Luke 2:4-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Birth of Jesus
4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
My prayer for you and all your loved ones is that today, you are experiencing all the hope, love, joy and peace that comes with Christmas.
Thank you God for Baby Jesus!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM
Matthew 2:1-2
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Visitors from the East
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
We have called them Magi … Three Kings … Royal Astrologers … Wise Men. What we call them is not the important part of their story. The important part is that they sought the “… newborn king of the Jews…”.
We don’t have to travel great distances, follow special stars or avoid the trickery of evil political leaders (for the most part) to find Jesus. Christian churches are in almost every neighborhood. Christian broadcasting is available by satellite, cable, TV, internet or radio. Bookstore shelves include writings by various Christian authors and the holy scriptures … The Bible … remains the best seller.
If you seek Jesus … wise men, women and children still do … the sources are all around you. “Seek first … the kingdom of heaven.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Visitors from the East
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
We have called them Magi … Three Kings … Royal Astrologers … Wise Men. What we call them is not the important part of their story. The important part is that they sought the “… newborn king of the Jews…”.
We don’t have to travel great distances, follow special stars or avoid the trickery of evil political leaders (for the most part) to find Jesus. Christian churches are in almost every neighborhood. Christian broadcasting is available by satellite, cable, TV, internet or radio. Bookstore shelves include writings by various Christian authors and the holy scriptures … The Bible … remains the best seller.
If you seek Jesus … wise men, women and children still do … the sources are all around you. “Seek first … the kingdom of heaven.”
Thursday, December 18, 2008
GOOD PLAN
Matthew 1:18-25
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
Joseph had a good plan. Mary was a sweet girl. He cared for her a great deal but she had obviously been unfaithful. Still Joseph didn’t want to cause her public disgrace. He would “… break the engagement quietly.”
God had a better plan. His plan trumped Joseph’s plan. “Joseph … do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” That dream was a hard pill to swallow. Praise God for Joseph’s faithfulness and obedience.
Where has God given you a hard pill to swallow. Are you practicing Joseph’s kind of faith?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
Joseph had a good plan. Mary was a sweet girl. He cared for her a great deal but she had obviously been unfaithful. Still Joseph didn’t want to cause her public disgrace. He would “… break the engagement quietly.”
God had a better plan. His plan trumped Joseph’s plan. “Joseph … do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” That dream was a hard pill to swallow. Praise God for Joseph’s faithfulness and obedience.
Where has God given you a hard pill to swallow. Are you practicing Joseph’s kind of faith?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
OBEDIENCE
Luke 1:57-66
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Birth of John the Baptist
57 When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. 58 And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.
59 When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. 60 But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!”
61 “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” 62 So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. 63 He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.
65 Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. 66 Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.
The angel Gabriel told Zechariah, before Zechariah lost his ability to speak, to name the baby John. Somehow, either Zechariah or the Holy Spirit communicated this to Elizabeth. Breaking with family tradition, they both were obedient to the instruction from God. They named the baby John and we have come to know this John as ‘John The Baptist’.
The answer to the question, “What will this child turn out to be?” is the one who prepared the way … the forerunner … the one who baptized with water … the one who baptized the Son of God. Yes … “…the hand of the Lord was surely upon him…”!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Birth of John the Baptist
57 When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. 58 And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.
59 When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. 60 But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!”
61 “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” 62 So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. 63 He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.
65 Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. 66 Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.
The angel Gabriel told Zechariah, before Zechariah lost his ability to speak, to name the baby John. Somehow, either Zechariah or the Holy Spirit communicated this to Elizabeth. Breaking with family tradition, they both were obedient to the instruction from God. They named the baby John and we have come to know this John as ‘John The Baptist’.
The answer to the question, “What will this child turn out to be?” is the one who prepared the way … the forerunner … the one who baptized with water … the one who baptized the Son of God. Yes … “…the hand of the Lord was surely upon him…”!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
HOW DID ELIZABETH KNOW?
Luke 1:39-45
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 43 Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 44 When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
Zechariah couldn’t tell her. He was still speechless at this time.
Mary didn’t tell her. There were no long distance phone lines, no email or text messaging.
At the sound of Mary’s voice, things started to happen with Elizabeth. Her unborn baby leaped in her womb. The Holy Spirit filled her and somehow she knew what was happening with Mary.
