Delete

I guess you like me have this little button on your computer which reads “delete”. It is a wonderful little thing to have. We never had such a thing on a typewriter; the best you could do was white it out. Then IBM came out with a back space that would remove some typo’s; if I remember right but nothing like our delete buttons. Want a word moved, changed or gone just highlight it, cut it and it’s gone; want it back no problem just hit the return arrow. Don’t like the way the paragraph read take it out and replace it with another one. I love it; did I say typewriter? What is that? We humans have moved so far ahead of a typewriter that many don’t ever know what they were or how they worked. Here is the sad thing though we can remove words that will be gone forever in our letters, blogs, reports and no one will ever know they were there. I wish that was so in our lives. Have you ever said a word you wish you could delete? An action that you wish you could remove forever? A deed you wish you could vanish? I can only answer for myself but I would have to answer yes to all three and more. If you have been reading my blogs for the past 2 years; I have now written 450 blogs in the past 2 years and will start year three January 3, 2011. There are things in my life I wish I could go back and delete, but that’s not possible or is it? Read with me in
Psalms 103:12  As far (remote)  as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 43:25  I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Not only does God remove our transgressions from us He also will not remember our sins. God didn’t tell us He forgot, it is much more powerful than that He says He refuses to remember; now that my friend is real forgiveness. Remember the song

 “What sins are you talking about?”

I remember the days when I was bent low with the burdens of sin and strife
Then Jesus came in and rescued me and gave me a brand new life  .
Now as I thank Him day after day for washing my sins away,
It seems I can almost hear the voice of the blessed Savior say.

CHORUS: What sins are you talking about
I don't remember them anymore.
From the Book of Life they've all been torn out
I don't remember them anymore.

Brothers refuse to forgive brothers, sisters refuse to forgive sisters, parents refuse to forgive children, and children refuse to forgive parents. No! No! That’s not right and it sure doesn’t please God our Heavenly Father.

Ephesians 4:32  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Forgive how? As God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. What you have been forgiven for, a life time of sin, sins, transgressions and trespasses (keep out no trespassing). Why not this New Year forgive those you have been holding that grudge and unforgiving heart toward and put that relationship back together and refuse to remember the past and move on with the present. Life is too short to have a hard heart and just remember

2Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Don’t meet God with unforgivness in your heart; after all He has done for you. We’ll talk again next year; enjoy the weekend and don’t forget to be in your place (Church) this Sunday and start the New Year off right and may the year 2011 be the year you put those broken relationships back together; it starts with you. See you in the New Year and may God bless each and everyone.

Night

Have you ever heard anyone say “it’s been a long hard night?” I am sure we all have had long nights before; I want to look today at some night time experiences and see what made the difference. In John chapter six we see the disciples in a ship rowing hard against the wind and the waves and were getting nowhere. Then all of a sudden they see Jesus walking upon the water and the Bibles says they were afraid.

John 6:19  So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. Seems strange Jesus the one that can and will help in time of trouble and they are afraid. Then comes the words of comfort

John 6:20  But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. In the next verse the Disciples responded

John 6:21  Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. On a night of toiling the answer was Jesus. Then there was the night of failure found in John chapter 21. Here we find these disciples doing what they know how to do and it all looks like failure.

John 21:3  Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. It appears as if a whole night had been wasted but that is not the case at all for the next verse reads

John 21:4  But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. What? Do these men who walked with Jesus for the last three year know Him or not? Wait before we get to down on these poor guys; you and I say we know Him and then when something go wrong or not as we think it should have gone, do we not do the same? We get afraid or we don’t recognize that He is in our presents; when we are told that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Hebrews 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Once again Jesus is the answer to these disciples problem. 

John 21:5  Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

John 21:6  And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. They once again didn’t question; in the night of fighting they received Him willingly, in the night of failure they obey Him completely and the blessing; well you tell me in the night of fighting their destination was met immediately. In the night of failure they were able to sit at the table with Jesus. When you and I go through the hard times in our life, the nights of fighting and failure come; just remember the answer will always be Jesus. Look back on this past year and see if that has not been the case. When you and I are in control there will be times of fear, failure and fighting it will more than likely our faith has gotten weak. The answer is simple, JESUS!

Path

Remember Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz? She was told if she wanted to see Oz that she would have to follow the Yellow Brick Road which led to the Emerald city and there she would find the Great Oz. Well, the yellow brick road or path came to a split and Dorothy had to make a decision whether to take a left or a right. No one told Dorothy that there would be such a decision to be made so she was unprepared. Our paths are much like the one Dorothy was on and just as no one told Dorothy that the path would come to a split we are not always warned either. The paths we follow sometimes leads to a place where we will have to make a decision. The Bible talks about paths; let’s look at a few of them.
There is the path of life  Psalms 16:11  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
There is the plain path Psalms 27:11  Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

