In June 2015, the city of Paris removed forty-five tons of padlocks from the railings of the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. As a romantic gesture, couples would etch their intials onto a lock, attach it to the railing, click it shut, and throw the key into the River Seine.
After this ritual was repeated thousands of times, the bridge could no longer bear the weight of so much " love." Eventually the city, fearing for the integrity of the bridge, removed the " love locks."
The locks were meant to symbolize everlasting love, but human love does not always last. The closest of friends may offend each other and never resolve their differences. Family members may argue and refuse to forgive. A husband and wife may drift so far apart that they can't remember why they once decided to marry. Human love can be fickle.
But there is one constant and enduring love-the love of God. " Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever," proclaims Psalm 106:1. The promises of the unfailing and everlasting nature of God's love are found throughout Scripture. And the greatest proof of this love is the death of His Son so that those who put their faith in Him can live eternally. And nothing will ever separate us from His love. ( Romans 8:38-39).
Fellow believers, we are locked into God's love forever.
I'm grateful for Your unending love, Father. I'm locked into Your love by the Holy Spirit who is living in me.
Christ's death and resurrection are the measure of God's love for me.
Please read Zechariah 5-8 and Revelation 19
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Spreading Joy
When Janet went to teach English in a school overseas, she found the atmosphere gloomy and depressing. People did their jobs, but no one seemed happy. They didn't help or encourage one another. But Janet, grateful for all that God had done for her, expressed it in everything she did. She smiled. She was friendly. She went out of her way to help people. She hummed songs of hymns. Little by little, as Janet shared her joy, the atmosphere at the school changed. One by one people began to smile and help each other. When a visiting administrator asked the principal why his school was so different, the principal, who was not a believer, responded, " Jesus brings joy." Janet was filled to overflowing with the joy of the Lord and it spilled over to those around her. The gospel of Luke tells us that God sent an angel to ordinary shepherds to deliver and extrodinary birth announcement. The angel made the surprising proclamation that the newborn baby " will cause great joy for all the people" ( Luke 2:10), which indeed He did. Since then this message has spread through the centuries to us, and now we are Christ's messengers of joy to the world. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we continue the practice of spreading the joy of Jesus as we follow His example and serve others.
How might you spread the joy of Jesus to others today?
Take the Joy of Christmas with you every day.
Please read Micah 1-3 and Revelation 11
How might you spread the joy of Jesus to others today?
Take the Joy of Christmas with you every day.
Please read Micah 1-3 and Revelation 11
Thursday, December 15, 2016
One Short Sleep
Henry Durbanville, a Scotish pastor from another era, tells the story of an elderly woman in his parish who lived in a remote part of Scotland. She longed to see the city of Edinburgh, but she was afraid to take the journey because of the long, dark tunnel through which the train had to pass to get there.
One day, However, circumstances compelled her to go to Edinburg, and as the train sped toward the city, her agitation increased. But before the train reached the tunnel, the woman, worn out with worry, fell fast asleep. When she awoke she had already arrived in the city!
It's possible that some of us will not experience death. If we're aloive when Jesus returns, we will " meet the Lord in the air" ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). But many of us will pass into heaven through death and for some that thought causes great anxiety. We worry that the process of dying will be too difficult to bear.
With the assurance of Jesus as our Savior we can rest in the confidence that when we close our eyes on earth and pass through death, we will open our eyes in God's presence. " One short sleep past we wake eternally," John Donne said.
I love the life You've given to me, Lord, yet I wonder what it will be like to see You personally. Help me to trust You with the future. I look forward to that day when I meet You.
To see Jesus will be heaven's greatest joy.
Please read Amos 1-3 and Revelation 6
One day, However, circumstances compelled her to go to Edinburg, and as the train sped toward the city, her agitation increased. But before the train reached the tunnel, the woman, worn out with worry, fell fast asleep. When she awoke she had already arrived in the city!
It's possible that some of us will not experience death. If we're aloive when Jesus returns, we will " meet the Lord in the air" ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). But many of us will pass into heaven through death and for some that thought causes great anxiety. We worry that the process of dying will be too difficult to bear.
With the assurance of Jesus as our Savior we can rest in the confidence that when we close our eyes on earth and pass through death, we will open our eyes in God's presence. " One short sleep past we wake eternally," John Donne said.
I love the life You've given to me, Lord, yet I wonder what it will be like to see You personally. Help me to trust You with the future. I look forward to that day when I meet You.
To see Jesus will be heaven's greatest joy.
