Illustrations offer sermon insights

AUTHORITY
Lewis's is a large department store in Birmingham, England, which made plans to expand. In the way of their expansion plans was a tiny Quaker chapel -- a Friends' meeting house.
The store sent a letter to the leaders of the congregation: "Dear sirs. We wish to extend our premises. We see that your building is right in the way. We wish therefore to buy your building and demolish it so that we might expand our store. We will pay you any price you care to name. If you'll name a price we will settle the matter as quickly as possible."
A return letter was received promptly by the store's management. It read: "We in the Friends' meeting house note the desire of Lewis's to extend. We observe that our building is right in your way. We would point out, however, that we have been on our site somewhat longer than you have been on yours, and we are determined to stay where we are. We are so determined to stay where we are that we will happily buy Lewis's. If therefore you would like to name a suitable price we will settle the matter as quickly as possible. Signed, Cadbury."
Of course, the Cadbury's are the great candy company of England, and could very well have purchased Lewis's many times over. The point is that it is not the size of the building that counts but who signs the letter! And as Paul told the Corinthian church, "You are a letter from Christ ... written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God" (2 Cor. 3:3).
CONFIDENCE -- in face of adversity
As he was carrying his baseball and bat into the backyard, the little boy was heard telling himself, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!"
He tossed the ball into the air, swung mightily, and missed completely. "Strike One!" he cried out, then -- as he again tossed the ball into the air -- he said, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!" Once again, he missed: "Strike two!"
After looking over the ball and bat, he reminded himself: "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!" He tossed the ball in the air, swung with all his might, and missed again.
"Strike three!" he exclaimed. "I'm the greatest pitcher in the world!"
DESIRES - Determine results
Rick Brand tells about the man who had attended an evangelistic tent meeting. He had to listen to the sermon before he could get a hot meal. When he came out of the meeting with a big smile on his face, his buddy asked why he was so happy.


"I just heard something really great. They told me that a man reaps what he sows. That means if I sow wine, women and song, I'll be able to reap wine, women and song!"
It works that way, but that is the curse of it. You never get any better than you want. God so loved the world that He sent His only Son so that we might want better than we have, (submitted by Rick Brand, Pastor, Bethel Presbyterian Church, Bethel Park, PA)
ENCOURAGEMENT
An Indianapolis school teacher had the duty of telling her nineteen second-graders the results of their state-required progress test taken earlier that year. Unfortunately, not all of them had passed the test.
As the teacher spoke with each one, it was easy to tell which ones had passed -- their facial expressions told the story. Those who failed walked quietly back to their seats. For one little boy, it was all too much. Though he tried to hold back the tears, they began to flow.
Then the unexpected occurred. One by one, the children came to the crying boy's desk to comfort him. They patted him on the back, hugged him (as only seven-year-olds can hug), and told him not to worry -- he would get another chance in summer school. They shared love and encouragement with a friend when he needed it most. Those children passed an even more important test that morning, (submitted by David L. Chancey, Pastor, Carmel Baptist Church, Carmel, IN)
EXPECTATIONS -- We live up to
Three Eastern European immigrants were being processed at Ellis Island. Unable to pronounce or spell their names, the clerk recorded their names as Glass, Diamond, and Taylor. After being processed, the three friends went their separate ways.
Years later, they met again as retirees in Florida. They compared notes on how each had made out.
"I did very well," said Mr. Glass. "I started a company and I have branches everywhere. Look in the yellow pages under Glass Installers -- that's me."
"I started my own company, too," Mr. Diamond explained. "We sell jewelry. Go into any decent-sized town and you'll find a Diamond Jewelers."
The third man said, "Well, because my name was Taylor, I started a clothing store. The first store failed. I opened another one in another town. That failed, too. I had a family to support and no money and no job. I prayed, 'Lord, help me to bear this burden. Help me to open another store -- one that will grow and prosper. If you do that, Lord, I'll give you half the profit'."
"How did you make out?" the two men inquired.
"Are you kidding?" he responded. "Haven't you ever heard of Lord and Taylor?" (submitted by Edward Chinn, Pastor, All Saints' Church, Philadelphia, PA)
FUTURE -- Quotations
"It is the business of the future to be dangerous." (Alfred North Whitehead)
"No one can walk backward into the future." (Joseph Hergesheimer)
"The trouble with our time is that the future is not what it used to be." (Paul Valery)
GUILT
Lawyers speak of a mens re -- a Latin phrase meaning "guilty mind." A criminal is not only one who commits an act he knows violates the law; a criminal can be one who knows what he does is wrong even if he knows of no particular law against his act. (James B. Stewart, The Prosecutors, p. 38)
By this standard, every person stands condemned before the heavenly court. Guilt does proceed from a guilty mind; we all commit acts we know are evil even if we do not know the statute which forbids the act. (submitted by Rick Davis, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Midlothian, TX)
OPPORTUNITIES -- Must be claimed
Arthur Caliandro, who succeeded Norman Vincent Peale as senior pastor of New York's Marble Collegiate Church, was faced with an administrative decision. He put off making the decision, hoping it would take care of itself or that someone else would handle it.
A friend, Amos Parrish, invited Arthur to lunch. During the meal, Amos asked the pastor, "Do you know the game of baseball?"
Arthur said he did, so Amos asked, "What does the pitcher do?"
"He throws the ball to the batter."
Amos said, "Then tell me what the catcher does."
Arthur answered, "He stands behind the batter and catches the balls the batter either misses or chooses not to hit."
Amos went on to explain: "Some people are pitchers. They take charge of things. They throw the ball. Others are catchers. They don't make decisions. They are on the receiving end. They catch whatever is thrown at them. When you want to do something with your life, be a pitcher!" (submitted by Edward Chinn, Pastor, All Saints' Church, Philadelphia, PA)
PARENTING
Judith Viorst, in her book Necessary Losses, comments on our unrealistic expectations for our children: "Because we believe ourselves to be better parents than our parents, we expect to produce 'better' children than they produced.... Letting our children go, and letting our dreams for our children go, must be counted among our necessary losses." (submitted by David W. Richardson, Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Dexter, MO)
POTENTIAL -- Can rise above
Bear Bryant, who coached the University of Alabama to several national football championships, once commented: "I'm a good coach of a boy who isn't a champion but doesn't know it. My walls are filled with photos of boys who weren't champions but never found out."
RIVALRY
A Japanese businessman and an American businessman were both taken hostage. After all efforts failed, they were told they'd be shot -- but each would get one last wish.
The Japanese businessman said, "I'd like to deliver one more lecture on the superiority of Japanese management techniques."
The American responded, "I'd like to be shot first so I don't have to listen to it!"
SALVATION -- Quotations
"The way to be saved is not to delay, but to come and take." (Dwight L. Moody)
"We are saved by someone doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves." (Donald Lester)
"Souls are not saved in bundles." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
SEXUAL PURITY
Chuck Swindoll quotes a cartoon showing a grandson saying to his grandfather: "In your day you didn't have all these social diseases. What did you wear to have safe sex?"
Grandfather answered, "A wedding ring."
WOMEN
Edward Chinn tells of the two men who happened upon an ancient lamp. When one of them rubbed it, a genie appeared before them and said to each of them, "I can grant you one wish."
The first man said, "I want to be the smartest man in the world." The genie said, "So be it." Then the genie turned to the second man and asked, "What is your wish?"
"I want to be smarter than the smartest man in the world." The genie said, "So be it -- and turned him into a woman!

Thank you

I would to thank each of you for being my Brother or Sister in Christ this past year . I will be having my knee done Jan 2 . The prayers you all have send to my Lord and savior , have blessed me more than this old country boy deserved . But you know , with Jesus and my friends {like you all } life is great . And again I like to say , “HAPPY NEW YEAR “ !!
Thank you again ,
Your friend ,
Jan bagwell ,
God Bless

Christ

Christ

When Queen Elizabeth was crowned they brought to her a sceptre. On the top of it was the Star of Africa, the largest diamond in the world. Before that they brought to her a staff. On the top of that staff was a dove, a symbol of their prayer that the Holy Spirit would be her guide. But before that they brought to her a ring, like a wedding ring. It symbolized the union between the queen and her people. But before that they brought to her an orb. It was a globe of the world made of solid pure gold. And over it there was a cross. It said, even to the queen, "It is Christ who rules the world. It is not you, nor any other mortal. It is Christ who rules the world!" When Peter and John used this verse to defend their right to preach, they went on to say, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved," (Acts 4:12). Christ stands in an absolutely exclusive position. No one can take His place!

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Holy Spirit - Filling Believers

Holy Spirit - Filling Believers
Vacuum or Victory?