There is the path of the just Proverbs 4:18  But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. In this path of life there is joy and pleasures for evermore but to many it seems too plain, little excitement and little fun. The plain path may look dull but there are many enemies in the fast lanes; without doubt it seems to be more fun and excitement for a while but the end results will not be pleasures for evermore. We only have to look to the young man in Luke 15 to see what fast lane living will do. Remember this young man left home for a more adventurous life style; he found it alright but it came with a price. Friends who used him up and when it was all gone so were they; he ends up in a hog pen eating hog food. Now which path looks exciting the path that leads to destruction or the plain path which looks dull? How would one find the just path? Now remember it’s not going to look exciting it will be quite plain but it doesn’t end up in the hog pen. The path of the just is a shining light that gets brighter and brighter unto a perfect day. It is what you want; a nice place with the hogs or a perfect day. Watch out for the bright lights for they will not always lead you to the perfect day. The way to the perfect day has light that will guide you every step of the way.
Psalms119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Let me explain it this way. On Sunday nights when I leave our Church it is dark and I turn on my head lights. Now my head lights don’t shine all the way to our home only out in front of the vehicle as it lights the road ahead of me. As long as I follow the light and stay on the road I’ll be just fine. It’s only when I take my eyes off the lighted path that I am headed for trouble. Now when I get home I got there because I followed the light that was ahead of me and although the light didn’t shine all at once to our home I can say I had light all the way. Just remember these verses
Matthew7:13   Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at:
Matthew7:14   Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. The majority are not always right and the path is not always bright.

Hope

December 27 a day I’ll not forget, for it was on that day 24 years ago around 11:00 pm my Dad died. I can remember it well I had went deer hunting that day; I saw a deer but for some reason I didn’t kill it, I could have I just didn’t. That night I called my Dad and told him about what I had done that day. He told me that he had finished reading a book that he really wanted to finish. We talked for awhile and I told him as I always did “Dad, I love you talk to you tomorrow." We then said good bye. Little did I know that that would be the last time I would ever get to talk to him? I was struggling with what to preach on the next morning and I finally decided that I was too tired.  I would go to bed and get up early the next morning when my mind would be fresh. I had done that before when I was tired. The phone rang about 11:30  I answered it,  my brother was on the other end. He told me that I needed to come that Momma had called 911 and that Daddy was not doing good. I hit the floor running; as I walked through the doors of the emergency room I saw my mother and with that look I knew that my Dad was gone. I can’t tell you how that shook me; I mean I had just talked to him and now he’s gone. What I have experienced the last 24 years have been great memories of our times together. I wrote in my Journal on yesterday these words; I miss him so much even after 24 years. I can’t count the times I wish I could have called him just to tell him I loved him, ask him a question, tell him something or just get his opinion on things going on in my life. He was my hero and I miss him dearly. Did you catch what I just wrote? When I was in the military I was separated from my wife for 18 months while stationed a long ways away I missed her too but I had hope that I would see her again. Know what Webster says about that word “hope?” Are you ready? He says this; Confidence in a future event. Wait a minute while I shout! See I had confidence in an event in the near future when I would be with my wife again. Well I have that same confidence in the future event when I will see my Dad again; know why? Hebrews 6:19  Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; John Gill said it right “This world is as a sea; the church in it, and so every believer, is as a ship; the port that is bound unto is heaven; Christ is the pilot, and hope is the anchor: an anchor is cast on a bottom, out of  sight.” I have missed my Dad that is for sure but there is an anchor in my soul that tells me sooner more than later I be with him again. You may ask where do I get such a crazy idea; it’s not crazy it’s in our Bibles .Read with me:

Thessalonians 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1Thessalonians 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. The Lord himself shall descend from heaven those that have preceded us in death shall raise first from the grave. Then we which are alive shall be caught up together with them. There it is did you see it? “Together with them” you see back on December 27, 1986 my Dad left and has been gone now for 24 years. I miss him but I know that I will see him again and this time there will be no good-byes. Will you be missed; but more important do you have the confidence in the future event that you will see your loved one again?

Purpose

There’s just no escaping the fact that everyone dies sooner or later from one cause or another. It’s a good reminder of just how fleeting our lives are. James says this about our life- James 4:14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  Our life is gone so fast compared to eternity it is like a vapor coming from a steaming pot. In a world of 6.8 billion people, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that in God’s story, every person matters. You may feel sometimes like just a little dot in the crowd of other dots! Don’t forget  what God said to Jeremiah also applies to each one of us.  

Jeremiah 1:5  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; You see in God’s story, you and I matter! We may not be able to see beyond the current day of our lives or how our lives will be play out but God has plans for you and I. That is why we just celebrated Christmas; that’s why Jesus came, that’s why He made the statement that He must be about his Fathers business. His Fathers business was that He would die for our sins so you and I could accept the free gift and go to a place called heaven. Don’t feel like you are just a dot among others dots because you’re not; you were so important that God knew you before He formed you, you were made for a purpose. Do you know your purpose and are you doing it? God wants each of us to know what His Son did for each of us, so don’t get so caught up in everyday life that you miss your purpose. Have a great week for this is the last one this year.

