''Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.'' Ps 107:2
Storytelling has been around for as long as people have been on the earth. We like to share our experiences, to boast of victories and find sympathy in our defeats. Why then do we often keep silent about the most important experience of all? When each of us trusted the Lord for salvation, we went from death to life, snatched from the brink of hell - so why do we let the fear of man intimidate us into silence about that wonderful event? There's a world around us that needs to know our Lord. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!
December 27, 2012
December 25, 2012
Thought for Today - Merry Christmas!
''For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'' Luke 2:11
If I were God, coming to save the earth, I don't think I'd choose to be born, helpless and needy, and in a stable of all things! It's a good thing I'm not God, because His humble birth accomplished what all the trumpets and fanfare of the world could not. His ability to share in our trials, to be one of us, started in a noisy, smelly stall. Even though it has lost a lot of its meaning, the day commemorating this lowly birth is still one of mankind's most beloved holidays, not because it displays a triumphant King but because it represents a humble Lord. So, sing the carols, eat festive food, spend time with people that are dear to you - but don't lose sight of what's behind the celebration: a manger, overshadowed by a cross; God in skin, humble for us.
Merry Christmas!
If I were God, coming to save the earth, I don't think I'd choose to be born, helpless and needy, and in a stable of all things! It's a good thing I'm not God, because His humble birth accomplished what all the trumpets and fanfare of the world could not. His ability to share in our trials, to be one of us, started in a noisy, smelly stall. Even though it has lost a lot of its meaning, the day commemorating this lowly birth is still one of mankind's most beloved holidays, not because it displays a triumphant King but because it represents a humble Lord. So, sing the carols, eat festive food, spend time with people that are dear to you - but don't lose sight of what's behind the celebration: a manger, overshadowed by a cross; God in skin, humble for us.
Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2012
Thought for Today - No Coincidences
''And it came to pass in those days that a degree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.'' Luke 2:1
Sometimes I wonder if God doesn't laugh at our ''coincidences,'' a concept that is purely human and completely unbiblical. There is no such thing - everything that happens either originates with God or is something He allowed to happen.
Clearly, a long journey was not Mary's idea of a smooth pregnancy. The tax registration was highly inconvenient. But from our perspective, knowing the story, it was exactly what God planned to fulfill prophecy.
So, what coincidences or even inconveniences are happening in your life? I think, when we get to heaven, we will be very surprised at what God was doing all that time. Remember that He sees both the details and the big picture. An inconvenience might just be a blessing in disguise.
Sometimes I wonder if God doesn't laugh at our ''coincidences,'' a concept that is purely human and completely unbiblical. There is no such thing - everything that happens either originates with God or is something He allowed to happen.
Clearly, a long journey was not Mary's idea of a smooth pregnancy. The tax registration was highly inconvenient. But from our perspective, knowing the story, it was exactly what God planned to fulfill prophecy.
So, what coincidences or even inconveniences are happening in your life? I think, when we get to heaven, we will be very surprised at what God was doing all that time. Remember that He sees both the details and the big picture. An inconvenience might just be a blessing in disguise.
December 21, 2012
Thought for Today - Jesus' Purpose
''For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.'' Luke 19:10
Parents want the best for their children. They usually have high hopes for their children's successfulness and happiness, and dream about their children's future. Jesus' future was clear from the moment angels proclaimed His coming - clear from the moment the Father set into action a course of events that would change all history. The Baby in the manger was there for the express purpose of sacrificing Himself for all mankind. He knew His purpose better than anyone. Thank God for that life-giving sacrifice!
Parents want the best for their children. They usually have high hopes for their children's successfulness and happiness, and dream about their children's future. Jesus' future was clear from the moment angels proclaimed His coming - clear from the moment the Father set into action a course of events that would change all history. The Baby in the manger was there for the express purpose of sacrificing Himself for all mankind. He knew His purpose better than anyone. Thank God for that life-giving sacrifice!
December 20, 2012
Thought for Today - The Gift of Jesus
''For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given...'' Isaiah 9:6a
Familiar words, popularized by Handel's Messiah and often quoted at Christmas. Let's stop and ponder a few moments on this gift. ''A son is given'' - God, wrapped in skin, to give us what we couldn't obtain for ourselves. The gift is not so much the cute baby sprawled in the straw as pictured in nativity scenes as it is the battered and bloody body of a Savior dying on a cross. Without Easter, there would be no Christmas. The prophecies foretold the coming Lord - beautiful in humility, powerful in helplessness, God in human flesh. This is the gift!
Familiar words, popularized by Handel's Messiah and often quoted at Christmas. Let's stop and ponder a few moments on this gift. ''A son is given'' - God, wrapped in skin, to give us what we couldn't obtain for ourselves. The gift is not so much the cute baby sprawled in the straw as pictured in nativity scenes as it is the battered and bloody body of a Savior dying on a cross. Without Easter, there would be no Christmas. The prophecies foretold the coming Lord - beautiful in humility, powerful in helplessness, God in human flesh. This is the gift!
December 18, 2012
Thought for Today - The Magnificat
''And Mary said: 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.''' Luke 1:46-47
Mary knew the road ahead of her was not going to be easy. As a betrothed woman pregnant with an apparently illegitimate child, she was degraded in her society. As the mother of God's Son, she had an enormous responsibility. Scripture says she ''pondered these things in her heart,'' so I think she probably had a lot on her mind when she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. But at Elizabeth's validation of their shared knowledge of who this miraculous Child was, Mary's first response is praise. In beautiful, poetic words she reveals her intimate knowledge of and relationship with God - the very God whose Son was in her womb.
How often do I speak rashly when my mind is full or my heart is heavy? Today, let's challenge ourselves to watch our words and make a habit of speaking praise and things glorifying to our Lord!
