Tag: Christmas

Christmas Truth

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Christmas Truth

John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Jesus Christ is the truth, and the only ‘truth’ that matters this Christmas. Jew and Gentiles alike, those who follow Christ in the light of the truth shall be set free from the bondage of sin and we will be washed by the reviving waters, the blood of Christ that was shed so each and every one of us could live a life in eternal hope. That blood that was shed could never happen without the birth of that baby Emanuel. Christmas is our time to remember the birth of Jesus, and no matter when it ‘actually’ happened, Christmas in December is our observed celebration. 

Jesus is Christmas. Christmas is not about us, or the gifts we get. God gave us a single gift and that gift was Christ. Do we trust in the Lord? Do you ask God for all these things, these wishes of jobs, love, relationships, or just the stuff? We are not the center of the universe. In 1532 Nicolaus Copernicus theorized we are not the center of the universe. This man was threatened with death, even by the church, and shows that there will always be religious idiots. There will always be those who know just enough scripture to be dangerous. So many people choose to live for self, choose to live for selfish desire and don’t live a Christocentric life (Christ Centered). Nothing else matters in our life, except a babe born laying in a manger born in Bethlehem. All people, reace, ethnicity, color, or creed is loved by God so much that he gave his only begotten son for us.

John 8:12“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” 

We see the Christmas story in Luke.

Luke 2:1-25 (NKJV)

2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Have You Been Naughty or Nice?

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Have You Been Naughty or Nice? 

We are in the mindset we’ve been nice, and we’ve made the list in which Santa Claus has checked twice. We think we deserve gifts and presents but we’ve lost sight of what’s so important. Instead of Santa it’s God who truly knows if we’ve been naughty or nice. When we think of our walk are we walking in God’s will or our own will? Luke 1:26-3326 “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”Our sins are treacherous and filthy and our sins forever place us on the naughty list. We are wrapped up in emotions this time of year and we often loose sight of truth. Faith is based on God’s truth not emotions. We cannot look back to our emotions and expect our perceptions to be based on reality. 

Santa is a fun fantasy we enjoy but we cannot take our eyes off of the real giver of the best gift we could ever accept. Forgiveness of our sins for eternal salvation is freely given despite the naughty nature of our lives. Hebrews 11:6“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” We must accept into our heart that 

James 1:17“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Matthew 7:11“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

We celebrate Christmas of the little baby in the manger, but we forget it was be cause we were hopeless without Him, we were sinners in which there was no hope of works to win our way to Heaven. Death is a gift, a release of a sinful life for a place of no sorrow, no pain, and no tears. Our naughty nature is wasted away and Heaven awaits us where we will forever be amazing.

Now, before all of you get up in arms about Santa Claus let me add a personal note, I believe the spirit of Santa Claus is very alive and real. In the 4thcentury Saint Nicholas was a very alive and real person who gave gifts generously to those of the poor. While the legend has changed, and small things were added or moved, the idea of Santa has endured. The magic and mysticism of Santa may have grown as time has moved forward, but the truth is, while Santa may no longer be a real person (that we know of) the thought of what Santa represents is just fine. Giving to those in need selflessly is not only a Santa thing, but as the Saint who gave birth to the legend was a Christian bishop. Live your life with a giving heart, and full of love. Keep Christmas cheer and while Santa is great, remember Santa worked for Christ, just doing as Christ had done. Don’t put Santa ahead of Christ, but don’t miss the spirit of good ol Saint Nick. 

Strange Directions

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Strange Directions

I have had a little time to ponder where I am in my life, and I’ve come up with some interesting conclusions. First I told God early in my life I did not want to be in ministry such as a priest. Later I expanded that to include pastors. I fought tooth and nail against that notion. Then one day I was asked to teach a Sunday school class every now and then. Of course I said yes, and did so for a while. I eventually stepped away from teaching to focus on school more, even though I believe that was just an excuse. While I enjoyed teaching, I didn’t leave myself enough time to put lessons together, and I was trying to run from my enjoyment of teaching. I was running from my enjoyment of diving into scripture and learning the mystery of the Bible. I guess the question to ask was what was I afraid of? Well, that’s simple, afraid of getting sucked down a path I didn’t want to be on. God though, as I said thinks things are funny. I didn’t realize when I walked away from teaching I would miss it as much as I did. But God gets what He wants.

