God-Gifts of Christmas

We enjoy receiving gifts any time during the year, but we especially enjoy them at Christmas. Most of the time the wrapped gifts we receive include physical things, but other gifts, not wrapped, may come as intangible things like love and care by family members, good health, Christmas music, beautiful decorations, and celebrations with special friends or family. Did you know that the Bible tells us that God has given gifts to people? The phrase, “Gift of God,” occurs several times in the Bible and here are some of these God-gifts.

1)    The Gift of Salvation. The Bible says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is God’s deliverance of people from the power and effects of sin through the work of Jesus Christ dying on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin. Salvation is the sinner's rescue from death to life with God.

2)    The Gift of God’s Grace. The Apostle Paul tells us, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power” (Ephesians 3:7). Since all of us are sinners, we must rely on Jesus’ death on the cross on our behalf to receive forgiveness of sin and enjoy eternal salvation.

3)    The Gift of Eternal Life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift is available to anyone who believes in Christ and trusts that he died to pay the penalty of sin which we deserved to pay. Without Jesus Christ, it would be impossible for us to live with God forever.

4)    The Gift of Righteousness. Scripture explains, “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17). When anyone puts their faith and trust in Jesus alone, they step into righteousness, which is only available because Jesus died on the cross for each of us. We become righteous, not because of anything we have done, but on what Christ had done.

5)    The Gift of Life. The Bible says, “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (I Peter 3:7). Marriage is a blending of two lives, and when a man has found a virtuous woman to marry, she becomes a precious gift – the gift of life.

Obviously, these God-gifts originate with God himself. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father [God] of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). We can enjoy these God-given-gifts all year long, but they are particularly precious during the Christmas season. Have you personally received these gifts from God? They are yours for the receiving. Take time to thank God for what he has given you. Do not let Christmas slip by without showing your appreciation to God for the wonderful gifts he has provided for you.

Put a Smile on Your Face

Have you ever thought about what a smile can do for you and for others?  Dr. Mark Stibich has written about smiling and has documented his writing with the research others have done on the subject.  Among other things, smiling helps relieve stress, elevates your mood, and even helps you live longer. It may also lower blood pressure, reduce pain, boost your immune system, and help you stay positive.  In addition, smiling is contagious.  A person’s brain automatically notices and interprets other people's facial expressions—which they sometimes mimic.

The word “smile” is not mentioned in the Bible, but the following verses suggest that a smile is connected to:

1)    Source.  A Smile comes from a happy heart. The Bible says, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:13).

2)    Nourishment.  A Cheerful Heart not only brings a smile, but it is something that nourishes people.  Scripture says, “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15).

3)    Health.  A Cheerful Heart brings a Smile, but it also provides health to the body. In the Bible we are told, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

Smiles are a great way to do a lot of things.  For example, a smile will provide a warm welcome for people, bring encouragement to them, and let them know they are important.  In addition, a smile reveals love and shows kindness.

Leo F. Buscaglia said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”  Let’s think about smiling more.  A smile is good for you.  A smile is good for other people.  A smile will please God.

Awesome God

A chorus by the name listed in the title of this blog includes the words: “Our God is an awesome God / He reigns from Heaven above / With wisdom, power and love / Our God is an awesome God.” “Awesome” is an interesting word this chorus uses to describe God. In other words it means that God is amazing, remarkable, splendid, and tremendous. Not only is God described as awesome, but the song tells some additional things about God. (1) God reigns; (2) God is wise; (3) God is powerful; (4) God is love.

All these thoughts are a reminder of just how wonderful and magnificent God is and why we should praise, worship and serve Him. Even with the above words, it is hard to describe God. We can more easily point to God’s wisdom and power by looking at the beauty in the world around us. In addition, many people also attest to the work God has done in their lives – transforming and renewing them. Here are some additional things we learn about God from this song.

1)    God graciously extends His love to each one of us.  Probably no other Bible verse amplifies this idea and better describes God than, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). 

2) God wisely exhibits His knowledge which is beyond comprehension. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33).

3) God mightily reveals His power in many wonderful ways. “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:4-5).

