Category: Luke

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In a Nutshell

I know I’ve told you this before but it bares repeating. When our kids were little we didn’t have a lot of “rules” for them to follow. Just one, be obedient. That summed it all up “in a nutshell”.

It’s hard to remember a whole list of things isn’t it? It’s nice when things are simple and concise. That’s what I love about God’s word.

A Pharisee came to Jesus one day and was going to try and trip Him up on biblical teachings.

“The Pharisees learned that Jesus had made the Sadducees look so foolish that they stopped trying to argue with him. So the Pharisees had a meeting. 35 Then one of them, an expert in the Law of Moses, asked Jesus a question to test him. 36 He said, “Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?”

37 Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and most important command. 39 And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ 40 All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.” Matthew 22:34-30 ERV

Did you see what Jesus said? ALL the law and writings of the prophets can be summed up in these two commands. Doesn’t get much simpler than that – Love God and Love People! We just have to be obedient. That’s the teaching of the Bible “in a nutshell”.

Years ago I heard a story and I’m not sure if it’s true or just an illustration but no matter, it certainly brings home the point of love.

A businessman and his associates were waiting in an airport to board their plane and head home after attending a week long conference. The men were in one of the small cafes when they heard the boarding call. They quickly paid their tabs and hurried out into the corridor heading for their gate.

In their rush they overturned the table of a young woman who was selling apples to the travelers. The men rushed on without looking back, all but one. When the one man looked back he saw the damage that they had done and the young woman who had been selling the apples was in tears. He left his traveling partners and returned to the assist the young woman they had so rudely upended.

He set up the table, centered the basket on it and then began collecting the apples that had fallen to the floor. It was then that he realized the young woman was blind. He apologized for their rude behavior and offered to pay for all her apples knowing that no one would want to buy them now. He placed enough money in her hands to pay for 3 or 4 baskets of apples, made another apology and was walking away when he heard her call out to him.

“Mister, do you know Jesus? You’ve been so kind…it’s just like what I think Jesus would do.”

There have been many times when I have been in situations that require me to stop what I’m doing to care for others and I have a couple of choices, ignore the situation, get frustrated by the inconvenience or serve out of genuine love. I haven’t always acted like Jesus but I’m working on it.

The great thing about God is that He always gives us enough love for every situation. We never run out, it never comes to an end.

“Treat others just as you want to be treated. 32 If you love only someone who loves you, will God praise you for that? Even sinners love people who love them. 33 If you are kind only to someone who is kind to you, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners are kind to people who are kind to them. 34 If you lend money only to someone you think will pay you back, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners lend to sinners because they think they will get it all back.

35 But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. 36 Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you.

37 Jesus said: Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” Luke 6:31-38 CEV

So, to sum it all up “in a nutshell” if we love God with all our being He fills our hearts with His love and we can then love others, no matter how unlovable they may seem.

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First Things First

Yesterday I spent some time going through my ring of verses. WOW! A host of memories came flooding back. Times when the Lord made each one of the verses applicable to my life and the lives of my family.

But first things first…we have just completed several weeks in establishing God’s word as our foundation. I trust you have seen how important it is to be on solid ground.

I heard a story once about a man who came from a very remote rural community in the Appalachian Mountains into the city. He found himself in public meeting and the room began to get warm. A man went to a small box on the wall, adjusted it and it began to get cool. After the meeting was over the man from the mountains asked about the box on the wall. He was told it was a thermostat and when it is adjusted it will make the air cooler or warmer as is required.

Before heading back to the mountains our rural visitor stopped at the hardware store and bought a thermostat. He couldn’t wait to get home and put it on his wall. He nailed it to the wall, switched it to the “on” position and nothing happened. He moved the regulator slide up and down and nothing happened.

Many times we are like that. We have the thermostat but we aren’t connected to the power source and the proper equipment. Jesus is our source of power and his word is what equips us.

Mary and Martha were two sisters who loved Jesus and had Him in their home. Martha was busy getting dinner ready for Jesus and their guests and Mary was sitting in the living room listening to the teaching. This really upset Martha, she needed help.

