"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2: 38
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." Galatians 5: 22 & 23
What gift are you most expecting to receive this Christmas? Can you recall what you got last Christmas? Or maybe, five Christmasses ago? Chances are, that gift has been used, loaned, consumed or forgotten.
God gives a gift that keeps on giving: his Holy Spirit. The recipient automatically becomes one of the best gift-givers as the fruit of the Spirit exudes from that personality. Who could not use more love? Joy and peace are not just words on a Christmas card, they are daily gifts we're given all year 'round. Don't hold on to them though! They are meant to be shared.
My prayer for you is that you would accept God's free gift of salvation by acknowledging your need of a Savior and inviting Jesus to come into your heart. Then you will have the gift you will never forget; the gift that keeps on giving!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Follow The Star
"After they heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them, until it stopped over the place where the child was."
Matthew 2:9
"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105
The star in the east showed the magi in the Christmas story where to find the King of the Jews so they could worship him, presenting their gifts. Like one of those advertising beams that scan the night sky, the light of the star showed them the way.
In a similar way, God's word is a light unto my path, showing me the way. What a veritable treasure the Bible is! It sheds light on how the world began and how it will end, how the people fell from grace and how God picked them back up time and again. Most importantly, it leads me to the Babe of Bethlehem, on to the Sea of Galilee and over to the cross of Calvary. It shines light into the empty tomb, showing me the folded grave clothes. It illuminates the ascending Christ who promised to come back again, taking us to be with him in Paradise. I am not left in the dark since the Bible frankly tells me:
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but shall have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Follow the star by reading the Bible. You will never be lost.
Matthew 2:9
"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105
The star in the east showed the magi in the Christmas story where to find the King of the Jews so they could worship him, presenting their gifts. Like one of those advertising beams that scan the night sky, the light of the star showed them the way.
In a similar way, God's word is a light unto my path, showing me the way. What a veritable treasure the Bible is! It sheds light on how the world began and how it will end, how the people fell from grace and how God picked them back up time and again. Most importantly, it leads me to the Babe of Bethlehem, on to the Sea of Galilee and over to the cross of Calvary. It shines light into the empty tomb, showing me the folded grave clothes. It illuminates the ascending Christ who promised to come back again, taking us to be with him in Paradise. I am not left in the dark since the Bible frankly tells me:
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but shall have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Follow the star by reading the Bible. You will never be lost.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
My Dinner Guest
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
Revelation 3:20
Exclamation points are reserved to show either surprise or strong emotion to the reader. Jesus uses one here so imagine his voice rising a pitch, his body language expressing urgency to capture the attention of those searching for him. "Where are you, Lord?" I may ask in desperation. But, all the while, he's looking for me! He's already at my door, knocking to get my attention; all I have to do is open it and I shall dine with the King of Kings!
I could never dream of eating a dry crumpet with Queen Elizabeth, but the creator of the universe will share a meal with me, just as he did with the tax collectors and sinners during his time on earth. To dine with someone requires intimacy, friendship. Sure, I suppose I could wolf down a cheeseburger with someone and barely say a word, but Christ said in the above verse that we shall eat together. I take that as a promise of conversation, laughter, lingering in each other's presence while exploring personalities.
If I have an honored guest over, I swiff the floors, dust the furniture and select tasty dishes. If my guest becomes an intimate friend, however, I know I can share anything with that person and still be loved unconditionally, despite substandard food or a chaotic presentation.
This is the place I am arriving at with my friend, Jesus. He wants to see me on all levels, not just when I am at my gleaming best. I have become his child; he is my Father who asks over a Tuna Helper, "How was your day today?"
Open the door and welcome Jesus. You will never be sorry!
Revelation 3:20
Exclamation points are reserved to show either surprise or strong emotion to the reader. Jesus uses one here so imagine his voice rising a pitch, his body language expressing urgency to capture the attention of those searching for him. "Where are you, Lord?" I may ask in desperation. But, all the while, he's looking for me! He's already at my door, knocking to get my attention; all I have to do is open it and I shall dine with the King of Kings!
I could never dream of eating a dry crumpet with Queen Elizabeth, but the creator of the universe will share a meal with me, just as he did with the tax collectors and sinners during his time on earth. To dine with someone requires intimacy, friendship. Sure, I suppose I could wolf down a cheeseburger with someone and barely say a word, but Christ said in the above verse that we shall eat together. I take that as a promise of conversation, laughter, lingering in each other's presence while exploring personalities.
If I have an honored guest over, I swiff the floors, dust the furniture and select tasty dishes. If my guest becomes an intimate friend, however, I know I can share anything with that person and still be loved unconditionally, despite substandard food or a chaotic presentation.
This is the place I am arriving at with my friend, Jesus. He wants to see me on all levels, not just when I am at my gleaming best. I have become his child; he is my Father who asks over a Tuna Helper, "How was your day today?"
Open the door and welcome Jesus. You will never be sorry!
When Jesus Calls My Name
"When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.' So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly."
