Read 1 John 4:7-11
God's gift of love was given to all when He sent His one and only son into our world. We celebrate the birth of Christ every Christmas season, yet this amazing gift of His love is often missed by us. Think about it, as we check out all the activities and festivities happening around us this time of year do you ever get the sense that we're missing something?
Listen it happens - we get so busy we exchange the gift of God's love for all other sorts and types of celebration. But our focus must return to the love that came when Jesus came into this world. Our focus must return to the excitement and enthusiasm that God loved us so much that He stepped out of heaven and became flesh, lived among mankind and showed all what it really means to love. And since we're called to be ambassadors of Christ we must represent and reflect our Father God's love since He is love.
Too often I think we get caught up in gifts - especially the gifts we receive. But we can also get caught up in the gifts we give. Many of us actually enjoy giving more than receiving. And that's what God is like - He loves giving the right gift at the right time to the right person. The best gift we can ever receive is the gift of His son. It's offered to all and accepted by some. Before we unwrap all our gifts this year and before all the celebration is over, let’s remember the greatest gift we’ve ever been given is that in His love, God the Father sent His son to be the propitiation, the payment for our sins so that we may come into a right relationship with the Father through the giving of His loving Son Jesus Christ.
So as we go to Christmas parties, sing carols, attend church services and give and receive gifts this year remember His love this Advent Season and let's be part of giving the gift of His son's love. That’s what this season and our lives are to be devoted to. Share the gift of Christ – the gift of His Hope, Peace, Joy and Love!!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Advent Devotional - Joy
Read John 15:9-17
In the Bible, joy is a state of happiness in communion with God, leading to celebration of spirit, gladness, and delight. It's a central characteristic of our faith and it exists because of the understanding and reality we have in the power and presence of God in our lives. Joy can relate to praise and thanksgiving in public worship, or in the quiet confidence that comes when we spend time alone with God.
Jesus spoke about joy in John 15 when talking with His disciples. He said just as the Father loved me I've loved you. And this is what I want from every one of you - that you do the same. That you abide in My love, that you and I love one another. He said I'm telling you these things because I want my JOY to remain in you - this state of happiness in communion and union with God. Jesus wants us no matter the situation to abide in His love because He knows when we follow Him, when we follow His love, His joy will fill us completely.
This time of year can be a terribly difficult time of year for many of us. Many of us have had a tough, tough year. Many of us have lost loved ones; many of us have loved ones who are sick; many of us have circumstances surrounding us we never anticipated; many of us have circumstances surrounding us we knew were coming but we still wrestle with nonetheless. I believe God wants us to be real with these feelings. To bring them to Him and to ask for Him to turn our sorrow into the joy that only comes from our Father in Heaven. No matter what we're facing God wants us to come before Him and experience the joy of the Lord.
The longer I live the more I realize this world is full of substitutes. It attempts to replace what we really need with something that is less than satisfying. Trials and difficulties are simply a part of life and quite honestly, the longer I walk with God the more trials I seem to face. Maybe this is true with you as well. So how should we react when our faith is challenged by these difficulties? James 1:2 says we're to count it all joy! But what could possibly be joyful about difficult situations?
It seems counter intuitive. Yet, somehow we need to find joy in knowing, and even sensing that God is with us in the midst of our problems — in the midst of our trials. He did promise never to leave or forsake us; and as we look over our lives, we find it to be absolutely true…no matter what crazy situation we're in, God is with us.
We all have this decision: either to complain because of the trials we’re enduring…or to prayerfully lift our souls before him (Psalm 25:1)and rejoice in the midst of our troubles — knowing, believing, and even feeling, that God is with us.
Friends, this advent season experience the joy of the Lord; experience the happiness that comes when we're in communion and union with the Living God. And celebrate in your spirit with gladness and delight knowing that the Lord of all creation delights, takes joy in our praise and thanksgiving.
