We are now past the Christmas day celebration. I have been focusing my devotional reading on some of the passages that deal with Jesus right after His birth. Yesterday I read over the text from Matthew about the wise men who came to bring Jesus gifts and in those gifts foreshadowing the life of Jesus including His death. Today I read from Luke 2 the story of Simeon and Anna and their response to the new born baby, God in the flesh.
The response from Simeon struck me today in a deep and touching way. Simeon responds to seeing Jesus stating, "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory to your people Israel". Simeon was prepared to see Jesus. He was waiting his whole life for the coming of God into the world as a baby. Simeon knows now that he can die in peace because he has seen God entering the broken world and preparing His way for salvation. Simeon was prepared and ready for the coming of God. This thought got me thinking in 2 different ways.
First, am I ready for the return of Jesus coming in the clouds? God has promised in Revelation and other places in the Bible that He will one day send Jesus back to earth for His bride, except this time on a white horse with a powerful word. Am I ready for this moment? I believe that God is giving us this info so that we can do our very best to be ready for His return. Have I told everyone I know about this coming day and the grace waiting for them in Jesus? Have I lived my life to inspire others in the church to yearn for this day and be prepared for it too? Have I lead my family and raised my children to also be prepared for Jesus return and helped prepared their souls to meet their creator? Is my life in order for a return to my true home waiting for me to spend eternity with my Savior and have I any regrets that I can set strait now? Those are the questions that got me to think am I prepared to see Jesus like Simeon was?
The second thought I have is, am I prepared to see Jesus work in the world now? Jesus enters the world everyday and makes His presence know. Jesus is working in His church through His chosen people. Jesus, even through my life can make Himself felt. Is my life today prepared for His entering the world? Am I spending time in prayer continually talking with my Savior opening myself to Him and making His name great? Am I saturating myself in the word of God so that I know what to say and how to act so that God will get the praise and glory? Is my life in tune with the Holy Spirit so that I can walk step in step with Jesus and be His presence in the world today? Jesus is making a name for Himself in the world today with or without me, am I prepared to work for Him in the process? Those are some of the questions I had to ask myself when I think of being prepared for Jesus entering the world today.
Jesus is coming back someday and He is daily entering the world through His people. Are we prepared for it like Simeon was prepared for the birth of Jesus many years ago? Simeon could die in peace, can we enter eternity in peace knowing we were prepared for Jesus to?
Friday, December 27, 2013
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
The Christmas Prayer
Here is a Christmas Prayer I have been thinking about all day.
Oh Holy Father
What an amazing Father you are.
I could not ask for anything better and you seem to meet my needs even before I tell you
I cannot help but think on a day like this how much an amazing Father you are.
I sit here watching my children, a gift you have given me, open their presents
and I think of your greatest gift, your perfect Son, Jesus, my Savior
I think about Him coming so many years ago as a baby born to this cruel broken world
I thank you for the rescue gift you have given me, in Him
Oh what a perfect gift you have given me that I should never deserve
Thank you for the perfect present that I seem to forget every day.
I cannot help but think of the other gifts you have given me too.
Thank you for the present of a earthly wife who has taught me so much about You and about myself
Thank you for my parents and the gift they have been to me over these 30 years.
Thanks for the gift of an earthly brother who challenges me every day
Thank you for the gift of 4 amazing children who make me laugh ever day
Thank you for my truly powerful friends, Seth, Jesse, Matt, and so many more
Thank you for the present of a faith family I have that inspires me to grow every week
Thank you for the material blessings that I truly do not deserve
Thank you for the gift of a job I have
Thank you for the gift of 4 grandparents that taught me about You
Father there are so many gifts that you have given me I can not name them all
Oh Father I praise you tonight because of all the gifts You give me
while I still spit right in your face daily as I trudge through this broken and fallen world
Father, thank you for the gift of eternal life so I can spend more time with you
Thank you for the reminders this time of year of your amazing unconditional love
Father help me to tell others more this coming year about your Son born in the manager
Father, help me to glorify you more as I reach those who are lost
Thank you for those who you will bring across my path
and help me to reach them for you
Merry Christmas Holy Father and I praise you for your Son Jesus just like those shepherds did
so many years ago
Jesus, thank you for coming and dealing with that birth in a manger in front of smelly animals
Praise be to God and His son Jesus for this greatest gift
And thank you father for the reminders each day.
Oh Holy Father
What an amazing Father you are.
I could not ask for anything better and you seem to meet my needs even before I tell you
I cannot help but think on a day like this how much an amazing Father you are.
I sit here watching my children, a gift you have given me, open their presents
and I think of your greatest gift, your perfect Son, Jesus, my Savior
I think about Him coming so many years ago as a baby born to this cruel broken world
I thank you for the rescue gift you have given me, in Him
Oh what a perfect gift you have given me that I should never deserve
Thank you for the perfect present that I seem to forget every day.
I cannot help but think of the other gifts you have given me too.
Thank you for the present of a earthly wife who has taught me so much about You and about myself
Thank you for my parents and the gift they have been to me over these 30 years.
Thanks for the gift of an earthly brother who challenges me every day
Thank you for the gift of 4 amazing children who make me laugh ever day
Thank you for my truly powerful friends, Seth, Jesse, Matt, and so many more
Thank you for the present of a faith family I have that inspires me to grow every week
Thank you for the material blessings that I truly do not deserve
Thank you for the gift of a job I have
Thank you for the gift of 4 grandparents that taught me about You
Father there are so many gifts that you have given me I can not name them all
Oh Father I praise you tonight because of all the gifts You give me
while I still spit right in your face daily as I trudge through this broken and fallen world
Father, thank you for the gift of eternal life so I can spend more time with you
Thank you for the reminders this time of year of your amazing unconditional love
Father help me to tell others more this coming year about your Son born in the manager
Father, help me to glorify you more as I reach those who are lost
Thank you for those who you will bring across my path
and help me to reach them for you
Merry Christmas Holy Father and I praise you for your Son Jesus just like those shepherds did
so many years ago
Jesus, thank you for coming and dealing with that birth in a manger in front of smelly animals
Praise be to God and His son Jesus for this greatest gift
And thank you father for the reminders each day.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Advent #24- The Christmas Story
Today is Christmas Eve. Tomorrow when we wake up it will be the day we celebrate the coming of our Savior Jesus as a baby born in the manger. Tonight I want to leave you with the true Christmas story. The Christmas story is not trees, shopping, carols, snow, or any other things of the season. The Christmas story is about Jesus the only gift we ever need to save us from our sins. And here is His story.
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Amen
Merry Christmas
Monday, December 23, 2013
Advent Day #23- Battle for Generosity
During this advent season I have looked at a few attributes that seem to come to the forefront during the Christmas celebration. I have taken a look at the fight for joy, struggle for love, and the contention for peace. As those who love Jesus these are attributes that we must exhibit not only during the Christmas time but we must show them and have them all year round. Tonight I want to take a few minutes to look at the battle for generosity.
I would like to begin by highlighting 2 verse from the Bible about being generous.
1 Timothy 6:18
"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
Psalms 37:26
"They [righteous] are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed"
So first, being generous is a command in the Bible and something that those who are righteous and godly will exhibit in their lives. That is an important truth to remember. Being generous and giving to others, not just during Christmas but all year long, is something that those who love Jesus can and should not escape.
But where does the generous spirit in our lives come from. This is the most important point and if you remember anything from this post this is it. We are to be generous because God and Jesus were generous to us first. Jesus loved us so much He gave us everything when we were His enemies. Jesus came as the baby, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross, generously first for us so that we might have life. The generosity in our life must come from that fact. We are to be generous because God was generous and still is everyday for us. That is where the generosity must first start.