A man who drank heavily was converted to Christ and lived victoriously for several weeks. One day as he passed the open door of a tavern, the pungent odor drifting out aroused his old appetite for liquor. Just then he saw this sign in the window of a nearby café: "All the buttermilk you can drink-25 cents!" Dashing inside, he ordered one glass, then another, and still another. After finishing the third he walked past the saloon and was no longer tempted. He was so full of buttermilk that he had no room for that which would be injurious to him. The lesson is clear: to be victorious over our evil desires, we must leave no opportunity for them to repossess us.

Dwight L. Moody once demonstrated the principle like this: "Tell me," he said to his audience, "how can I get the air out of the tumbler I have in my hand?" One man said, "Suck it out with a pump." But the evangelist replied, "That would create a vacuum and shatter it." Finally after many suggestions, Moody picked up a pitcher and quietly filled the glass with water. "There," he said, "all the air is now removed." He then explained that victory for the child of God does not come by working hard to eliminate sinful habits, but rather by allowing the Holy Spirit to take full possession.

Love

Love
Fox News reported on July 31, 2002 that a new drink is gaining widespread popularity. Nexcite has sold over 24 million bottles in the last year. The reason? This beverage serves as a contemporary "love potion." One coffee shop owner who discovered the drink at a trade show bought and brought as many as she could fit in a U-Haul back to her store. She began selling Nexcite immediately (Of course, she only recommends the drink for married couples.). Pretty soon this coffee shop owner had people lining up at her door desiring to get their hands on a bottle. Fox reports that one man even offered several thousand dollars for the opportunity to ingest the liquid love .
How foolish to think that love is packaged in a bottle! Our culture leads us to believe that love is merely a feeling that comes and goes -- not a commitment that involves much work to maintain and yields a much greater reward than a moment of pleasure. Humanity is always looking for immediate gratification; it's no wonder we're now trying to bottle it for sale at your local store or restaurant. Love is only possible because of God's love first for us. And it is only as we trust in Him that we will experience true love and be empowered to give it.

Stewardship

Stewardship

Honest Abe

At the age of twenty-four, Abraham Lincoln served as the postmaster of New Salem, Illinois, for which he was paid an annual salary of $55.70.

Even then, twenty-four years before he entered the White House, the rail splitter was showing the character that earned him the title of "Honest Abe."

The New Salem post office was closed in 1836, but it was several years before an agent arrived from Washington to settle accounts with ex-postmaster Lincoln, who was a struggling lawyer not doing very well.

The agent informed him that $17 was due the government. Lincoln crossed the room, opened an old trunk and took out a yellow cotton rag, bound with a string. Untying it, he spread out the cloth and there was the $17. He had been holding it untouched for all these years.

"I never use any man's money but my own," he said.

Freedom

Freedom

For many years the license plates of New Hampshire, bore the slogan, made famous by Revolutionary War general John Stark - live free or die. The irony is that those great words were printed onto the license plates by inmates in the state prison. They could not leave their prison, but many of us stay in our prisons when we have the power to leave. We want to live free, but we do not want to do what the gospel says we need to do to be truly free.

Christman Bells

Christmas Bells


"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!


And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Then from each black accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"


Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Christmas

Christmas


In a Native American community, they have an interesting custom. After midnight service on Christmas Eve, one family takes the doll from the manger home with them. They keep the Christ child in their home for the 12 days of Christmas. It is
considered a great honor to be the family chosen to do this. They take the Christ child home with them. That is really the dream we all share?to take Christ home with us.

Messiah

Messiah

The December 16, 1997 issue of the tabloid The Sun carried this headline on the front page: New Messiah to Be Born in Holy Land. Inside the story says that on the eve of Christmas and Hanukkah a strange meteor would appear over Bethlehem. (The two festivals coincided in 1997, an event that occurs about once every ten years!) It should be obvious by now that the prophecy failed to come true, but no doubt it sold lots of copies of the Sun.

One has to ask, "What would a new Messiah do that the old Messiah has not already done?" The Messiah we have known lived a sinless life, served in a selfless way, showed uncommon compassion, died a sacrificial death, and came back to life in a triumphant resurrection. What would a new Messiah do that Jesus has not already done?

Human compassion

Human Compassion

Arthur Gordon in an article entitled "The Rewards of Caring," tells the story of how once, as a small boy, he was witness to a near tragedy. At the beach, a woman stepped off a sandbar into deep, swift water and panicked. At least 20 adults in bathing suits watched, apparently paralyzed, until suddenly a young man ran up, plunged in full clothed and brought the woman out.

As Arthur Gordon described the episode later to his parents, his admiration for the young man was matched by the contempt he felt for those who failed to act. She was drowning, and they didn't even seem to care.

His father looked at him thoughtfully and said, "The world often seems divided between those who care and those who don't care enough. But don't judge too harshly. It takes courage to care greatly."

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Acceptance , Compassion

Acceptance, Compassion

A number of years ago, Newsweek magazine carried the story of the memorial service held for Hubert Humphrey, former vice-president of the United States. Hundreds of people came from all over the world to say good-bye to their old friend and colleague. But one person who came was shunned and ignored by virtually everyone there. Nobody would look at him, much less speak to him. That person was former president Richard Nixon. Not long before, he had gone through the shame and infamy of Watergate. He was back in Washington for the first time since his resignation from the presidency.

Then a very special thing happened, perhaps the only thing that could have made a difference and broken the ice. President Jimmy Carter, who was in the White House at that time, came into the room. Before he was seated, he saw Nixon over against the wall, all by himself. He went over to [him] as though he were greeting a family member, stuck out his hand to the former president, and smiled broadly. To the surprise of everyone there, the two of them embraced each other, and Carter said, "Welcome home, Mr. President! Welcome home!"

Commenting on that, Newsweek magazine asserted, "If there was a turning point in Nixon's long ordeal in the wilderness, it was that moment and that gesture of love and compassion."

Christ compassion

Christ's Compassion

The Pit

A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out.
A Christian Scientist came along and said: "You only think that you are in a pit."
A Pharisee said: "Only bad people fall into a pit."
A Fundamentalist said: "You deserve your pit."
An IRS man asked if he was paying taxes on the pit.
A Charismatic said: "Just confess that you're not in a pit."
An Optimist said: "Things could be worse."
A Pessimist said: "Things will get worse!!"
Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.

Compassion fatigue

Compassion
Reporters have come up with a new term to describe the lack of reaction to disasters. They call it compassion fatigue. We are constantly inundated with stories of human distress: famine, genocide, and earthquakes. Some say that since we cannot help them all, we sometimes tune out such news. Certainly no one can accuse Americans of not caring. Eight out of ten Americans give something to charity every year. But we can see how modern news gathering and reporting does overwhelm us with stories of disasters and we do often feel helpless to assist even when we'd like to. Thankfully, our God never has compassion fatigue. He is pained by all the suffering of those made in His image. He is gracious and forgiving to those who disappoint Him. He is, as the Bible says, "full of compassion" and "His mercy endures forever."

Compassion 2 { we all need somebody ]

We all need someone to stand by us some time. Television and print reports told the story of thirteen-year-old Natalie Gilbert. Natalie was asked to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" before a full house at a NBA playoff game. As sometimes happens, Natalie forgot the words. She closed her eyes and appeared to be on the verge of tears. Maurice Cheeks, head coach of the Portland Trailblazers, walked out on center court, placed his arm around Natalie and began singing with her. He then asked the crowd to join them. What could have been enormously embarrassing turned into a great moment.

We all need someone to stand with us in our frailties and help us become better. People might sometimes help, but Jesus always will. By the way, Natalie has been asked to sing again next year.

compassion

Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

Thoughts on today's verse

Compassion. Not pity, not anger, not shame, not impatience, not intolerance, not rejection, but compassion is what God, my Father, gives to me. He cares for my pain enough to enter into my world and share it in Jesus.
Prayer:

Father of Mercies and God of all Compassion, thank you for not only knowing and caring about my struggles and problems but sending me help in Jesus and the Holy Spirit. By one I know your love and mercy and by the other I know your might and power. May your Spirit of compassion be found in my relationships. Through the grace of Jesus I pray. Amen.'

Christmas: When Your Heart Grows Three Sizes

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

In Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch suffers from having a small heart. The source of his heart problem is his lack of understanding the meaning of Christmas. As the story goes, the Grinch tries to put a stop to Christmas, but in the end, he comes to understand what Christmas is all about and his heart grows three sizes! This heart change makes a big difference in his life.

I’m not sure what Dr. Seuss’ intentions were when he wrote the story back in 1957, but it certainly comes across as a Christian parable to me that parallels the change that takes place in a person’s life when he or she comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, who was born to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). When the light of the Good News of Jesus dawns upon the heart of a person, God replaces the old heart of stone, with a new, fleshy heart – and a new person emerges. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“Welcome Christmas – While we stand – Heart to heart – And hand in hand.”[1] It might just make all the difference in the world.

Holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in;
Be born in us today!