Star

Call them Magi, Astrologers or Kings but read with me what Matthew says about them.

Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, “WISE!” Wisdom cannot stop; Wisdom never leaves the school; Wisdom never finishes its education. The education that is finished was never begun. They were wise because of what they saw “His Star” not just any star but His Star.
Matthew 2:2 Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. No! Not just any star; we do not read “the star” or “a star” oh no there’s no definite article here but a personal pronoun “HIS.” Too many stop at the stars but not these wise men for there was one star they had their attention on and it was “HIS STAR.” I read where starting at $19.95 you could buy a star, they called it a timeless gift. They went on to tell their prospected buyers that they could see their star with a live online robotically controlled telescope and that they launch your stars name into space aboard an actual rocket.  Maybe you would like to buy some beautiful beach front property; like to have the sand against the bottoms of your feet? Well, here is your chance for only $395.00 you can own this beautiful property just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. These wise men not only saw His Star but followed His Star to where they found and saw the young baby Jesus
Matthew 2:9…. Lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. Could it be that these men were wise because they were following His Star? Whose star are you following? I hope its His Star for those that are wise are following His Star.  Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

"Christmas is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.”

More Shepherds

I was thinking some more about those shepherds and I would like to share with you just another thought. The shepherds were fearful and with the comforting words and song from the angelic host they had peace in their hearts. But when the angels, music and singing were over the darkness came right back and it seemed darker than before. Have you ever entered a dark room after leaving a well lighted one or came in on a bright sunny day only to find that it seemed dark? It was dark then bright and then dark again for these shepherds. I want you to understand this for it was not in the angels singing their hymn nor the bright light or even the presents of these angels that real peace was found. We can go to a great service at church, hear wonderful singing, and be around beautiful people in a gorgeous building designed for worship to the Lord. But had it not been for the moment the Angels were gone that the shepherd rose up and went to Bethlehem. You see the Angels went but Jesus remained. The music stopped, but the Lord was with them still there. They would never again hear the angels sing but the Saviour would never be far away. The angels and the vision and the music go much like the peace we find in a great service and wonderful singing and the beautiful people we come in contact with. When it all fades, Jesus Christ still remains, which is far better than any song or fellowship. When all go home and the music stops if we have not Jesus in our hearts the darkness moves back in. We must know Jesus to have real peace, its one thing to hear about Jesus; but it’s another thing to see and know who Jesus is. When you pray do you feel that you are really speaking with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Or are you just spitting out words? Are you celebrating the birth of Jesus or is it just an exciting time of the year because it is traditional. If you were asked this question “do you really think you will go to heaven when you die and how can you really know” what would be your answer? Would you have any Bible to back up what you say? We will not be weighted on the good and bad hoping there will be more good than bad; that has nothing to do with it. It is all about Jesus and if you and I know Him. Here is how I would answer that question; first I would say yes and this is how I know 

I John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his son.

I John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

I John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may “KNOW” that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.  Well, is it Jesus this Christmas or Tradition?

“The Christmas spirit that goes out with the dried-up Christmas tree is just as worthless”

Shepherds

Have you ever stopped to think about the night Jesus was born? There were many great men, wealthy men and scholars in Bethlehem. But that night the angels did not come and sing to any of those but to some shepherds watching their sheep. I can see the shepherds chit- chatting about the day or their family when all of a sudden without warning..wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. These shepherds were not somewhere far off but in the same country watching over their flock by night. Then it happened the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone around about them: Wonder if they were frightened? Sure they were for the Bible tells us that the angel said unto them fear not. Have you ever came upon someone you know and say something like this " it’s me don’t be afraid.” Get the picture here are the shepherds watching their sheep in the dark; no street lights for they had not been invented yet! They may have had a fire I don’t know but what we are told is that it was night when the Lord shone around about them. The angel of the Lord came with good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people; I like that word “all” for that is where you and I fit in. We have good news for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. How shall we know this baby? Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Then there were with the angels a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men. Then it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them it was dark again. The shepherds said one to another, let us now go even to Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. They came with haste, and they found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. When they had seen it for themselves they made known the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered and the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Here are some things I see first; they heard what was being told them. The second; they responded to what they had heard and because they responded they got to see which is the third thing. After seeing they returned to their work place number four. Number five they glorified and praised God for the privilege they were given. Had the shepherds stayed home they would have never had the enjoyment they had that night. I am afraid we stay home and miss the appointments God has just for us so therefore our praise is shallow for we are not hearing nor seeing so therefore we have very little to tell. The solution is get to where God can speak to you in your Bible, Prayer closet, Church House and around good Christian friends. Are you getting the idea? See what the Lord will show and tell you!