Then the generosity must flow from us. Being generous is not something we do or an act we preform but it is something we are. Being a generous person is a state of being. Giving our treasure, (money, possessions, stuff, even family) talents, and time are the ways and areas that we must pour out into others and more importantly pour into God's service. Being generous is a life that is continually building up the kingdom of God rather than building up the person's life. Being generous is selfless and others focused with everything we are. Being generous is about being more and more like Jesus and being less and less like the world and the selfish culture of it. The culture will even tell you to do things for others because it can make us look good. That is the least generous idea out there.
Lastly I want to say that being generous is not easy, it is a battle and struggle. Being generous and pouring your all into others, even to the point of feeling it, takes hard work. Being generous is a fight against the sin nature and flesh. Too many times we wake up in the morning thinking about how much money we will make or the treasures we will gather in the day and instead we should be waking in the morning thinking about how much more we can give away of what we have and who we are. And this is a daily battle for our soul and our testimony. Remember that the world will see Jesus and His generosity through our generous spirit. It is a battle that we must win to the glory of God.
So during this time of celebration of Jesus most generous gift, his birth and death, battle each day to be more generous in spirit and make it a battle that can be won all year round.
I would like to begin by highlighting 2 verse from the Bible about being generous.
1 Timothy 6:18
"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
Psalms 37:26
"They [righteous] are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed"
So first, being generous is a command in the Bible and something that those who are righteous and godly will exhibit in their lives. That is an important truth to remember. Being generous and giving to others, not just during Christmas but all year long, is something that those who love Jesus can and should not escape.
But where does the generous spirit in our lives come from. This is the most important point and if you remember anything from this post this is it. We are to be generous because God and Jesus were generous to us first. Jesus loved us so much He gave us everything when we were His enemies. Jesus came as the baby, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross, generously first for us so that we might have life. The generosity in our life must come from that fact. We are to be generous because God was generous and still is everyday for us. That is where the generosity must first start.
Then the generosity must flow from us. Being generous is not something we do or an act we preform but it is something we are. Being a generous person is a state of being. Giving our treasure, (money, possessions, stuff, even family) talents, and time are the ways and areas that we must pour out into others and more importantly pour into God's service. Being generous is a life that is continually building up the kingdom of God rather than building up the person's life. Being generous is selfless and others focused with everything we are. Being generous is about being more and more like Jesus and being less and less like the world and the selfish culture of it. The culture will even tell you to do things for others because it can make us look good. That is the least generous idea out there.
Lastly I want to say that being generous is not easy, it is a battle and struggle. Being generous and pouring your all into others, even to the point of feeling it, takes hard work. Being generous is a fight against the sin nature and flesh. Too many times we wake up in the morning thinking about how much money we will make or the treasures we will gather in the day and instead we should be waking in the morning thinking about how much more we can give away of what we have and who we are. And this is a daily battle for our soul and our testimony. Remember that the world will see Jesus and His generosity through our generous spirit. It is a battle that we must win to the glory of God.
So during this time of celebration of Jesus most generous gift, his birth and death, battle each day to be more generous in spirit and make it a battle that can be won all year round.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
4th Sunday of Advent
The fourth Sunday readings remind us of the angels. Angels proclaimed the first coming of Christ to the shepherds on the hillside. One day they will proclaim His second coming. At that time, the whole universe will hear it.
Revelations 7:9-12
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb"
All the angles were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever Amen!"
Prayer
"O Lord, raise up, we pray, Your power and come among us, and with great might succor us, that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, Your bountiful grace and mercy may help and deliver us, through the satisfaction of Your Son our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen
Revelations 7:9-12
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb"
All the angles were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever Amen!"
Prayer
"O Lord, raise up, we pray, Your power and come among us, and with great might succor us, that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, Your bountiful grace and mercy may help and deliver us, through the satisfaction of Your Son our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Advent #21- We Three Kings
Christmas is now less than 5 days away. Over the last month I have taken a look at 3 different Christmas carols that we sing. Tonight I want to look at the lyrics of my favorite Christmas song.
"We Three Kings"
"We Three Kings"
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
Born a baby on Bethlehem's plain
Gold we bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to rein
Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Pray'r and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Heaven sings hallelujah
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
Born a baby on Bethlehem's plain
Gold we bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to rein
Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Pray'r and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Heaven sings hallelujah
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
I love this song. I love the words in this song. I love that it highlights what each gift given to Jesus was for and foreshadows. I love the theology of this song and the fact it tells of the true reason for this season. Next time you hear this song and sing it as a carol remember that the baby born in the manger so many years ago came for a bigger reason than the manger and a celebration. Jesus came to earth as a baby to die for our sins, in our place, so that we can spend eternity with Him. This song shows Jesus came to give us a free gift.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Day #20- The Christmas Story-Promised
God promised to His people in His word that the Christmas story and redeemer baby would be born,
Here are some of the verse that tell us this promise.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Here are some of the verse that tell us this promise.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
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.
Even though the birth of Jesus is in the past to us we still have a promise from God that we to can look forward to and wait for in anticipation.
"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Day #19-Contend for Peace
Peace, it is one of those words that is tossed around during the Christmas season. "We need to find our peace and discover it during this time of rapid activity", is what some would say. Others will state "that it is overrated and will never be had during this busy time". Some will shout "how can we have peace when there is war, famine, and world wide poverty that is killing millions each week". Peace, it is the controversial word that always comes up during the advent season. But for me I always go back and start first at what the Word of God says about something so lets take a look at a verse that talks about peace.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for everyone...that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness"
So Paul is urging us to live peaceful lives. So I would say then that a life full of peace should be found and chased after. We as lovers of Jesus know that this side of eternity true peace will not be found completely. There will always be wars, famine, poverty, and strife that stops peace because we live in a broken world full of sin, evil, and the work of Satan. But that should not stop us from living lives full of peace which is connected to godliness and holiness. OK so there is the ground work and starting point, we need to live lives of peace.
I will be the first person to tell you living a life of peace is a battle. Peace just like joy, love, and generosity are states of being that must be fought for and battled to keep in our lives. Peace does not come easy. Look at all the distractions, evils, and temptations that will keep us from experiencing true peace. But that is why we need to contend for peace and keeping it in our lives. The media, culture, world, others, and even ourselves will continually be telling us peace in our lives cannot be grasped. But the Bible says it differently. Peace can be attained and even kept in our lives but not without a fight. The battle for peace is a battle that takes place each day. It is a war that is fought hour by hour and even minute by minute but it is a fight that we need to contend as lovers of Jesus.
And look at this one verse from Timothy. Peace in our lives leads to godliness and holiness. These are 2 amazing things to have in our lives and descriptions to have of our character. Godliness and holiness are the most sought after and desired traits to have in one's life who truly loves Jesus. Peace in our lives will truly have amazing results. As I have been pondering the idea of peace I started to think of a few people I know that seem to keep winning the battle for peace. Peace in our lives will show to others. Others will know we keep winning the war for peace and then desire it in there lives also. Contend for peace, win the battle, keep it in life because it will have far reaching affects for the kingdom.