Luke 19: 1-10
Put yourself in Zacchaeus' small shoes. He wanted to see Jesus but, since he was too short to see over the throng, he climbed the sycamore tree that hung over the road Jesus was traveling upon. He just wanted to see him, perhaps in the same way we would pine to see a visiting celebrity. From his vantage point, excitement built as Jesus walked right underneath him but, incredibly, Jesus looked up and called him by name! By this time, the diminutive Zacchaeus probably about fell out of the tree as all eyes turned toward him. Did he just hear Jesus say he was coming to his house today? Notice the urgency in the chosen words: immediately, must, today.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector who used to overcharge people, but when Jesus changed his heart, he made right all his wrongs, clearly repenting of his sins. May I also gladly welcome Jesus into my home, just as it is. Dust may rumble by and I may not have steaks to fry, but I can gladly open the door to my heart. So can you when he calls your name.
Luke 19: 1-10
Put yourself in Zacchaeus' small shoes. He wanted to see Jesus but, since he was too short to see over the throng, he climbed the sycamore tree that hung over the road Jesus was traveling upon. He just wanted to see him, perhaps in the same way we would pine to see a visiting celebrity. From his vantage point, excitement built as Jesus walked right underneath him but, incredibly, Jesus looked up and called him by name! By this time, the diminutive Zacchaeus probably about fell out of the tree as all eyes turned toward him. Did he just hear Jesus say he was coming to his house today? Notice the urgency in the chosen words: immediately, must, today.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector who used to overcharge people, but when Jesus changed his heart, he made right all his wrongs, clearly repenting of his sins. May I also gladly welcome Jesus into my home, just as it is. Dust may rumble by and I may not have steaks to fry, but I can gladly open the door to my heart. So can you when he calls your name.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
The True Christmas Present
When Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, finally found his tongue, he used it very eloquently when he said:
"...for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet onto the path of peace."
Luke 1: 76-79
The true Christmas present is wrapped in these words for those who will receive him - and what a gift! When I see the faces of those Christians I knew who died this year and their loved ones who still mourn, I see their feet on the path of peace, guided by the tender mercy of our God. Death is not dark and scary, with rattling bones and worms that crawl. Just as the rising sun casts its beams across the darkness that was night, Jesus rose from the grave to bring eternal light to the dreary darkness of death. The curse has been broken. Fear not and have a merry Christmas!
"...for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet onto the path of peace."
Luke 1: 76-79
The true Christmas present is wrapped in these words for those who will receive him - and what a gift! When I see the faces of those Christians I knew who died this year and their loved ones who still mourn, I see their feet on the path of peace, guided by the tender mercy of our God. Death is not dark and scary, with rattling bones and worms that crawl. Just as the rising sun casts its beams across the darkness that was night, Jesus rose from the grave to bring eternal light to the dreary darkness of death. The curse has been broken. Fear not and have a merry Christmas!
A Mother's Grief
"When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months...So the woman took the baby and nursed him. When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son."
Exodus 2
Crawl into the breaking heart of Moses' mother for a moment. Her people are slaves, her friends' sons are being tossed into the river to drown when she has a fine son herself. For three months, she adores him secretly: no baby showers, no passing him among congratulating relatives, she must muffle his cries. Then, to save his life, she must give him to the daughter of the man who has ordered this mass murder of infants. Yes, her son lives, but now belongs to another. The injustice! The rage at the unfairness of it all!
Yet, through the haze, God has a plan for this fine child. He shall be a deliverer. Just as baby Jesus survives a mass murder of babies ordered by a crazed despot and grew to become a deliverer of his people, so does Moses.
God, you work in mysterious ways. You often use the youngest, the weakest, the person whom all odds are against in which to work your glory. Thank you for keeping us humble that way.
I love you, Lord.
Exodus 2
Crawl into the breaking heart of Moses' mother for a moment. Her people are slaves, her friends' sons are being tossed into the river to drown when she has a fine son herself. For three months, she adores him secretly: no baby showers, no passing him among congratulating relatives, she must muffle his cries. Then, to save his life, she must give him to the daughter of the man who has ordered this mass murder of infants. Yes, her son lives, but now belongs to another. The injustice! The rage at the unfairness of it all!
Yet, through the haze, God has a plan for this fine child. He shall be a deliverer. Just as baby Jesus survives a mass murder of babies ordered by a crazed despot and grew to become a deliverer of his people, so does Moses.
God, you work in mysterious ways. You often use the youngest, the weakest, the person whom all odds are against in which to work your glory. Thank you for keeping us humble that way.
I love you, Lord.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
You are NOT God's Favorite!
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether slave or free."
Ephesians 6: 7, 8
Recently, I changed jobs. I went from being a secretary to working in the kitchen. This new job pays less and I wear a uniform, not dressy clothes. No nail polish or jewelry is permitted. Sneakers have replaced my heels. Does what I wear make me a better or lesser person? Should I think that a menial labor job is beneath me?
Heavens, no! Unlike people, God is impartial and does not show favoritism. He cares little if I am a corporate manager or a beverage server; what matters is the goodness, kindness or gentleness that reside in my spirit, coming to fruition as I work. These are the traits that make every person successful.
Ephesians 6: 7, 8
Recently, I changed jobs. I went from being a secretary to working in the kitchen. This new job pays less and I wear a uniform, not dressy clothes. No nail polish or jewelry is permitted. Sneakers have replaced my heels. Does what I wear make me a better or lesser person? Should I think that a menial labor job is beneath me?
Heavens, no! Unlike people, God is impartial and does not show favoritism. He cares little if I am a corporate manager or a beverage server; what matters is the goodness, kindness or gentleness that reside in my spirit, coming to fruition as I work. These are the traits that make every person successful.
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