In the Bible, joy is a state of happiness in communion with God, leading to celebration of spirit, gladness, and delight. It's a central characteristic of our faith and it exists because of the understanding and reality we have in the power and presence of God in our lives. Joy can relate to praise and thanksgiving in public worship, or in the quiet confidence that comes when we spend time alone with God.
Jesus spoke about joy in John 15 when talking with His disciples. He said just as the Father loved me I've loved you. And this is what I want from every one of you - that you do the same. That you abide in My love, that you and I love one another. He said I'm telling you these things because I want my JOY to remain in you - this state of happiness in communion and union with God. Jesus wants us no matter the situation to abide in His love because He knows when we follow Him, when we follow His love, His joy will fill us completely.
This time of year can be a terribly difficult time of year for many of us. Many of us have had a tough, tough year. Many of us have lost loved ones; many of us have loved ones who are sick; many of us have circumstances surrounding us we never anticipated; many of us have circumstances surrounding us we knew were coming but we still wrestle with nonetheless. I believe God wants us to be real with these feelings. To bring them to Him and to ask for Him to turn our sorrow into the joy that only comes from our Father in Heaven. No matter what we're facing God wants us to come before Him and experience the joy of the Lord.
The longer I live the more I realize this world is full of substitutes. It attempts to replace what we really need with something that is less than satisfying. Trials and difficulties are simply a part of life and quite honestly, the longer I walk with God the more trials I seem to face. Maybe this is true with you as well. So how should we react when our faith is challenged by these difficulties? James 1:2 says we're to count it all joy! But what could possibly be joyful about difficult situations?
It seems counter intuitive. Yet, somehow we need to find joy in knowing, and even sensing that God is with us in the midst of our problems — in the midst of our trials. He did promise never to leave or forsake us; and as we look over our lives, we find it to be absolutely true…no matter what crazy situation we're in, God is with us.
We all have this decision: either to complain because of the trials we’re enduring…or to prayerfully lift our souls before him (Psalm 25:1)and rejoice in the midst of our troubles — knowing, believing, and even feeling, that God is with us.
Friends, this advent season experience the joy of the Lord; experience the happiness that comes when we're in communion and union with the Living God. And celebrate in your spirit with gladness and delight knowing that the Lord of all creation delights, takes joy in our praise and thanksgiving.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Advent Devotional - Peace
Read Isaiah 9:6
I love this passage in Isaiah. And as we enter this Christmas season it's a great reminder of God coming into our world in human form. We sing this verse during this season to proclaim the wonderful gift we've been given in Jesus Christ. His name - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. Take a moment and just reflect on these amazing names of our Lord Jesus.
I love them all, but this last one - Prince of Peace - really stands out as something different than what so many of us experience in life. Peace is elusive. It's difficult to get a hold of because there can be so much conflict we face in our relationships. Yet Jesus is called the Prince of Peace for a reason.
If you read through the gospels and check out Jesus' ministry He often talked about peace. In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:9, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." In John 14:27 Jesus said to his disciples - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." And over in Colossians 3:15 the Apostle Paul tells the church - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
We are to represent Christ as His followers. Since He is the Prince of Peace we're called to be ambassadors of His peace in this world. How are we doing with this calling? Are our lives reflecting the peace of God?
Jesus says in John 14:27 that He’s given us His peace; it’s a gift that is ours. And no matter what happens we can experience the peace of God by letting it reign in our lives. When I hear this I can’t help but think we have a choice. We can allow our hearts to be troubled and afraid or we can take the advice Jesus offers and live in peace. But how does this work? How can we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? Friends, it begins with knowing Jesus and the gift He is. When we realize this gift of peace, His peace given freely to us it changes our spirit. When our spirit gets up close and personal with God’s Spirit we begin to reflect the character of God Himself. This week take time to reflect on our great Prince of Peace. Take time and just spend time with God - get in His word and talk and listen to Him; and give thanks for the peace we have with God because of Jesus Christ and all that He’s done for us by His life, death and resurrection. Take time to understand the promise of God’s peace every moment of every day is possible when we remember our calling in Christ as members together of one body of believers, the Church of Jesus Christ.