My desire is that God would be known in a personal way by everyone. The Bible reminds us, “Yet to all who received Him to those who believed in His name He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). So, by personal faith in Christ – by receiving Him as Savior and Lord – we become part of His eternal family and are assured of a home in heaven with Him. What an awesome God we have who loves us so dearly that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us. He is also wonderful to provide a way for us to become part of His forever family. Indeed, our God is an awesome God!

Learning at Camp

In Minnesota, every weekend during the summer hundreds of people head “up North.”  This grand exodus suggests the desire of people to get away from the routine of everyday life and enjoy some down time.  Some head to a summer cabin and others simply spend the weekend relaxing at the lake.  Included in this exodus are children and youth who head to camp – some who find their way to Bible Camp.  Over the years, Christian camping has been a tradition for many people.  This “get away” time is fun filled, challenging, and a great learning experience.  Though camping experiences individuals learn:

1)    To take responsibility.  Since Mom and Dad are not around to give direction, campers need to make many decisions on their own – like brushing teeth, changing clothes, and putting things away.  In addition, each camper is assigned a cabin and usually dining room responsibilities.

2)   To become independent.  For some, this may be the first time away from home with the opportunity to exercise their freedom of choice.

3)   To cooperate.  With scores of other people around, campers need to work together to experience unity and accomplish goals.

4)  To submit to authority.  Camp rules and regulations must be followed along with the direction that comes from camp directors, counselors, and other camp staff.

5)  To trust the Lord.  For some, the camping experience can be a lonely time.  It is in these settings that campers begin to learn the importance of leaning on the Lord for support and encouragement.

6)  To understand more about God.  Campers learn about:

a)  God’s Love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

b)    God’s Way.  Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

c)     God’s Worthiness.  Jesus is worthy in whom faith should be placed. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3).

d)    God’s Guidance.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; it all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

As our grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or other children head to Bible camp this summer, let’s use this time to pray for them.  Ask God to make this a life-changing experience for them.  Pray that they would come to trust in Jesus and come to know Him as their personal Savior and Lord.  As you pray this for your offspring, why not pray for yourself as well?

Showers of Blessing

We know that moisture is important for people as well as for vegetation.  Plants, flowers, vegetables and people all need moisture because without water plants, trees, and you and I would die.  God graciously supplies the moisture to the earth to keep his creation healthy and growing.  Among other things the Bible tells us that God blesses his people with showers of blessing (Ezekiel 34:26).  In the Old Testament of the Bible we read, “I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them” (Ezekiel 34:26-27).  From these verses we learn several things:

1)    Showers are sent in the season in which they are to exist. – “Showers in season.”

2)    Showers provide moisture that is needed for fruit and crops to grow and yield. – “Trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops.” 

3)    Showers offer security and a feeling of confidence for people because they are in a land that richly takes care of them. – “The people will be secure in their land.”

4)    Showers help people understand that the Lord is God and He constantly cares for his own. – “They will know that I am the Lord.”

5)    Showers are called “showers of blessing” because of the many benefits they provide for people – physical, spiritual, and emotional. – “Showers of blessing.”

In 1883 Major Daniel Webster Whittle wrote the words to the hymn, “There Shall be Showers of Blessing.”  He was wounded in the war, his arm was amputated, and while recovering he began reading the New Testament which his mother had given him.  Another young soldier was dying and a nurse attending both men asked Whittle if he would go pray for the dying young man.  She had seen him reading the Bible and assumed he was a Christian.  Since Whittle was not a Christian, he refused to go; however, after a little persuasion he finally decided to do as she asked.  He went to the young man’s side, knelt down, asked Jesus to forgive him of his own sins, and then earnestly prayed for the young man. When he finished praying, the young soldier was dead.  Whittle said, “A look of peace came across the young man’s troubled face and I believe God also used him to bring me to the Savior by trusting in Christ’s precious blood and forgiving my sins.”

The song he wrote expresses his thoughts about spiritual showers and the lyrics are:

“There shall be showers of blessing: This is the promise of love;

“There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above.

“Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need;

“Mercy-drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.”