Please read Amos 1-3 and Revelation 6
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
A Baby Boy
The full-page advertisement in the newspaper caught my eye immediately. Near the top of the light-blue page was the silhouette of a star. In the center of the page were the words: It's a boy.
Luke 2:11, printed across the bottom of the page, read: " Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."
This simole message-it's a boy proclaimed the indescribable gift of a Savior who came to earth as a baby. Why did He do it?
We needed God to send Jesus. Because of our sin, we were seperated from a holy God. ( Romans 3:23) A perfect Savior and Mediator was needed to bring us back together. Only God could restore the relationship.
God wanted to send Jesus. He loves us so much that He gave His Son ( John 3:16) so our relationship would be restored. Jesus was the only One who could meet His demand for a perfect sacrifice-only He was sinless ( Hebrews 9:11-15). He willingly gave Himself on the cross. God accepted this sacrifice and raised Him from the dead.
Because of our need and His love, God the Father gave us the gift of Jesus the Son. Receive His gift today-it's free.
Jesus died that we might live.
Romans 3:22-26
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jeus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
Luke 2:11, printed across the bottom of the page, read: " Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."
This simole message-it's a boy proclaimed the indescribable gift of a Savior who came to earth as a baby. Why did He do it?
We needed God to send Jesus. Because of our sin, we were seperated from a holy God. ( Romans 3:23) A perfect Savior and Mediator was needed to bring us back together. Only God could restore the relationship.
God wanted to send Jesus. He loves us so much that He gave His Son ( John 3:16) so our relationship would be restored. Jesus was the only One who could meet His demand for a perfect sacrifice-only He was sinless ( Hebrews 9:11-15). He willingly gave Himself on the cross. God accepted this sacrifice and raised Him from the dead.
Because of our need and His love, God the Father gave us the gift of Jesus the Son. Receive His gift today-it's free.
Jesus died that we might live.
Romans 3:22-26
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jeus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
Living in the Light
It was a dark morning. Low, steel-colored clouds filled the sky, and the atmosphere was so dim that I needed to turn on the lights in order to read a book. I had just settled in when that the wind was pushing the clouds to the east, clearing the sky and revealing the sun.
As I went to the window to get a better look at the drama, a thought came to mind: " The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining" ( 1 John 2:8). The apostle John wrote these words to believers as a message of encouragement. He went on to say, " Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble." By contrast, he euated hating people with roaming around in darkness. Hatred is disorienting; it takes away our sense of moral direction.
Loving people is not always easy. Yet I was reminded as I looked out the window that frustration, forgiveness, and faithfulness are all part of maintaining a deep connection with the love and light of God. When we choose love instead of hate, we are showing our relationship with Him and reflecting His radiance to the world around us. " God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." ( 1 John 1:5)
Dear God, help me to experience Your love more fully so that I can share it with others. I want to live in the light of Your grace and mercy.
Choosing to love people well shows the world what God is like.
Please read Joel 1-3 and Revelation 5
As I went to the window to get a better look at the drama, a thought came to mind: " The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining" ( 1 John 2:8). The apostle John wrote these words to believers as a message of encouragement. He went on to say, " Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble." By contrast, he euated hating people with roaming around in darkness. Hatred is disorienting; it takes away our sense of moral direction.
Loving people is not always easy. Yet I was reminded as I looked out the window that frustration, forgiveness, and faithfulness are all part of maintaining a deep connection with the love and light of God. When we choose love instead of hate, we are showing our relationship with Him and reflecting His radiance to the world around us. " God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." ( 1 John 1:5)
Dear God, help me to experience Your love more fully so that I can share it with others. I want to live in the light of Your grace and mercy.
Choosing to love people well shows the world what God is like.
Please read Joel 1-3 and Revelation 5
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Good News!
World news bombards us from the Internet,television,radio,and mobile devices. The majority seems to describe what's wrong-crime, terrorism,war,and economic problems. Yet there are times when good news invades the darkest hours of sadness and despair-stories of unselfish acts, a medical breakthrough, or steps toward peace in war-scarred places.
The words of two men recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible brought great hope to people weary of conflict.
While describing God's coming judgement on a ruthless and powerful nation, Nahum said, " Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!" ( Nahum 1:15). That news brought hope to all those oppressed by cruelty.
A similar phrase occurs in the book of Isaiah: " How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation." ( Isaiah 52:7)
Nahum and Isaiah's prophetic words of hope found their ultimate fulfillment at the first Christmas when the angel told the shepherds, " Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord" ( Luke 2:10-11).