So winning the battle for peace is essential but again I will tell you, along with I think my wife, that I loose the battle for a peaceful spirit a,lot in my life. But here are a few things that I think will help in the contention for peace in our lives and Paul lays it right out for us in the verse above. First, a prayer life that's connected to God will grow and in effect bring peace in our lives. When we are continually taking what we are experiencing back to God and laying it at His feet to deal with, peace from that will come to replace some of the anxiety. A life of thanksgiving is the second step in the contention for peace. When we are thankful to God for what He gives us we will forget the current struggle and distraction in our lives. When we are thankful for the blessings God graciously gives in Jesus everything else pales. And I think a third step in battling for peace is, in saturate yourself in the Words of God. When we hear what God is telling us in His word, it will fill us with peace and draw us closer to His heart where true peace can be found.
A peaceful spirit and life of peace must be contended for and this time of year can and will magnify the desires for it but it will also hinder it and stop it more. We must contend, fight, battle, and even struggle for the life and spirit of peace because others will know and we will show what the true reason for the celebration is in Christmas. When we daily win the war for peace others will desire to be more in love with Jesus just like we are. I pray that you will experience some of the peace of God during this time so others will know about the baby and why He truly came.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for everyone...that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness"
So Paul is urging us to live peaceful lives. So I would say then that a life full of peace should be found and chased after. We as lovers of Jesus know that this side of eternity true peace will not be found completely. There will always be wars, famine, poverty, and strife that stops peace because we live in a broken world full of sin, evil, and the work of Satan. But that should not stop us from living lives full of peace which is connected to godliness and holiness. OK so there is the ground work and starting point, we need to live lives of peace.
I will be the first person to tell you living a life of peace is a battle. Peace just like joy, love, and generosity are states of being that must be fought for and battled to keep in our lives. Peace does not come easy. Look at all the distractions, evils, and temptations that will keep us from experiencing true peace. But that is why we need to contend for peace and keeping it in our lives. The media, culture, world, others, and even ourselves will continually be telling us peace in our lives cannot be grasped. But the Bible says it differently. Peace can be attained and even kept in our lives but not without a fight. The battle for peace is a battle that takes place each day. It is a war that is fought hour by hour and even minute by minute but it is a fight that we need to contend as lovers of Jesus.
And look at this one verse from Timothy. Peace in our lives leads to godliness and holiness. These are 2 amazing things to have in our lives and descriptions to have of our character. Godliness and holiness are the most sought after and desired traits to have in one's life who truly loves Jesus. Peace in our lives will truly have amazing results. As I have been pondering the idea of peace I started to think of a few people I know that seem to keep winning the battle for peace. Peace in our lives will show to others. Others will know we keep winning the war for peace and then desire it in there lives also. Contend for peace, win the battle, keep it in life because it will have far reaching affects for the kingdom.
So winning the battle for peace is essential but again I will tell you, along with I think my wife, that I loose the battle for a peaceful spirit a,lot in my life. But here are a few things that I think will help in the contention for peace in our lives and Paul lays it right out for us in the verse above. First, a prayer life that's connected to God will grow and in effect bring peace in our lives. When we are continually taking what we are experiencing back to God and laying it at His feet to deal with, peace from that will come to replace some of the anxiety. A life of thanksgiving is the second step in the contention for peace. When we are thankful to God for what He gives us we will forget the current struggle and distraction in our lives. When we are thankful for the blessings God graciously gives in Jesus everything else pales. And I think a third step in battling for peace is, in saturate yourself in the Words of God. When we hear what God is telling us in His word, it will fill us with peace and draw us closer to His heart where true peace can be found.
A peaceful spirit and life of peace must be contended for and this time of year can and will magnify the desires for it but it will also hinder it and stop it more. We must contend, fight, battle, and even struggle for the life and spirit of peace because others will know and we will show what the true reason for the celebration is in Christmas. When we daily win the war for peace others will desire to be more in love with Jesus just like we are. I pray that you will experience some of the peace of God during this time so others will know about the baby and why He truly came.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Advent Day #18
So after a long busy yet very fruitful and encouraging day I think it is time for my last Christmas quote. The count down to Christmas morning and the full celebration of Jesus coming is getting lower. I would like my last quote before Christmas to be a good one so I have found one of my favorite Christmas thoughts from Martin Luther and you cannot go wrong with quoting Luther.
"The inn was full. No one would release a room to this pregnant women. She had to go to a cow stall and there bring forth the Maker of all creatures because nobody would give way. Shame on you Bethlehem! The inn ought to have been burned with brimstone, for even though Mary had been a beggar maid or unwed, anybody at such a time would have been glad to give her a hand. There are many of you in the congregation who thinks to yourselves; 'If only I had been there! How quick I would have been to help the baby! I would have washed his linen! How happy I would have been to go with the shepherds to see the Lord lying in the manager!' Yes you would! You say that because you know how great Christ is, but if you had been there at that time you would have done no better that the people of Bethlehem. Childish and silly thoughts are these! Why don't you do it now? You have Christ in your neighbor. You ought to serve him, for what you do to your neighbor in need you do to the Lord Christ himself."
What better words for the Christmas season that these from Luther and a great reminder how we as lovers of Jesus better fruitfully use this time of year for the baby Jesus glory.
"The inn was full. No one would release a room to this pregnant women. She had to go to a cow stall and there bring forth the Maker of all creatures because nobody would give way. Shame on you Bethlehem! The inn ought to have been burned with brimstone, for even though Mary had been a beggar maid or unwed, anybody at such a time would have been glad to give her a hand. There are many of you in the congregation who thinks to yourselves; 'If only I had been there! How quick I would have been to help the baby! I would have washed his linen! How happy I would have been to go with the shepherds to see the Lord lying in the manager!' Yes you would! You say that because you know how great Christ is, but if you had been there at that time you would have done no better that the people of Bethlehem. Childish and silly thoughts are these! Why don't you do it now? You have Christ in your neighbor. You ought to serve him, for what you do to your neighbor in need you do to the Lord Christ himself."
What better words for the Christmas season that these from Luther and a great reminder how we as lovers of Jesus better fruitfully use this time of year for the baby Jesus glory.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Advent #17- Jesus Daddy
Tonight I wanted to take a look at a man we do not know much about, Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. We do not know much about Joseph. The Bible does not cover him in to much detail. We know Joseph was living in Nazareth at the time of Jesus conception. We know Joseph was from the line of David and that is why Jesus ended up being born in the stable in Bethlehem. We know Joseph was a carpenter and used his hands to make his family money. And we know Joseph does not seem present at the death of his son 30 years later. But that is about all we know of Joseph the father on earth of God.
So knowing all this and not really at the same time knowing anything I began to think so what can I take away from Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, from the Bible? What can I learn from the life of Jesus earthly father? As I was pondering this and in turn thinking about Jesus birth and the celebration of Christmas I found 3 small truths and important examples that Joseph can show me and inspire me to be like him. All 3 of these examples comes from Joseph's few verses in the book of Matthew particularly chapter 1 verses 19-25.
1) Joseph was a "righteous man". What does that mean? Well first it means he is a follower and a man that lives for the One True God, Yahweh. It means he does what is right in the eyes of God. He followed the Torah, His Bible< our Old Testament>, and let the Torah dictate his life. Joseph did right business practices. He loved his fellow Jews and took care of the poor. Joseph looked out for those around him and was generous with his time, treasures, and talents. He was a worshiper of God and devoted his whole life to following what God commanded him to obey. He was faithful in going to synagogue, church, and gave a tithe to the church. He was a good employee and would someday be able to take care of his family. He was a good son and looked out for his parents and other family members that needed help. Joseph was a mans man. He might not have been the strongest, smartest, or fastest but he was right in the sight of God and that is all that matters. Joseph was a righteous man which should be the description that ever man, husband, and father of God should strive to be. Which then leads to the other 2 things I noticed about Joseph.