It had to be God. I guess we could call this Holy Spirit ‘instant messaging’.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 43 Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 44 When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
Zechariah couldn’t tell her. He was still speechless at this time.
Mary didn’t tell her. There were no long distance phone lines, no email or text messaging.
At the sound of Mary’s voice, things started to happen with Elizabeth. Her unborn baby leaped in her womb. The Holy Spirit filled her and somehow she knew what was happening with Mary.
It had to be God. I guess we could call this Holy Spirit ‘instant messaging’.
Monday, December 15, 2008
IMPORTANCE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH
Luke 1:26-38
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.”
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Let’s not miss the importance of this part of the overall Christmas story. The sin nature passes to every man or woman by the seed of the man. It required a miraculous birth … the virgin birth … for their to be a perfectly sinless sacrifice. The Old Testament sacrifices covered the sins of the people for a season … a period of time. The Lamb of God … the Son of God … the only sinless One … Jesus Christ … takes away the sin of everyone who believes for all eternity.
That is why the virgin birth is so important!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.”
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Let’s not miss the importance of this part of the overall Christmas story. The sin nature passes to every man or woman by the seed of the man. It required a miraculous birth … the virgin birth … for their to be a perfectly sinless sacrifice. The Old Testament sacrifices covered the sins of the people for a season … a period of time. The Lamb of God … the Son of God … the only sinless One … Jesus Christ … takes away the sin of everyone who believes for all eternity.
That is why the virgin birth is so important!
Friday, December 12, 2008
THE COMING LORD
Luke 1:11-17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
11 While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. 13 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. 14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”
The chronicling of the birth of John the Baptist and his role in preparing the people for the coming of the Lord reminds us during this Christmas season that Jesus came. This was God’s plan for our salvation … the turning of our hearts back to God the Father.
It also reminds us that Jesus is coming again and that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, should be continually preparing for His coming and calling the lost to repentance. Only tribulation awaits those who fail to turn back to God before Jesus comes again. That is why there must be an urgency about our work of evangelism.
The Lord is coming … tell somebody today!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
11 While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. 13 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. 14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”
The chronicling of the birth of John the Baptist and his role in preparing the people for the coming of the Lord reminds us during this Christmas season that Jesus came. This was God’s plan for our salvation … the turning of our hearts back to God the Father.
It also reminds us that Jesus is coming again and that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, should be continually preparing for His coming and calling the lost to repentance. Only tribulation awaits those who fail to turn back to God before Jesus comes again. That is why there must be an urgency about our work of evangelism.
The Lord is coming … tell somebody today!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
NOT ALONE
Philippians 4:21-23
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Final Greetings
21 Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. 22 And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household.
23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Who are these brothers with Paul? Who are those in Caesar’s household? Paul is in prison and has spread the Good News with those with him … fellow prisoners … prison guards … and those who have come to visit him. They too are counted among “… God’s holy people – all who belong to Christ Jesus.”
When we share the Good News, wherever we are, we advance the Kingdom of God. Share it with someone today.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Final Greetings
21 Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. 22 And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household.
23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Who are these brothers with Paul? Who are those in Caesar’s household? Paul is in prison and has spread the Good News with those with him … fellow prisoners … prison guards … and those who have come to visit him. They too are counted among “… God’s holy people – all who belong to Christ Jesus.”
When we share the Good News, wherever we are, we advance the Kingdom of God. Share it with someone today.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
MOTIVATION FOR GIVING
Philippians 4:15-20
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts
15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
20 Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
In Genesis Chapter 4 we find the account of Cain’s offering to the Lord. His gift did not receive the favor of God.
Do you give God what’s left over? Is your giving grudgingly? Do you bring your offering to God only out of obligation? This kind of giving will never be “… a sweet-smelling sacrifice…” to the Lord.
Our giving finds favor with the Lord when we put Him first (give our first fruits – the tithe); when we give willingly; and when we give as an act of worship. It is in this context, giving that is pleasing to God, that Paul writes “…my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts
15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
20 Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
In Genesis Chapter 4 we find the account of Cain’s offering to the Lord. His gift did not receive the favor of God.
Do you give God what’s left over? Is your giving grudgingly? Do you bring your offering to God only out of obligation? This kind of giving will never be “… a sweet-smelling sacrifice…” to the Lord.