“While Jesus and his followers were traveling, he went into a town, and a woman named Martha let him stay at her house. 39 She had a sister named Mary. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach. 40 But her sister Martha was busy doing all the work that had to be done. Martha went in and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 ERV

I know what it’s like to be Martha. I enjoy entertaining but everything has to be done right. I am a list maker, an organizer and I NEED for things to be done right. I could see myself doing the same thing.

However, through the years I have also learned that it doesn’t matter how many lists I have or how prepared I think I am if I haven’t spend time with Jesus my heart won’t be right. I will be anxious, focused on the details and oblivious to the people that need my love and assistance.

It’s nice to be retired and have more time to focus on what’s important but when I started on this journey of making God’s word a priority in my life I didn’t have 15 minutes to spare in my day.

We were farming 900+ acres of alfalfa. In Arizona, our growing season started in March and ended with the first frost (generally in December). In peak season we were cutting hay every 21-28 days. Ten cuttings a year. Dave and I had 2 Freeman balers, 1 swather, 1 roadsider and 1 double set of rakes. We had 1 irrigator and one lady who ran the roadsider, the rest of it we did. We had two small children, ages 5 and 7, meals to cook, laundry to wash, groceries to buy.

I didn’t have time to spend hours reading the Bible – thus the cards. Write out a verse and keep it close. I didn’t have a smart phone to store it in. How great to have these verses as a screen saver or in the photo gallery so I could scroll through them.

But I did learn that no matter how many things I had on my “to do” list each morning my day ran much smoother when I gave my first moments of each day to the Lord.

“ Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

34 Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.” Matthew 6:31-34 CEV

Make the verses above the first ones you start with. When God is your focus you’re whole day will be better.

Don’t worry. Trust God.

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Time to Sing It is Well

Today is our last day on Psalm 119.

“Lord, listen to my cry for help. Make me wise, as you promised. 170 Listen to my prayer. Save me, as you promised. 171 I will burst into songs of praise, because you have taught me your laws. 172 Let my voice sing about your word, because all your commands are good. 173 I have chosen to follow your instructions, so reach out and help me! 174 Lord, I want you to save me. Your teachings make me happy. 175 Let me live to praise you. Let me find the help I need in your laws. 176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep. Come and find me. I am your servant, and I have not forgotten your commands.” Psalm 119: 169-176

David finishes this Psalm by reminding the Lord what He has promised; wisdom, salvation, help, joy and restoration.  Aren’t you glad that Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. No wonder David was filled with joy; God had been consistent throughout His whole life – this is reason to sing.

Jesus displayed this consistency in rescuing Peter while He was walking on the water; He showed the Father’s heart in the story of the prodigal son; He displayed the ultimate in forgiveness and salvation when He spoke to the thief on the cross and prayed for those who had persecuted Him and had Him crucified.  His own condition never superseded His love and compassion. Hanging on the cross, He spoke to John about His mother’s well being…God IS love and how better can it be displayed than in the actions of Jesus!

God’s word will be a constant reminder of His love. It will show us how passionate He is about us; how far He will go in His search to restore us and how deep is the river of compassion that flows to us. This truly is reason to sing.

The other morning I was cleaning and listening to Pandora. An old hymn came on and I had to stop what I was doing and listen to the words. This song was written in 1873 but the lyrics are so strong, It is Well with My Soul.

“When peace, like a river, attends my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

  • Refrain:
    It is well with my soul,
    It is well, it is well with my soul.
  • Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
    Let this blessed assurance control,
    That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
    And has shed His own blood for my soul.
  • My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
    My sin, not in part but the whole,
    Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”

 

This is the reason we sing; Christ’s love removes our sin and gives us peace!

In the final verse of this wonderful chapter once again David draws an analogy for us using a shepherd and his sheep and God and his love. Jesus spoke a similar parable.