I love this passage in Isaiah. And as we enter this Christmas season it's a great reminder of God coming into our world in human form. We sing this verse during this season to proclaim the wonderful gift we've been given in Jesus Christ. His name - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. Take a moment and just reflect on these amazing names of our Lord Jesus.
I love them all, but this last one - Prince of Peace - really stands out as something different than what so many of us experience in life. Peace is elusive. It's difficult to get a hold of because there can be so much conflict we face in our relationships. Yet Jesus is called the Prince of Peace for a reason.
If you read through the gospels and check out Jesus' ministry He often talked about peace. In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:9, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." In John 14:27 Jesus said to his disciples - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." And over in Colossians 3:15 the Apostle Paul tells the church - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
We are to represent Christ as His followers. Since He is the Prince of Peace we're called to be ambassadors of His peace in this world. How are we doing with this calling? Are our lives reflecting the peace of God?
Jesus says in John 14:27 that He’s given us His peace; it’s a gift that is ours. And no matter what happens we can experience the peace of God by letting it reign in our lives. When I hear this I can’t help but think we have a choice. We can allow our hearts to be troubled and afraid or we can take the advice Jesus offers and live in peace. But how does this work? How can we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? Friends, it begins with knowing Jesus and the gift He is. When we realize this gift of peace, His peace given freely to us it changes our spirit. When our spirit gets up close and personal with God’s Spirit we begin to reflect the character of God Himself. This week take time to reflect on our great Prince of Peace. Take time and just spend time with God - get in His word and talk and listen to Him; and give thanks for the peace we have with God because of Jesus Christ and all that He’s done for us by His life, death and resurrection. Take time to understand the promise of God’s peace every moment of every day is possible when we remember our calling in Christ as members together of one body of believers, the Church of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Advent Devotional - Hope
Read Colossians 1:1-6
Everyone needs it, everyone should give it and everyone thrives when they have it. What's it? It's hope. The Apostle Paul was a man of hope, a man of encouragement. He wrote letters to the churches in the New Testament and always seems to be writing with an air of hope about him. Always encouraging believers to remember the hope we have and ultimately the future hope we'll all experience with God in eternity.
Paul writes in Colossians 1:4 about the believers faith and hope that spring from the hope that is stored up in heaven and how it's all about the truth of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. He says in 1 Corinthians 15:17-19 that if Christ has not been raised from the dead our faith is futile, we're still in our sins and we have no hope. In other words, if only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
This advent season it's important for all of us to remember the hope we have that comes from the Good News of the Gospel. Our hope isn't something we wish for, it's what Hebrews 11:1 tells us. Our faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Jesus Christ - poured out His life as a sacrifice for our lives so that we might have eternal hope; so that we might be encouraged in our faith to trust in everything Jesus said and did for us. Hope in the Son of God. Hope in His Sacrifice. Hope in His love. And hope in all of His promises this Advent Season.
Everyone needs it, everyone should give it and everyone thrives when they have it. What's it? It's hope. The Apostle Paul was a man of hope, a man of encouragement. He wrote letters to the churches in the New Testament and always seems to be writing with an air of hope about him. Always encouraging believers to remember the hope we have and ultimately the future hope we'll all experience with God in eternity.
Paul writes in Colossians 1:4 about the believers faith and hope that spring from the hope that is stored up in heaven and how it's all about the truth of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. He says in 1 Corinthians 15:17-19 that if Christ has not been raised from the dead our faith is futile, we're still in our sins and we have no hope. In other words, if only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
This advent season it's important for all of us to remember the hope we have that comes from the Good News of the Gospel. Our hope isn't something we wish for, it's what Hebrews 11:1 tells us. Our faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Jesus Christ - poured out His life as a sacrifice for our lives so that we might have eternal hope; so that we might be encouraged in our faith to trust in everything Jesus said and did for us. Hope in the Son of God. Hope in His Sacrifice. Hope in His love. And hope in all of His promises this Advent Season.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Freedom of Christ
Read Galatians 5:1-15
What did Christ come for and what did He accomplish on the cross? Galatians 5 says He came for freedom.