Some time would pass before I get back into teaching or preaching anything and I could see a difference in my life. Proverbs 21:2“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.” I knew in my heart I needed to get back into scripture and get back to more of a routine with the Lord, I just had no idea how far that would go. 

I have seen how quickly the plan goes off the rails and how quickly the sharp claws of the Devil can grip a hold of someone and not let go. I was given a second change, or maybe it was a third, or fourth, but regardless, I was given another chance, and God has made sure to set my path.

I never would have imagined my life where it is, not ever. I never would have dreamt I would be involved with so many church or Bible study events. I never would have imagined that so many of my daily events would revolve around scripture. I look to my tomorrow and I no longer tell God my plans, instead I wait for God to reveal them to me. I can honestly say that when I stopped trying to walk my own way I have been happier, and more satisfied with life. While I don’t presume to say everyone’s path is that of ministry, I believe there is a path for everyone because scripture says so. God creates every one of us for a purpose and we may not always see it, or even like it at first, but giving it some time and you will find your peace. I never would have thought I’d be working with the Emergency Chaplains, or working towards being ordained, or ministering to people every day, but here I am. God’s got a great sense of humor, and for every big thing I said no, God said ‘Oh yeah? Watch this.’

If you don’t know your path this Christmas, first and foremost learn about that little baby boy born in a stable and placed in a manger. Learn about that baby boy named Jesus that came to save us from the hopeless tomorrow we once had. The darkness we were once wrapped in was broken after 400 years of silence and a baby’s cry pierced the universe and the greatest concert to ever be performed was played by the very Angels on high. It’s a sweet, sweet sound that of a newborn baby. This baby was no ordinary child however, for he was born a King. He wasn’t born a prince like everyone else, no, he was born into his Kingship. We all have a chance to worship that little boy, the king of kings, if we only give our hearts to Jesus we will watch our lives change. We will be born again as a new creation, and we will walk a new path. We will be different and we will have others look at us and know that we who’ve been washed by the Holy Spirit are different. It’s time to ask yourself what direction you’re going, and see if you’re walking with Christ or not. It’s Christmas, and no time like the present to give a present to the glorious king of the universe. Love concurs all, and we only have to love to love to use the greatest gift we’ve ever been given, salvation. Follow the light, you will know your path. The light is Jesus today, and always.

I Sense The Conflict Within You

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I Sense The Conflict Within You

The emotions flow as the Spirit moves within you. The movement of your faith grows by leaps and bounds, a promise to do things the Christ way, but how quickly does that fade? There’s the emotional change that takes place around high intensity services, concerts, etc. There is a pull within each and every one of us. The pull of the light, and the pull of the dark are a battle being waged inside us every day. I have seen the emotional response within people as they get caught in the hype, the excitement and while the ‘Jesus High’ lasts for a while, it slowly fades. I have seen people get enthralled in church and became involved in ministries left and right, and while it seemed the new creation was real and true, the draw of the dark side is strong.

Star Wars is a worldwide phenomenon and there are few households that have not heard of the term Jedi, or the Force. While perhaps the movie itself may not have been watched, there are aspects that just about everyone knows, such as the Jedi Mind Trick, levitation, even lightning. While most people know the Jedi, perhaps more people know Darth Vader. I think as Christians we focus so much on the power of God, we forget that the dark side is strong, and we should never underestimate it. The temptation of Jesus is something I think that’s overlooked because of how easily it seems Christ moved beyond those temptations. When we take a moment to actually consider it, if Satan tempted Jesus, we must understand that you cannot tempt someone unless you have something real to offer. Satan truly has power, and so much so that even Paul calls Satan a god, true a lesser god, but a god nevertheless. While there is God our Father of the Universe, Satan is god over the realm of the earth. This gives him dominion, power, and influence. Sin itself is the dark side and when we consider the fight of good and evil, even though we know who wins, the nature of free will still gives us lowly humans a choice whether to follow the light, or succumb to the darkness. Sadly, I have seen many fall into darkness and have allowed their anger, their hate, their doubts, to fill them up, and as Yoda says, it does lead to suffering. What more can we do though when we see the conflict within someone? In the majority of the last movie of the original Star Wars trilogy we see Luke Skywalker confronting Vader and trying to sway him away from the dark side and back into the light. Instead of being angry that Vader cut off his hand, killed millions, Luke is approaching vader with mercy. Are we moving through our lives with mercy and love, or do we plot revenge on those who wrong us?