“All the tax-gatherers and sinners were coming to hear Jesus. 2 The proud religious law-keepers and the teachers of the Law began to speak against Him. They said, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

3 Then Jesus told them a picture-story, saying, 4 “What if one of you had one hundred sheep and you lost one of them? Would you not leave the ninety-nine in the country and go back and look for the one which was lost until you find it? 5 When you find it, you are happy as you carry it back on your shoulders. 6 Then you would go to your house and call your friends and neighbors. You would say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven because of one sinner who is sorry for his sins and turns from them, than for ninety-nine people right with God who do not have sins to be sorry for.” Luke 15:1-7 NLV

At one point or another we have all wandered off and gotten lost. What the shepherd doesn’t do is scold, ridicule, beat or in anyway abuse the sheep who was lost. Instead, he picks it up and carries it home. He is so glad to have it back that he throws a party.  The sheep was lost and couldn’t get home by itself; sometimes we just get out too far, we become weak and vulnerable and need someone to carry us home – that’s what Jesus does for us!

Let’s end now with a thought from the Apostle Paul – may your day be filled with the overflowing blessings of our Lord and Savior.

“37 But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. 38-39 Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

There is so much joy in knowing that my Father loves me and that nothing can separate me from His love! It is well.

 

 

 

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The Story Continues

Did you think that the Christmas story recorded in Luke chapter two ends when the shepherds go home? It doesn’t. The story continues. According to Jewish custom there were sacrifices and the act of circumcision that needed to be performed on the first male child who opened the womb – that would be Jesus.

And there were people, two in particular who were waiting at the Temple in Jerusalem for the Messiah to come, Simeon and Anna. They had waited all their lives to see the Christ child.

“The time came for Mary and Joseph to do the things the Law of Moses taught about being made pure. They brought Jesus to Jerusalem so that they could present him to the Lord. 23 It is written in the law of the Lord: “When a mother’s first baby is a boy, he shall be called ‘special for the Lord.’” 24 The law of the Lord also says that people must give a sacrifice: “You must sacrifice two doves or two young pigeons.” So Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem to do this.” Luke 2:22-24

The Scripture really doesn’t give us any insight to what happened for those first 7 days. We do know that Mary & Joseph were required by Jewish law to offer sacrifice for cleansing, a woman was considered unclean for 7 days following birth, and then a first born son also had a special offering to be made.

So did they just hang out in Bethlehem for the 7 days? We do know that they came to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer the proper sacrifices 8 days after Jesus was born. The trip to Jerusalem was only 5 miles.

Simeon was in the Temple going about his normal routine when his life was interrupted. This was the day he had been waiting for.

“A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God. He was waiting for the time when God would come to help Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him. 26 The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah from the Lord. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. So he was there when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to do what the Jewish law said they must do. 28 Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God:” Luke 2:25-28 ERV

And then there was Anna, she had been dedicated to serving in the Temple for decades. She was waiting to see the Messiah.

“ Anna, a prophetess, was there at the Temple. She was from the family of Phanuel in the tribe of Asher. She was now very old. She had lived with her husband seven years 37 before he died and left her alone. She was now 84 years old. Anna was always at the Temple; she never left. She worshiped God by fasting and praying day and night.

38 Anna was there when Joseph and Mary came to the Temple. She praised God and talked about Jesus to all those who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38 ERV

How long have you been waiting for God to answer a prayer and bring a promise to pass? Have you been willing to wait with expectation for years? Oh to be like Anna and Simeon, to trust God and know that any day could be the day you are waiting for.

Now it was time to return home to all the relatives. Would there be a celebration or would they shun the young couple and child? Again we don’t have any information on the day to day life. Many times we wonder if God is concerned about the day to day life.

“After Joseph and Mary had done everything that the Law of the Lord commands, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him.” Luke 2:39-40 CEV

He is! He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He has promised to give us strength in all things. He has told us to pray without ceasing – to rejoice always – to come boldly to His presence in our time of trouble. Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:4, Hebrews 4:16

Today may have “unknowns” to you but just remember there are no “unknowns” to God. Trust in the Lord today and He WILL direct your path!