These words are a good reminder that God showers us with many blessings and brings people into our lives to help us.  What God wants from us is to turn to him in trust and obedience.

The Wordless Book

The wordless book is a booklet with colored pages, each representing an aspect of the Christian gospel.  In London in 1866 Rev. Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon entitled, “The Wordless Book.”  He told about an elderly minister who put three colored pages together and often looked at them to remind himself of three things: (1) His sinfulness (black), (2) Christ’s blood poured out for him (red), and (3) The cleansing provided for him (white).  Nine years later, Lay Evangelist, D. L. Moody, added a page to the booklet and shared with 12,000 children “A Book with Four Leaves.”  Since then, Bible verses were added along with a gold page and a green page (added in 1875 and 1939).  The pages explained are:

1)    Gold – represents Heaven.  God loves us and wants us to be with him in his heavenly home.  Jesus said, “My Father’s house (heaven) has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3).

2)    Black – represents Sin.  Sin prevents us from being with God.  The punishment for our sins is that we cannot be with God in heaven because our hearts are not clean.  The Bible reminds us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

3)    Red – represents the Blood of Jesus.  God loves us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus to provide a way for our hearts to be made clean.  Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and make it possible for us to be forgiven.  The Apostle John says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (I John 1:7).

4)    White – represents Clean Hearts.  When we sincerely admit that we have sinned, ask God to forgive us, believe that Jesus died to take the punishment we deserved, and invite Jesus into our lives, God makes our hearts clean.  John says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

5)    Green – represents Growth.  Once we invite Jesus to come into our lives, it is important that we grow in our relationship with Jesus. We can do this by talking to God (praying), reading God’s word (the Bible), and obeying him (doing what he asks us to do).  The Bible says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (II Peter 3:18)

Through the death and resurrection of Christ, and our hope and trust when we by faith personally receive Jesus into our lives, we can enjoy the spiritual freedom that God offers.  Let’s take time to allow the wordless book – gold, black, red, white, green – to speak to us as we respond to the message of the gospel.

Day of Remembrance

“Cinco de Mayo” is Spanish for the 5^th day of May.  On this day Mexicans celebrate the Mexican’s army victory over the French on May 5, 1862, in the Battle of Puebla.  The French had a much superior force which was considered one of the best in the world.  However, the Mexican forces, although outnumbered, outgunned, and not as well trained, were able to defeat the French army.  That made the day worth remembering.

We lttoo can make May 5^th – as well as every day of the year – a Day of Remembrance. The Apostle Paul shared a good pattern for continual remembrance when he said, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3).  He further said, “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 1:3).  Notice that the Apostle Paul remembers three things about these people having to do with their faith, love, and hope.

(1) “Work produced by faith.”  Paul knew the people in Thessalonica were taking Christian action based on their faith and that was producing some dramatic results.

(2) “Labor prompted by love.”  The Apostle Paul also noticed that these people were devoted and persistent in showing compassionate love to other people.

(3) “Endurance inspired by hope.” One additional thing Paul saw was the hope these people had in Jesus which helped them bear up even through difficult times.

We should remember that God can empower us to triumph even when we feel outnumbered and less powerful than the problems we are face in life.  Although Cinco de Mayo is not a religious holiday, we can remember to pray for those we know – our families, our friends, and perhaps ourselves – anyone who needs God’s power in the face of overwhelming odds.

Thanks for God's Love

There are many things for which we can give thanks.  Take time to read this entire list and think about them as you read them.  The subject of thanks could be: family, health, freedom, life, strength, dexterity, joy, happiness, home, food, safety, worship, instruction, help, friends, air, sun, rain, mountains, trees, flowers, gardens, sky, stars, breath, life, laughter, sight, hearing, taste, feeling, the Bible, godly examples, grass, animals, birds, water, clouds, rainbows, lightening, thunder, fish, oceans, sand, light, atmosphere, temperature, doctors, hospitals, emergency personnel, moonlight, nighttime. Even though this is a long list, many things could be added to it. 

One psalm from the Bible identifies something that God provides for us.  In the 26 verses of Psalm 136 the phrase, “his love endures forever” is expressed 26 times – once in each verse.  This thought suggests four things that the psalmist wanted everyone to know about God.