How often do we see in movies how well the revenge plot goes for the villain? Law Abiding Citizen doesn’t go so well for our main character played by Gerarld Butler. One of my favorite movies Star Trek: The Wrath Of Khan, a man filled with anger and hatred, sets out to seek revenge on once Captain Kirk, and of course for those who’ve seen it, knows revenge doesn’t go well. Unless you are John Wick, revenge doesn’t go so well for most people, because truly it darkens the heart, and leads to violence and hatred. Yoda it seems was right all along, hate does undoubtedly lead to suffering. So what do we know about hate in the Bible? Satan, also known as Lucifer Morning Star was beloved by God, beautiful and the most beautiful of God’s Angels. Ezekiel 28:11-19Satan would be created in perfection, but became corrupted. While it’s not clear if Satan’s jealousy came because of the creation of man, or something else, but regardless, Satan was cast out of heaven for rebelling against the throne. The fallen angels in which followed Satan also were cast out and now roam the Earth creating havoc and dissention and leaving destruction in their wake. Those who choose to allow their darkness to spread, to be in anger, allows the Devil to feed off of that sin, only empowers the god of darkness to spread more hate upon hate. Do not underestimate the real threat, and the power of the darkness. There is hope however, and while the conflict of the flesh, and the spirit rage on inside each of us, light always wins. Paul describes the war in Ephesians 6:10-20, also in Romans 7:14-25 (NKJV)

“14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.”

Paul often talks about the battle between the flesh and the spirit and when we see how adamant he was we cannot take his warning lightly. It says in scripture Romans 12:9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. There is no other reference to anything else we should attack with all hatred and malice except sin nature. Ephesians 4:30-32New King James Version (NKJV) 30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

While there is conflict within you, remember that in this season of Christmas we have hope in the baby that was born to free us from the bondage of that sin, to show us the nature of true love, of real joy, and to forever give us the gift of eternal salvation. We have been given a gift but it’s always up to each and every one of us if we use that gift. In the movie Home Alone 2 Kevin tells the old bird lady what good is having a heart if you never use it? What good was the gift of his skates that he never used and he grew out of them. We cannot be afraid of the gift God has given to us, and it’s up to use to take that gift and use it, to share it with others. There will always be conflict within so long as we live because of the sin nature we have, but love and mercy from Christ washes those transgressions away and gives us something to be joyful about. Go forth and love deeply and let go of the hate and malice that fills this fallen world. Fight with all your might against the attacks upon your heart, and never underestimate the power of your enemy. Make no mistake, the Devil is your enemy, and he means to destroy everything you have. He will promise you the world and all of it’s pleasures, it’s toys and bobbles, but that’s all the god of this world can offer you is temporary pleasures, nothing real, nothing that will ever sustain you. There is but one living water that is forever replenished and that’s Jesus Christ. The baby in which we celebrate this Christmas born to give us a blessing beyond all measure, and the light will always cause the darkness to retreat away. 

Tis’ The Season

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Tis’ The Season 

As I finish my half a year back in school I find myself feeling tired. I have found my motivation severely lacking. The enjoyment of school seems to be waning as one week after another I get closer to graduating. While it doesn’t make sense to me why my motivation has been so lacking, I find myself going into this CHRISTmas season hopeful of the break, looking forward to rest, and finding things relaxing to occupy my time.