We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!
(from O Little Town of Bethlehem)

We celebrate Christmas because of the power Jesus brought to change our hearts.

Going Deeper:

Give an example of a time when you changed your mind about something.
How did the words or actions of others influence your change of heart?
Towards the end of the story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” what happened that caused the Grinch to change his mind about Christmas? What lessons might we learn from the story?
How has understanding the true meaning of Christmas made a difference in your life?
Family Time: Gather your family together and watch the classic half-hour Christmas cartoon, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Then, using the content above, lead your family in a discussion about how Jesus has the power to change our hearts.

Jesus is concerned to give assurance to those of us who would read the Gospel of John in the 21st century.

For example, he prays for us in John 17:20, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” In other words, Jesus foresaw that after his departure everyone who would become a Christian would do so not by seeing his physical body but through “the word” of the eyewitnesses. This is possible because an eyewitness like John wrote the Gospel of John.

Another example is the way Jesus responded to Thomas who needed to see Jesus’ wounds in order to believe he was really raised from the dead. Jesus had us in mind when he said to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

The point of these two examples of Jesus’ concern for us is not that we don’t see anything. The point is that though we can’t see his physical person, the kind of seeing needed to believe is still possible. It happens through the words of the eyewitnesses.

Jesus’ point is that those who have not seen him physically are not at a disadvantage in seeing him the way we need to see him in order to believe in him and have eternal life. Many saw Jesus physically and did not believe. Some saw the amazing miracles and wanted to kill him because of them (John 11:47-48). They did not see the glory of God. They only saw a threat to their power and their way of life.

Even the disciples were slow to see with the eyes of the heart what they were seeing with the eyes of the head. For example, Jesus said to Philip, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). The divine glory of Jesus broke in on the disciples in different ways and at different times.

So it is with us who see Jesus now. Though we do not see him physically, nevertheless we see him through the witness that John bore to Jesus. The Gospel of John (and the other Gospels) are portraits where we look and see Jesus. So we can have the same mixed reaction that the people did in Jesus’ day. Of some it was said, “seeing they do not see” (Matthew 13:13). So some of us see the portrait of Jesus in the gospel and do not see the compelling, divine glory of the Son of God full of grace and truth. Others do.

What did Jesus mean ?

What Did Jesus Mean?


Certainly the young man meant well. And although the medical staff in the emergency room questioned his sanity, his commitment and sacrifice were undeniable. He arrived at the hospital with a bloody stump where his hand had been. In response to questions he explained that he was following the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, “And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, . . .”(Matt. 5:30).[1]

The man with the severed hand knew the words of Jesus. But did he know their meaning? Sincere Christians may be at risk today because they want to follow the teachings of Jesus but are confused about their intended meaning. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow me” (Matt. 10:38)? What is the lesson behind His words, “Do not throw your pearls before swine” (Matt. 7:6)? Was Jesus offering Christians instant gratification when He said, “Ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7).

Some of Jesus’ words and teachings seem puzzling, at best, and nearly impossible for us to obey. Yet he came to reveal the truth (John 8:32). And we know that He wanted to be understood and followed. God gave us the Bible so that we would understand spiritual truth and apply it to our lives (Psalm 119:130, 1 Timothy 3:15).

The biblical writers clearly assumed that their readers would understand what they had written. This is the basis for the doctrine of “the clarity of Scripture.” Christians believe that “the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who will read it seeking God’s help and willing to follow it.”[2]

Yet Peter himself acknowledged that there are some things in Scripture that are “hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16). So how can we go about making those “hard” sayings more readily understandable? Here are some practical suggestions:

1. Identify the problem. Is it textual, theological, ethical or practical? It is sometimes helpful to put the problem in the form of a question. For example, “Did Jesus endorse an attitude of self-depreciation when He announced, “Many who are first will be last” (Matthew 19:30). “Should we denigrate ourselves on earth to gain honor in heaven?”

2. Carefully examine the text. Sometimes a problem can be resolved by a closer reading of the text, as in the case of the supposed execution of Achan’s children (Joshua 7:22-26). The Hebrew text indicates that they stoned Achan (“him”) and then apparently burned the stolen goods (“them”).

3. Compare Scripture with Scripture. Many difficulties can be resolved when we consider the clearer and more direct teachings of other biblical texts. Does God punish children for the sins of their parents? Reading Exodus 20:5 may lead to this conclusion unless you compare the statement in Jeremiah 31:29-30 where such a viewpoint is strongly refuted. Comparing the two texts suggests that Exodus 20:5 refers to the natural consequences of a parent’s sinful actions rather than divine punishment falling on children.

4. Consult the authorities. Often a commentary can assist in clarifying the problem and offering and reasonable solution.

5. Rely upon the Spirit. As believers, we rely upon the ministry of the Holy Spirit to illuminate the text (John 16:13, 1 John 2:27). Our reliance upon the Spirit is expressed through an attitude of love, obedience and submission. God’s Spirit will clarify God’s truth to those who are ready and willing to obey (John 14:23).

6. Select a solution. The best solutions are those that reflect a straight forward interpretation of the text. But don’t close your mind to further study. You never know when you will discover an additional insight that will shed new light on the “hard” saying.

DECEMBER TWENTY-FIFTH

• Christmas Day.
• Sir Isaac Newton born 1642.
• William Collins born 1721.
• Father Taylor born 1794.
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This is the month, and this is the happy morn,
Wherein the Son of heaven's eternal King,
Of wedded maid, and virgin mother born,
Our great redemption from above did bring.
—John Milton.
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Christmas is here;
Winds whistle shrill,
Icy and chill,
Little care we;
Little we fear
Weather without,
Shelter'd about
The Mahogany tree.
—William M. Thackeray.
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And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
—Luke 2. 10, 11.
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Almighty God, I give honor and praise to express my joy for thy great love in the gift of thy Son, Jesus Christ. With a glad heart I wish all mankind "A merry Christmas," and may I ever remember, where the angels sang, "Peace on earth, good will toward men." Amen.

Christmas

A little girl, dressed as an angel in a Christmas pageant was told to come down the center aisle. The child asked, “Do you want me to walk or fly?” You feel as though she almost could have flown. Don’t ever lose the wonder and mystery of Christmas.

Every year I’m reminded of those words of the late Peter Marshall: “When Christmas doesn’t make your heart swell up until it nearly bursts and fill your eyes with tears and make you all soft and warm inside, then you will know that something inside of you is dead”

Christmas Food for the Soul

With Christmastime comes lots of good food. Christmas candy, cookies, cakes, pies, and Christmas dinner are all part of the special nature of our Christmas celebrations. It’s commonly noted that on average, people gain between five and ten pounds during the holiday season. Yikes! But, while we’re enjoying stuffing ourselves with Christmas goodies, how about doing some thinking on our spiritual nourishment?

Christmas is a wonderful time to remember that Jesus is the “bread of life.” It’s a powerful illustration of what Jesus is meant to be to our lives. He’s the source of life. He’s the food our souls need!

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.” John 6:35

This Christmas, make sure you’re feeding your soul a healthy diet of Jesus.

Going Deeper:

What are you doing this Christmas to make sure you are filling your soul with Jesus?
Can we ever have too much of Jesus? Why or why not?
Family Time: Bake and decorate homemade Christmas cookies. Allow everyone in the family to participate if they want. Everyone should be able to request their favorite kind of cookie. As you make cookies, use the content above to remind your family that Jesus is the “bread of life.”

Happiness

Happiness



For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

Has it ever struck you that you have been programmed to be unhappy and so no matter what you do to become happy, you are bound to fail?

If you wish to be happy the first thing you need is not effort or even goodwill or good desires, but a clear understanding of how exactly you have been programmed. This is how it happened: First, your society and your culture taught you to believe that you would not be happy without certain persons or things.

Once you have swallowed your belief, you naturally developed an attachment to this person or thing you were convinced you could not be happy without. Then came the efforts to acquire your precious thing or person, to cling to it once it was acquired, and to fight off every possibility of losing it. This finally led you to abject emotional dependence so that the object of your attachment had the power to thrill you when you attained it, to make you anxious lest you be deprived of it and miserable when you lost it.

This is an exhausting task that leaves you little energy for the business of living and enjoying life fully. It is also an impossible task in an ever-changing world that you simply are not able to control. So instead of a life of serenity and fulfillment, you are doomed to a life of frustration, anxiety, worry, insecurity, suspense and tension.

Life is not giving you what you have convinced yourself you cannot be happy without.

Now as I have thought about this passage, it has opened up all kinds of implications for life. Perhaps the reason that we often do not see our lives as being filled with “happiness” it that we have bought into a culture that tells us what we need to be “happy” or, as I puts it, we’ve been programmed.