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The Gift of the Invitation

Christmas is a time when there seems to be worldwide celebration. It’s not just an American, British, Chinese, Japanese, Asian or European holiday – it belongs to all of us. Just like Jesus!

Remember the words of the angels:

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy.” Luke 2:9-10 ERV

The message was to ALL people – A-L-L or as in the verse above to everyone. So that means you and I are in that grouping. No one has been left out. Good news to all! I love that, God’s gift was exclusively inclusive.

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 ERV

God’s love extends to everyone in the world. Some Christmas parties are only for those who belong to a certain company or club; others are for a particular group of neighbors or friends. Some have special printed invitations that are proof that you have been invited and deserve admittance but God offers an ALL invitation.

“Then the Lord will save everyone who asks for his help.” Acts 2:21 ERV

“The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” II Peter 3:9 ERV

I encourage you today to RSVP to the invitation you been given. There will be a great celebration and all of heaven is waiting for your acceptance.

“Then you will call in your friends and neighbors and say, “Let’s celebrate! I’ve found my lost sheep.”

7 Jesus said, “In the same way there is more happiness in heaven because of one sinner who turns to God than over ninety-nine good people who don’t need to.” Luke 15:6-7 CEV

God’s plan for us is to have a good and joyful life. The angels said the news that brought would bring great joy. Jesus said he came to give us a full and abundant life.

“10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

God has given you the invitation, I encourage you to accept the Gift and receive the abundant life that He desires you to have!

Have a joy-filled Christmas.

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The Gift of Obedience

Yesterday Dave and I hoped in the car and headed up to Chandler to have a family dinner and Christmas celebration with our daughters and their families. When we started out from home it was 34 and it took about 3 hours to get there. We did make a couple stops and traffic was heavy but not a bad trip at all. There have been other Christmases when we have traveled over snow covered passes on icy roads.

So I got to thinking about Mary and Joseph and the trip they made from Nazareth to Bethlehem, 155 kilometers or approximately 96 miles. This trip would have taken many days, walking or riding a donkey as is so often depicted.

“So Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea. It was known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David. 5 Joseph registered with Mary because she was engaged to marry him. (She was now pregnant.) 6 While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. 7 She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped him up well and laid him in a box where cattle are fed. She put him there because the guest room was full.” Luke 2:4-7

If they were able to keep a steady pace of say, 20 miles per day, it would have taken at least 5 days, nights sleeping on the ground, cooking food over an open fire. I do love to camp, sleeping in a tent – being around a campfire under the stars but breaking camp each morning and setting up again each evening would be a bit tedious and then add to that the discomfort of being 9 months pregnant. Even the latest camping gear from Cabela’s wouldn’t make this an easy trip.

Amazing! You ladies know what it’s like in that last month – how about that last week. Not a time that you feel like going on a camping trip.

Dave and I used to travel a lot and it’s always nice to get to the hotel after 12 hours on the road, get something warm to eat and crawl into a nice bed. Aahhhhh! But when Mary and Joseph got to their destination their accommodations weren’t quite as welcoming.

Those of us who have had livestock know that even when we clean the stalls each day; removing the manure, putting down clean bedding, it still isn’t a place that we would like to give birth. No, it wouldn’t make it on my top 10 list. And Joseph was Mary’s delivery team – he was the midwife! Just the two of them bringing God’s Son into this earthly home.

Wow! “Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are.” I John 3:1

God loved us so much that He sent His Son so that we could become His children. AMAZING!! But what if Mary had ignored the angel when he came to her and said she had been chosen to carry the Messiah. What if Joseph had not chosen to stay with Mary as her husband. What if they had not traveled to Bethlehem but had sent someone else to be their representatives.

What great love Mary and Joseph had for God and for each other to go through this difficult journey and less than “perfect” birthing experience and still they glorified God and gave Him thanks for His wondrous gift. Their obedience changed history.

Is your Christmas this year difficult? Not exactly what you had planned; when our hearts are open God can, and does, fill them with His wonderful love and gives us a reason to give thanks.