2) Joseph was a man of true, unconditional, no matter what, love. Joseph was full of what I would call agape love. Mary, his fiance is pregnant. Joseph could have hauled her before the town and disgraced her and made a fool of her but even in spite of not understanding what Mary is up to he loves her to the point he wants to hide her and let her go quietly so that she will not be humiliated. And that is when the Angel intervenes. Then Joseph takes that love to the next level. In human thinking Joseph must have still been confused and not understood what he was seeing and hearing about Mary and this baby. But Joseph loved Mary so much that he obeyed and took Mary home and did not have sex with her until Jesus came. Joseph's love for Mary caused him to not only not publicly humiliate Mary but instead be humiliated with her as others in the town now ridiculed them both. Imagine how the town of Nazareth for 9 months would ridicule both Mary and Joseph as they stood for what they were told and took the public laughter. No one but Mary and Joseph understood what God was doing. So Joseph loved Mary so much he stood beside her and even protected her with all the shame they felt together. Every man who loves Jesus should strive for this same type of love to all others just like Joseph. This leads me to the 3rd thing I noticed about Joseph.
3)Joseph was a many of obedience. He listened and followed God to the exact command no matter what happened to him. First Joseph obeyed God to the point where He did not have sex with his wife so has to defile her and the baby. Just thinking about that one act of obedience make me stand in awe a little of Joseph. Then Joseph obeyed God in his love for Mary, taking her in, protected her and doing all that the angel asked without ever seeming to doubt what all this was to mean. Joseph stood for his God and took Him at His words and followed. Joseph followed God against the cultural norms of his day. He obeyed God when everyone else around him was saying the exact opposite. Joseph stood for what God said and did it when he was the only one and was even feeling the pull in the opposite directions. O how every man after the heart of God should be just as obedient to God's commands.
Just looking at these 3 traits of Joseph, the father of Jesus, makes me realize he was a great man to lead the earthly family of God. Joseph shows me what a leader in the home looks and acts like. It also makes me realize how far I am of being like Joseph and being a "righteous man". I pray that this coming year I can grow to be more like Joseph as I ever try and be more and more like my Savior Jesus. That is all that Joseph was trying to do also, be more like his Savior, his Son. But I think Joseph gives us a great example and place to start as we chase after the image of Jesus, the baby in the manger.
So knowing all this and not really at the same time knowing anything I began to think so what can I take away from Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, from the Bible? What can I learn from the life of Jesus earthly father? As I was pondering this and in turn thinking about Jesus birth and the celebration of Christmas I found 3 small truths and important examples that Joseph can show me and inspire me to be like him. All 3 of these examples comes from Joseph's few verses in the book of Matthew particularly chapter 1 verses 19-25.
1) Joseph was a "righteous man". What does that mean? Well first it means he is a follower and a man that lives for the One True God, Yahweh. It means he does what is right in the eyes of God. He followed the Torah, His Bible< our Old Testament>, and let the Torah dictate his life. Joseph did right business practices. He loved his fellow Jews and took care of the poor. Joseph looked out for those around him and was generous with his time, treasures, and talents. He was a worshiper of God and devoted his whole life to following what God commanded him to obey. He was faithful in going to synagogue, church, and gave a tithe to the church. He was a good employee and would someday be able to take care of his family. He was a good son and looked out for his parents and other family members that needed help. Joseph was a mans man. He might not have been the strongest, smartest, or fastest but he was right in the sight of God and that is all that matters. Joseph was a righteous man which should be the description that ever man, husband, and father of God should strive to be. Which then leads to the other 2 things I noticed about Joseph.
2) Joseph was a man of true, unconditional, no matter what, love. Joseph was full of what I would call agape love. Mary, his fiance is pregnant. Joseph could have hauled her before the town and disgraced her and made a fool of her but even in spite of not understanding what Mary is up to he loves her to the point he wants to hide her and let her go quietly so that she will not be humiliated. And that is when the Angel intervenes. Then Joseph takes that love to the next level. In human thinking Joseph must have still been confused and not understood what he was seeing and hearing about Mary and this baby. But Joseph loved Mary so much that he obeyed and took Mary home and did not have sex with her until Jesus came. Joseph's love for Mary caused him to not only not publicly humiliate Mary but instead be humiliated with her as others in the town now ridiculed them both. Imagine how the town of Nazareth for 9 months would ridicule both Mary and Joseph as they stood for what they were told and took the public laughter. No one but Mary and Joseph understood what God was doing. So Joseph loved Mary so much he stood beside her and even protected her with all the shame they felt together. Every man who loves Jesus should strive for this same type of love to all others just like Joseph. This leads me to the 3rd thing I noticed about Joseph.
3)Joseph was a many of obedience. He listened and followed God to the exact command no matter what happened to him. First Joseph obeyed God to the point where He did not have sex with his wife so has to defile her and the baby. Just thinking about that one act of obedience make me stand in awe a little of Joseph. Then Joseph obeyed God in his love for Mary, taking her in, protected her and doing all that the angel asked without ever seeming to doubt what all this was to mean. Joseph stood for his God and took Him at His words and followed. Joseph followed God against the cultural norms of his day. He obeyed God when everyone else around him was saying the exact opposite. Joseph stood for what God said and did it when he was the only one and was even feeling the pull in the opposite directions. O how every man after the heart of God should be just as obedient to God's commands.
Just looking at these 3 traits of Joseph, the father of Jesus, makes me realize he was a great man to lead the earthly family of God. Joseph shows me what a leader in the home looks and acts like. It also makes me realize how far I am of being like Joseph and being a "righteous man". I pray that this coming year I can grow to be more like Joseph as I ever try and be more and more like my Savior Jesus. That is all that Joseph was trying to do also, be more like his Savior, his Son. But I think Joseph gives us a great example and place to start as we chase after the image of Jesus, the baby in the manger.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Advent #16-What Child is this?
Here is another Christmas carol that we sing each year.
What Child is this
What Child is this
What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
When we read those words and start to sing the melodies in our head we tend to forget the theological significance of this song. This is a Christmas carol we sing at Jesus birth but it is a song that talks about His death as much as His birth. It answers the question of Why was Jesus born? Amen for songs that can be sung in December but show us the hope and meaning of the cross.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
3rd Sunday of Advent
The third Sunday of Advent reminds us of the shepherds, the first witnesses to Jesus. They also model for us how how we should respond to Christ. The shepherds both told others about Christ and offered praise and thanksgiving to God for Christ. So should we.
Luke 2:17-20
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.
Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, who at Your first coming sent your messenger to prepare Your way, grant that the ministers and stewards of Your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready Your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at Your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in Your sight, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen
Luke 2:17-20
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.
Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, who at Your first coming sent your messenger to prepare Your way, grant that the ministers and stewards of Your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready Your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at Your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in Your sight, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen
Advent #14- The Broken Hallelujah
This is a post that I have been forming, writing and rewriting. This post has even taken me a day to post after I wrote it. So here it goes and I pray that anyone who reads this will be encouraged and praise our Faithful Heavenly Father for it. So here it goes.
This is the time of year where the pain we have experienced over the last year or the pain we are experiencing right now feels the worst. The is the time of the year our emotions are the rawest and most exposed. We feel every painful moment in excruciating detail. Life's little bumps seem to be a pain that we feel we can not bare. The hurts we have feel as though they will kill us. The pain is real and this time of year compounds it more than any other time of year. The loss of employment, the cancer, the lost love, the death, the lack of financial stability, and the list could go on because life is painful.