This freedom Christ came for begs the question, freedom from what? If you read Galatians 5 you'll see quite clearly the answer. Christ came to set us free from legalism, living according to the Old Testament Law (or trying to at least). The Galatians were being told you're not a "true Christian" unless or until you follow the rule of being circumcised. Paul makes it clear we are free from the rule of law. Instead he says we are (v. 4) justified by faith in Christ.
Of everything Paul could say, he said this -- the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Faith - trusting God is who He says He is; expressing itself in love. This is the creed Jesus lived by - Love God & Love Others.
How we love others will look different because God's given us different spiritual gifts and different passions. But know this - God expects us to live our lives loving Him and loving those in the family of God and those not yet in the family of God. If you want to experience freedom in this life - ask God to help you live this way. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord and experience the freedom of Christ.
What did Christ come for and what did He accomplish on the cross? Galatians 5 says He came for freedom.
This freedom Christ came for begs the question, freedom from what? If you read Galatians 5 you'll see quite clearly the answer. Christ came to set us free from legalism, living according to the Old Testament Law (or trying to at least). The Galatians were being told you're not a "true Christian" unless or until you follow the rule of being circumcised. Paul makes it clear we are free from the rule of law. Instead he says we are (v. 4) justified by faith in Christ.
Of everything Paul could say, he said this -- the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Faith - trusting God is who He says He is; expressing itself in love. This is the creed Jesus lived by - Love God & Love Others.
How we love others will look different because God's given us different spiritual gifts and different passions. But know this - God expects us to live our lives loving Him and loving those in the family of God and those not yet in the family of God. If you want to experience freedom in this life - ask God to help you live this way. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord and experience the freedom of Christ.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Despise Evil
Read Psalm 36
I was reading Psalm 36 this past week and a verse within the Psalm jumped out at me. Let's look at it again, it's at the end of verse four and says "He does not despise evil." David is writing because He sees so much sin going on around him that he writes about the world view of the person (man or woman) who sins and seems to not care one bit.
This passage jumped out at me for a number of reasons but mostly because it's easy for us, I think, to see the evil that others do and despise it. But when we sin more often than not, we don't see it that way. We want to justify our attitudes and actions. I believe God wants us to despise every evil including our own. When we sin, when we do what God tells us is no good for us, we need to acknowledge it for the evil it is. We ALL must get to the point in our faith walk with God that we despise what is evil, what goes against the will of God.
The rest of Psalm 36 from verse 5 to 12 indicates the amazing character of God. What always helps me when I realize the evil that exists in this world, and more than I like to admit in me as well, is all of God's good beats all of this world's evil every single day. I know it doesn't always seem like it, but in God's timing this is absolutely true. So no matter what we're dealing with we should always come back to who God is. When we know God so well, all of His qualities and all of who He is we can walk with confidence that our God is able to get us through anything.
My sense this week is we need to be reminded that our God is the Almighty God; our God is the Forgiving God; our God is the life-giving God; our God is the seer of all that is good and evil; and our God is the One whose lovingkindness extends to the heavens, and faithfulness that reaches to the skies. May our lives LOVE God (all that is good) and despise EVIL (all that is bad).
I was reading Psalm 36 this past week and a verse within the Psalm jumped out at me. Let's look at it again, it's at the end of verse four and says "He does not despise evil." David is writing because He sees so much sin going on around him that he writes about the world view of the person (man or woman) who sins and seems to not care one bit.