1)      First, “His” – The Source.  At the beginning of this phrase the psalmist directly identified that God was the foundation of the love for which he was thankful.  The gospel of John identifies the person, character, and the work of the love of God when it says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  The psalmist publicly expressed thanks to God as the source of love, and the action of love that God had revealed to him.

2)     Next, “Love” – The Focus.  The love of God was expressed sacrificially when Jesus died on the cross, thereby paying the penalty of our sin.  In John’s epistle he says, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (I John 3:16).  So, the psalmist was grateful for the way God’s expressed his love through Jesus, His son.

3)    Then “Endures” – The Extent.  The love that God shares is a lasting love.  In the book of Lamentations, the writer explains God’s love this way: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).  Similarly, Jeremiah says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).  These expressions reveal the magnitude of God’s love for mankind.

4)     Finally, “Forever” – The Duration.  The extent of God’s love goes on and on.  It has no interval of time when it discontinues. The psalmist said, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).  This quality of God’s love never wears out. The psalmist was grateful for this kind of love, and we should be too.

Think about these questions: (1) Have you experienced God’s love?  (2) Are you glad God loves you?  (3) Have you taken time to thank God for his love?  (4) Are you grateful that God’s love endures forever?  As you think about God’s love take time today to give thanks to God for the love that he has shown to you.

The Flag and Our Banner

Since September 11, 2001, and the terroristic attacks against the United States, Flag Day has taken on greater meaning.  June 14 is the anniversary of the official adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in 1777 as Flag Day.  Celebrations on this day gained in popularity in the eighteen hundreds.  In 1894 the governor of New York ordered that the American flag be displayed at all public buildings.  President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first nationwide Flag Day in 1916 and in 1947, President Harry Truman signed legislation requesting that National Flag Day be observed annually.

The U.S. flag contains 13 red and white stripes which represent the original 13 colonies.  The 50 white stars on a blue background represent the current 50 states comprising the USA.  The colors of the flag are symbolic.  White signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue, vigilance, perseverance, and justice.  The stars, stripes and colors of the flag is why it is sometimes referred to as: “The Star-Spangled Banner”, “The Stars and Stripes”, “The Red, White and Blue”, or “Old Glory.”  For Americans, the flag represents all the above.

Not only do Christians stand under the American flag, but they have a special banner flying over them.  That banner is none other than God’s love.  The Bible says, “He has taken me to the banquet hall, and His banner over me is love” (Song of Solomon 2:4). The Scriptures further state:

1)      God loves people so much that He sent Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

2)      We can have a positive relationship with God because of His gracious act of love. “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (I Peter 3:18).

3)      Being part of God’s forever family is based on receiving and believing.  “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

4)      Living with God eternally has been made possible because of Christ. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

The American flag should cause us to well up with loyalty and allegiance to our country.  God’s banner over us (His love) should also cause us to well up with gratitude and thanksgiving for His involvement in our lives and the many blessings He provides.

The Wonder of Christmas

Wonder is part of Christmas.  The word “wonder” means “to marvel, to be amazed, or to stand in awe.”  So, what is it about Christmas that causes people to wonder?  Some people wonder at Christmas time because they see such things as: Christmas trees and brightly colored lights. Others have a sense of wonder when they see the snow glistening in the moonlight or hear the snow crunch under their feet as they walk.  Still others tend to wonder when they see beautiful Christmas decorations, hear or sing Christmas carols, or watch a church Christmas program.  These things, enjoyed by most everyone, are all part of the Christmas season.  However, there is something else about Christmas that causes people to wonder.  This wonder is found in the most famous verse in the Bible – John 3:16 – which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Let’s examine the wonder of Christmas from this biblical perspective.