The culture we live in is great at programming us to yearn for “things” that cannot truly satisfy. Just look at the messages we hear, see or read everyday: “Buy this”; “get that” and your desires will be met. You’ll finally be happy. But, the reality is, when we do “buy” or “get,” we just yearn for something else. So this has opened up all kinds of questions for me…

What might it look like for me to live with enough?

What might it look like for me to live simply, humbly, content, happy, fulfilled?

What might it look like to live at peace, true abiding peace?

Jesus came, not to affirm the programming, but to shatter it - to say that there was a better way to live, a better way to embrace life to the fullest. He came to remind us that life, true life, is not found in the abundance of things, but is found in living the kingdom kind of life. Happiness is freedom.

Like He said one day on a Galilean mountainside, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The Greatest Gift of All

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

—Luke 2:11



When you were a child, you probably looked forward to receiving Christmas gifts, just like children do today. And if you were like I was, you peeked underneath the wrapping paper well before Christmas just to find out what your parents were giving you. As you’ve grown older, you have probably found more joy in giving a gift than in receiving one. You’ve begun to understand what Jesus meant when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).



But this business of gift-giving can get very expensive. I remember one year when I said, “Let’s do the 12 days of Christmas. We’ll give a gift every day for 12 days.” Now we are back to the one day of Christmas. Someone has actually calculated what it would cost to give all the gifts mentioned in “The 12 Days of Christmas,” and it added up to $18,920. A partridge in a pear tree was relatively reasonable, only about $100. The biggest expense was nine ladies dancing. That would run in the neighborhood of $5,000.



We can get caught up in the excitement of it all, but the true message of Christmas is not the gifts that we give to one another, but it is the gift that God has given to us:



For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)



What a wonderful verse that is. It speaks of God’s gift of His only begotten Son. That gift was the greatest gift of all.

"He remembers that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14).part1

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In the Shadow of the Cross: The Deeper Meaning of Calvary
Perhaps there is no mystery in the
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dying a death of shame to
redeem mankind.

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Have you wondered what God really thinks about you?
Our greatest barrier to knowing God better may be how much we know about how much God knows about us. We struggle with God because we feel so bad about ourselves, and if we know the truth about ourselves, think of how much more God knows us!


Follow The Christmas Star (30:40)

There is a danger from viewing the sweetness of a Christmas pageant where everything
is so clean and neat and nice instead
of how it really was.

Does Prayer Make a Difference? (47:43)
We might call this story “the preacher and the prostitute” because it’s a lesson about pride and humility. It’s also about how God welcomes those who aren’t ashamed to admit how much they need him.
We can’t fool him.
Sometimes we don’t want to pray or read the Bible or think about God because when we look in the mirror, we feel like saying, “You’re a big disappointment” or “You ought to be a lot better by now.”

We’ve all felt that way from time to time, and I imagine that many people reading these words feel that way right now. It’s been a hard week, or a bad month, and now we’re near the end of what seems like a wasted year.

I think we run from God rather than to him because we know our own hearts all too well and his barely at all.

I probably don’t need to spend any time convincing you that you are a sinner. You probably know the truth about yourself all too well. But it’s the other side that we need to talk about. We don’t know God’s heart very well.

You probably know the truth about yourself all too well.
That’s where Psalm 103 can help us tremendously. Perhaps no other chapter in the Bible so clearly reveals God’s compassion for his people. If you’re wondering what God thinks about you, let’s take a journey through Psalm 103 and discover seven liberating truths about God’s heart.

A FORGOTTEN HERO

Read Acts 9:20--25

The transformation is stunning. Saul, no doubt with blood stains still on his garment from Christians he had tortured, now stood with arms outstretched announcing, "I'm here to testify to you that Jesus is the Messiah, God's Son." And the people who heard it were amazed. The Greek text uses the term from which we get the word ecstatic. They responded with nothing short of ecstatic astonishment at the swift reversal of Saul's life.

Imagine sitting in the synagogue. In front of you, preaching Jesus as the Messiah, is the very man responsible for condemning innocent Christians to death. Others he had taken into prisons, perhaps some of them relatives and friends. The room was full of jaw-dropped stares. The next statement assures us he didn't slow down: "But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ" (Acts 9:22).

It gets better. Not only did Saul preach about Christ, he preached with remarkable skill. The word translated proving comes from a Greek verb, which means, "to knit together from several different strands." Saul's sermons were skillfully woven together, seamlessly delivered with compelling logic---all signs of a gifted expositor.

Word by word, sentence by sentence, point by point, Saul walked his listeners through the powerful passages of the Old Testament Scriptures, including the writings of the prophets, presenting an airtight case for believing in Christ as their promised Messiah. Until Saul made his case, most had never made that connection. What a convincing communicator!

Before we go on, let's pause and remind ourselves, none of these remarkable events could have been witnessed, or even recorded for that matter, had it not been for Ananias's courageous faith. You may have never thought of that until now. Saul would have remained blind and trembling had the disciple of Damascus refused to obey and go to Straight Street. All this was set in motion because God used the memorable faith of a little-known but faithful hero. His trembling but faithful obedience changed the destiny of millions, including you and me.

Christmas - A Personal Promise

Matthew 1:18-25


Christmas is more than an event. It is a promise that has been offered to mankind - a personal promise that is applicable 365 days a year. And when we understand its significance, Christmas takes on a whole new meaning to us.


In this scripture, there are two names that help us to recognize the true importance of Jesus' birth. The first is the name Jesus which means "God is salvation." In giving that name, the angel was indicating the work that Christ was coming to do. The second name - mentioned only 3 times in the Bible - is Immanuel, which means "God with us." In the name of Jesus, we find forgiveness for our sins, and Immanuel delivers the wonderful promise that God will be with us forever.


On the night Jesus Christ was born, the eternal God was motivated by love to enter the human family. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and supernaturally born to a virgin in order to be one of us. But He never ceased to be God. Apart from the incarnation (the birth of God in human flesh), there is no hope and no future for anyone who has ever lived. Without Jesus, we would have to stand before Almighty God with all of our sin resting upon us.


At Christmastime, I want to encourage you to pray before you plunge into the packages. As you look at the Christmas tree, remember THE TREE. (Galatians 3:13) When you see the lights, remember THE LIGHT. (John 8;12) And when you look at the gifts, remember THE GIFT. (John 3:16)

Christmas

One of the great mystery stories of G.K. Chesterton is entitled The Man Who Was Thursday. Jesus is the “man who was Christmas,” for Christmas is embodied in a person. We sing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” but Christmas is not really a season. In the mid-South farmers used to try to get their crop to market in December so they could have some “Christmas money,” but Christmas is not money. We say we are going home for Christmas, but Christmas is not a date on the calendar. We talk about our Christmas dinner, but Christmas is neither a feast nor a fancy dessert. Christmas is a person.

A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

--Proverbs 18:14



During World War II, a woman took her two little children to visit her parents in Texas because her husband was stationed in Europe. As they got ready for Christmas?setting the tree up, putting the presents out, and preparing dinner?they were experiencing the joy of Christmas, almost forgetting the worry of war. But no sooner had the fun began, than the family heard a dreaded knock on the door and received a terrible telegram greeting.



The young mother had to tell her children that Daddy wouldn’t be coming home for Christmas…ever. And then she went up to her room to weep alone. Her parents debated and finally decided to take down the Christmas decorations and put the presents away. When the young lady came downstairs, she immediately saw the empty spot. She exclaimed, “Mother, what have you done?”



Her mother replied, “You’re so broken-hearted, so your father and I decided this is not the time for Christmas.”



The new widow said, “Oh no, mother, bring it all back. Christmas was made for times such as these.”



Many people have overwhelming problems which make it hard to get excited about the holidays whether they be financial difficulties, physical ailments, loneliness, or emotional pain from the loss of a loved one. Christmas is certainly not about the presents, lights, and decorations, but it is surely a time when we can lean on the goodness of God and rejoice in Christ’s birth.



Try serving someone else this season and God will bless you (see Acts 20:35). Jesus came to this earth to serve others and to give His life for you (see Mark 10:45). Among all of the other difficulties this time of year, that is reason to celebrate!



PRAYER CHALLENGE: Amidst difficulties this season, praise God and thank Him for His many blessings and salvation.

When We See Him Face to Face

"I do not count the sufferings of our present life worthy of mention when compared with the glory that is to be revealed and bestowed upon us" (Rom. 8:18, 20th Century Trans.).

A remarkable incident occurred recently at a wedding in England. A young man of large wealth and high social position, who had been blinded by an accident when he was ten years old, and who won University honors in spite of his blindness, had won a beautiful bride, though he had never looked upon her face. A little while before his marriage, he submitted to a course of treatment by experts, and the climax came on the day of his wedding.

The day came, and the presents, and guests. There were present cabinet ministers and generals arid bishops and learned men and women. The bridegroom, dressed for the wedding, his eyes still shrouded in linen, drove to the church with his father, and the famous oculist met them in the vestry.

