The Gift that Keeps Giving

After December 25th our focus on the Christmas season is over.  Christmas lights are turned off, decorations are put away, Christmas carols no longer fill the air waves, and Christmas cards become a memory of
the past.  However, the opposite is true of the Biblical story of Christmas because God’s gift is continually available to us.  The gift of eternal life that God offers us through His Son, Jesus Christ is just the beginning.  Listen to these verses that reveal that this gift is for us today.

• “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

• “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).
• “But when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, who he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).

Have you personally received the gift that God so graciously offers?  It can be yours.  “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” (John 3:36).  Why not continue into the New Year with God’s wonderful gift of Christmas in your heart?

Memories of Christmas

As soon as the first snowflakes began to fall I start to think of Christmas.  I’m sure my thoughts of Christmas come because of the warm childhood memories I have of this wonderful season of the year.  However, this time of year also brings me some sad thoughts.  Both my father and father-in-law each passed away (although in different years) shortly before Christmas.  I rejoice because both of these godly men are in heaven today.  How do I know?  Because both of them made a personal decision to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.  As a result they were assured by God’s Word that eternal life was theirs to enjoy. “Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

In spite of the absence of these dear men and the sadness that it brings, it is God who brings joy to my heart and to the hearts of each member of my family.  How is it possible to experience sadness and joy at the same time?  It is because of the gift of Christmas, which is Jesus Christ. “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).

This Christmas I encourage you to take time to rejoice in the Christmas memories you have in spite of some of the sadness that may come your way.  Allow the joy of the gift of Christ to fill your heart.  Why not give a special gift to someone this year?  Here are some suggestions:

• The Gift of Listening.  You must REALLY listen.  No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.  Just listen.
• The Gift of Appreciation.  Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds.  Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
• The Gift of Laughter.  Clip cartoons and share them with others.  Share articles and funny stories.  Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
• The Gift of a Written Note.  It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet.  A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

• The Gift of a Compliment.  A simple and sincere, “You look great in red”, “You did a super job” or “That was a wonderful meal” can make someone’s day.
• The Gift of a Favor.  Every day go out of your way to do something kind for someone.
• The Gift of Solitude.  There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone.  Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
• The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition.  An easy way to feel good is to make others feel good.

Overflowing with Thankfulness

Probably the most important part of November is Thanksgiving.  During this holiday season we enjoy family and friends and want to be with them.  We are also happy for the food we have to eat and thoroughly enjoy the bountiful provision and nourishment we receive.  We appreciate the wonderful country in which we live and delight in the freedom we enjoy.  All of these things are good and wonderful, but when it comes to thanksgiving, Scripture tells us that the expression of thankfulness needs to be directed towards God and our thankfulness needs to be a continual and an ongoing process in our lives.

Focus of Thankfulness.  Notice the thankfulness that the Apostle Paul had when he says, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3).  He appreciated the people to whom he was writing; they were great friends of his and helped him during his time of need.  However, his thankfulness was expressed, not to these people, but to God.  When God is the focus of our thankful spirit, it is He who receives praise and honor for that which we enjoy.  By our act of thankfulness expressed to God we acknowledge our dependence on Him.  We acknowledge that we are needy people and that He is the only One who can meet the deepest needs of our hearts.

Extent of Thanks.  In another portion of Scripture, Paul shares these words - "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness“ (Colossians 2:6-7).  Thankfulness is to be more than just the expression of the word “thanks”.  Thanks is to be in excess; it is to overflow.  When I purchase a bag of popcorn or an order of French fries, I like the container in which this food comes to be more than full.  I want it to overflow with the delicious morsels.  The same idea is expressed in Paul’s challenge.  He wants people to be thankful, but he wants their thankfulness to overflow.  Our thankfulness ought always to be in excess.  It should abound in both quality and quantity.

As you enjoy Thanksgiving this year my prayer for you and your family is that you will concentrate on these two aspects of thankfulness – (1) Let your thanks be expressed to God and (2) Let your thankfulness be characterized by an abundant overflow.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Thoughts from the Life of Christopher Columbus

Columbus Day honors the first voyage to America of Christopher Columbus in 1492.  Columbus had a dream of becoming a sea captain.  He took education seriously and learned as much as he could about everything – but particularly the seas.  And, he didn’t let discouragement keep him from following his dream.  Using Columbus as an example, let’s focus on what we might be able to do from a Christian perspective.

1)    Have a dream.  The Apostle Paul’s dream of an ongoing personal relationship with the Lord could well be ours.  “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).  Does your dream include getting to know God better?