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The Gift of a Quiet Night

Oh, I love the desert sky after a rain! We had rain last night from about 1 am to 2:30 am. Sometimes it was hard and wind driven and at others it was gently falling. When I got up and took Glory out in the backyard, the sky was clear, the air was brisk & fresh and the stars were are bright as diamonds.

Kind of made me wonder what it was like for the shepherds so long ago. It was just a regular night. I’m sure some shepherds were standing watch while the others were sleeping. The sheep were bedded down and all was quiet. I love the quiet – And then bam, heaven’s messenger showed up and the whole course of history was changed.

“That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. 9 All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy.” Luke 2:8-10 CEV

That night the Lord’s message was bold and demonstrative but it was delivered out in the fields, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and it impacted the lives of those who heard it. These men had been given a responsibility, a duty. They cared for sheep and if anything happened to the sheep they lost their livelihood. They were so compelled by the Lord’s message that they left all to find this child. They were more concerned about the message than they were about the sheep.

“The angels left the shepherds and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this great event the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. 17 When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child. 18 Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them.” Luke 2:15-19 ERV

You know God is still speaking today but sometimes there is just too much noise to hear Him. Too much activity, too many projects, our “to-do” list is too long and we are distracted from hearing His voice. Reminds me of Elijah, the prophet, who was running from King Ahab. He feared for his life and he cried out to God for answers.

“11 Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go, stand in front of me on the mountain. I, the Lord, will pass by you.”[a] Then a very strong wind blew. The wind caused the mountains to break apart. It broke large rocks in front of the Lord. But that wind was not the Lord. After that wind, there was an earthquake. But that earthquake was not the Lord. 12 After the earthquake, there was a fire. But that fire was not the Lord. After the fire, there was a quiet, gentle voice.[b]

13 When Elijah heard the voice, he used his coat to cover his face and went to the entrance to the cave and stood there.” I Kings 19:11-13 ERV

It’s important that we slow down and unplug from the noise of our worlds. Each of us have different distractions and responsibilities. You don’t have to blocked out a huge amount of time, start with 15 minutes. Take time to pray “Lord, speak to my heart. I want to hear your voice.” And then read a few verses of Scripture and see what He has to say to you personally.

I appreciate that you take the time to read my devotional each day but I would much rather that you spend one on one time with the Lord. It’s one thing for someone to tell you how good a piece of pie is but it’s better to experience it personally. If you know what I mean.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him. He is good to those who look for him. 26 It is good to wait quietly for the Lord to save them.” Lamentations 3:25-26 ERV

Enjoy the gift of quiet that you have been given and listen for the still small voice.

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The Gift in the Plain Wrapping

Have you ever bought a gift, the perfect gift, and had to keep it hidden away in the closet or under the bed so that it wouldn’t be found until just the right time? This has been THE most special, spectacular gift ever. You may have even started dropping hints like “you are absolutely going to love the gift I got for you”. The excitement was building! You could hardly wait, the anticipation of giving this wonderful present filled your every thought! But because the gift was so special you knew it didn’t need fancy bows or brightly colored paper, simple and plain was the best – it wouldn’t detract from the gift.

If that has ever been your experience then you know just some of the joy and anticipation that God the Father was feeling on that night when He sent the angels to the fields outside of Bethlehem to herald the news, His gift had arrived!

“That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. 9 All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. 12 You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.” Luke 2:8-12 CEV

Enter Jesus, the best gift ever!

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

God had been waiting to give this gift, wrapped in the body of a human baby, since way back in the Garden of Eden. God had enjoyed his relationship with Adam and Eve and would walk and talk with them each day until they sinned and broke that bond. From that time forward God the Father began working on a plan that would restore that relationship.

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.

19 What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. 20 We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God. 21 Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so that Christ could make us acceptable to God.” II Corinthians 5:17-21 CEV

Jesus restored us to the position that we had before Adam sinned. In Christ we are a NEW CREATION – a new creature – like the one that God created in the Garden. Jesus restored us to our place of being created in God’s likeness.

