw nigh to those in a way of mercy who draw nigh to him in a way of duty: He hears the prayer of the righteous, accepts it, is well pleased with it, and will grant an answer of peace to it.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 3:8-9, “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.”
Faith in Christ makes us righteous before God. We know from Proverbs and the book of James that God listens to the prayers of those who are righteous. So those who have faith in Christ their prayers are heard without failure. In fact the Bible tells us Jesus provides intercession to God for us to ensure our prayers are known. With that knowledge we should do as the Bible says and always be in an attitude of prayer; praying for our families, our friends, ourselves and others. Let’s all pray for each other and thank God for all things done in our lives. Let’s lift up the needs of others to God that God may answer according to His will.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
It's called Christmas
Esther 2:16-18 (NLT)
16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. 17 And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti. 18 To celebrate the occasion, he gave a great banquet in Esther’s honor for all his nobles and officials, declaring a public holiday for the provinces and giving generous gifts to everyone.
Esther was a Jew, an orphan, and a captive of the country she lived in. Yet she was raised up to be queen of the people. Her beauty stood out among other women and she did not have to flaunt it to impress the king. He recognized her beauty inside and out and loved her more than any of the other women. She became queen to help the Jewish people and in honor of becoming queen a holiday, a celebration was made.
There are many celebrations that take place this time of year. I know for Hindus there is the festival of lights. For the Jewish population Hanukkah is coming soon. For Buddhist the day of enlightenment is a few days off. For Christians there is the Christmas holiday. And after the beginning of the year comes the Chinese New Year. Celebrations have been and are a part of life.
As a Christian I celebrate Christmas, which includes the word Christ. X-mas takes Christ out of Christmas, which I refuse to accept. In my heart I am merry because of Christ and my celebration of Jesus who was born to give His life for me. People can tell me Happy Holidays, but I let them know my happiest holiday is Christmas by saying Merry Christmas. My doctor is Jewish and I had no problem telling him yesterday Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas. Jewish holidays are a part of our Christian heritage. I have friends who are Hindu and they always have brought me candy in celebration of their holiday, The Festival of Lights, which I gladly accept and tell them thank you and that I am most appreciative they have included me in their celebration. I am tolerant of other people and other religions, but that doesn’t mean I can’t profess my belief in Christ and let them know I’m celebrating Christmas. And it doesn’t mean I let someone else tell me I can’t celebrate or have to celebrate a different way because they are offended by Christ. December 25th is when we celebrate Christmas as Christians and I hope every Christian will be saying Merry Christmas this year. And if someone mentions another holiday, acknowledge them out of your love for Christ. For Christ loved all people and still wants to invite everyone to Him. How can you tell them about Christ unless you love them as Christ loved them?
Merry Christ and my love to all who live in this world!!! May everyone enjoy the holiday of their choosing and may all know that Christ loves you too.
16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. 17 And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti. 18 To celebrate the occasion, he gave a great banquet in Esther’s honor for all his nobles and officials, declaring a public holiday for the provinces and giving generous gifts to everyone.
Esther was a Jew, an orphan, and a captive of the country she lived in. Yet she was raised up to be queen of the people. Her beauty stood out among other women and she did not have to flaunt it to impress the king. He recognized her beauty inside and out and loved her more than any of the other women. She became queen to help the Jewish people and in honor of becoming queen a holiday, a celebration was made.
There are many celebrations that take place this time of year. I know for Hindus there is the festival of lights. For the Jewish population Hanukkah is coming soon. For Buddhist the day of enlightenment is a few days off. For Christians there is the Christmas holiday. And after the beginning of the year comes the Chinese New Year. Celebrations have been and are a part of life.
As a Christian I celebrate Christmas, which includes the word Christ. X-mas takes Christ out of Christmas, which I refuse to accept. In my heart I am merry because of Christ and my celebration of Jesus who was born to give His life for me. People can tell me Happy Holidays, but I let them know my happiest holiday is Christmas by saying Merry Christmas. My doctor is Jewish and I had no problem telling him yesterday Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas. Jewish holidays are a part of our Christian heritage. I have friends who are Hindu and they always have brought me candy in celebration of their holiday, The Festival of Lights, which I gladly accept and tell them thank you and that I am most appreciative they have included me in their celebration. I am tolerant of other people and other religions, but that doesn’t mean I can’t profess my belief in Christ and let them know I’m celebrating Christmas. And it doesn’t mean I let someone else tell me I can’t celebrate or have to celebrate a different way because they are offended by Christ. December 25th is when we celebrate Christmas as Christians and I hope every Christian will be saying Merry Christmas this year. And if someone mentions another holiday, acknowledge them out of your love for Christ. For Christ loved all people and still wants to invite everyone to Him. How can you tell them about Christ unless you love them as Christ loved them?
Merry Christ and my love to all who live in this world!!! May everyone enjoy the holiday of their choosing and may all know that Christ loves you too.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Waiting
PSALMS 25:3-5
3 Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed;
Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.
4 Make me know Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.
These words by King David are full of affection towards God, the out-going of holy desire towards His favor and grace and the faith in His promises.
Verse 5 above says, "For You I wait all the day" and then looking back at verse 3, "NONE of those who wait for You will be ashamed". When we wait on the Lord, waiting for the answers we need, waiting for the deliverance from sin, waiting on a word of hope, we will not be ashamed for the Lord is our salvation and He teaches us His ways. In those moments of temptation wait on the Lord, seek Him out and He will deliver you. Micah 7:7 says, “As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. “
3 Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed;
Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.
4 Make me know Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.
These words by King David are full of affection towards God, the out-going of holy desire towards His favor and grace and the faith in His promises.
Verse 5 above says, "For You I wait all the day" and then looking back at verse 3, "NONE of those who wait for You will be ashamed". When we wait on the Lord, waiting for the answers we need, waiting for the deliverance from sin, waiting on a word of hope, we will not be ashamed for the Lord is our salvation and He teaches us His ways. In those moments of temptation wait on the Lord, seek Him out and He will deliver you. Micah 7:7 says, “As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. “
Thursday, December 1, 2011
At home with the Lord
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NLT)
6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.
The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians there is a home waiting for us with the Lord once we leave our earthly bodies. We live for now in a body that will one day die and we have a purpose for our life given to us by God. But we long to be with the Lord and we can be confident that one day we will be with Him.
This morning I am both sad and comforted. A young man who was a friend of my son died last night from brain cancer. I am sad because death came early to this young man. This morning I have been reminded of the Bible verse that said, “Jesus wept” for I am weeping over the loss of a young man whose life has been cut short. I am comforted that I know he is no longer in pain and that he no longer has to suffer. I also find comfort in knowing that this young man went to be home with the Lord. I know he had faith in Jesus Christ and now he is resting comfortably with Him.
6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.
The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians there is a home waiting for us with the Lord once we leave our earthly bodies. We live for now in a body that will one day die and we have a purpose for our life given to us by God. But we long to be with the Lord and we can be confident that one day we will be with Him.
This morning I am both sad and comforted. A young man who was a friend of my son died last night from brain cancer. I am sad because death came early to this young man. This morning I have been reminded of the Bible verse that said, “Jesus wept” for I am weeping over the loss of a young man whose life has been cut short. I am comforted that I know he is no longer in pain and that he no longer has to suffer. I also find comfort in knowing that this young man went to be home with the Lord. I know he had faith in Jesus Christ and now he is resting comfortably with Him.
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