This passage jumped out at me for a number of reasons but mostly because it's easy for us, I think, to see the evil that others do and despise it. But when we sin more often than not, we don't see it that way. We want to justify our attitudes and actions. I believe God wants us to despise every evil including our own. When we sin, when we do what God tells us is no good for us, we need to acknowledge it for the evil it is. We ALL must get to the point in our faith walk with God that we despise what is evil, what goes against the will of God.
The rest of Psalm 36 from verse 5 to 12 indicates the amazing character of God. What always helps me when I realize the evil that exists in this world, and more than I like to admit in me as well, is all of God's good beats all of this world's evil every single day. I know it doesn't always seem like it, but in God's timing this is absolutely true. So no matter what we're dealing with we should always come back to who God is. When we know God so well, all of His qualities and all of who He is we can walk with confidence that our God is able to get us through anything.
My sense this week is we need to be reminded that our God is the Almighty God; our God is the Forgiving God; our God is the life-giving God; our God is the seer of all that is good and evil; and our God is the One whose lovingkindness extends to the heavens, and faithfulness that reaches to the skies. May our lives LOVE God (all that is good) and despise EVIL (all that is bad).
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Give It All To You
Read Colossians 3:1-25
Something I've always enjoyed since becoming a follower of Jesus is Christian music. Primarily I enjoy worship music with a contemporary flair to it. Give It All To You is a new single by a group called Yellow Cavalier. As I was thinking the other day of this title it hit me that whatever I'm facing God wants me to give it all to Him.
Colossians 3 is so full of challenges that tell us the Christian life is all about giving it all to God. Our hearts and our minds are to be set on things above, not on earthly things. Paul gives this picture of Christ being seated at the right hand of God and if we don't understand the importance of this image we can miss the power of his challenge. When Christ is seated at the right hand of God we must realize this is showing He was finished accomplishing His purpose on earth; seeing Him seated at the right hand of God shows His victory over death, His victory in securing that He gave everything He had so that we could have a right relationship with God the Father! Jesus seated at God's right hand could rightly say for all eternity I give it all to you.
Friends, Paul goes on and says because Jesus is victoriously seated in heaven with God we now must commit our new lives in Him by ridding ourselves of our old lives. Put to death he says all the things that are out of character for anyone claiming Christ is the leader of their life. And put on or "clothe yourselves" with the character of Christ (vv. 12-14), let the peace of Christ rule your lives as you allow the word of Christ to guide your words and deeds (vv. 15-17).
I love how he wraps this chapter up with probably one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture -
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Let's be able to say to God with our lives - Father God I GIVE IT ALL TO YOU!!
Something I've always enjoyed since becoming a follower of Jesus is Christian music. Primarily I enjoy worship music with a contemporary flair to it. Give It All To You is a new single by a group called Yellow Cavalier. As I was thinking the other day of this title it hit me that whatever I'm facing God wants me to give it all to Him.
Colossians 3 is so full of challenges that tell us the Christian life is all about giving it all to God. Our hearts and our minds are to be set on things above, not on earthly things. Paul gives this picture of Christ being seated at the right hand of God and if we don't understand the importance of this image we can miss the power of his challenge. When Christ is seated at the right hand of God we must realize this is showing He was finished accomplishing His purpose on earth; seeing Him seated at the right hand of God shows His victory over death, His victory in securing that He gave everything He had so that we could have a right relationship with God the Father! Jesus seated at God's right hand could rightly say for all eternity I give it all to you.
Friends, Paul goes on and says because Jesus is victoriously seated in heaven with God we now must commit our new lives in Him by ridding ourselves of our old lives. Put to death he says all the things that are out of character for anyone claiming Christ is the leader of their life. And put on or "clothe yourselves" with the character of Christ (vv. 12-14), let the peace of Christ rule your lives as you allow the word of Christ to guide your words and deeds (vv. 15-17).
I love how he wraps this chapter up with probably one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture -
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Let's be able to say to God with our lives - Father God I GIVE IT ALL TO YOU!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