Mary knew the road ahead of her was not going to be easy. As a betrothed woman pregnant with an apparently illegitimate child, she was degraded in her society. As the mother of God's Son, she had an enormous responsibility. Scripture says she ''pondered these things in her heart,'' so I think she probably had a lot on her mind when she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. But at Elizabeth's validation of their shared knowledge of who this miraculous Child was, Mary's first response is praise. In beautiful, poetic words she reveals her intimate knowledge of and relationship with God - the very God whose Son was in her womb.
How often do I speak rashly when my mind is full or my heart is heavy? Today, let's challenge ourselves to watch our words and make a habit of speaking praise and things glorifying to our Lord!
December 17, 2012
Thought for Today - My Help
''I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.'' Ps 121:1-2
Again the psalmist reassures himself of God's power - the Creator of all things is certainly capable of handling my problems! The psalmist's refuge, the One to whom he turned when he needed help, his best defensive tactic against the enemy, has always been and will always be our God!
So where do we turn when in need of help? Is our first response to trouble one of hiding, fighting, or running to other people? God wants to be our first, not last, resort - He is the only one who really can help!
Again the psalmist reassures himself of God's power - the Creator of all things is certainly capable of handling my problems! The psalmist's refuge, the One to whom he turned when he needed help, his best defensive tactic against the enemy, has always been and will always be our God!
So where do we turn when in need of help? Is our first response to trouble one of hiding, fighting, or running to other people? God wants to be our first, not last, resort - He is the only one who really can help!
December 12, 2012
Thought for Today - Faithfulness
''He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.'' 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Everyone you know will let you down sometimes. Every human is fallible, a sinner or a redeemed sinner. Only God is truly faithful and cannot lie or break a promise.
Not only is our God faithful to keep His promises, He's also powerful enough to do so. The Lord of all creation is certainly capable of fulfilling His word! ''He will do it.''
Today, as we go to our Father in prayer, let's claim His promises from scripture, knowing without a doubt that He is both capable and faithful to fulfil those promises!
Everyone you know will let you down sometimes. Every human is fallible, a sinner or a redeemed sinner. Only God is truly faithful and cannot lie or break a promise.
Not only is our God faithful to keep His promises, He's also powerful enough to do so. The Lord of all creation is certainly capable of fulfilling His word! ''He will do it.''
Today, as we go to our Father in prayer, let's claim His promises from scripture, knowing without a doubt that He is both capable and faithful to fulfil those promises!
December 6, 2012
Thought for Today - Directions
''Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.'' Psalm 143:8
When we are lost, confused, or in unfamiliar territory, we need directions that can be trusted. The psalmist here describes turning to the One who is both fortress and guide, the only One who knows the way. He can be trusted to give accurate directions as well as strength for the journey. The psalmist speaks of lifting up his soul to this Guide, trusting Him implicitly, and hearing His love and mercy in the morning. Some days life might feel like walking blindfolded down a treacherous and windy path, but His sweet voice will safely and surely guide us as we trust Him!
When we are lost, confused, or in unfamiliar territory, we need directions that can be trusted. The psalmist here describes turning to the One who is both fortress and guide, the only One who knows the way. He can be trusted to give accurate directions as well as strength for the journey. The psalmist speaks of lifting up his soul to this Guide, trusting Him implicitly, and hearing His love and mercy in the morning. Some days life might feel like walking blindfolded down a treacherous and windy path, but His sweet voice will safely and surely guide us as we trust Him!
December 5, 2012
Thought for Today - Love
''For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'' Romans 8:38-39
The God who created all things is certainly above all things, and nothing He created is able to break His love for His special creation, you and me and every other person made in His image.
This is my favorite verse, affirming in every moment of every day that this love will never leave me, never let me down, never stop loving me. Praise Him!
Unbreakable, unstoppable, enduring, overwhelming love! What a beautiful, priceless, wonderful love this is!
The God who created all things is certainly above all things, and nothing He created is able to break His love for His special creation, you and me and every other person made in His image.
This is my favorite verse, affirming in every moment of every day that this love will never leave me, never let me down, never stop loving me. Praise Him!
Unbreakable, unstoppable, enduring, overwhelming love! What a beautiful, priceless, wonderful love this is!
December 4, 2012
Thought for Today - Sovereignty
''This was the Lord's doing, it is marvelous in our eyes.'' Ps 118:23
This was the Lord's doing... How many things can we find that can be identified in this way? Logically, everything - so let's name a few.
Creation - the flowers and trees and rivers and rocks. That was the Lord's doing.
I once knew a couple who framed this verse with their wedding photo. A good marriage is the Lord's doing. Healthy friendships, good parent-child relationships - all definitely the Lord's doing.
Survival every day, the reason I thank God before every meal, every single breath - all the Lord's doing!
How about famine and hunger? Hard times? Consequences to foolish actions? Death?
Everything is the Lord's doing...and it is marvelous in our eyes. We cannot understand His mind or question His actions, only obey His sovereignship and worship His majesty. Let's marvel today at God's doings!
This was the Lord's doing... How many things can we find that can be identified in this way? Logically, everything - so let's name a few.
Creation - the flowers and trees and rivers and rocks. That was the Lord's doing.
I once knew a couple who framed this verse with their wedding photo. A good marriage is the Lord's doing. Healthy friendships, good parent-child relationships - all definitely the Lord's doing.
Survival every day, the reason I thank God before every meal, every single breath - all the Lord's doing!
How about famine and hunger? Hard times? Consequences to foolish actions? Death?
Everything is the Lord's doing...and it is marvelous in our eyes. We cannot understand His mind or question His actions, only obey His sovereignship and worship His majesty. Let's marvel today at God's doings!
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