These hurts and pains are real but during this time of year, in what should be celebrations, joy, love, and happiness, they seem to be over shadowed by the pain of our lives. And it hurts, our emotions seem to be at the end of the rope. We can barely stand, is seems life is crashing down. We feel completely empty and undone to the point where nothing is left.
We fight for joy in these hurts, we struggle for love, we contend for peace, and we battle for generosity but it all seems in vain. Life seems this time of year to punch us in the gut then smack us in the face and finally kick us in the butt and we seem to never find a break. This time of year life seems to be in a vacuum and a cycle of pain that we cannot escape. And I will be the first to say everything I just wrote about is real, it is true, just ask anyone who is feeling any type of pain that truly this time of the year is the worst. I will say that with these pains sometimes the feeling of hopelessness arises in the heart during the worst moments. But are we truly hopeless?
Everything could be taken away, we could have nothing left in this world, no family, no money, no possessions, no job, no health, straight nothing, BUT WE STILL HAVE HOPE.
As long as we can fall down onto our knees we have hope. During this time of year when the pain is hurting the worst we tend to forgot this. But hope is what the advent season is about. Hope in life. Hope in a fragile baby. Hope in a cold dark stinky manger. Hope is Jesus. That is the reason for advent. Hope because Jesus came as that baby, God came down as a new bloody screaming baby so He could give us the only hope we need. He came down to conquer sin, death, pain, hurts, loss and give hope in HIM that He understands, feels, desires, and will take away all that we have right now.
And in response to giving us the only hope we need He asks for only 1 simple yet challenging thing in return. WORSHIP. That is it. Worship, give it to HIM. Worship in what we say, do, think, and live. Worship in song, speech, hands, hearts, desires, lives. That is simple yet hard to do especially when the hurts are the worst, deepest, toughest, and closest. Worship Him, give Him a state of being of worship. Worship Him as the baby. Worship Him as the Shepherd. Worship Him as the Provider and the only one who sustains us. Worship Him as the Savior and Redeemer. Worship Him as the Eternal God who is all that we need.
Jesus is not asking though for the perfect, holy, healed, and healthy person to only worship Him. He will take our broken worship. Jesus knows that life hurts and there are times that it seems like we have too much pain, but even in these broken times we can still worship. I have come to realize that in these times worship is the only answer that will make the hurts somewhat take a back seat. The broken hallelujah is the fix for the pain. So during this time of year even a broken praise in the midst of the pain is what we need. The broken act of worship for the baby born in the manger will heal the hurt. So during this season of advent we need to remember that as we fight for joy, struggle for love, contend for peace, and battle for generosity; among the pains and hurts a broken act of worship will go a long way not only to the baby born 2,000 years ago but it will go a long way to heal the pain and overshadow the hurts in our hearts.
This is the time of year where the pain we have experienced over the last year or the pain we are experiencing right now feels the worst. The is the time of the year our emotions are the rawest and most exposed. We feel every painful moment in excruciating detail. Life's little bumps seem to be a pain that we feel we can not bare. The hurts we have feel as though they will kill us. The pain is real and this time of year compounds it more than any other time of year. The loss of employment, the cancer, the lost love, the death, the lack of financial stability, and the list could go on because life is painful.
These hurts and pains are real but during this time of year, in what should be celebrations, joy, love, and happiness, they seem to be over shadowed by the pain of our lives. And it hurts, our emotions seem to be at the end of the rope. We can barely stand, is seems life is crashing down. We feel completely empty and undone to the point where nothing is left.
We fight for joy in these hurts, we struggle for love, we contend for peace, and we battle for generosity but it all seems in vain. Life seems this time of year to punch us in the gut then smack us in the face and finally kick us in the butt and we seem to never find a break. This time of year life seems to be in a vacuum and a cycle of pain that we cannot escape. And I will be the first to say everything I just wrote about is real, it is true, just ask anyone who is feeling any type of pain that truly this time of the year is the worst. I will say that with these pains sometimes the feeling of hopelessness arises in the heart during the worst moments. But are we truly hopeless?
Everything could be taken away, we could have nothing left in this world, no family, no money, no possessions, no job, no health, straight nothing, BUT WE STILL HAVE HOPE.
As long as we can fall down onto our knees we have hope. During this time of year when the pain is hurting the worst we tend to forgot this. But hope is what the advent season is about. Hope in life. Hope in a fragile baby. Hope in a cold dark stinky manger. Hope is Jesus. That is the reason for advent. Hope because Jesus came as that baby, God came down as a new bloody screaming baby so He could give us the only hope we need. He came down to conquer sin, death, pain, hurts, loss and give hope in HIM that He understands, feels, desires, and will take away all that we have right now.
And in response to giving us the only hope we need He asks for only 1 simple yet challenging thing in return. WORSHIP. That is it. Worship, give it to HIM. Worship in what we say, do, think, and live. Worship in song, speech, hands, hearts, desires, lives. That is simple yet hard to do especially when the hurts are the worst, deepest, toughest, and closest. Worship Him, give Him a state of being of worship. Worship Him as the baby. Worship Him as the Shepherd. Worship Him as the Provider and the only one who sustains us. Worship Him as the Savior and Redeemer. Worship Him as the Eternal God who is all that we need.
Jesus is not asking though for the perfect, holy, healed, and healthy person to only worship Him. He will take our broken worship. Jesus knows that life hurts and there are times that it seems like we have too much pain, but even in these broken times we can still worship. I have come to realize that in these times worship is the only answer that will make the hurts somewhat take a back seat. The broken hallelujah is the fix for the pain. So during this time of year even a broken praise in the midst of the pain is what we need. The broken act of worship for the baby born in the manger will heal the hurt. So during this season of advent we need to remember that as we fight for joy, struggle for love, contend for peace, and battle for generosity; among the pains and hurts a broken act of worship will go a long way not only to the baby born 2,000 years ago but it will go a long way to heal the pain and overshadow the hurts in our hearts.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Advent #13
After a very busy week I think it is time for some more Christmas quote. This comes from the Pope known as Leo the Great and this is what he had to say about the incarnation.
"Therefore the Word of God, Himself God, the Son of God who in the beginning was with God, through whom all things were made and without whom was nothing made, with the purpose of delivering man from eternal death, became man; so bending Himself to take on Him our humility without decrease in His own majesty, that remaining what He was and assuming what He was not, He might unite the true form of a slave to that from which He is equal to God the Father, and join both natures together by such a compact that the lower should not be swallowed up in its exaltation nor higher impaired by its new associate. Without detriment therefore to properties of either substance which then came together in one person, majesty took humility, strength weakness, eternity morality: and for the paying of debt, belonging to our condition, inviolable nature united with possible nature, and true God and true man were combined to form one Lord, so that, as suited the needs of our case, one and the same Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, could both die with the one and rise again with the other."
I love these thoughts from Leo and he hits the nail on the head when in His description of Jesus I can picture the manager and the coming of God in flesh as a baby. majesty/humility, strength/weakness, eternity/morality.
The new baby came on that quiet lonely night to pay for the debt that we could not. Amen
"Therefore the Word of God, Himself God, the Son of God who in the beginning was with God, through whom all things were made and without whom was nothing made, with the purpose of delivering man from eternal death, became man; so bending Himself to take on Him our humility without decrease in His own majesty, that remaining what He was and assuming what He was not, He might unite the true form of a slave to that from which He is equal to God the Father, and join both natures together by such a compact that the lower should not be swallowed up in its exaltation nor higher impaired by its new associate. Without detriment therefore to properties of either substance which then came together in one person, majesty took humility, strength weakness, eternity morality: and for the paying of debt, belonging to our condition, inviolable nature united with possible nature, and true God and true man were combined to form one Lord, so that, as suited the needs of our case, one and the same Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, could both die with the one and rise again with the other."