The Christmas spirit that goes out with the dried-up Christmas tree is just as worthless

Elements

You and I cannot choose our circumstances, but you and I can choose our attitude in the midst of those circumstances. The Apostle Paul tells us how to not allow the circumstances in our life to overtake us. Paul’s circumstances were miserable, he was in prison on trumped up charges, his surroundings were awful, and his dreams were on hold. With all this going on in Paul’s life he doesn’t complain, question, attack or give up. He writes and tells how he was able to accomplish that by three elements.

#1- By seeing meaning- Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

#2- By seeing beauty- Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

#3- By thinking future- Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I think you must maintain humor in your life too. Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:

As you know my sweet wife has broken her leg and has been confined to our living room and has not been able to put any weight on her right leg at all. Her circumstances are not by her choosing but her attitude is. For the past 7-weeks she has not one time complained or felt sorry for herself, questioned, or attacked. She has not complained about the way I am helping as I feel I am not doing a real good job working, cooking, directing two ministries, going everywhere by myself; to tell you the truth I miss her tremendously. Not once have I heard her say anything that would indicate that she was discouraged; could it be the reason she isn’t is she sees meaning. She is doing what the doctor tells her. She is seeing beauty in the prayers as she makes her request known unto God. Then she is thinking future; this is only for a season. Then lastly I hear her laughing which indicates a merry heart doing the work of a good medicine. I have learned so much from her in her time of trouble. We will go back to the doctor this Wednesday to see how much she has improved please help me pray. I am excited about this week the Doctor on Wednesday, Christmas Eve on Friday and Christmas Day on Saturday! How can you not to be excited? You must agree with me it’s going to be a great week.

“The only real blind person at Christmas-time is he who has not Christmas in his heart.”

Helen Keller

Watch out

Ever remember a time when you’re Mother, Dad or maybe your spouse said to you better watch out for that person or I would rather you wouldn’t hang around with …. I know you like I would always ask the question “why not, what’s wrong with… The answer might come back with “I am not sure I just don’t have a good feeling about them.” Well what if God told you not to hang around with a certain kind of people or watch out for them would it make any difference? Or warned you of their character and how to know them and what they will do. Well He does in Proverbs chapter 16 He warns us of 3-men and what to watch out for.

The first is the Ungodly man:

Proverbs 16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. He is one who digs up evil and his talk is like a burning fire. Maybe this is someone who can’t forgive and with their lips and words destroy others- sounds like John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: Could this thief want to destroy your confidence in others?

The second is the Forward man:

Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. This frorward man sows seeds of conflict. He is one that whispers in your ear to cause a struggle among others and separates us from our friends even our best of friends. There is that enemy of John 10:10 stealing our friends.

The third is the Violent man:

Proverbs 16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. He is one who attracts by arousing hope of desire. He tempts and offers something better or at least for a moment. To the one getting off drugs, alcohol or any other addiction or maybe it's a diet you have promised yourself to stay with. Pleasure for the moment and for the moment only; once again sounds like that thief taking away your hope by killing your confidence. The thief, enemy, devil had been exposed as he works through others. Be careful when others who want to drag up evil, sow conflict and tempts with something better than what you have or where God wants you to be. For it’s only the thief using others to destroy you. If this weekend you hear something that doesn’t sound just right don’t listen and when someone leans to whisper something in your ear ask yourself why are they whispering? Have a great weekend and get ready for Christmas for it’s almost upon us. God Bless you is my prayer.

Get Still

Advertisers plead with us to purchase “security” for our futures. Investors encourage us to plan for our retirement and our children’s education. Every day, thousands of hardworking employees are “downsized” which is another way of saying let go. Downsizing results in chaos, instability and loss of confidence. How then are we to experience serenity when our world seems out of control?

Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: Too many times we attempt to orchestrate our lives in such a way that there is no room for God to interrupt with His own plans. My Dad worked for the railroad for 43 years and many times when I was a young boy he would take me with him on different trips. I loved it! We might be in the baggage car with the doors open and the scenery flying by; or I might find myself in a passenger car sitting looking out the window; or in a sleeper car. I can remember sitting in the diner car eating ice cream, man was it fun to go to work with him. My younger brother works for the railroad today; my Dad helped him get on with them. I wanted to work for the railroad too but it was not to be. I went to apply with my brother-n-law; he got a job and I didn’t. I was crushed and so depressed for I really wanted that job but God didn’t let me orchestrate my life the way I wanted it for He had different plans for me. All I could see was the present but God saw the future, had I followed my plans I would have missed His. Today I am happy that God knew best for my life; sometimes we just have to get still so we might hear and know that He is God, the one that knows best. Stop for a moment today turn the radio off and all the junk that might be going on in the background. Just get alone, be still, listen and see if you don’t hear a small still voice. Elijah did

1Kings 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

1Kings 19:13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? You might just hear the Lord speaking to you, but to do so you are going to have to get still. How about today slow down, get alone and get still and see what happens; God may have different plans for your life.