Sadly many of the events this season I look forward too most have been canceled. I don’t generally look forward to very many things so for something to not work out, really gets to me. Thankfully there are still things I’m looking forward to during this break. CHRISTmas is still coming, along with the candlelight service, the annual church breakfast service, and the church cantata. Finally at the end of the Christmas season is my Appalachian Trail hike. While I’m looking forward to the 6-8 day hike, I can’t deny that some concerns over the recent weather have been raised. With the snow that fell concerns were light, but going further into the season it’s been almost nothing but rain. The rain on the hike would be a miserable experience. I am praying earnestly that the weather is either dry, or snow.

Hope and cheer is the key phrase this season, and how much do we have to hope for? 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV)3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,” We have hope for the Lord Jesus Christ, and know that there is nothing else in this world that gives us more hope. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)31 “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” 

The days come and everyone experiences a lull in their season, and perhaps after 6 months of non stop work, the stress caught up to me. The joy of the Lord, and knowing that Jesus Christ gives us eternal hope, and that nothing in this world can remove that from life. The Christmas joy is forever and for all those who know and love Jesus Christ have a lifetime of hope. This season the Christmas blues may hit, but remember that a moment of blue doesn’t mean you have to be in a season of blue. It’s okay to have a day or so where you’re feeling the holiday blues. Maybe you miss a loved one, or you miss some old friends, no matter what’s causing the blues just remember it’s Christmas, and it’s all about the baby born to give us the ultimate hope and joy. So Tis’ the season to be Jolly, and find your joy by remembering what’s important this holiday season. It doesn’t matter if it’s snowing, or raining, something in between, or what season you’re in, Christmas is here, and that means there’s lots to be joyful about.

I’m Taking My Ball And Going Home!

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I’m Taking My Ball And Going Home! 

Acts 18:6“But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

When things don’t go your way sometimes you need to pack up your things and go home! Waist no time on those who refuse to listen. Waist not your breath for those whom refuse truth.

Sometimes you need to call it a day. Some people will only ever take and our time is precious and we shouldn’t waist our time. We must be faithful with our testimony and our prayers. We must never close doors but that doesn’t mean we seek out those who aim to drain precious recourses.

Have faith in God and work things out in lives you cannot be apart of by prayer and hope. Paul knew when it was time to go, to move on, and as frustrating as that may have been for Paul, he knew that God’s time is precious and we are but links in a chain. Romans 12:3“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”It’s not about who we are, it’s who Christ is within us it’s not about if people hear our message which is not our message at all, but the message of Christ. It’s about getting that message out there and being that link in the chain. We can never talk someone into Jesus because if you can be talked into, someone else can talk you out of Jesus. Paul knew when it was time to go, and when it was time to fight. It’s important to understand how to pick and choose your battles. There are hills to die on, and there are hills to strategically retreat from. In this life there are five hills to die on, and it’s important to keep focused on that. Now you’re wondering what’s so important, what is so big that there are hills to die on? 

Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority.

Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.

Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone.

Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King.

Soli Deo Gloria (“to the glory of God alone”): We live for the glory of God alone. 

These are the hills to die on. This is the foundation of Christianity, and everything else is just a distraction. In this day of lightning fast information, worldwide discussions, internet chats, social media, and the list goes on, it’s easy to get swept into the bait of arguments which are not likely to change anyone’s mind, just end in a waist of time and energy. The five solas are the hills to focus on. Only Jesus Christ can change hearts and minds. It’s up to us to know when to be like Paul, knowing when it’s time to pick up your ball and go home. It isn’t about us, or our pride, or knowing we talked someone into it, it’s about the glory of God and maintaining our self-respect, and standing on the truth. It’s about living for the world to see, and being a nobody, telling the world about somebody, Jesus Christ. Everyone has a purpose, and know that God has chosen you for something special.

If you wonder what hills you’d be willing to die on, ask yourself what hill was Christ willing to die on. Christ died on a hill for a purpose and that purpose was you and me. Christ’s love was beyond anything we deserved. We were and are sinners deserving nothing but death in our cosmic treason, but Christ died on that hill for us, and we must choose our own hills. When we look to this life, Scripture, Faith, Grace, Christ, and Glory are the hills we hold our ground, we never back down. Anything outside of those five isn’t worth dying for. Don’t get drug into idol conversation. 2 Timothy 2:16-17“But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer.”  We can be wrapped up in foolish nonsense, and we can easily loose sight of what’s important. People will try to bring you into arguments of politics, of faith, or a whole bunch of other idol conversations, but don’t forget, the first, most, and only thing that’s important is stay on point for Christ. When you have too, pick up your ball, and go home. 