The most important headline in our lives every day is the very best news ever spoken-Christ the Savior is born!
The birth of Jesus is the best news the world has ever received!
Please read Hosea 12-14 and Revelation 4
The words of two men recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible brought great hope to people weary of conflict.
While describing God's coming judgement on a ruthless and powerful nation, Nahum said, " Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!" ( Nahum 1:15). That news brought hope to all those oppressed by cruelty.
A similar phrase occurs in the book of Isaiah: " How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation." ( Isaiah 52:7)
Nahum and Isaiah's prophetic words of hope found their ultimate fulfillment at the first Christmas when the angel told the shepherds, " Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord" ( Luke 2:10-11).
The most important headline in our lives every day is the very best news ever spoken-Christ the Savior is born!
The birth of Jesus is the best news the world has ever received!
Please read Hosea 12-14 and Revelation 4
Monday, December 12, 2016
The Money
Early in my career while doing work that I saw as more of a mission than a job, another company offered me a position that would give a significant increase in pay. Our family could surely have benefited financially from such a move. There was one problem. I hadn't been looking for another job because I loved my current role, which was growing into a calling.
But the money...
I called my father, then in his seventies, and explained the situation. Though his once-sharp mind had been slowed by strokes and strain of years, his answer was crisp and clear: " Don't even think about the money. What would you do?"
In an instant, my mind was made up. The money would have been my only reason for leaving the job I loved! Thanks, Dad.
Jesus devoted a substanial section of His Sermon on the Mount to money and our fondness for it. He taught us to pray not for an accumulation of riches but for " our daily bread" ( Matthew 6:11). He warned against storing up treasures on earth and pointed to the birds and flowers as evidence that God cares deeply about His creation. " Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness," Jesus said, " and all these things will be given to you as well."
Money matters. But money shouldn't rule our decision making process. Tough times and big decisions are opportunities to grow our faith in new ways. Our heavenly Father cares for us.
Never confuse temptation with opportunity.
Please read Hosea 9-11 and Revelation 3
But the money...
I called my father, then in his seventies, and explained the situation. Though his once-sharp mind had been slowed by strokes and strain of years, his answer was crisp and clear: " Don't even think about the money. What would you do?"
In an instant, my mind was made up. The money would have been my only reason for leaving the job I loved! Thanks, Dad.
Jesus devoted a substanial section of His Sermon on the Mount to money and our fondness for it. He taught us to pray not for an accumulation of riches but for " our daily bread" ( Matthew 6:11). He warned against storing up treasures on earth and pointed to the birds and flowers as evidence that God cares deeply about His creation. " Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness," Jesus said, " and all these things will be given to you as well."
Money matters. But money shouldn't rule our decision making process. Tough times and big decisions are opportunities to grow our faith in new ways. Our heavenly Father cares for us.
Never confuse temptation with opportunity.
Please read Hosea 9-11 and Revelation 3
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Christmas in the Village
My earliest childhood memories of Christmas date back to a cluster of small villages nestled among cocoa farms and tall mahogany and palm trees. Wearing new clothes provided by our parents for Christmas, we were a happy group of eight- to - ten year-old kids walking from village to village like the magi who were looking for Baby Jesus. ( Matthew 2:1-2)
Baby Jesus was not there in person, but we found plenty of friendship and goodwill. Later in the day, our mothers sent us with bowls of food to our neighbors. To us in the village, Christmas was a time of benevolence.
But something was missing-the authentic Christmas story. In our merry-making, we missed the reason for the festival season. There was no church in any of the villages and no one told us the Christmas message-that God so loved the world that He gave His Son to be our Savior. ( John 3:16)
It was like attending a birthday party without the birthday person!
Not like the magi. Their foremost pursuit was to seek Jesus: " Where is the newborn king of the Jews?" they asked. ( Matthew 2:2)
And when they found him, " they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they...gave Him gifts." They first found Him and worshipped Him before presenting their gifts.
Whether we are children or adults, the truth is the same: Christmas goes beyond the festivity and focuses on Christ. The Son of God came that we may have " a rich and satisfying life." ( John 10:10)
Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season.
Matthew 2:1-11
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of king Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, " Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him."
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, " Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?"
" In Bethlehem in Judea," they said, " for this is what the prophet wrote:
And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.' "
Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, " Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!"
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Baby Jesus was not there in person, but we found plenty of friendship and goodwill. Later in the day, our mothers sent us with bowls of food to our neighbors. To us in the village, Christmas was a time of benevolence.