1)      God’s Motive.  The wonder of Christmas begins with God’s motive which is one of love.  Why did God send the Christ-child to be born in a manger?  Why did God speak to the shepherds on the Bethlehem hillside telling them about the Savior’s birth?  Why did the wise men come to worship the newborn king?  God did these things to share His love for us.  The verse begins, “For God so loved the world,” means that He wrapped his love in the person of His one and only son, Jesus, and sent him to “The world” – to all people, including you and me.  “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

2)      God’s Method.  The wonder of Christmas continues with God’s method which is the act of giving.  The verse simply says that “He gave.”  At Christmas we give gifts to family members and friends to demonstrate our love for them.  God did the same for us.  He loved us so much that he gave us his son to show his great love for us.  “He [Jesus] himself bore our sins in his body on the tree [cross], so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (I Peter 2:24).

3)      God’s Miracle.  The wonder of Christmas is God’s miracle which is explained as eternal life.  When Jesus died on the cross he made it possible for us to have a right relationship with God and experience “eternal life.”  This miracle is available for everyone who “believes in Him.”  Belief in him is needed along with reception of him.  The Bible tells us, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Maybe it is time for you and me to look at Christmas in a new light through this significant bible verse.  Think about it: God’s motive is love, God’s method is giving, and God’s miracle is eternal life.  “He who has the son has life; he who does not have the son of God does not have life” (I John 5:12). This Christmas wonder can be yours when you believe in Christ and receive him by faith.  Why not make the Christmas wonder part of your celebration this year?

Sand and God's Abundance

Vacation is always a great time to relax, to go someplace that you do not usually get to on a regular basis, and to experience a time of rejuvenation.  Occasionally when my wife and I go to Florida for a bit of relaxation we try to get to the ocean so we can enjoy the beach.   As we walk up and down the beaches I am impressed by the sand.  There is so much of it, and it seems to extend for unending miles ahead of us. Multiply the sand on the beach on which we are walking plus the hundreds of beaches around the world.  Obviously there is lots of sand.

When I think of beaches, I remember that the sand was created by God; but I’m also aware that He refers to sand when He wants to describe something that is great in number.  For example, He told Abraham, “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore” (Genesis 22:17).  When the Israeli judge Gideon fought for God, his enemies had many camels.  Scripture describes it this way, “Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore” (Judges 7:12).  Sand reminds me of abundance.  And when I think of abundance I’m reminded that God provides for you and me in abundant ways.  Scripture says that God gives us:

Blessings – “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (II Corinthians 9:8)

Joy, Peace and Hope – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Grace – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

Our Needs – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)

Love and Faithfulness – “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).

Abundant Life – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

The Apostle Paul sums up his thoughts about what God does for us in abundant measure with these words, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).  I am thankful for God’s wonderful provisions for us that come in abundant measure including His spiritual blessings, His grace, and His miraculous power.  Aren’t you thankful for God’s abundance in the things He does for us?

The Love Factor

Since February is the “love month” let’s take time to examine this important subject and determine what kind of a love factor we have.  Many people think of love in terms of cozy affection or passionate devotion – what we might call “warm fuzzy feelings.”  However, when the Bible speaks about Christian love it speaks of a determined and active interest in the true welfare of others.  Love is not a feeling; love is an action word.  Christian love – the kind of love that should characterize the actions of those who name the Name of Christ – is a special kind of love.  It emanates from the love that God has for all people.  Christian love acts in godly ways.  Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). 

The action this kind of love takes is described in these words: “Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails” (I Corinthians 13:4-8).

A person who has this kind of love will not pass by someone in need but will reach out to help meet that need.  Examples of love-motivated action include such things as sharing a word of encouragement with someone, spending time listening to someone over a cup of coffee, provision of needed finances for those who are hurting, helping someone get to a doctor appointment, helping a neighbor with yard work, or helping an elderly person move down the hallway.  Whatever God prompts a Christian to do, love will help them respond willing, cheerfully and with great care.  When true love is the motive, the action is not carried out because of a duty to perform.  Duty is quick to obey rules; love seizes the opportunities.  Duty acts under certain limits; love is spontaneous and gracious.  Duty desires recognition or reward; love does not expect anything in return.  As you examine your life, what would you say is your love factor?  Make sure your love factor is high and measures up to God’s standard.