“But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much. 5 We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against him. But he gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by God’s grace.) 6 Yes, it is because we are a part of Christ Jesus that God raised us from death and seated us together with him in the heavenly places. 7 God did this so that his kindness to us who belong to Christ Jesus would clearly show for all time to come the amazing richness of his grace.
8 I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about. 10 God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things he had already planned for us to do.” Ephesians 2:4-10 ERV

In Christ we have been made new. It’s not something we work to earn but something we receive freely by grace. Just as Adam, created man, was God’s idea and he did nothing to deserve or even request his creation, it was God’s plan; so is salvation and the restoration of man to a living and loving relationship with the Father God.

So since it’s Christmas, I give you permission to open the best gift you have ever received, the One that came wrapped in muslin cloth and was placed on a bed of hay in a manger – the gift of salvation, of renewed life and relationship with the Father. Open it now and share it with others!

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The Gift of Constant Peace

And his name shall be called “Prince of Peace”.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Peace: quietness, stillness, rest, prosperity. Jesus came to bring peace.

I live in a small community so we don’t have many of the external factors that disturb the peace; we don’t have a lot of fires or accidents that bring the sirens, no traffic jams, or fighting for parking places. To us a crowd is more than 3 people in line at the grocery store and the biggest disturbance is the school bus that rushes down the road each morning or the Fed-X truck each afternoon. In fact, in the evening we can hear the deer as they walk through the brush on the lot next door, the quail calling for the chicks and the dove cooing in the trees.

But regardless of our lack of external factors, the internal ones are the same no matter where you are. Anxiety, interpersonal conflict, health concerns, financial issues – those affect everyone no matter where you live. A sense of peace was so important to God that he made it part of His name, “Prince of Peace”. The peace that He was referring too will bring us peace in all the areas listed above. He was talking about peace between God and man. I’ve heard it said that there are 365 verses in the Bible that tell us not to worry or be anxious or afraid; one for each day of the year!

“Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor].” Luke 2:14 AMP

Peace between God and man was broken in the garden of Eden when Adam sinned. Their relationship was affected and Christ came to restore that relationship. He came to reconcile the relationship between God and man.

“Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

Jesus spoke to his followers time and again about peace. And one of the last things He told them was this.

“Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]” John 14:26 AMP

This was His instruction right before His crucifixion. He was talking to them about peace. The angels announced His birth with peace and at His death he was still talking about peace.

I give you permission to open a Christmas present early this year. It’s probably the most valuable gift you’ll receive – untie the bow, open the box and the let peace of God, which bypasses our understanding, guard your heart and mind (Phil 4:7) and flood your life today.

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The Gift of Words

Remember a week or so back I asked you to join me in a fast, a fast of criticism? So how are you doing? I have to admit that there have been a few times that I’ve had to stop and repent and get back on track. Our words are so important.

You might not think that a teaching on words has much to do with the Christmas season but it really does. God started everything with His words. He said, “Light be” and it was. He spoke the plan of Christ’s birth was spoken out in words hundreds of years before the event took place. God had the prophets repeated that message again and again until it came to pass.

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 KJV

Then the angel came to Mary and told her that she had been chosen to give birth to the Messiah. Listen to her response.

“26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth…
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:26-38 KJV

According to your word. Mary knew that it was only necessary for God to speak a word for things to happen.

Words are filled with power – power to create or power to destroy. The writer of Proverbs penned it this way

“ A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:20-21 KJV

This is why it’s so important that we “fast” those words that are critical and condemning. We don’t want to end up eating our unkind words, we need to feast on words that life giving.

Our casual approach to the spoken or written word can undermine our faith. My favorite Bible verse, Numbers 23:19 focuses on the importance and power of God’s word.

“God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change. If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERV

When God speaks His word – it comes to pass. He has faith in what He has said and that’s why Mary could have such life-changing faith in the message that Gabriel brought her from God. We can have that same conviction and faith in God’s words.

At Christmas, and throughout the year, make your words a gift. A gift that brings life and encouragement. A gift of forgiveness and peace. A gift of kindness and love!

“Don’t let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault.14 Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Psalms 19:13-14 CEV

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