But something was missing-the authentic Christmas story. In our merry-making, we missed the reason for the festival season. There was no church in any of the villages and no one told us the Christmas message-that God so loved the world that He gave His Son to be our Savior. ( John 3:16)
It was like attending a birthday party without the birthday person!
Not like the magi. Their foremost pursuit was to seek Jesus: " Where is the newborn king of the Jews?" they asked. ( Matthew 2:2)
And when they found him, " they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they...gave Him gifts." They first found Him and worshipped Him before presenting their gifts.
Whether we are children or adults, the truth is the same: Christmas goes beyond the festivity and focuses on Christ. The Son of God came that we may have " a rich and satisfying life." ( John 10:10)
Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season.
Matthew 2:1-11
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of king Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, " Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him."
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, " Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?"
" In Bethlehem in Judea," they said, " for this is what the prophet wrote:
And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.' "
Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, " Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!"
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Wounds from a Friend
Charles Lowery complained to his friend about lower back pain. He was seeking a sympathetic ear, but what he got was an honest assessment. His friend told him, " I don't think your back pain is your problem; it's your stomach. Your stomach is so big it's pulling on your back."
In his column for REV! Magazine, Charles shared that he resisted the temptation to be offended. He lost the weight and his back problem went away. Charles recognized that " Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted." ( Proverbs 27:5-6)
The trouble is that so often we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism, for the truth hurts. It bruises our ego, makes us uncomfortable, and calls for change.
True friends don't find pleasure in hurting us. Rather, they love us too much to deceive us. They are people who, with loving courage, point out what we may already know but find hard to truly accept and live by. They tell us not only what we like to hear but also what we need to hear.
Solomon honored such friendship in his proverbs. Jesus went further-He endured wounds of our rejection not only to tell us the truth about ourselves but to show us how much we are loved.
Think of a time when a friend said something honest that caused you pain. Did it benefit you? Is it wise to accept everything our friends tell us?
A friend is one who can tell you the truth in love.
Please read Hosea 1-4 and Revelation 1
In his column for REV! Magazine, Charles shared that he resisted the temptation to be offended. He lost the weight and his back problem went away. Charles recognized that " Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted." ( Proverbs 27:5-6)
The trouble is that so often we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism, for the truth hurts. It bruises our ego, makes us uncomfortable, and calls for change.
True friends don't find pleasure in hurting us. Rather, they love us too much to deceive us. They are people who, with loving courage, point out what we may already know but find hard to truly accept and live by. They tell us not only what we like to hear but also what we need to hear.
Solomon honored such friendship in his proverbs. Jesus went further-He endured wounds of our rejection not only to tell us the truth about ourselves but to show us how much we are loved.
Think of a time when a friend said something honest that caused you pain. Did it benefit you? Is it wise to accept everything our friends tell us?
A friend is one who can tell you the truth in love.
Please read Hosea 1-4 and Revelation 1
Friday, December 9, 2016
Christmas Welcome
In Pampanga Province in Luzon, Philippines, you'll find San Fernando. The historic city hosts the Giant Lantern Festival featuring the quintessential Filipino Christmas tradition-parols. With simple bamboo, colored paper, and candles, gifted artists create breathtaking star0shaped lanterns to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Filipinos around the world have taken this Christmas tradition with them into suburban neighborhoods, main street buisnesses, and high-rise condos. You'll even find parols flickering in the humblest stilt houses in the most remote barangays (villages) in the Philippines. The settings differ dramatically, but the Christmas joy remains the same.
Long ago on a rural hillside, shepherds " staying in the fields" received a startling apperance. " Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased' " ( Luke 2:13-14).
The parol signifies the star of Bethlehem that pointed gift bearing wise men to the Light of the world. The wealthy magi and homeless shepherds were equally welcome. As the prophet had foretold, " For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine" ( Isaiah 8:2). This Light is for everyone.
The light Christ brings will illuminate even our darkest day.
Luke 2:13-20
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying, to those with whom God is pleased." When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, " Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manager. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Filipinos around the world have taken this Christmas tradition with them into suburban neighborhoods, main street buisnesses, and high-rise condos. You'll even find parols flickering in the humblest stilt houses in the most remote barangays (villages) in the Philippines. The settings differ dramatically, but the Christmas joy remains the same.
Long ago on a rural hillside, shepherds " staying in the fields" received a startling apperance. " Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased' " ( Luke 2:13-14).
The parol signifies the star of Bethlehem that pointed gift bearing wise men to the Light of the world. The wealthy magi and homeless shepherds were equally welcome. As the prophet had foretold, " For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine" ( Isaiah 8:2). This Light is for everyone.