Finding Christmas Joy

As a child, one of the things at Christmas that was most fun for me was finding a gift under the tree with my name on it.  When I looked at the name tags on the presents and discovered my name listed, I began to wonder.  Was it a toy?  A game?  Something fun?  Would it make me happy?  Or was it a dreaded article of clothing?  It is interesting that “finding” is mentioned in the Biblical Christmas story.  It was an angel who told the shepherds on the Judean hillside so many years ago, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).  As I began to think of Christmas in terms of finding I discovered several other wonderful things from the Bible that are worth finding.

1)      Christmas is finding God’s Love.  Too often, people feel like they are not loved.  When downhearted and discouraged it is good to peel back the curtain of despair and recognize that God’s love is available in abundant measure to bring light, peace, and joy. To hear the words, “I love you”, brightens the day and turns discouragement into hope.  God sent His Son, Jesus, to express His love to us. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (I John 4:9).

2)      Christmas is finding Forgiveness.  The Scripture is clear that everyone sins and is born with a sin nature.  In addition, sin must be punished.  However, God’s plan was to send Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin.  “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43).

3)      Christmas is finding Hope.  Without Christ there is despair and despondency.  The Apostle Paul says, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).  Without hope there is not much to look forward to.  Finding God is to find hope.

4)      Christmas is finding Joy.  Joy goes far beyond happiness because it does not depend on circumstances.  Joy comes from a close relationship and fellowship with Christ and results in strength to the individual irrespective of circumstances.  “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart” (Psalm 19:8).  “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

5)      Christmas is finding Peace.  One of the names given to Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6 names Him with these very words – “Prince of Peace.”  With Jesus you and I can experience peace even in tough, unsettling times.  “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36). 

6)      Christmas is finding Everlasting Life.  Jesus came for the purpose of giving something that would last forever – eternal life.  He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). From the Apostle Paul we learn about this special gift.  “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 3:23).

All these gifts are a special find and they come through Jesus Christ.  Do not let another Christmas season pass without going on a hunt to find the wonderful things that God has for you.

 

What God Requires

If someone were to ask you, “Does God require anything of you?” you would probably answer “no.”  Most likely your answer would be based on the fact that you live in America and as a U.S. citizen you have freedom to do as you like.  However, apart from that you may be surprised to know that the correct answer to this question should be “yes.”  God does require something of us.  Those people who call themselves "Christian" so effortlessly think about all the good things that God does for them. However, they so easily forget that God might require something of them.  Here is what the Scripture says. “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask (require) of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

This verse contains five excellent attitudes and actions that God required of the Children of Israel.  These requirements are the same things that God wants from everyone.  Let’s examine these five requirements more carefully.

1)    “To Fear the Lord.”  To fear God is to have a deep respect, reverence, and awe for who He is and for His divine power and authority.  Ecclesiastes 12:13 reminds everyone to, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

2)    “To Walk in in obedience to God.”  To walk in God’s ways is to live uprightly by being obedient to what pleases God and by living the way He wants us to live.  Jeremiah made the decision for the people and himself when he said, “We will obey the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us for we will obey the Lord our God” (Jeremiah 42:6).

3)    “To Love God.”  To love God is to do all one can to desire Him above everything else and to intimately know Him by making Him the highest priority in life. Mark 12:30 makes loving God clear when it says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

4)    “To Serve the Lord.”  To serve God is to demonstrate by our actions that we acknowledge Him wholeheartedly and allow everything we do – how we live, what we think, and what we say – to be an act of service to God.  In Luke 4:8 Jesus reminded Satan of the focus of service when he said, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your god and serve him only."

5)    “Observe the Lord’s commands.”  To keep God’s commands is to not only understand what those commands are, but to completely obey everything that God has decreed.  It was God who told Moses, “Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him” (Deuteronomy 8:6).

So, how are you doing with what God requires of you?  As you look at these five requirements which one is easiest for you to carry out?  Which one is hardest for you to do?  I challenge you to ask yourself the following questions about each requirement. (1)   Do I constantly fear God?  (2) Is the way I am living pleasing to God?  (3)  Is it my deepest desire to intimately know God? (4)  How am I demonstrating my service to God?  (5) Do I delight to obey what God says?