Our giving finds favor with the Lord when we put Him first (give our first fruits – the tithe); when we give willingly; and when we give as an act of worship. It is in this context, giving that is pleasing to God, that Paul writes “…my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
GIVING
Philippians 4:10-14
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts
10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
Giving to support the work of ministry has been a part of the church since it’s beginning in the 1st century. Paul praised the Lord for the willingness of the church at Philippi to give and for their concern for him. He let them know that he was content. He might have said, “You didn’t have to do it but I’m glad you did.” What he did say was “…you have done well…”
Many people give careful thought to their giving. Year-end giving (to take advantage of tax breaks) has become very important for many ministries and non-profits. In our broken economy, this year-end will be even more important for many ministries. It may mean the difference in continuing operation or not. Pray about your giving opportunities and I encourage you to ‘do well’!.
NOTE: In my new role as pastor at Nazareth MB Church, leadership of a non-profit is included. The primary function of the Nazareth Church Community Ministry, Inc. is a day-care center offering affordable service to low income families. We depend on donations to supplement the fees these families pay to keep our doors open. If you feel led to support us through a one-time donation or monthly contribution, it may be sent to: NCCM, Inc., 611 Dixie Avenue, Mendenhall, MS 39114. As in the past, your support for the various projects I am involved in and requested your help (Kids Across America summer camp, Kairos Prison Ministry), is greatly appreciated. I have not dropped the previous projects. My list has just grown to add one more. Thank you for what you do, wherever God leads you to help!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts
10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
Giving to support the work of ministry has been a part of the church since it’s beginning in the 1st century. Paul praised the Lord for the willingness of the church at Philippi to give and for their concern for him. He let them know that he was content. He might have said, “You didn’t have to do it but I’m glad you did.” What he did say was “…you have done well…”
Many people give careful thought to their giving. Year-end giving (to take advantage of tax breaks) has become very important for many ministries and non-profits. In our broken economy, this year-end will be even more important for many ministries. It may mean the difference in continuing operation or not. Pray about your giving opportunities and I encourage you to ‘do well’!.
NOTE: In my new role as pastor at Nazareth MB Church, leadership of a non-profit is included. The primary function of the Nazareth Church Community Ministry, Inc. is a day-care center offering affordable service to low income families. We depend on donations to supplement the fees these families pay to keep our doors open. If you feel led to support us through a one-time donation or monthly contribution, it may be sent to: NCCM, Inc., 611 Dixie Avenue, Mendenhall, MS 39114. As in the past, your support for the various projects I am involved in and requested your help (Kids Across America summer camp, Kairos Prison Ministry), is greatly appreciated. I have not dropped the previous projects. My list has just grown to add one more. Thank you for what you do, wherever God leads you to help!
Monday, December 08, 2008
BEING POSITIVE
Philippians 4:4-9
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Words of Encouragement
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
You can be critical if you want to. You find the fault in every situation. Maybe you are the pessimist … you know … the glass is half empty vs. being half full. You wake up on the wrong side of the bed every day and stay grumpy all day. Negativity is just your way.
God has a better way … being positive. Paul encourages us to “think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” and practice living for Christ. What will this being positive lifestyle bring to you?
“Then the God of peace will be with you.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Words of Encouragement
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
You can be critical if you want to. You find the fault in every situation. Maybe you are the pessimist … you know … the glass is half empty vs. being half full. You wake up on the wrong side of the bed every day and stay grumpy all day. Negativity is just your way.
God has a better way … being positive. Paul encourages us to “think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” and practice living for Christ. What will this being positive lifestyle bring to you?
“Then the God of peace will be with you.”
Friday, December 05, 2008
WORK IT OUT
Philippians 4:1-3
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Words of Encouragement
1 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.
2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
Admit it. From time to time, disagreements will arise, even among the faithful. There were two women in the church at Philippi, this church that gave Paul so much joy, who were not getting along. Paul’s encouragement to them was to work it out. He didn’t stop there. He encouraged the whole church to help them work it out. Why? Because the work of spreading the Good News was more important than their disagreement. They had worked together in the ministry before and Paul’s desire was for them to continue to work together, advancing God’s kingdom.
Are you out of fellowship with a co-worker for Christ? Is there a situation you know about where ministry partners are at odds with each other? Now is a perfect time to work it out!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Words of Encouragement
1 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.