The light Christ brings will illuminate even our darkest day.
Luke 2:13-20
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying, to those with whom God is pleased." When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, " Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manager. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
The Gift of Encouragement
An old Merle Haggard song, " If We Make It Through December," tells the story of a man laid off from his factory job with no money to buy Christmas gifts for his little girl. Although December is supposed to be a happy time of year, jis life seems dark and cold.
Discouragement is not unique to December, but it can be amplified then. Our expectations may be higher, our sadness deeper. A little encouragement can go a long way.
Joseph, a man from Cyprus, was among the early followers of Jesus. The apostles called him Barnabas, which means " son of encouragement." We meet him in Acts 4:36-37 when he sold a piece of property and donated the money to help other believers in need.
Later, we read that the disciples were afrais od Saul. ( Acts 9:26) " But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles." Saul, later called Paul, had formerly been trying to kill the believers, but Barnabas defended him as a man transformed by Christ.
All around us are people longing to be encouraged. A timely word, a phone call, or a prayer can bolster their faith in Jesus.
The generosity and support of Barnabas demonstrate what it means to be a son or daughter of encouragement. That may be the greatest gift we can give to others this Christmas.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of encouragement. May we encourage others as they have encouraged us.
Encouragement may be the greatest gift we give this Christmas.
Discouragement is not unique to December, but it can be amplified then. Our expectations may be higher, our sadness deeper. A little encouragement can go a long way.
Joseph, a man from Cyprus, was among the early followers of Jesus. The apostles called him Barnabas, which means " son of encouragement." We meet him in Acts 4:36-37 when he sold a piece of property and donated the money to help other believers in need.
Later, we read that the disciples were afrais od Saul. ( Acts 9:26) " But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles." Saul, later called Paul, had formerly been trying to kill the believers, but Barnabas defended him as a man transformed by Christ.
All around us are people longing to be encouraged. A timely word, a phone call, or a prayer can bolster their faith in Jesus.
The generosity and support of Barnabas demonstrate what it means to be a son or daughter of encouragement. That may be the greatest gift we can give to others this Christmas.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of encouragement. May we encourage others as they have encouraged us.
Encouragement may be the greatest gift we give this Christmas.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
The Best Gift Ever
At a winter retreat in northern New England, one of the men asked the question, " what was your favorite Christmas gift ever?"
One athletic man seemed eager to answer. " That's easy," he said, glancing at his friend next to him. " A few years back, I finished college thinking I was a sure bet to play professional football. When it didn't happen, I was angry. Bitterness ate at me, and I shared that bitterness with anyone who tried to help me.
" During my second season without football, I went to a Christmas play at this guy's church," he said, gesturing toward a friend. " Not because I wanted Jesus, but just to see my niece in her Christmas pageant. It's hard to describe what happened because it sounds silly, but right in the middle of that play, I felt like I needed to be with those shepherds and angels meeting Jesus. When that crowd finished singing ' Silent Night,' I just sat there weeping.
" I got my best Christmas present ever that very night," he said, again pointing to his friend, " when this guy sent his family home without him so he could tell me how to meet Jesus."
This Christmas, may the joyful simplicity of the story of Jesus's birth stir our hearts to want to know Him.
The best Christmas gift is Jesus bringing peace and forgiveness to us.
1 Chronicles 16:8-13
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant Israel, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.
One athletic man seemed eager to answer. " That's easy," he said, glancing at his friend next to him. " A few years back, I finished college thinking I was a sure bet to play professional football. When it didn't happen, I was angry. Bitterness ate at me, and I shared that bitterness with anyone who tried to help me.
" During my second season without football, I went to a Christmas play at this guy's church," he said, gesturing toward a friend. " Not because I wanted Jesus, but just to see my niece in her Christmas pageant. It's hard to describe what happened because it sounds silly, but right in the middle of that play, I felt like I needed to be with those shepherds and angels meeting Jesus. When that crowd finished singing ' Silent Night,' I just sat there weeping.
" I got my best Christmas present ever that very night," he said, again pointing to his friend, " when this guy sent his family home without him so he could tell me how to meet Jesus."
This Christmas, may the joyful simplicity of the story of Jesus's birth stir our hearts to want to know Him.
The best Christmas gift is Jesus bringing peace and forgiveness to us.
1 Chronicles 16:8-13
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant Israel, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.