Small Heart

Back in 1957 Dr. Seuss wrote a story about “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” You see the Grinch suffered from having a small heart. The source of his heart problem is his lack of understanding the meaning of Christmas. The Grinch tries to put a stop to Christmas, but in the end he comes to understand what Christmas is all about and his heart grows three sizes. As I thought about that I was reminded of those who can’t wait for Christmas to be over. All the hustle and bustle, the running here and there, the money that is being spent, the dinners they will have to attend and the people that will be forced to spend time with. You have heard them I am sure; I can’t wait for all this Christmas stuff to be over; you know the old hum bug type. I think they have a heart problem; no I am not talking about having heart surgery just a big heart. You see they have a small heart and don’t understand Christmas at all, they think it’s about spending money, eating food and spending time with those they don’t like. But for those of us who understand what Christmas is about; the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who was born to save His people

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. When the light of the Good News of Jesus dawns upon the heart then God replaces old heart of stone with a brand new one which is three times as big as the one before. How big is your heart at Christmas time big or small? Giving or Keeping? Loving or Hating? In a hurry for it to be all over with or one that is excited about all the Christmas season means and brings into your life. I tell you I am excited about all our children coming and bringing those grand kids. We will spend some time together as a family, laugh and smile and just love on one another for a couple of hours and that’s just Christmas Eve. Then on Christmas day we will all meet back together at my wives parents and that’s when it gets crowded! My wife has 2-brothers and 2-sisters and they all have families. I love being around all of them. I have been doing it for 40 years and I am excited about this Christmas and looking forward to all that will take place. But there is a time I love most it just before the presents are opened I take the opportunity to talk about Christmas and what it means. It’s far more than a new bike or a new anything. It is a night to be remembered for on that night long ago when Jesus slipped into this world as a baby and only a few knew who He really was. Christmas of 2010 is almost upon us and I wonder how big your heart is?

All

What does the word “all” mean? Webster says it means this “Every one, or the whole number of particulars. The whole quantity, extent, duration, amount, quality, or degree; as, all the wheat; all the land; all the year; all the strength.” In

1Corinthians 13:7 we read this Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. In that verse it is saying charity or love bears all, believes all, hopeth all and endureth all. I read Pastor Kingsbury’s blog on yesterday; Pastor Kingsbury pastors North Love Baptist Church in Rockford Illinois, near the city of Chicago. As I read his blog the Lord used it to open my eyes to this word “all.” Here is partly what he had to say about the word “all.”

"ALL does it all" was a slogan used to advertise a laundry detergent named ALL. The idea behind this was that ALL would clean all types of clothing and remove all sorts of stains. Then they came out with a new and improved ALL Stain Lifter with twice the cleaning power. Well, that strikes me as ironic! If ALL did it all, how could it be improved? They were n0t done yet. Then came All Oxy-Action to deal with grass stains, ice cream and blood. Now there is ALL Smart and Mighty with three times the cleaning power. It would be more accurate to call their detergent SOMETIMES! When advertisers and marketers say "all" they don't really mean it...but God does! When he tells us "all things" He means every time, every place, every person, every circumstance, every situation, and every case.”

When God says that charity or love and uses the word “all” that is what He means everyone, the whole number, the whole quality. Now look at

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Then again in

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Do we believe what we are told that “all” everyone of us were born sinners and because that each one of us “all” have sinned? Notice we were not told that we would sin but that we have already sinned. That being the case and bad news to us all, what you and I need is some good news; glad you asked and here is the good news.

Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. Aren’t you glad that all that will call upon the Lord we are told will be rich; the rich is not wealth but it is something far better

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Have you called unto Him yet? If not what are you waiting on for He did say “all” it doesn’t matter what you have done, where you have been or who you are you are for you are still an “ALL.” This Christmas accept the greatest gift of all Salvation.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them (ALL)that believe on his name:

Rights

We hear a lot of talk about “rights.” My rights have been abused or my rights to do this or that have been taken from me. I am for people rights and I sure don’t want to see anyone abused or their rights taken away from them. What I don’t hear much about is “Responsibility. “ Blame yes but responsibility no! What if someone gave up their rights; don’t hear much about that. In

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: What does that mean? Do we know what kind of mind Christ had? And form of God and robbery to be equal with God; what’s that all about? Would you say The Apostle Paul is saying “Let’s have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had?” Which was a kind and loving attitude; when He was beaten by the Romans He didn’t say any unkind word. Wonder if that had been me wonder if I might have said something about my rights? But not Jesus

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Not one word about His rights. Know why that is? Because our Lord gave up His rights when He came to die for you and I. Pretty amazing while all are declaring rights He throws His in the trash. In verse 6 we are told that Jesus was in the form of God and equal with God. He was in the form of God and equal with God yet He did not take advantage of His being God.” Jesus Christ had equal rights with the Father and the Spirit yet He gave them up. Anytime He could have taken charge and stopped the way He was being treated yet He gave up that right. Because He was here about His father business and His father’s business is to seek and to find that which is lost.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Jesus Christ chooses to come into a world He had made and give up His right to live like God. I think it might do us good to give up our rights so we might understand how and what others are feeling. I think if we do we will become more like Christ and then we are learning to have our mind on Christ Jesus. Be tender hearted to someone this week for it’s going to be a great week.

Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect.”

Blind Spot

A blind spot in a vehicle is an area around the vehicle that cannot be directly observed under existing circumstances. There are also blind spots in life; have you ever heard the saying “I never saw that coming.” You might have thought of a time just then when you didn’t see something coming. It may have been something that someone or a group of people were trying to surprise you with and were successful at it because you never saw it coming. I remember back on our 25th wedding anniversary a surprise get together had been planned without our knowledge. She and I were to meet back at the Church for some reason; I can’t remember what it was now. Anyways as we pulled into the Church parking lot there was not a car in sight. We were to go into the fellowship hall; all was going as planned until someone in the already packed room leaned up against the light switch and the lights came on and went right back off. Now all of a sudden I was suspicious, was there danger ahead? Were we about to walk into something unaware? As we approached the already closed doors all I could think about was what and why and who made those lights come on and off. I had my pistol pulled and was ready to fire…Just kidding. As we opened the door we were blindsided by a bunch of smiling faces that voiced out loudly the word “SURPRISE.” That was a blind spot we enjoyed; but all blind spots are not that enjoyable. In John 10:10 we are told “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:“ Now think for a moment with me a thief is sneaky he steals when no one is around, he kills when he thinks no one is watching and he destroys when there’s no one around or when those around don’t understand what’s going on.

2Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

2Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. There are some very wonderful, very bright people who have been blinded to the greatest need in their life; their need for Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for them. The reason for the horrific death of God's Son on a Roman cross was that He was dying to pay for our sins so we would never have to, because no one else could have or even claimed to give His life to pay for our sins. He's our only hope of having our sins erased from God's records; He's our only hope of getting into God's heaven. Jesus didn't stay dead, and He blew the doors off His grave on Easter morning! Only He can give you eternal life. Oh no, the devil doesn't want you to see that. He wants you in hell with him forever so he's blinded you. He blinds us with pride. We're too proud to admit we need a Savior. Satan blinds us with religion, so we think that a religion about Jesus will get us to heaven. It won't, it can't. Sometimes the devil blinds us with other Christians who have represented Jesus poorly but Jesus is the issue, not Christians. Satan is saying, "Anything but Jesus. Focus on anything you want except Jesus." His goal: Keep you blinded to Jesus until the day you die, and then his mission is accomplished forever. Forget religions, rituals, Christians, theories, earth-stuff for a moment and think what will it really take to get you into heaven? Being a good person; how good do you have to be and for how long and who do you report to? Being religious? Which religion? Which rituals? Who’s theories? All that is too complicated can I tell you the good news? It’s this

1Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: What was all that for? For you and I

1Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. Paul says if all you and I have is hope in Christ in this life we are now living we are miserable. There is much, much more for when this life is over; and it will be one day what hope do you have then? The good news is

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

2Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. See you in Church Sunday!

Rules

Rule; Merriam-Webster tells us this about “rule” a prescribed guide for conduct or action. Rules are in everything we do, where you work there are rules, in our home, on the roads where we drive our cars. Rules, rules, rules; my dad had rules set in our home. One of his rules were to be home by 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday night no excuses would be excepted, no 3-strikes and you are out. The rule was be home before 11:30 but not later and if you walk through the door at 11:31 you were late. Rules, rules I know what I will do I will get away from his rules and I did only to find that the military had rules too. I would have been better off to have stayed home with Dad’s rules. Rules are not to hurt us but to help us. I want to look at 4-rules found in the book of Proverbs chapter 24. The first rule is a rule for life.

A Rule for Life- Proverbs 24:1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

Proverbs 24:2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

Stay away from evil men! Do not allow them to become your companions!

A Rule for Thinking Proverbs 24:9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men. Tells us what to think or what not to think!

A Rule for not Quitting Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

I love this verse because too many quit when they fall or fail. I always say “what do you have to do to fall 7-times? Get up 6-times.” Anyone can quit but we should not be quitters; get up and get back in. I was raised around horses and my Dad would go to the horse sale and he would come home sometimes with some real losers of horses. He would put me and my brother on them and many times they would throw us off but he would never let us walk away after being thrown. He would say get back on or he will throw you the next time. What my Dad was teaching me and my brother was don’t quit get back up. I believe that is what this verse is teaching us; anybody can quit don’t be a quitter. Don't quit!" Keep on getting back up, be persistent, be strong for the Lord! Do not be easily stopped! Is that not a good "rule”?

A Rule for Telling the Truth Proverbs 24:28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. Just tell the truth, always! For lies are hard to remember.