The bride, entered the church on the arm of her white-haired father. So moved was she that she could hardly speak. Was her lover at last to see her face that others admired, but which he knew only through his delicate finger tips?

As she neared the altar, while the soft strains of the wedding march floated through the church, her eyes fell on a strange group.

The father stood there with his son. Before the latter was the great oculist in the act of cutting away the last bandage. The bridegroom took a step forward, with the spasmodic uncertainty of one who cannot believe that he is awake. A beam of rose-colored light from a pane in the chancel window fell across his face, but he did not seem to see it.

Did he see anything? Yes! Recovering in an instant his steadiness of mien, and with a dignity and joy never before seen in his face, he went forward to meet his bride. They looked into each other's eyes, and one would have thought that his eyes would never wander from her face.

"At last!" she said. "At last!" he echoed solemnly, bowing his head. That was a: scene of great dramatic power, and no doubt of great joy, and is but a mere suggestion of what will actually take place in Heaven when the Christian who has been walking through this world of trial and sorrow, shall see Him face to face. --Selected

"Just a-wearying for you,
Jesus, Lord, beloved and true;
Wishing for you, wondering when
You'll be coming back again,
Under all I say and do,
Just a-wearying for you.

"Some glad day, all watching past,
You will come for me at last;
Then I'll see you, hear your voice,
Be with you, with you rejoice;
How the sweet hope thrills me through,
Sets me wearying for you."

Remembering What We’ve Learned

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” 2 Timothy 3:14

In the last days Satan is going to come, and there are going to be more miracles than you have ever seen. Most of them will not be done by God but will be done by the power of darkness ? the power of Satan. The Bible says that you can look for an explosion of the occult.

Thank God we don’t have to face these days without hope. God tells us what we must do in His Word. We are to remember what we’ve learned and to take His promises to heart. This will not be a time to doubt Him but to trust Him with all that we are.

How is your personal study time in God’s Word going? Start this week to incorporate at least one hour of personal time in God’s Word to study its promises, prophecies, and applications.

Give It All You've Got

Someone once approached a great Bible teacher and told him, "Sir, I would give the world to know the Bible as you do."

The teacher replied, "And that is exactly what it will cost you."

Would you give the world to know the Bible? By that I mean, would you be willing to give up something in exchange for knowing God’s Word? This is what the Apostle Paul meant in Romans 12 when he wrote, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (v. 2). How do you renew your mind? By studying the Word of God.

If you have determined to study the Bible for yourself, I want to bring to your attention three principles from Proverbs 2 that will help you get the most out of Bible study.

First, listen to God and treasure His instructions (2:1). Recognize how valuable the Bible is and come with eagerness to God's Word. In Acts 2, we read of new believers who gladly received God's Word and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching. Acts 17 tells us about the believers in Berea who listened to Paul's message and searched the Scriptures day after day to see if the things he was saying were true. In the same way, we should hunger for the Word.

Second, pray for insight and understanding (v. 3). Ask God to open His Word to you. The psalmist prayed, "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law" (Psalm 119:18). The next time you open up your Bible, pray that God would illuminate the truth of His Word to your life and show you how to apply it.

As you read, slow down. Take a little time. I would rather read five verses with comprehension than 15 chapters of the Bible and never understand a word. Read slowly and carefully, contemplating what the verses say to you and how they apply to your life.

The word meditate appears in the Bible often. It means, "to chew something over." Think about it. Ponder it. Psalm 1 describes the blessed man as one who delights in the law of the Lord and "in His law he meditates day and night" (v. 2).

Third, seek it as though you were searching for lost money or hidden treasure (v. 4). As you read through the Bible, think of it as mining for gold. Do you look for a quarter if you drop it? I do. Do you look for a dime? I do. Do you look for a penny? I do, depending on the circumstances. If you want to get the attention of a crowd, then drop a pocketful of change on the ground. Everyone will stop to look for it, because there is value in money.

Let's say, for example, that you somehow misplaced $1 million. Do you think you would go searching for it? I think I would. If I will look for a quarter, then I would look for a million dollars. But there is more than a million dollars in the Word of God. There is buried gold in the pages of Scripture. But you need to get to it and search it and find what is in the Scriptures for you.

The Bible tells us, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple . . . more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold . . . and in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19 7-11).

Fourth, apply what you learn in the Bible. Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed." To "abide" means to stay in a given place and draw your resources from something.

Let God's Word permeate your life and be at home inside of you. Let the Bible fill your life. After all, success or failure in the Christian life depends on how much of the Bible you get into your heart and mind on a daily basis and how obedient you are to it. If you have a deficiency of the Bible in your diet, then you will wither spiritually. If you have a regular diet of the Word of God, then you will be strong spiritually. Fall in love with the Bible, and you will never regret it.

Listen to the Story of Jesus and See the Glory of God...Continued from page 1

The Apostle Paul knew that he was sent to open the eyes of people who could not see Jesus physically, but who could see him spiritually and be saved. Jesus said to him, “I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 26:17-18).

Paul knew that Satan was blinding the eyes of unbelievers to keep them from seeing divine glory in the portrait of Jesus. “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

How do we see Jesus as compellingly, self-authenticatingly, beautifully, divinely glorious and true? We read or hear the story of his incarnation and life and death and resurrection and what it means. In that hearing, we watch him speak and act. We consider the purpose and plan of God in this story.

As we listen and watch, the mighty grace of God opens the eyes of our heart. That is what the connection between John 1:14 and 1:16 says: “We have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. . . . [For] from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Grace opened our eyes to see.

Another way to say it is that we see and know the truth and glory of Jesus because of the work of the Holy Spirit. “By this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us” (1 John 3:24). “By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 John 4:2). In other words, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see that this person we are hearing and watching in the story of the gospel is “from God.”

When this happens we say, “Jesus [that is, the incarnate one that we are seeing in the gospel story] is Lord!” And then Paul adds, “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). This means that our seeing that Jesus is Lord is the work of the Holy Spirit, and our seeing it is the witness of the Spirit in our lives.

I am praying that God would move among us in power during our so journ in the Gospel of John. O that he might open our eyes more and more to the fullness of his glory. May the Lord remove all blindness. May the Lord grant that we would see him and be changed into his image from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Listen to the Story of Jesus and See the Glory of God

Jesus is concerned to give assurance to those of us who would read the Gospel of John in the 21st century.

For example, he prays for us in John 17:20, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” In other words, Jesus foresaw that after his departure everyone who would become a Christian would do so not by seeing his physical body but through “the word” of the eyewitnesses. This is possible because an eyewitness like John wrote the Gospel of John.

Another example is the way Jesus responded to Thomas who needed to see Jesus’ wounds in order to believe he was really raised from the dead. Jesus had us in mind when he said to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

The point of these two examples of Jesus’ concern for us is not that we don’t see anything. The point is that though we can’t see his physical person, the kind of seeing needed to believe is still possible. It happens through the words of the eyewitnesses.

Jesus’ point is that those who have not seen him physically are not at a disadvantage in seeing him the way we need to see him in order to believe in him and have eternal life. Many saw Jesus physically and did not believe. Some saw the amazing miracles and wanted to kill him because of them (John 11:47-48). They did not see the glory of God. They only saw a threat to their power and their way of life.

Even the disciples were slow to see with the eyes of the heart what they were seeing with the eyes of the head. For example, Jesus said to Philip, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). The divine glory of Jesus broke in on the disciples in different ways and at different times.

So it is with us who see Jesus now. Though we do not see him physically, nevertheless we see him through the witness that John bore to Jesus. The Gospel of John (and the other Gospels) are portraits where we look and see Jesus. So we can have the same mixed reaction that the people did in Jesus’ day. Of some it was said, “seeing they do not see” (Matthew 13:13). So some of us see the portrait of Jesus in the gospel and do not see the compelling, divine glory of the Son of God full of grace and truth. Others do.

True Friends

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

?Proverbs 18:24

We cannot choose our coworkers necessarily. We cannot choose all the members of our family. But we can choose our friends.

Choose your friends carefully, and look for godly friends. Look for friends who love God, who will speak the truth to you, who will help to build you up, and who will be godly influences on you.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, those three Hebrew teenagers we read about in the book of Daniel, appeared to be great friends. They supported one another. When everyone else turned against them and everyone else was worshiping a false god, these three stuck together as godly friends, even in the fiery furnace. We need friends like this.

So how do we find out which of our friends are true friends? Here is one way: wholeheartedly commit your life to Jesus Christ, and you will find out who your true friends are. Before I was a Christian, I thought I had a lot of friends. Then when I asked Christ to come into my life, I realized that I didn’t have any real friends. They all deserted me, because they did not want to follow the God that I had chosen to follow.