Surround Sound
Walt Disney Studios was the first to introduce a new concept in listening to movies. It was called " stereophonic sound" or surround sound, and it was developed because producers wanted the movie going audience to hear the music in a new way.
But this wasn't the first use of " surround sound." Thousands of years earlier, Nehemiah introduced the idea at the dedication of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem. " I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall," he explained. " I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks." ( Nehemiah 12:31) The two choirs began at the southern part of the wall, at the Dung Gate. One went to the left, one went to the right, and they surrounded the city of Jerusalem in praise as they marched toward the temple.
The choirs led the people in rejoicing because " God had given them great joy". In fact, their rejoicing " could be heard far away"
Their praise resulted from God's help as the people overcame the opposition of enemies like Sanballat and rebuilt the wall. What has God given us that causes our joy to overflow into praise? God's clear direction in our lives? The comfort He alone can provide in times of trouble? Or our ultimate gift: salvation?
Perhaps we can't create " surround sound" with our praise, but we can rejoice in the joy God has given us. Then others can hear us praise God and see how He works.
We praise You, O Lord-with words, with song, and with our lives. We offer You our hearts in response to Your great power, loving provision, and constant care.
We can never praise Jesus too much!
But this wasn't the first use of " surround sound." Thousands of years earlier, Nehemiah introduced the idea at the dedication of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem. " I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall," he explained. " I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks." ( Nehemiah 12:31) The two choirs began at the southern part of the wall, at the Dung Gate. One went to the left, one went to the right, and they surrounded the city of Jerusalem in praise as they marched toward the temple.
The choirs led the people in rejoicing because " God had given them great joy". In fact, their rejoicing " could be heard far away"
Their praise resulted from God's help as the people overcame the opposition of enemies like Sanballat and rebuilt the wall. What has God given us that causes our joy to overflow into praise? God's clear direction in our lives? The comfort He alone can provide in times of trouble? Or our ultimate gift: salvation?
Perhaps we can't create " surround sound" with our praise, but we can rejoice in the joy God has given us. Then others can hear us praise God and see how He works.
We praise You, O Lord-with words, with song, and with our lives. We offer You our hearts in response to Your great power, loving provision, and constant care.
We can never praise Jesus too much!
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
A Ukrainian Christmas
The people of Ukraine include many wonderful elements in their observance of Christmas. Sometimes wisps of hay are placed on the dinner table as a reminder of the Bethlehem manger. Another portion of their celebration echoes the events of the night when the Savior entered the world. A Christmas prayer is offered, and the the father in the household gives the greeting. " Christ is born!" The family then responds, " Let us glorify Him!"
These words draw our mind to the appearance of the angels in the sky over Bethelhem on the night Christ was born. The angel of the Lord declared, " The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!" ( Luke 2:11). The heavenly host responded, " Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
Those twin messages give such depth of meaning to this wonderful time of year. The Savior has come bringing forgiveness and hope-and He is deserving of all the worship we can give Him.
Glory to God in the highest!
The spectacular glory of God's love for us was revealed in the coming of Jesus.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. " Don't be afraid!" he said. " I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying, " Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
( Luke 2:6-14)
These words draw our mind to the appearance of the angels in the sky over Bethelhem on the night Christ was born. The angel of the Lord declared, " The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!" ( Luke 2:11). The heavenly host responded, " Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
Those twin messages give such depth of meaning to this wonderful time of year. The Savior has come bringing forgiveness and hope-and He is deserving of all the worship we can give Him.
Glory to God in the highest!
The spectacular glory of God's love for us was revealed in the coming of Jesus.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. " Don't be afraid!" he said. " I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying, " Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
( Luke 2:6-14)
Beautiful Unity
Seeing three large predatory animals cuddle and play together is extremely unusual. Yet this is precisely what happens daily in an animal sanctuary in Georgia. In 2001, after months of neglect and abuse, a lion, a Bengal tiger, and a black bear were rescued by Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary. " We could have seperated them," said the assistant director. " But since they came as a kind of family, we decided to keep them together." The trio had found comfort in each other during their time of mistreatment, and, despite their differences, they live peacefully together.
Unity is a beautiful thing. But the unity Paul wrote about in his letter to the believers in Ephesus is unique. Paul encouraged the Ephesians to live up to their calling as members of one body in Christ. ( Ephesians 4:4-5) By the power of the Holy Spirit they would be able to live in unity as they developed humility, gentleness, and patience. These attitudes also allow us to lovingly bear " with one another in love" through the common ground we have in Christ Jesus.