Perfect

The New England Patriots and the New York Giants played to decide who would be the 2007 NFL champions. The New England Patriots were already billed as one of the greatest teams in NFL history. They compiled a perfect 16-0 record for the year. The Giants came in on a wild card. The slogan was “who wants it more?” The Patriots with their perfect record had not lost any games and now for the big night. The records were clear there had only been 4 wild card teams that had ever won the Super Bowl. This had to help with the confidence of the Patriots for the history of the game was on their side. What happened that night will forever be in the history books for the Giants became the fifth team in history to come in as a wild card and win the Super Bowl. Now why did I bring up a 4-year old Super Bowl? Well, the Patriots and their perfect season lost the only game that mattered. They could have lost any other game and it would not have mattered all that much, but this was the one did and they lost it. With that in mind I would like for you to think on something with me for a moment. The Apostle Paul made this statement in

2Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Paul said make sure you examine yourselves, prove yourselves, know your own selves if you are in the faith of Jesus Christ. You see you can go to Church, sing in the choir, never miss a Sunday in Sunday School and have pins past your knees. You can even have a degree from a Bible College, your charter could be beyond questioning and you could be an upstanding person in the community. All looks good and like the Patriots it looks like a perfect life. Why you have a Bible, know about prayer even know about Jesus Christ! All looks like heaven is just a breath away. Then it happens, your heart stops, you fall to the ground and….wait what’s this??? This is not heaven at all but it is the other place. Like the Patriots you lost the only thing that mattered; life everlasting. That is what happened in

Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

They lost the only thing that mattered; life everlasting. It might not be such a bad thing to Examine, test so that you might know your own self and make sure you are in the faith. Remember to know is to understand clearly. As I always say “Life is too short and eternity is too long for me to be wrong.” The question is do you understand clearly?

Infamy

Sixty-nine years ago today it was a Sunday Morning; like any other morning, but it was not to be for long. At 7:53 A.M. the Japanese Imperial Military machine launched a dastardly surprise attack against U.S. Forces stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. TV was still several years away but the visual horror of Pearl Harbor and the terrible losses that followed were pouring in  across the air waves and all who listened had what was happening burned into their mind. Pilots were shot down never to be found , ships were sinking and some never made it out. Some would come back paraplegics while others would return home with minds filled with the horror which they experienced. Many young men gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. I had the joy of sitting down and talking with a Pearl Harbor survivor a few weeks ago; I enjoyed listening to him. It was hard for him to talk about it, for it brought back a lot of bad memories. He told me he had just finished eating breakfast when the bombing started. He told me that they were in the Harbor docked as he raced to his position they were trying to get the ship out in the Harbor. He told me it was an awful sight to behold. On this day alone more than 2,400 men, women and children would die.  President Roosevelt in the Presidential Address to Congress of December 8, 1941 made this statement "Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — Merriam-Webster tell us the word “infamy” means an extreme and publicly known criminal or evil act. It matters not where you are today I want you to take a moment and be thankful as well as proud to be an American and remember Freedom is not Free!   

To Know

To understand: to grasp the meaning of; What do you know? We came into this world knowing nothing and as the days went by we were able to learn. Sometimes we learned by accident¸ which is not the best way but sometimes that is the way we learn. I think we learn most of what we know by others who are able to teach us. As we look into the first chapter of the book of Proverbs the Lord showed me something I would like to share. In the first 4 verses I see the word “to” 4¬-times look at it with me for a minute. In verse 2 we see to "know” Webster says the word “know” means “to understand clearly.” Before we can teach anyone we must understand clearly. How do we tell others about Jesus until we understand clearly what He has done for us. In the same verse we see to "perceive" which means to know, to understand. Could that mean we are to understand clearly by grasping the meaning of? In verse 3 we see to "receive" which means to take then in verse 4 we see the last and it is to "give" which means to transfer. If you and I know then we should want to transfer what we know with others who don’t know. That is what Paul told Timothy in

2Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Verse 5 tells us how we learn to know

Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Do you think that hearing is important? I think so because the next part of that verse says there will be an increase in learning then they will become a man of understanding and they will attain (to reach as an end) unto wise counsel. Did you notice that it was by hearing and not talking? I guess the old saying is right God gave us two ears and one mouth so we are to hear twice as much as we speak; good rule. What do you know that you can explain clearly to others? Now let me ask you are you doing it? Think about that and see if you can teach someone else something this week. Have a great week is my prayer for each of you.