Here’s another way to determine who your friends are. They will be standing by you when a hardship or crisis comes. Jesus had a lot of fair-weather friends. They were there when He was doling out bread and fish. When He was healing and speaking His words of love and compassion, they were everywhere. But where were they when He was arrested and taken away? They were gone. A true friend will be loyal to the end.

Thanksgiving... and More

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. — Psalm 105:1




Thanksgiving Day has long been a favorite holiday of mine. For me, life doesn’t get much better than a holiday that includes great food, friends and family, and football. It is appropriate and good that we take focus on this day to give thanks to God for all of His blessings to us – as individuals and as a nation.

For most of us, a thankful thought here and there, reading a poem, article or story about thankfulness, and a prayer before dinner is about the extent of our focus on thanks – which if you’re at all like me, is a significant focus! I find it very interesting, however, that in generations past, a day of thanksgiving also included a focus on confession of sin (both national and personal), and prayers that we might be the kind of people and nation God wants us to be, and that God would heal the wounds of war.

“And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed…” George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789.

“And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.” Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1863.

Today, while you are enjoying the blessing of home, food, family and friends, even as we give thanks for the blessings we enjoy, let’s also remember that giving thanks is only part of our spiritual duty. We are also called to confession of sin and to ask God to help us (both individually and as a nation) to walk in obedience to all that is right and good, in step with God’s desire for our lives.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving

Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.





There are several reasons why we should give thanks with grateful and cheerful hearts:

God is great! The psalmist said, “For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised…” (Psalm 96:4). As high as the heavens, so is the greatness of our God. Whether you’re looking through a microscope or a telescope, you can see the greatness of God, because all creation sings praises unto Him.
God is good! Exodus 34:6 tells us the Lord is “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth…” He always seeks the best for His children. Whether things are good or bad in your life, you can know that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). God’s goodness is powerful, present, and compassionate!
God is merciful! It is his mercy that causes us to praise Him. We don’t deserve His grace and mercy. As a matter of fact, if we got what we deserved, we’d all spend eternity in hell. But because of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection three days later, God gives us His unconditional love and grace.


Christ pulled us from the pits. With His love and grace, His strong arms lifted us out and put us on higher ground. That’s why we should be thankful every single day! We were once estranged and alienated from God and because of His greatness, goodness, and mercy, He forgave us of our sins and gave us life everlasting. How vast and immeasurable is the love and grace of God!



If you want to give thanksgiving to God in your life: celebrate each day as a gift to God, set a time daily for thanksgiving and gratitude to God, express gratitude to the people in your life, share the grace of God with others, faithfully serve with joyful obedience, and surrender your life unconditionally to Him.



YOU’LL HAVE A HEART OF GRATITUDE WHEN YOU’VE EXPEIRENCED THE GRACE OF GOD IN JESUS CHRIST.

Sweet Potato Times”

This was sent to me from a reader of my blog .Thanks to Sharon Alexander , she is 92 ,

Key Verse:

Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (NIV)



Devotion:

Another Thanksgiving spent with my husband’s family. I did not want to go, again. I begrudged the yearly expectation to show up with a smile and a hot dish. My list of complaints grew each year as to why we shouldn’t go. For example:



The turkey stuffing included raisins.

The rolls were store bought.

The glazed ham with pineapple slices was not to my taste.

All we did was watch football, not play games.

The women mingled in the kitchen; the men hung out in the den.

Plus, they always served sweet potatoes and I do not like them.



I griped incessantly each year pressuring my husband to stay home. My husband must have felt the truth of Proverbs 21:19, “Better to live in a tent in the wild than with a cross and petulant spouse” (The Message).



Now the funny thing about it, I love his family. However, my independent spirit yearned for my own holiday traditions. Any small displeasure validated my excuse not to spend Thanksgiving with them.



Finally one year on the way to his parent’s home, I snapped. The recipe I was assigned to bring was sweet potatoes. I’m sure you know the recipe that includes lots of brown sugar, marshmallows and butter spread across the top of the orange squashy vegetable. (Remember, I do not like sweet potatoes of any kind.) I wrapped the steamy dish in towels to transport it to Thanksgiving dinner. We piled the kids into the back seat. I plopped down in the front seat and my husband placed the hot pan of syrupy bubbling goo on my lap. As we rounded the first corner from our house, the pan slid, tipped and spilled all across my beige pants. My legs burned and my eyes filled with tears. I let all my pent-up frustration break upon my husband as my children sat silently with their eyes looking down. I ruined Thanksgiving for everyone.



As I look back, I realize how selfish I acted each year. My heart did not display thankfulness for my husband, my kids, the extended family or the abundance of delectable provision God provided each year. All I thought about was me. Even worse, I illustrated a poor example of Christian behavior to primarily unbelieving relatives.



Times change.



Two of my three grown children now live out-of-state. My dear mother-in-law died a year ago. Funny how time alters our feelings. At this moment, I would jump at the chance to return to a past Thanksgiving. I would watch my children play with their cousins. I would hug my mother-in-law. I would bring that silly marshmallow orange glob and I would eat it with relish. I miss those sweet potato times.



This Thanksgiving, remember to be grateful for the small things in life. And if you are married, give your husband the opportunity to say, “House and land are handed down from parents, but a congenial spouse comes straight from God.” (Proverbs 19:14, The Message.) Joyfully give thanks to the Father God, not only for the food, but for the family, friends and circumstances that you find yourself involved with this Thanksgiving. Because times change and there is a season for everything.



My Prayer for Today:

Father, remind me that time changes circumstances. Let me display grace and thanksgiving throughout these holidays, regardless of what I want. Help me to exhibit kindness, patience and joy to my family and friends. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.



Application Steps:

1. Make a list of everyone you anticipate to gather with you on Thanksgiving Day. Write one compliment for each person and share it with him or her with a grateful heart.



2. If you crave something special to eat for Thanksgiving Day, stock your pantry with the ingredients. Decide to prepare it for the holiday or to enjoy it sometime this month.



Reflection Points:

What do I tend to complain about during the holidays?



Is there something I dislike that will change over time?



Would my husband say I am a congenial or petulant spouse?



How can I change my attitude to reflect a truly thankful heart?



Power Verses:

Philippians 2:5, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (NIV)



Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (NIV)



Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, “There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.” (NIV)

Opportunity

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.

Christian One Liners

Don't let your worries get the
best of you; remember, Moses started
out as a basket case.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited
until you try to sit in their pews.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The good Lord didn't create anything
without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
People are funny; they want the
front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation
bangs on your front door forever.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Quit griping about your
church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If the church wants a
better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God Himself does not propose
to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Some minds are like concrete
thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Peace starts with a smile.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
I don't know why some people
change churches; what difference does
it make which one you stay home from?!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
A lot of church members who
are singing "Standing on the Promises"
are just sitting on the premises.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
God doesn't call the qualified,
He qualifies the called.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God grades on the cross, not the curve.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God loves everyone, but probably prefers
"fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
He who angers you, controls you!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Prayer:
Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The task ahead of us is never as
great as the Power behind us.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The Will of God never takes you to
where the Grace of God will not protect you.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

You can tell how big a person
is by what it takes to discourage him.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails= 4 given.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
If this e-mail blessed you in a profound
way today my Dear Friend, PLEASE pass this along to
everyone in your address book
to bless them today, tomorrow and ALWAYS! May God and
His Son bless you from today on out! Don't FORGET
pass this e-mail along, I'm sure someone
will LOVE it just as much as you and I did.

Life {2}

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." Nahum 1:7 NIV

Thoughts for Today
If you were traveling on an airplane, who would you want in control of flying the plane: a trained pilot … or a six-year-old child?

If you were having surgery, who would you want to be in control of the surgery: a doctor … or a gourmet chef?

If you need help for your life, who would you want to be in control: Almighty God who created all things and is all-knowing and all-powerful and loves you unconditionally … or you, the created?

Kind of puts things in perspective, doesn't it?

Our world is in turmoil today. Wars, terrorists and famines. Traditional values being turned upside down. Horrific crimes. Financial ups and downs. But amid the turmoil is a place of security. Of indescribable peace. That place of refuge is in Jesus.

Consider this…
If you are already trusting Jesus to be in control of your life, continue standing fast and strong. The turmoil around us will continue and is likely to grow, but Jesus will always be greater.

"Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence." Ephesians 3:12 NLT

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for providing a place of safety and peace in the middle of chaos. I want to trust you as Lord of my life and experience the peace that only you can give.

Purpose Of Life

The Mystery of Life

I wish that life was as easily explained as that great philosopher of the comic strips, Charlie Brown, once deduced that it was.