Despite our differences, as members of the family of God we have been reconciled to Him through the death of our Savior and reconciled to each other through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Heavenly Father, help me to grow in gentleness and patience toward others. Show me how to love others, even when we may have differences.
We keep unity by being united in the Spirit.
Unity is a beautiful thing. But the unity Paul wrote about in his letter to the believers in Ephesus is unique. Paul encouraged the Ephesians to live up to their calling as members of one body in Christ. ( Ephesians 4:4-5) By the power of the Holy Spirit they would be able to live in unity as they developed humility, gentleness, and patience. These attitudes also allow us to lovingly bear " with one another in love" through the common ground we have in Christ Jesus.
Despite our differences, as members of the family of God we have been reconciled to Him through the death of our Savior and reconciled to each other through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Heavenly Father, help me to grow in gentleness and patience toward others. Show me how to love others, even when we may have differences.
We keep unity by being united in the Spirit.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Immanuel
I was talking with a friend who is newlywed and can't wait to be a parent. He and his wife are planning and praying for a baby. They already have names picked out-and my friend's wife isn't even pregnant!
In 735 BC the prophet Isaiah prophesied to the spiritually struggling nation of Judah: " The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel ( which means ' God is with us') ( Isaiah 7:14). Jesus was named some 730 years before He was born!
I have heard it said that all the truths of Christmas can be stated in just three words: " God with us." We tend to focus our attention at Christmastime on the human birth of Christ. But the greater focus should be on His deity-who He really is- " God with us."
Immanuel means that we're not isolated from a God who sits on some distant throne. He came to be with us. He had human skin and wore human clothes. When Joseph and Mary called their son by name, it was a reminder that God was in the house-literally living under the same roof.
Are you alone? Feeling afraid? Have you felt that God is far off, somberly watching you from a distance? The message of Christmas is that you don't need to be alone anymore, for Jesus has come. Immanuel. God with us.
Immanuel-God with us!
Isaiah 7:10-14
Later, the Lord sent this message to King Ahaz: " Ask the Lord your God for a sign of confirmation, Ahaz. Make as the place of the dead."
But the king refused. " No," he said, " I will not test the Lord like that."
Then Isaiah said, " Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn't it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel ( which means ' God with us')."
In 735 BC the prophet Isaiah prophesied to the spiritually struggling nation of Judah: " The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel ( which means ' God is with us') ( Isaiah 7:14). Jesus was named some 730 years before He was born!
I have heard it said that all the truths of Christmas can be stated in just three words: " God with us." We tend to focus our attention at Christmastime on the human birth of Christ. But the greater focus should be on His deity-who He really is- " God with us."
Immanuel means that we're not isolated from a God who sits on some distant throne. He came to be with us. He had human skin and wore human clothes. When Joseph and Mary called their son by name, it was a reminder that God was in the house-literally living under the same roof.
Are you alone? Feeling afraid? Have you felt that God is far off, somberly watching you from a distance? The message of Christmas is that you don't need to be alone anymore, for Jesus has come. Immanuel. God with us.
Immanuel-God with us!
Isaiah 7:10-14
Later, the Lord sent this message to King Ahaz: " Ask the Lord your God for a sign of confirmation, Ahaz. Make as the place of the dead."
But the king refused. " No," he said, " I will not test the Lord like that."
Then Isaiah said, " Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn't it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel ( which means ' God with us')."
Christmas Lights
Each year for several weeks around Christmas, Singapore's tourist belt, Orchard Road, is transformed into a wonderland of lights and colors. This light-up is designed to attract tourists to spend their money at the many stores along the street during this " golden month of business."Shoppers come to enjoy the festivities, listen to choirs sing familiar Christmas carols, and watch performers entertain.
The first Christmas " light-up" ever was not created by electrical cables, glitter, and neon lights but by " the glory of the Lord [ that] shone around" ( Luke 2:9). No tourists saw it, just a few simple shepherds out in their field. And it was followed by an unexpected rendition of " Glory to God in the Highest" by an angelic choir.
THe shepherds went to Bethlehem to see if what the angels said was true. After they had confirmed it, they could not keep to themselves what they had heard and seen. " When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child."
Many of us have heard the Christmas story often. This Christmas, why not share the good news with others that Christ-"the light of the world"- has come.
Lord, help me this Christmas to reflect the light of Your presence and goodness to others.
The gift of God's love in us can bring light to any darkness.
The first Christmas " light-up" ever was not created by electrical cables, glitter, and neon lights but by " the glory of the Lord [ that] shone around" ( Luke 2:9). No tourists saw it, just a few simple shepherds out in their field. And it was followed by an unexpected rendition of " Glory to God in the Highest" by an angelic choir.