Hugs

A young girl by the name of Hanna lived in a state where coal was big business. One day Hanna and her friend were talking about the mines and the miners and this fact came to light. They learned that the most common cause of death among the coal miners was electrocution. They live in a remote area and the mining operation there is pretty old and relatively primitive. There are sometimes problems with the wiring in the mine, and miners actually get electrocuted. What compounds the problem is that the nearest doctor is many miles away, which led Hanna to ask the doctor if there was anything the local folks could do to help while they're waiting for the doctor to arrive. She was surprised by the doctor's answer. "Well," he said, "there is one thing, hug the injured miner." Well, obviously Hanna wanted to know why. He said, "When people are about to go into shock, I think there is something about a hug, about the human touch - about human tenderness. Not all shocks are electrical are they? People around us are getting shocked every day by bad news they've just received, by bad treatment, by unexpected developments, by a death, or a failure, or by pain in a relationship. And not all hugs are two arms around a person although that kind of hug is great. A hug can be a word of encouragement, or an offer to help, a gift, a compliment, a place to rest and recover. It's practical love when someone has really been hit hard. I am reminded of what we are told in
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. As we what? Have opportunity! Have you and I been looking for OPPORUTNITIES this week to give somebody; anybody a word of encouragement or have you and I been so caught up in our own problems that we weren’t looking to encourage anyone. When we learn to get our mind off our problems and began to look for ways to encourage others we will soon find it is far better to encourage others and our problems will become less and less. Try it and see what will happen. Tell yourself, that this weekend I will look for and find at least three people to encourage. Look for the opportunity and make it a matter of prayer you may be SHOCKED at what happens! Have a great weekend and I’ll see you in Sunday school come Sunday morning. Don’t forget to give someone a hug!

Be Strong

How is one to be strong? Would lifting weights make one strong? Sure as far as our muscular body goes. We hear talk about a strong willed child; you may have one living in your home. I am not talking about those kinds of strengths let me tell you by way of an illustration. As you know my wife has broken her leg and has to use a walker to get to the few places she can go. Now that walker is strong and she at this point is weak. She is depending on that strong walker to make her strong. Let’s say I come in the night while she is a asleep and take her walker and hide it from her. She is weak and can’t move and go where she needs too in her own strength. Now read what the Apostle Paul has to say.

2Corthains 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. In the hardship, persecution, and difficulties I am weak. Now read the verse before that one

2Corthains 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.(my power is strongest when I am weak; Paul)Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. We see that God’s grace is the strength that worked in Paul’s weakness. The walker that my wife uses does her no good in the corner it’s only when she realizes her weakness that she is made strong. As long as you and I live in God's grace and his Power we are fine. It is when we think we are strong and start making decisions on our own we get into trouble. Adam and Eve were fine until they thought they were strong and made a decision on their own outside of God’s plan for their life. Remember our enemy wants to Steal, Kill and Destroy
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: Don’t let him come and steal your walker in the night or your prayer time, bible reading time, Church time or any other time that you spend with your heavenly Father. For as you already know time is completely irretrievable! What you allow the enemy to steal in time can never be recovered so guard it and admit you are weak for then you will be strong…looks like another oxymoron.

Don’t Fight

As we start the Christmas season with all the excitement in the air, the trips to the mall for that special person and the certain gift. For many this is a sad time of the year for this year many will spend it without that loved one. For others it’s a time that they become the city police; we will hear of someone somewhere who will put up a big fuss because there’s a manger scene at the school house or the court house and they feel that it’s their job to have it removed. I read something that caused me to stop and think for a moment. There was a lifeguard on a beach somewhere in southern California, which I think would be a nice job to have. He gets this bizarre information that seemed to be just unbelievable. He was told that most people he would try to rescue would resent and even resist his assistance. That just didn't make sense. Anyone who was in trouble like life-or-death trouble would surely welcome his help. Then the day came when there was a man who was in trouble. In drove the lifeguard to rescue him but instead he found that the man cursed him as he reached his arms around him. He kicked, he clawed, and he did everything in his power to fight off his rescuer. Can you believe that? We humans are pretty proud folks; sometimes even when our pride could cost us our life! There were many on that beach and in the water enjoying everything around them. This guy was fighting off the very one who was there to save his life. Doesn’t make sense does it? Now let’s look at it from another view. Jesus came into this world to save that which was lost.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. He was here on an urgent rescue mission. He saw that our sinful choices, had left us hopelessly cut off from the God we were made for.

So like a lifeguard jumping in the water to save a drowning person at the risk of his own life, Jesus jumped into our world to give us a chance to live instead of dying. The problem is that heaven's Rescuer is often greeted with our proud resistance. "Look, I'm a good person, a religious person. I can give you a list of people who can tell you how I've helped them. I think I can get to heaven on my own, thank you." If that were true Jesus would never have gone through what He did on the cross. If that were true this verse would not be in the pages of our bibles

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Pharaoh, who was the King of Egypt, continually heard God's messages from Moses. We read of him fighting his rescuers.

Exodus 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. That’s what many are doing without realizing it, letting their heart get harder to Jesus every time they ignore Him or reject His offer.

Exodus 8:32 And Pharaoh hardened his heart Then comes these sobering words,

Exodus 9:12 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, Are you excited about this Christmas season and what the Lord has done for you and your family or are you like the one who put up a big fuss because there’s a manger scene at the school house or the court house. Like the one fighting off the lifeguard too many are fighting off the one who wants to save them from a devil’s hell. The greatest gift this Christmas is not what you may think it is but the gift that came in the form of a baby whose name is Jesus. Don’t fight the one who wants to recue you, for He dove into this world to save you; don’t fight Him off.