2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
Admit it. From time to time, disagreements will arise, even among the faithful. There were two women in the church at Philippi, this church that gave Paul so much joy, who were not getting along. Paul’s encouragement to them was to work it out. He didn’t stop there. He encouraged the whole church to help them work it out. Why? Because the work of spreading the Good News was more important than their disagreement. They had worked together in the ministry before and Paul’s desire was for them to continue to work together, advancing God’s kingdom.
Are you out of fellowship with a co-worker for Christ? Is there a situation you know about where ministry partners are at odds with each other? Now is a perfect time to work it out!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
CITIZENSHIP
Philippians 3:17-21
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Pressing Toward the Goal
17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
As Christians and earthly citizens, we are responsible to “…render unto Caesar…” That means God commands us to follow the laws of the land, pay taxes, vote, etc. The Christian aught to be the best citizen around because we represent Christ.
While we are being good citizens here on earth (our physical citizenship), Paul reminds us that our true citizenship (spiritual) is above. “…we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.” One day, either by death or rapture, we will live with Jesus for eternity. Don’t wait until you get to heaven. Practice now how to live in the presence of the Lord.
“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Pressing Toward the Goal
17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
As Christians and earthly citizens, we are responsible to “…render unto Caesar…” That means God commands us to follow the laws of the land, pay taxes, vote, etc. The Christian aught to be the best citizen around because we represent Christ.
While we are being good citizens here on earth (our physical citizenship), Paul reminds us that our true citizenship (spiritual) is above. “…we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.” One day, either by death or rapture, we will live with Jesus for eternity. Don’t wait until you get to heaven. Practice now how to live in the presence of the Lord.
“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
ONWARD AND UPWARD
Philippians 3:12-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Pressing Toward the Goal
12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
The Christian life is not spent reviewing the past. While reflection on past events, circumstances, successes or failures can be helpful, the true benefit of that review lies in what you do and how you handle what lies ahead. We learn from past mistakes. We build on successes but we don’t live there. Life is lived in today and tomorrow.
The Apostle Paul speaks of reaching perfection … pressing on … looking forward … receiving the heavenly prize. For Paul, it was about making progress … becoming spiritually mature.
The end of 2008 is fast approaching. As you review this year, how have you matured spiritually? How much progress have you made? What do you have to build on going forward? What goal will you be pressing onward and upward toward as we leave 2008 in the past?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Pressing Toward the Goal
12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
The Christian life is not spent reviewing the past. While reflection on past events, circumstances, successes or failures can be helpful, the true benefit of that review lies in what you do and how you handle what lies ahead. We learn from past mistakes. We build on successes but we don’t live there. Life is lived in today and tomorrow.
The Apostle Paul speaks of reaching perfection … pressing on … looking forward … receiving the heavenly prize. For Paul, it was about making progress … becoming spiritually mature.
The end of 2008 is fast approaching. As you review this year, how have you matured spiritually? How much progress have you made? What do you have to build on going forward? What goal will you be pressing onward and upward toward as we leave 2008 in the past?
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
PRICELESS
Philippians 3:7-11 (New Living Translation)
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ
7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 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 9 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. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
You have probably seen the MasterCard commercials…
- Family lineage … $200
- Following the Law strictly … $300
- Circumcision … $50
- Position as a Pharisee … $500
- Knowing Christ … PRICELESS
When Paul met Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road, everything which he formerly zealously counted as having value, became worthless in the light of Christ.
What do you hold on to and value greatly? How do those things compare to the value of your personal relationship with your Savior? I pray your answer is Paul’s answer … PRICELESS!
Monday, December 01, 2008
RELIGIOUS CREDENTIALS
Philippians 3:1-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ
1 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.
2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!
5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.
The Judiazers (Jews who believed both the Old Testament law and New Testament grace were requirements for salvation) were challenging the Apostle Paul regarding his religious credentials. Paul’s response to their challenge could have been to ‘measure up’ to their requirements. Rather than go there, Paul pointed to Jesus Christ as the only necessary requirement. “We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us.”
Faith in the work of the Cross is the Christians only credential.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ
1 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.
2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!
5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.
The Judiazers (Jews who believed both the Old Testament law and New Testament grace were requirements for salvation) were challenging the Apostle Paul regarding his religious credentials. Paul’s response to their challenge could have been to ‘measure up’ to their requirements. Rather than go there, Paul pointed to Jesus Christ as the only necessary requirement. “We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us.”
Faith in the work of the Cross is the Christians only credential.
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