Pearl Harbor

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Pearl Harbor

December 7th1941, a date in which the Empire of Japan deliberately, and maliciously attacked the Pacific Naval Fleet on the island of Pearl Harbor. 77 years ago over 2000 were killed, over another 1000 wounded, and countless ships and aircraft destroyed. We remember today the sacrifice made by the men and women who served and gave everything on this morning 77 years ago. What does it mean to serve? What does it mean to sacrifice? 

Jesus said, John 15:13 (NKJV)13 “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” The end for so many is a scary time. For millions the end of their life whether it’s of old age, or taken by way of an accident is a terrifying ordeal. There are so many people who are lost in the end who never knew the love of Jesus Christ. I think of the over 2000 souls lost 77 years ago and wonder how many of them were saved. I think back of what that morning in Hawaii must have been like. The weather was beautiful and much like any other morning people were at work, and none of them knew it would be their last day, their last chance to know Jesus Christ. I think of those who died in the Arizona as the air slowly faded and the slow time it took to face the truth that it would be their last day. The sad, yet undeniable truth is that we never know when our time is up. The biggest question is what have we done, or what will we do with the time we have left, however long that may be? 

Psalm 90:12“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”I remember when I was in the military and I never knew when the last day might come. I went on mission wondering if it would be my last, if my number were up that day. While the experience stuck with me for years, I can remember being both calm and terrified at the same time. I recall feeling at ease because I knew where I was going, but also I found it upsetting all the things I would never be able to do. It seems irrational thinking about all the things yet to experience in this life considered the perfection of Heaven, but the feelings I experienced were very real. I had been a Christian my whole life up till that point 20-21 years, but all things considered I was a baby in my faith. It wasn’t until many years later that I would have a much better and in depth view of what it truly means to be Christian. 

Today the thought of so many people in this world who don’t know Christ and who will never know the eternal life of Heaven breaks my heart. The evidence points to the Gospels being true accounts, the Non-Biblical accounts corroborate many of the Biblical facts. Even with that people choose to think of Jesus as a myth, a crazy man, or just a regular guy who did nice things for people. The facts are fairly plane when you put all the pieces together instead of picking and choosing what to focus on. While it’s true none of us saw what happened that day, the fact remains that there are eyewitness accounts of the acts of Jesus Christ, and the ‘facts’ point to a risen Christ with an empty tomb. The empty tomb shows Christ overcame death and promised we too who follow would also overcome death.

I think it’s important to use events like Pearl, Boston, 9/11, San Bernardino, even events like hurricanes, that we understand the end day is never promised to be after a long life. We must count our days, and to gain a heart of wisdom is to be blessed by God. We are blessed in salvation, but we must accept that salvation. We must place our hope in the Son, and accept the nature of life, and that it’s not told to us when or how the end comes. It’s better to be prepared and to know the savior and be at ease when the moment of death arrives no matter if it’s at a ripe old age, or a sudden accident. We need to count the blessings for each and every day, and understand tomorrow is never promised.

And Test Me Not Into Temptation

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And Test Me Not Into Temptation 

Distraction away from what’s important. The Devil draws you away and wants to sew conflict into your life. The Devil in Matthew 2:1-7“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [a]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the [b]wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.” The Devil used Harod in an attempt to end Christmas before it began. The Savior was born and in order to stop from being removed from power, Harod’s increasingly more paranoid state of mind led him to slaughter kids from the ages of newborn to three years old. How awful a stain on the joy of Christmas. Satan stained Harod’s heart with the sin of selfishness, greed of money and power. 

Satan tries to tempt you in this life away from God, or away from God’s blessings. Temptations come in every shape and size. For some temptation comes in alcohol, women, men, drugs, addictions, and so many others. Are we strong enough to withstand and turn away those temptations? Of course we are only human and there will be times in which we do, and sadly times we fall.