I love these thoughts from Leo and he hits the nail on the head when in His description of Jesus I can picture the manager and the coming of God in flesh as a baby. majesty/humility, strength/weakness, eternity/morality.
The new baby came on that quiet lonely night to pay for the debt that we could not. Amen
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Advent Day #12- Struggle for Love
Last week I thought over and wrote about the important quality of joy and the fight for it that we as Jesus lovers have to keep it in our lives. This time of year is a very significant time to have joy, fight to keep it, and then show it to others. Another quality or state of being to have as lovers of Jesus, especially this time of year is love. We all want love. We want love from someone or from something in our lives and this time of year those feelings are compounded 100 times. But we only truly need 1 love in our lives and the definition of it is defined in the one being who is truly love. Lets let the Bible explain what I mean.
Romans 5:8
BUT GOD demonstrates His own love for us in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
I love this verse and I love the "But God". We were God's enemies and because of our sin we deserved and called for God's justified wrath poured out on us. But God sent His Son in the form of a human baby in a smelly barn with crowd of animals in the small backwoods town of Bethlehem to make us His sons rather than His enemies. God's love for us put Jesus in that barn screaming the birth of a new life. God's love for us had Jesus worshiped by the city outcasts, shepherds, on the first night He was born. God's love for us sent Jesus in the flesh to pee and poop on himself while learning how to walk. God's love for us sent Jesus to stub his toe and smash His finger with a hammer while helping Joseph. God's love for us is the reason Christmas is the time of celebration and joy. God's love for us is all that we need and that love is the definition of love especially during this time of year. But that was not the end of God's love given. Look what Romans says a few verses earlier.
Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
God's love gave us the same love to share with others. Now during this time of celebration and advent more than ever as we struggle to find the love we desire we should realize that as those who love Jesus we need to give God's love in us to others. That is what this time of year is about. Finding our joy and then sharing God's love in us with others. We have been given the greatest gift ever on the tree now we need to give this same gift in love to others. This should be the time of year that others see our love more than ever and then we are given the chance to share it with them. Do not let the struggle for love affect the showering of love to others. Be filled with the Spirit of joy and love not just during this time but all the time and shine that bright light to the lost who have no idea of God's love for them as they struggle to find the love they know they need
Romans 5:8
BUT GOD demonstrates His own love for us in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
I love this verse and I love the "But God". We were God's enemies and because of our sin we deserved and called for God's justified wrath poured out on us. But God sent His Son in the form of a human baby in a smelly barn with crowd of animals in the small backwoods town of Bethlehem to make us His sons rather than His enemies. God's love for us put Jesus in that barn screaming the birth of a new life. God's love for us had Jesus worshiped by the city outcasts, shepherds, on the first night He was born. God's love for us sent Jesus in the flesh to pee and poop on himself while learning how to walk. God's love for us sent Jesus to stub his toe and smash His finger with a hammer while helping Joseph. God's love for us is the reason Christmas is the time of celebration and joy. God's love for us is all that we need and that love is the definition of love especially during this time of year. But that was not the end of God's love given. Look what Romans says a few verses earlier.
Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
God's love gave us the same love to share with others. Now during this time of celebration and advent more than ever as we struggle to find the love we desire we should realize that as those who love Jesus we need to give God's love in us to others. That is what this time of year is about. Finding our joy and then sharing God's love in us with others. We have been given the greatest gift ever on the tree now we need to give this same gift in love to others. This should be the time of year that others see our love more than ever and then we are given the chance to share it with them. Do not let the struggle for love affect the showering of love to others. Be filled with the Spirit of joy and love not just during this time but all the time and shine that bright light to the lost who have no idea of God's love for them as they struggle to find the love they know they need
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Advent #11
It has been a busy day here in my house and it is just another day in a busy week as we recover and catch up from a amazing time away for our 10 year anniversary and also as Christmas is now just 2 weeks away. Last week I wrote on the fight for joy during this time of year and celebration and tomorrow I want to spend a few lines and minutes looking at the state of being of love and what that means in light of Christmas. But here is a blog I read a few days ago and it reminded me of the true meaning and importance of Christmas so I want to share it with others.
http://theresurgence.com/the-scandal-of-the-incarnation
http://theresurgence.com/the-scandal-of-the-incarnation
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Advent #10- The Promise
One of the excitements of this time of year, especially in children, is the anticipation of Christmas day and the joy and blessings of gifts under the tree. We as lovers of Jesus know that Jesus is the greatest gift we have ever received but sometimes we forget there was a promise and anticipation for Him for not just 30 days but thousands of years. Jesus was promised way back in Genesis 3 and for many years people were anticipating His coming as their greatest gift, not under the tree but on it. Here are some of the verse talking about the promise of His coming.
Genesis 3:15 "I will put enmity between you and the women, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel".
Genesis 12:1-3 "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'go from your country and kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed".
Here is a list of a bunch more passage from the Bible that show the promise of Jesus first coming to be the true redeemer.
Ruth 4:13-17
2 Samuel 7:8-16
Psalms 2
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:2-7
Isaiah 11:1-9
Micah 5:2
So Jesus was promised and the people looked forward in anticipation of the greatest gift of all. But we are just like those people thousands of years ago. We too in the world today are looking forward to the promise of the greatest gift coming back for His church. We, just like our children, have something to anticipate and look forward to anxiously. The 2nd Coming of the greatest gift, Jesus.
Genesis 3:15 "I will put enmity between you and the women, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel".
Genesis 12:1-3 "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'go from your country and kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed".
Here is a list of a bunch more passage from the Bible that show the promise of Jesus first coming to be the true redeemer.
Ruth 4:13-17
2 Samuel 7:8-16
Psalms 2
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:2-7
Isaiah 11:1-9
Micah 5:2
So Jesus was promised and the people looked forward in anticipation of the greatest gift of all. But we are just like those people thousands of years ago. We too in the world today are looking forward to the promise of the greatest gift coming back for His church. We, just like our children, have something to anticipate and look forward to anxiously. The 2nd Coming of the greatest gift, Jesus.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Advent Day #9- O Come all Yea Faithful
Last week I looked at the Christmas Carol Go Tell It On the Mountain. That got me thinking about the point, words, theology, and application of some of the famous Christmas Carols we sing every year. So I decided to look this week at the carol O Come All Yea Faithful. Here are the lyrics.
O come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant
Oh come ye O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him born the King of angels;
O come let us adore him Christ the Lord.
God of God light of light
Lo he abhors not the virgin's womb;
Very God begotten not created:
O come let us adore him Christ the Lord.
Sing choirs of angels sing in exultation
Sing all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God in the highest:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
See how the shepherds summoned to his cradel,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear;
We too will thither hend our joyful footsteps;
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Oh come ye O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him born the King of angels;
O come let us adore him Christ the Lord.
God of God light of light
Lo he abhors not the virgin's womb;
Very God begotten not created:
O come let us adore him Christ the Lord.
Sing choirs of angels sing in exultation
Sing all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God in the highest:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
See how the shepherds summoned to his cradel,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear;
We too will thither hend our joyful footsteps;
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Wow, this song teaches us about the faithfulness of a true lover of Jesus. It shows that Jesus is God and teaches us part of the Trinity theology. It also shows that Jesus deserves the glory and praise and is a great reminder during this advent season the point of it all. Even though I am not as big into Christmas time as my lovely wife I true can appreciate the importance, power, and impact the songs we sings during this important and celebrated time of year. Taking this look at some of the carols we sing has really brought me appreciation for the songs we sing to celebrate Jesus birth. Wonder what carol I should take a look at next week?