2)    Learn all you can – especially about the Bible.  Paul’s focus suggested that he knew the importance of study and learning.  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).  Are you learning all you can about how God wants you to act and what He wants you to do?

3)    Realize that in spite of discouragement God will help.  The apostle Peter explains how to overcome discouragement.  “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).  Are you willing to take every difficult situation that causes you to be anxious and place it in God’s hands?

This year maybe Columbus Day can be more than just a holiday to celebrate.  Let’s use it s a time to turn to the Lord and His word.

Trees and You

Each fall those who live in Minnesota get to enjoy the beauty of the changing colors revealed in the trees.  Each time I see the vast array of orange, brown, red, and yellow I am reminded of the beauty and splendor of God.  The Bible has some interesting things to say about trees in which we can also find a parallel application to our lives.

1)    God created the trees.  The Bible says, “And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground” (Genesis 2:9). Trees didn’t just happen—they were created by a loving God.  You and I are creations of God.  The Bible reminds us that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).

2)    Trees reflect beauty.  In the creation story there is a phrase that speaks directly to the beauty of color in the trees—whether in summer, autumn or fall.  The Bible further notes: “And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.  In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9).  You and I are a reflection of the beauty of the Lord.  The Bible says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

3)    Trees are fruitful.  Trees have been gifted with fruit which they produce after their kind.  The Bible records, “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit...” (Luke 5:44).  People are blessed and strengthened by the fruit that a tree yields.  You and I are told to be fruitful.  A command from the Bible says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last..." (John 15:16).  In order to be fruitful we need the strength and power that God gives.  We are further reminded, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).

4)    Trees are expressive.  The Bible says: “Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth” (I Chronicles 16:33).  In the Bible the psalmist expresses it this way,“Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.  Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy” (Psalm 96:12).  You and I were created to be expressive toward God.  Psalms further notes, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3).  Still another psalm says, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1).

5)    Trees grow.  The Bible notes, “Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade” (Mark 4:32).  You and I need to grow in our relationship with God.  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).

As you observe the trees this fall, think about the spiritual application of trees to your life.

Reflection Makes the Difference

The Minnesota State Fair takes place in August.  Many people enjoy going to the Fair because it’s a fun place to go.  Some people enjoy sampling the delicious food that is found in abundance on the fair grounds.  Others enjoy participating in the variety of activities.  Still others, like to sit and watch people. However, there are some people who go to the Fair because they have something to display.  Their display may include produce from a vegetable garden, goodies that are baked to luscious-looking perfection, an art or a craft that shows diligence and patience, or a well-groomed animal.

One aspect that is common to all people who display the fruit of their labor in such a setting is the aspect of reflection.  The work they do not only reveals the time and effort that went into the project, but it tells something about the artist.  For example, a fine mahogany bookcase will show the creativity of the artist.  The design will identify the attention the artist has given in the intricate detail.  The exquisite fine finish will suggest the patience and endurance of the artist.  All aspects of the end product will reflect on the one who conceived and completed the project.

It is interesting that God wants our lives to be a reflection of His glory.  Whatever you and I do should be a reflection of Him as a person.  When people look at us, they ought to see Jesus.  After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the Biblical text says, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).  The reflection was obvious.  How did they reflect Jesus?  I believe it was through their actions.  People could see the love of Jesus these men had in their hearts.  They could see the gentleness with which these men served people.  It was obvious that their lives reflected Jesus and this reflection made all the difference.

Is Jesus reflected through your life?  When people look at you do they see you—or, do they see the gentleness of the Savior?  I encourage you to make the words of the Apostle Paul your challenge.  He said, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).  When you function in this way you will always reflect Jesus to the world around you.

What You Say

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think, “Wow!  I didn’t realize that what I said made that much difference”?  It happened to me some time ago.  I received a telephone call from a man whom I had only talked with briefly one time in the past.  He worked in elderly care, as I did, lived in another state, and was not part the organization for which I worked.  Near the end of our telephone conversation he said, “Before we hang up I just want you to know what an impact you have had on my ministry.”  I began to listen wondering what I had said or done that had made a difference. He went on to remind me that our previous conversation I mentioned a friend in a similar ministry whom I felt may be of help to him.  After returning home he called my friend and talked for nearly an hour.  He went on to say, “If it wasn’t for your comment I would have never made the contact and been helped in my ministry. Thank you for that contact.”  After the call ended I reflected on our conversation.  His comment reminded me of a truth I have known for a long time – and that is, what we say does make a difference.  The Bible says, “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out” (Colossians 4:6, Message Translation).  God can use us (even our speech) for His glory.  Remember: What you say – does make a difference.