Do we respond with hate, or anger when our beliefs are attacked? Recently in the news there have been attacks on Christmas songs, and even the old claymation movie Rudolph. These attacks will come and will tempt us to try and follow the world’s flow, but as it’s said, it’s better stand with God and be judged by man, rather then to stand with man and be judged by God. Don’t loose sight of what’s important.

Matthew 6:13“And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

[a]For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” 

What Did It Cost You?

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What Did It Cost You?

“How much does God have to take from you before He has your undivided attention?”Rev. Glen Newsome, Jr M.A.C.S

God deserves our best and we give our last. We curse God when things go badly, but we are often to blame for most of our own hardships. We curse God when life takes a turn, but we miss the signs saying ‘wrong way’ or ‘turn around’. We walk this life thinking we know best, and we have the attitude of “I do what I want.” So I must ask, when you walk this lifestyle what does it cost you? When we consider what sin is, how can we fathom living in this sin lifestyle and do so with no care. Cosmic treason is the crime and the cost can be eternal damnation in hellfire and brimstone. 

Psalm 147

147 Praise[a] the Lord!

For it is good to sing praises to our God;

For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.

2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;

He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted

And binds up their [b]wounds.

4 He counts the number of the stars;

He calls them all by name.

5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;

His understanding is infinite.

6 The Lord lifts up the humble;

He casts the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;

Sing praises on the harp to our God,

8 Who covers the heavens with clouds,

Who prepares rain for the earth,

Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.

9 He gives to the beast its food,

And to the young ravens that cry.

10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse;

He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him,

In those who hope in His mercy.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!

Praise your God, O Zion!

13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates;

He has blessed your children within you.

14 He makes peace in your borders,

And fills you with [c]the finest wheat.

15 He sends out His command to the earth;

His word runs very swiftly.

16 He gives snow like wool;

He scatters the frost like ashes;

17 He casts out His hail like [d]morsels;

Who can stand before His cold?

18 He sends out His word and melts them;

He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.

19 He declares His word to Jacob,

His statutes and His judgments to Israel.

20 He has not dealt thus with any nation;

And as for His judgments, they have not known them.

[e]Praise the Lord!

The Lord commands it all, and we must understand the nature of God. When the Lord of Lords lifts everyone, but also casts judgment. When we consider the cost, are we willing to pay it? Are we willing to count the cost of God’s wrath when we walk a path of wickedness? The evil of the world are promised the chance of redemption, but what of those who live in an upright life but watches the wicked with no voice outspoken against the evil? Ezekiel 3:18 “When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.”Guilty is the charge for those who stand by and do nothing. It’s not just enough to love your neighbor but to love the sinner is to point out that sin. It’s not far enough to just love God because if we don’t love our brothers and sisters enough to be a light for those in darkness, then we are in darkness. 

(Avengers: Infinity War Spoilers Ahead) 

The darkness isn’t always as simple as we would think. What about those who do the unthinkable for the right reasons? Fictional characters such as Thanos who watched his own home planet devised a plan to save the universe. This plan was brazen, but with the power to carry out the plan, with a single snap of his fingers, the infinity gems combined caused half the universe to fade away in dust. It exacted a horrible cost however, and it nearly killed Thanos. When we look at the cost if we do not follow Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” We may not like the outcome. 

What do you take with you when you can’t reconcile? We take nothing with us to the life after, but there is a cost, a terrible cost that will come to those who choose to stay in darkness. The Day of Judgment comes to all, and sin is equal at the foot of the cross. The difference is the ones who know Christ will face different justice, while the evil will face wrath. Ezekiel 3:18 (NKJV)18 “When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.” 

The cost of wickedness is unpleasant. The idea of scared straight is just so simple, yet when one doesn’t believe in Christ the idea of eternal damnation is not a true concern. Our feelings however do not express a true sense of reality. The truth of reality is Job 36:6 (NKJV)6 “He does not preserve the life of the wicked, But gives justice to the oppressed.” We must consider what it costs you to live life with cruelty, hatred, and distain in your life. The wrath of God is not to be tested. God shall not be tempted and we must not gamble with our salvation. Death is the cost, and not just death from this world, but the suffering of the eternal soul as the lakes of fire will consume you. 