Sunday, December 8, 2013
2nd Sunday of Advent
The first Sunday of Advent reminded us of the promise of Jesus.
The second Sunday of advent will remind us of Jesus humility.
Micah 5:2-5
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient of times.
Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.
He will stand and shepherd His flock in strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God.
And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.
And He will be their peace.
Blessed Lord, who has caused all the Holy Scripture to be written for our learning, grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
The second Sunday of advent will remind us of Jesus humility.
Micah 5:2-5
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient of times.
Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.
He will stand and shepherd His flock in strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God.
And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.
And He will be their peace.
Blessed Lord, who has caused all the Holy Scripture to be written for our learning, grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Advent #7- The first Christmas
Thinking over the last 10 great years of marriage I can say without a doubt my Christmas mindset and understanding changed forever. My wife loves Christmas and has the spirit of the season in her heart all year round. She puts her heart and soul into the celebration of Jesus birth. Since we have been married we have started new traditions as a family and I have watch more Christmas movies and different versions of the carols than I ever knew existed. Just this weekend away we have watched I think maybe a dozen different movies.
Christmas changed because I never realized the joy that my kids would bring to the season. Watching them open their gifts and the joy in their faces as we sit around as a family and celebrate the season is a treasure that I will never forget. Staying up all night on Christmas eve building their gifts. Even watching them as babies play with the boxes rather than the gift is wonderful and a blessing to me.
But I will never forget my first Christmas with the love of my life. It started to snow on Christmas eve to the point where I ran over a stop sign with her car on the way back to her parents house from a party. Then my car got stuck in her parents driveway and we had to drive her car to my parents house. That night while sleeping in my sleeping bag in front of the fire a spark flew out and burned right threw my bag and into my leg, waking me up. Then on Christmas day I spent at least 2 hours in the car with my sister-in-law to be and her husband listening to Christmas in the Caribbean because it had snowed so much we could not drive her car. But through all of that I realized from that year on how my Christmas season would never be the same.
And the biggest thing I realized is that my Christmas season would never be the same because of others in my life. That is the reason for the season, others and bringing joy and blessings into their season. Jesus came to bring us joy and blessings with His life and that season I realized that that is what my Christmas season should be about from then on. Do for others what Jesus did for me. Make others more important than myself and bless others through my life. So honey, turn on the next Christmas movie and lets cozy up and watch it together.
Christmas changed because I never realized the joy that my kids would bring to the season. Watching them open their gifts and the joy in their faces as we sit around as a family and celebrate the season is a treasure that I will never forget. Staying up all night on Christmas eve building their gifts. Even watching them as babies play with the boxes rather than the gift is wonderful and a blessing to me.
But I will never forget my first Christmas with the love of my life. It started to snow on Christmas eve to the point where I ran over a stop sign with her car on the way back to her parents house from a party. Then my car got stuck in her parents driveway and we had to drive her car to my parents house. That night while sleeping in my sleeping bag in front of the fire a spark flew out and burned right threw my bag and into my leg, waking me up. Then on Christmas day I spent at least 2 hours in the car with my sister-in-law to be and her husband listening to Christmas in the Caribbean because it had snowed so much we could not drive her car. But through all of that I realized from that year on how my Christmas season would never be the same.
And the biggest thing I realized is that my Christmas season would never be the same because of others in my life. That is the reason for the season, others and bringing joy and blessings into their season. Jesus came to bring us joy and blessings with His life and that season I realized that that is what my Christmas season should be about from then on. Do for others what Jesus did for me. Make others more important than myself and bless others through my life. So honey, turn on the next Christmas movie and lets cozy up and watch it together.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Advent #6
For my wife this year for our 10th anniversary I got her a new Christmas book. It is Peace by Dr. Stephen Nichols. Having read through the book I discovered some amazing, thought provoking, and joyful quotes for the advent season. I wanted to share some of them tonight.
To perceive Christmas through its wrapping becomes more difficult with every year. - E. B. White
Jesus, Lord, we look to thee,
On this day of thine own
Nativity; Show thyself the
Prince of Peace; Bid our
jarring conflicts cease.- Charles Wesley
Infinite and an Infant. Eternal, yet born of a women, Oh the wonder of Christmas.- C.H. Spurgeon
Celebrating Advent means being able to wait.- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Shepherds sing;
and shall I silent be?
My God, no hymn for thee?- George Herbert
To perceive Christmas through its wrapping becomes more difficult with every year. - E. B. White
Jesus, Lord, we look to thee,
On this day of thine own
Nativity; Show thyself the
Prince of Peace; Bid our
jarring conflicts cease.- Charles Wesley
Infinite and an Infant. Eternal, yet born of a women, Oh the wonder of Christmas.- C.H. Spurgeon
Celebrating Advent means being able to wait.- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Shepherds sing;
and shall I silent be?
My God, no hymn for thee?- George Herbert
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Advent Day#5- Jesus in the womb
With the advent season now almost a week in, I have been thinking a lot about Jesus and what His birth actually means. During the Christmas season we tend to think most of the time about Jesus in the manger and the story around His physical birth. Some others of us will realize that Jesus physical birth to Mary happened so that He might then 33 years later have a physical death to save His people from their sins. Some others will even contemplate about the fact that His physical birth in the manager sets the stage for His physical 2nd coming on the white horse with His people mentioned in Revelation 19. But I have been reminded of an amazing truth that I seem to forget about Jesus and a verse from Hebrews that goes along with it.
Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.
I forgot an important truth that this verse points out. Jesus is one person with two natures, divine and human, such that He upheld the world by the word of His power while living in His mother's womb. The baby born in the manger with the physical blood and screams of a new born was at the same time caring for and loving them, in His powerful sovereign way, the women and man present as His birth. The baby being born was at the same moment in supreme control of those events. Wow. The incarnation of Jesus is an amazing mystery that we should be praising God for everyday, because without those divine truths we are all hopeless.
Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.
I forgot an important truth that this verse points out. Jesus is one person with two natures, divine and human, such that He upheld the world by the word of His power while living in His mother's womb. The baby born in the manger with the physical blood and screams of a new born was at the same time caring for and loving them, in His powerful sovereign way, the women and man present as His birth. The baby being born was at the same moment in supreme control of those events. Wow. The incarnation of Jesus is an amazing mystery that we should be praising God for everyday, because without those divine truths we are all hopeless.
Advent #4
Here are the lyrics to a Christmas Carol that we defiantly need reminding of. During this time of year we need to remember to share with others the joy, peace, and love that Jesus birth brought to the world. This should be the time of year that Jesus lovers should be shouting from the roof tops what why He came to save us.
Go Tell It On the Mountain
While shepherds kept their watching
Over silent flocks by night,
Behold throughout the heavens,
There shone a holy light:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
The shepherds feared and trembled
When lo! above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Saviour's birth:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
Down in a lowly manger
Our humble Christ was born
And God send us salvation,
That blessed Christmas morn:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
When I am a seeker,
I seek both night and day;
I seek the Lord to help me,
And He shows me the way:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
He made me a watchman
Upon the city wall,
And if I am a Christian,
I am the least of all.