Lucy is saying to him, "Life is a mystery Charlie Brown…Do you know the answer?" Charlie Brown answered, "Be kind. Don't smoke. Be prompt. Smile a lot. Eat sensibly. Avoid cavities and mark you ballot carefully…Avoid too much sun. Send overseas packages early. Love all creatures above and below. Insure your belongings and try to keep the ball low…" Before he can get out another platitude, Lucy interrupts: "Hold real still," she says, "because I am going to hit you a very sharp blow upon the nose!"

Betrayals

Psalms 55:12-13
If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend.


"You will always be attacked in the place of your inheritance," said the man sitting across the breakfast table. "God has called you to bring people together and to impact other people's lives as a result of this anointing in your life. You must make sure that you seek to maintain righteousness in all of your relationships." Those words came from someone who had the wisdom and authority to speak them to me.

I have had a number of close relationships that ended in betrayal. I am very loyal to my friends and those with whom I have covenant relationships. Yet there are times that no matter how righteous you are, when someone means to betray you, he will do it. Loving those who betray you is "graduate-level Christianity." The religious community and one of His closest friends betrayed Jesus. Those who were closest to David betrayed him. Joseph's own family betrayed him. Loving our enemies cannot be accomplished by mustering it up. It can only happen when we have come to a death in ourselves so that Christ can love through us. It is truly one of those acts of identifying with the cross.

If you are a leader, you can be sure God will allow you to experience betrayal. It is one of those courses in the Kingdom that may not be required until God has seen that you have successfully passed other tests. It is the most difficult and most gut-wrenching of all tests. A godly response goes against all that is in us. Our natural response is to protect, retaliate, and retain unforgiveness and bitterness. Our natural response is satan's most powerful weapon; to overcome it requires much grace from God. Ask God to build His nature in you now so that when such attacks come, you will be aware that it is a test and you will respond in righteousness.

Work

There is an old fable from Aesop about a man who called his sons to his sick bed. "I am about to die," he said. "In my vineyard lies a treasure. Dig and you will find it." Not long after that, the man dies. The sons busily went to work digging in the vineyard. After they finished their repeated digging, they concluded there was no treasure. The next season, due to the digging, the good ground allowed the vineyard to produce more than it ever had before. There truly is a treasure for those who are willing to work.

Complaining

Charles Dickens once visited America and gave some lectures across the country. He told one audience that we here in this country are a bit mixed up. He said we should not have one Thanksgiving Day, but that we should have 364 Thanksgiving Days. The one day left over would be used just for complaining and griping; the other 364 to thank God. We do just the opposite. We complain for 364 days and then, perhaps, on one day count our blessings.

Happiness

Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

--1 Peter 1:8



I love to laugh. And if you know me, you know that the happiness that Jesus Christ gives is worth expressing. But, I have noticed something about happiness in the lives of believers—they don’t have much. Most of you have heard it said, that happiness is a choice. President Abraham Lincoln once said, “People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”



In addition to that, I believe happiness is a consequence. It is a result of something that takes place in our lives that produces happiness. It’s a habit—one that is produced in our lives when we practice spiritual disciplines and godliness. It is a consequence of the character and the attitude of our lives built in when our faith grows. Happy, happy, happy!



Have you noticed in the Bible how often the great qualities of the Christian life are described in superlatives? It’s not simply hope; but it’s the blessed hope! It’s not simple life; but Jesus said, “I’ve come that you might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). It’s not just grace; but it’s wonderful and glorious grace. It’s not just joy; but it is “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).



The Lord doesn’t just dole out His blessings one at a time, but He pours them on. That is our promise. As a believer in Christ, we need to learn that life is not simply something that we endure, but it is to be enjoyed to the fullest.



Next time you show up at church, don’t go looking like you just swallowed the communion rail with a stained glass look in your eyes. Go to celebrate the goodness and graciousness of God in your life! And when it’s time to laugh, let it loose!



The happiest people on earth are not the richest, most talented, or the most beautiful. They are the ones who have that happiness is the Lord! Happiness is in knowing Jesus Christ. And that happiness then if produced…a process that is produced every day, and a



HAPPINESS IS AN EVERYDAY PROCESS, AND

A CONSEQUENCE OF LIVING OUR LIFE GOD’S WAY.

Our Concept of Happiness

This is my happy way of life: obeying your commandments. - Psalm 119:56


Philosopher Eric Hoffer wrote, "The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness." Someone else once said, "There are two sources of unhappiness in life. One is not getting what you want. And the other is getting it."


So for many people today who are searching for happiness, the cold hard truth is they will never quite find it. You look at all of these people in Hollywood - with all of the accomplishments, fame, and money - and so many of them live miserable and empty lives. They are searching for happiness in the wrong way. True happiness is always a byproduct of holiness. You get your life right with God and happiness will soon follow.


That is why the nonbeliever will never know true happiness. They will go after the devil's cheap counterfeits, but the counterfeits are shallow, because they possess no deep well from which to draw. The world's concept of happiness is dependent on good things happening. The Christian's concept of happiness depends on a good God.

Satan's Lies to Families

John 8:44
Whenever he [the devil] speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies.


I can think of at least four lies Satan tells families:
1. "You're a failure. You'll never make it." The lie of self-condemnation is one of Satan's chief weapons. You may struggle with feelings of guilt, failure or inferiority. Satan would have us believe that our faults are much too damaging to be covered by the grace of God. If you believe this lie, it renders you powerless, passive and paralyzed without any hope of progress as a parent.

2. "You don't deserve to be unhappy." Of course God does want us to be happy, but the way Satan puts the statement is a lie because he means, "All you need to do is get out from under this relationship or these family pressures and you'll be happy." It's a "feel-good lie" because what really feels good is working through problems together.

3. "Nobody will find out." Have you ever heard a little voice tempting you to do something illegal or immoral that would bring instant satisfaction or pleasure? You may think nobody will discover what you do, but that's a lie. The truth will come out.

4. "If I had what Sam has, I'd be happier." Satan wants you to think that what you have is inferior to what someone else has. The lie is exposed when we realize that such comparisons are always made from a distance. If we had what Sam had, we would probably experience Sam-type problems, and they may be worse than ours.

Remember that Satan is a counterfeiter. If we refuse to believe his lies, he is rendered powerless. Resist him by remembering the truth of God's Word.


Prayer:

That a sense of God's own power will fill your heart, and that His voice through the Word will drown out each of Satan's lies.
Discuss: Which of these lies do you see Satan using with you? Be specific.

Living Your Thanksgiving

Make a glad sound to the Lord, all the earth. Give worship to the Lord with joy; come before him with a song. Be certain that the Lord is God; it is he who has made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep to whom he gives food. Come into his doors with joy, and into his house with praise; give him honour, blessing his name. For the Lord is good, and his mercy is never-ending; his faith is unchanging through all generations.
Psalm 100, The Bible in Basic English

When I was younger, Thanksgiving was pretty much just another holiday?a day when I got to eat a whole lot of good food and nibble on all the sugary stuff I wanted.


But besides being a holiday when I had permission to indulge, thanksgiving was also a word my grandmother always incorporated at the end of her prayers: "And with thanksgiving, in Jesus' name, Amen." I always wondered why she used a word that made me think of cornucopias and construction-paper turkeys; but she had the Th.D. in our family, and I did not. So I knew she must have had a good reason.

Years later, I think I now understand. In that one word, she was saying "Thank You for giving." You, being God. From my grandmother's example, I see that thanksgiving was more than a one-day family gathering. It was and is a way of living, a daily act of expressing gratitude to our Maker who first gave to us.

At this time of year, I sit and think about when I last thanked God for giving me anything?let alone His son, Jesus Christ. I'm ashamed to admit that I don't remember. But I know that I want to make such gratefulness as prominent as the giant turkey on the table and see thanksgiving become a way of life.

There's no better thanksgiving wisdom than that found in God's Word, specifically The Old One-Hundredth (Psalm 100). If you open your Bible and take a look at this passage, you'll see a notation under the heading: "A psalm. For giving thanks."

Following that, there are many directives listed that can help us live our Thanksgiving ...

Make a glad sound to the Lord
Give worship to the Lord with joy
Come before Him with a song
Be certain that the Lord is God
Come into his doors with joy, and into his house with praise
[Remember] for the Lord is good … His mercy is never-ending … His faith is unchanging
Reflect on these today, and ask the Lord how He can help you really live your Thanksgiving each day of the year.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Your celebration with friends or loved ones is probably already planned by this point. But here is your Thanksgiving Day challenge: take time to “live your Thanksgiving” and call or visit someone who is alone or having a hard time (for whatever reason) on this holiday.

Further Reading

Psalm 150

Thank you Lord

1 Corinthians 15:1-4
I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you... that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according Scriptures.



The Gospel story is pretty simple to understand. The grace of the Gospel is glorious to receive. The sacrifice of the Gospel is incomprehensible. The victory of the Gospel is life.
Prayer:

Almighty Lord, thank you for the empty tomb and Jesus' victory over the grave. Just as Jesus' death pardoned my sin, his resurrection assures my future. Thank you for grace and glory. May my life today be lived by the power of the resurrection. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Seek Communion

"They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn and grow as the vine" (Hosea 14:7).