There is hope though, and we celebrate that hope this holiday season. Christmas isn’t about the gifts, the lights, the shopping, the food, no, it’s about a little baby who has not been number one in many lives for a long time. That little baby changed the world, and gave us the hope we never had. The baby boy who found himself being turned away from the inn, turned away from his home, and every city right up till his death. The savior of the universe proclaimed the multitudes will persecute in the name of Christ and that still happens regularly. How sad it is to have so much hope in the evidence in abundance and yet the countless turn and walk away from the Lords love and grace. The cost of souls is so very real and yet means so little to so many. We cannot live in this life living it however we want thinking there is no repercussions awaiting us. There is hope that is seen at the end of that babies life, two men on the cross, one even in death found no fear of God, while the other, turned to Jesus and owned responsibility of his actions, and asked for the forgiveness of the Father. He earned nothing, and could never work for his salvation, and yet grace and mercy were in abundance, finding him and in a word, Christ promised Heaven. What does it cost you? Your heart to the Lord is all that’s asked, just to allow Christ to fill your heart, and burn away the old self, and you to become new creation born in the Holy Spirit, as your sins are washed away. Faith in the Lord and trusting that Heaven is the reward for the cost of love. 

Hard Love or Harder Love?

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Hard Love or Harder Love?

Either we aren’t walking with God so we bring them upon ourselves. Someone else isn’t walking with God and we are in the line of Fire. Satan is attacking us trying to pull us away from God. Or God is trying to correct our path.

There’s a war going on and we live our lives mostly oblivious of the truth. We gripe and complain when the hard Knox come around but we miss the point. You are loved by Satan, but don’t be fooled it’s not you he cares about, but your sin, that cosmic treason is what he loves. Do you love your sin so much that you are siding with the Devil?  

We have a saying that you learned something from the school of hard knox, the learning by way of personal, usually negative experiences in life verses a formal education. How much of our life is experience verse being taught. As the song goes 

Hard Love by, NeedToBreathe

“Hold on tight a little longer

What don’t kill ya, makes ya stronger

Get back up, ’cause it’s a hard love

You can’t change without a fallout

It’s gon’ hurt, but don’t you slow down

Get back up, ’cause it’s a hard love” 

We must love the light because it shines down upon us this season, no not Christmas but rather this life, the time between the risen Lord and the second coming of our savior. Are we walking in the light or causing our own turmoil? Jesus comes under the light of a star that shown down as a message to the world that the savior had come. Matthew 1:21“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Jesus has given us every tool, everything we’d ever need, and here Christ lived and did so as an example to us. We can relate to Christ, because Christ could relate to us. Jesus lived a hard knox life, a life of sorrow, loss, persecution, and ending his life in torture beyond what any other man could have withstood. Even though our savior suffered so much we still turn our love to Satan. If we are not walking in Christ we are walking with Satan. Satan did not work for the throne of Earth, and he does not respect us so why do we follow? We love the decorations, the lights, the cheer, the food, and we can have peace in any hard knox we come through for the one reason we have all these things, Happy Birthday Jesus. 

If we want it done right do it yourself, so God sent Jesus to become word, the word, the light of the world. Emmanuel came and be I Am, and is everything we’d ever need. The true God of the Universe tells us those who are for Him, that no one would stand against Him. We are called to not worry, to have a soul of courage, that our hearts be filled with joy for the savior has come. It’s a hard love to follow Christ because there will be pain along the way. It’s an even harder love to love sin because the Devil would love your company in the pits of fire that awaits those who deny Christ. A hard love, or a harder love, your choice.

Dark days come and are coming and the wolves try every day to breach the defenses and we must remain strong while Satan tries to break up the party. Satan wants to destroy the hope and the lights that shine brightest for the Lord. Fear not for the wolves don’t like the light in the darkness. Light the fires with the Holy Spirit, and you will fend off all attacks that try to destroy what’s been built in the name of the Lord. It’s a birthday, Christ’s birthday, let us not ruin the festivities with despair.