THe shepherds went to Bethlehem to see if what the angels said was true. After they had confirmed it, they could not keep to themselves what they had heard and seen. " When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child."
Many of us have heard the Christmas story often. This Christmas, why not share the good news with others that Christ-"the light of the world"- has come.
Lord, help me this Christmas to reflect the light of Your presence and goodness to others.
The gift of God's love in us can bring light to any darkness.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
The Christ of Christmas
Christmas is wet in Signapore. It doesn't snow; it rains. Growing up in a non-Christian family, we didn't celebrate Christmas. But when I was young, my siblings and I, together with a few neighborhood kids, decided to have a Christmas gift exchange. I don't know where we got the idea-maybe from all the TV shows we'd been watchinf. We put our names into a bag, and each of us picked the name of someone to buy a present for. Some of us were happy with the gifts we received, some of us were not; but we were all glad to have recieved presents.
We didn't realize the perfect gift had been given to us 2,000 years ago by God our Creator. The Bible tells us, " For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son." ( John 3:16) When I was a teenager, I heard about this gift and accepted Jesus as my Savior.
I remember celebrating my first Christmas as a believer in Christ. Christmas was special now because I finally understood it's meaning-it's a celebration of God's perfect gift, there; He is a personal God who loves people of all nations and socioeconomic classes. And this personal God expressed His love for me by dying for me.
During this festive season- and always-may we continue to fix our eyes on the Christ of Christmas.
At Bethlehem, God demonstrated that to love is to give.
John 3:16
" For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
There is no judgement against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.
We didn't realize the perfect gift had been given to us 2,000 years ago by God our Creator. The Bible tells us, " For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son." ( John 3:16) When I was a teenager, I heard about this gift and accepted Jesus as my Savior.
I remember celebrating my first Christmas as a believer in Christ. Christmas was special now because I finally understood it's meaning-it's a celebration of God's perfect gift, there; He is a personal God who loves people of all nations and socioeconomic classes. And this personal God expressed His love for me by dying for me.
During this festive season- and always-may we continue to fix our eyes on the Christ of Christmas.
At Bethlehem, God demonstrated that to love is to give.
John 3:16
" For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
There is no judgement against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.
The Treasure in Tomb 7
In 1932, Mexican archaeologist Alfonso Caso discovered Tomb 7 at Monte Alban, Oaxaca. He found more than four hundred artifacts, including hundreds of pieces of pre Hispanic jewelry he called " The Treasure of Monte Alban." It is one of the major finds of Mexican archaeology. One can only imagine Caso's excitement as he held a jade cup in it's purest form.
Centuries earlier, the psalmist wrote of a treasure more valuable than gold or rock crystal. He said, " I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil." ( Psalm 119:162 In Psalm 119, the writer knew how valuable God's instructions and promises are to our lives, so he compared them to the great treasure that comes in hand with the victory of a conqueror.
Caso's name is remembered today because of his discovery in Tomb 7. We can enjoy it if we visit a museum in Oaxaca. However, the psalmist's treasure is at our fingertips. Day by day we can dig into the Scriptures and find diamonds of promises, rubies of hope, and emeralds of wisdom. But by far the greatest thing we find is the person whom the book points to: Jesus Himself. After all, He is the Author of the book.
Let us seek diligently with the confidence that this is the treasure that will enrich us. As the psalmist said, " Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart's delight."
Father, I want to value the Scriptures as a treasure. Help me enjoy Your Word everyday.
God's Word is a valuable possession and a guide to life.
Centuries earlier, the psalmist wrote of a treasure more valuable than gold or rock crystal. He said, " I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil." ( Psalm 119:162 In Psalm 119, the writer knew how valuable God's instructions and promises are to our lives, so he compared them to the great treasure that comes in hand with the victory of a conqueror.
Caso's name is remembered today because of his discovery in Tomb 7. We can enjoy it if we visit a museum in Oaxaca. However, the psalmist's treasure is at our fingertips. Day by day we can dig into the Scriptures and find diamonds of promises, rubies of hope, and emeralds of wisdom. But by far the greatest thing we find is the person whom the book points to: Jesus Himself. After all, He is the Author of the book.
Let us seek diligently with the confidence that this is the treasure that will enrich us. As the psalmist said, " Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart's delight."
Father, I want to value the Scriptures as a treasure. Help me enjoy Your Word everyday.
God's Word is a valuable possession and a guide to life.
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