The day closed with heavy showers. The plants in my garden were beaten down before the pelting storm, and I saw one flower that I had admired for its beauty and loved for its fragrance exposed to the pitiless storm. The flower fell, shut up its petals, dropped its head; and I saw that all its glory was gone. "I must wait till next year," I said, "before I see that beautiful thing again."
That night passed, and morning came; the sun shone again, and the morning brought strength to the flower. The light looked at it, and the flower looked at the light. There was contact and communion, and power passed into the flower. It held up its head, opened its petals, regained its glory, and seemed fairer than before. I wonder how it took place--this feeble thing coming into contact with the strong thing, and gaining strength!

I cannot tell how it is that I should be able to receive into my being a power to do and to bear by communion with God, but I know It is a fact.
Are you in peril through some crushing, heavy trial? Seek this communion with Christ, and you will receive strength and be able to conquer. "I will strengthen thee."

YESTERDAY'S GRIEF
The rain that fell a-yesterday is ruby on the roses,
Silver on the poplar leaf, and gold on willow stem;
The grief that chanced a-yesterday is silence that incloses
Holy loves when time and change shall never trouble them.

The rain that fell a-yesterday makes all the hillsides glisten,
Coral on the laurel and beryl on the grass;
The grief that chanced a-yesterday has taught the soul to listen
For whispers of eternity in all the winds that pass.

O faint-of-heart, storm-beaten, this rain will gleam tomorrow,
Flame within the columbine and jewels on the thorn,
Heaven in the forget-me-not; though sorrow now be sorrow,
Yet sorrow shall be, beauty in the magic of the morn.

Which Way, America?

Psalm 33:12


We are at a critical time in the history of America. Two philosophies have clashed at a crossroads, and only one can prevail and continue forward. One denies God a place in government, while the other insists His ways are the very foundation of government. So we must ask ourselves, How long will the Lord bless a people whose tendency is to turn their collective backs on Him?


When a nation recognizes Jehovah, the God of the Bible, as its Lord, then He favors that country with prosperity, protection, and stability. Right now, it is true that we as a nation are the recipients of God's rich blessings. But by the design of a few, America is being drawn away from the influence of Christianity. We can see the corruption that has resulted from the last century's attempts at ignoring the country's godly foundation. Our greatest enemy is not an external threat, but a menace within our own borders: our disintegrating moral character.


To steer our nation back onto the right path, Christians must speak up. Our next step is clear and simple: repent of the sin of willful ignorance - first as a church and then as individuals - and get involved in the life of this nation. Jesus tells us to be salt and light, in other words, to influence others with the truth of Scripture. (Matthew 5:13-14) One way to do this is by voting intelligently. Know the candidates' platforms, and vote according to the principles of God and our country, even if doing so won't benefit you personally. This is our spiritual responsibility.

Grace

John 20:19
..."Peace be with you!"


How would you respond to a group of fellow workers if you were their leader and you poured your life into them, teaching them all you know for three years, only to have them disband and go their own way when troubles came? What would you say to them after you were reunited for the first time? Perhaps you might scold them. Perhaps you might cite each one's offense. At the least, you might shame them for their lack of faithfulness and courage.

After Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, He appeared to the disciples. His first words to them were, "Peace be with you!" The word grace means "unmerited favor." When someone loves you unconditionally, without regard to your behavior in return, it becomes a powerful force in your life. Such was the case for the disciples when Jesus appeared to them. They could have expected reprimand. Instead, they received unconditional love and acceptance. He was overjoyed to see them. They were equally overjoyed to see Him.

Jesus understood that the disciples needed to fail Him as part of their training. It would be this failure that became their greatest motivation for service. Failure allowed them to experience incredible grace for the very first time. Grace would transform them as human beings.

Have you experienced this grace in your life? Have you extended grace to those who have hurt you? Can you let go of any wrongs that have come through friends or associates? The grace you extend may change their lives-and yours.

Waiting For Hope

"For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness" (Gal. 5:5, RV).

There are times when things look very dark to me--so dark that I have to wait even for hope. It is bad enough to wait in hope. A long-deferred fulfillment carries its own pain, but to wait for hope, to see no glimmer of a prospect and yet refuse to despair; to have nothing but night before the casement and yet to keep the casement open for possible stars; to have a vacant place in my heart and yet to allow that place to be filled by no inferior presence--that is the grandest patience in the universe. It is Job in the tempest; it is Abraham on the road to Moriah; it is Moses in the desert of Midian; it is the Son of man in the Garden of Gethsemane.
There is no patience so hard as that which endures, "as seeing him who is invisible"; it is the waiting for hope.

Thou hast made waiting beautiful; Thou has made patience divine. Thou hast taught us that the Father's will may be received just because it is His will. Thou hast revealed to us that a soul may see nothing but sorrow in the cup and yet may refuse to let it go, convinced that the eye of the Father sees further than its own.
Give me this Divine power of Thine, the power of Gethsemane. Give me the power to wait for hope itself, to look out from the casement where there are no stars. Give me the power, when the very joy that was set before me is gone, to stand unconquered amid the night, and say, "To the eye of my Father it is perhaps shining still." I shall reach the climax of strength when I have learned to wait for hope. Strive to be one of those--so few--who walk the earth with ever-present consciousness--all mornings, middays, star-times--that the unknown which men call Heaven is "close behind the visible scene of things."

How To Wait

"Blessed is he that waiteth" (Dan. 12:12).

It may seem an easy thing to wait, but it is one of the postures which a Christian soldier learns not without years of teaching. Marching and quick-marching are much easier to God's warriors than standing still.
There are hours of perplexity when the most willing spirit, anxiously desirous to serve the Lord, knows not what part to take. Then what shall it do? Vex itself by despair? Fly back in cowardice, turn to the right hand in fear, or rush forward in presumption?

No, but simply wait. Wait in prayer, however. Call upon God and spread the case before Him; tell Him your difficulty, and plead His promise of aid.
Wait in faith. Express your unstaggering confidence in Him. Believe that if He keep you tarrying even till midnight, yet He will come at the right time; the vision shall come, and shall not tarry.

Wait in quiet patience. Never murmur against the second cause, as the children of Israel did against Moses. Accept the case as it is, and put it as it stands, simply and with your whole heart, without any self-will, into the hand of your covenant God, saying, "Now, Lord, not my will, but Thine be done. I know not what to do; I am brought to extremities; but I will wait until Thou shalt cleave the floods, or drive back my foes. I will wait, if Thou keep me many a day, for my heart is fixed upon Thee alone, O God, and my spirit waiteth for Thee in full conviction that Thou wilt yet be my joy and my salvation, my refuge and my strong tower." --Morning by Morning
Wait patiently wait,
God never is late;
Thy budding plans are in Thy Father's holding,
And only wait His grand divine unfolding.
Then wait, wait,
Patiently wait.
Trust, hopefully trust,
That God will adjust
Thy tangled life; and from its dark concealings,

Will bring His will, in all its bright revealings.
Then trust, trust,
Hopefully trust.
Rest, peacefully rest
On thy Saviour's breast;
Breathe in His ear thy sacred high ambition,
And He will bring it forth in blest fruition.
Then rest, rest,
Peacefully rest!

Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:1

Christ has grace without measure in Himself, but He hath not retained it for Himself. As the reservoir empties itself into the pipes, so hath Christ emptied out His grace for His people. "Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." He seems only to have in order to dispense to us. He stands like the fountain, always flowing, but only running in order to supply the empty pitchers and the thirsty lips which draw nigh unto it. Like a tree, He bears sweet fruit, not to hang on boughs, but to be gathered by those who need. Grace, whether its work be to pardon, to cleanse, to preserve, to strengthen, to enlighten, to quicken, or to restore, is ever to be had from Him freely and without price; nor is there one form of the work of grace which He has not bestowed upon His people. As the blood of the body, though flowing from the heart, belongs equally to every member, so the influences of grace are the inheritance of every saint united to the Lamb; and herein there is a sweet communion between Christ and His Church, inasmuch as they both receive the same grace. Christ is the head upon which the oil is first poured; but the same oil runs to the very skirts of the garments, so that the meanest saint has an unction of the same costly moisture as that which fell upon the head. This is true communion when the sap of grace flows from the stem to the branch, and when it is perceived that the stem itself is sustained by the very nourishment which feeds the branch. As we day by day receive grace from Jesus, and more constantly recognize it as coming from Him, we shall behold Him in communion with us, and enjoy the felicity of communion with Him. Let us make daily use of our riches, and ever repair to Him as to our own Lord in covenant, taking from Him the supply of all we need with as much boldness as men take money from their own purse.