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
Go Tell It On the Mountain
While shepherds kept their watching
Over silent flocks by night,
Behold throughout the heavens,
There shone a holy light:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
The shepherds feared and trembled
When lo! above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Saviour's birth:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
Down in a lowly manger
Our humble Christ was born
And God send us salvation,
That blessed Christmas morn:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
When I am a seeker,
I seek both night and day;
I seek the Lord to help me,
And He shows me the way:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
He made me a watchman
Upon the city wall,
And if I am a Christian,
I am the least of all.
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Advent #3- Fight for Joy
Joy- it is an important character trait or state of being, during this time of year. It seems that most people are either filled with joy during the celebration of Jesus' birth or they are lacking joy completely. So over the last week as I began to prepare for the advent of our Savior (and also teach this past Sunday on joy in our lives) I began to formulate some actions that I can do to fight to keep this joy in my life. As lovers of Jesus and His witnesses to the world we need to continually be filled with joy so a fight to keep it in our lives is paramount. So here are some of the actions and mindsets I have come up with that we can put into practice first during this advent season and secondly all year round.
1-Joy is a gift. We need to realize that ultimately joy in our lives is a gift and blessing from God the Father. We cannot have joy in our lives if first Jesus did not come and die in our place. Then we need to realize that in reality that is all the joy we need to sustain us in this life, the joy in Jesus and His death for our freedom. But above all that God then gives us joy in our lives as a gift to carry us through all of life and its moments.
2- Joy tied to faith. Where our faith in God goes so goes our joy. If we rest steadfastly in God and who He is and what he has done then joy will spring from deep within us.
3- Joy is connected to sin. I have come to realize that my level of joy is connected to the sin or level of sin in my life. If I am open to the prodding conviction of the Spirit in my life driving the sin out of my life, He will then allow and guide my level of joy to increase as the sin leaves my being. The more sin in my life and the more confessed and unrepentant sin in my life the less joy I will have.
4- Joy in the Bible. The more we read God's word and mediate on what it says to us the more joy we will have. The deeper I dive into what God is telling about Himself or the plans He has for me the more filled with joy I become. I realize the depth of His love from His words and how much He reveals to me drives the engine of joy.
5- Joy from Prayer. I find and I do not believe it is coincidental that the more I pour out to God the more He gives me joy. When we spend time in prayer to God the level of joy in our lives will increase. The longer we pray and the frequency of our prays will sustain us in the fight to keep our lives filled with joy. The level of joy in our lives goes up and down with the level of praying we do and the closeness we stay with God.
6- Joy in friends. When my level of joy is low and my tank of joy is empty I go to my close friends to get a fill up. When we find that the fight for joy is waning we need to find those in our lives who can fill us up with joy.
7- Joy in generosity. This one is very simple. When we think of others before our own self and when we pour our lives into others around us, especially those around us in need, our level and fight for joy will overflow. The opposite then is true- want to have less joy in your life? Then think only about yourself and be self focused.
8- Joy sustained by health. This is an important one to remember and realize during this time of year as we eat a lot of food, party with family, and struggle to get exercise. The level of joy in our lives can be effected by the diet or amount of food we eat. It can be effected by the rest or lack of it we get. And joy can be effected by the exercise we take. Remember that a fit more healthy body will affect the mind and soul and then our joy in turn.
As lovers of Jesus we need to be filled with joy and during the advent season joy is a huge character trait we must be showing to others.
1-Joy is a gift. We need to realize that ultimately joy in our lives is a gift and blessing from God the Father. We cannot have joy in our lives if first Jesus did not come and die in our place. Then we need to realize that in reality that is all the joy we need to sustain us in this life, the joy in Jesus and His death for our freedom. But above all that God then gives us joy in our lives as a gift to carry us through all of life and its moments.
2- Joy tied to faith. Where our faith in God goes so goes our joy. If we rest steadfastly in God and who He is and what he has done then joy will spring from deep within us.
3- Joy is connected to sin. I have come to realize that my level of joy is connected to the sin or level of sin in my life. If I am open to the prodding conviction of the Spirit in my life driving the sin out of my life, He will then allow and guide my level of joy to increase as the sin leaves my being. The more sin in my life and the more confessed and unrepentant sin in my life the less joy I will have.
4- Joy in the Bible. The more we read God's word and mediate on what it says to us the more joy we will have. The deeper I dive into what God is telling about Himself or the plans He has for me the more filled with joy I become. I realize the depth of His love from His words and how much He reveals to me drives the engine of joy.
5- Joy from Prayer. I find and I do not believe it is coincidental that the more I pour out to God the more He gives me joy. When we spend time in prayer to God the level of joy in our lives will increase. The longer we pray and the frequency of our prays will sustain us in the fight to keep our lives filled with joy. The level of joy in our lives goes up and down with the level of praying we do and the closeness we stay with God.
6- Joy in friends. When my level of joy is low and my tank of joy is empty I go to my close friends to get a fill up. When we find that the fight for joy is waning we need to find those in our lives who can fill us up with joy.
7- Joy in generosity. This one is very simple. When we think of others before our own self and when we pour our lives into others around us, especially those around us in need, our level and fight for joy will overflow. The opposite then is true- want to have less joy in your life? Then think only about yourself and be self focused.
8- Joy sustained by health. This is an important one to remember and realize during this time of year as we eat a lot of food, party with family, and struggle to get exercise. The level of joy in our lives can be effected by the diet or amount of food we eat. It can be effected by the rest or lack of it we get. And joy can be effected by the exercise we take. Remember that a fit more healthy body will affect the mind and soul and then our joy in turn.
As lovers of Jesus we need to be filled with joy and during the advent season joy is a huge character trait we must be showing to others.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Advent Day #2
Today I would like to share my favorite quote on the advent from C.S. Lewis. C.S. Lewis, who I consider the most influential theologian of the 20th Century, had many good things to say and remind us of during this important time of year but this quote is what I believe to be is most powerful and important thought on the celebration of of the coming of God into the flesh.
I pray that we never forget why Jesus actually came into that manger so long ago. Without the manger we would not be able to have the cross.
"In the Christian story God descends to reascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity; down further still, if embryologists are right, to recapitulate into the womb ancient and pre-human phases of life; down to the very roots and seabed of the Nature He has created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world with Him. One has the picture of a strong man stooping lower and lower to get himself underneath some great complicated burden. He must stoop in order to lift, he must almost disappear under the load before he incredibly straightens his back and marches off with the whole mass swaying on his shoulders".
I pray that we never forget why Jesus actually came into that manger so long ago. Without the manger we would not be able to have the cross.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
1st Sunday of Advent
So it is the Christmas season. We have now less than a month until Christmas. I am going to blog over the next month about attributes we as Jesus lovers should remember this time of year, blog about characters in the Christmas story, and talk about places in the Christmas story. I will also include quotes and important verses for the Bible that will draw us to remember the real reason for this season. I pray as you read my blog over the next 25 days we all will remember and celebrate the importance of Jesus coming as a baby and breaking into our world to save us all.
Today I would like to look at the traditional text and celebration from the 1st Sunday of Advent.
Isaiah 9:2-7
Today I would like to look at the traditional text and celebration from the 1st Sunday of Advent.
Isaiah 9:2-7
2 The people who walked in
darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shined.
3 You have multiplied the
nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping
warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his
government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord
of hosts will do this.
Almighty God, give us grace that we may put away the works of darkness and
put on the armor of light now in this this time of mortal life,
put on the armor of light now in this this time of mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit in great humility;
that in the last day, when He will come again in His glorious majesty
to judge both the living and the dead,
to judge both the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal, through Him who lives and
reigns with You andthe Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
reigns with You andthe Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
AlAl
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