The story of CHRISTmas is about the vastness of God's love for us. I marvel at His love, because it is a love that goes far beyond anything I am even capable of understanding. The Bible says: "He who does not love does not know GOD, for GOD is love," 1 John 4:8.
What do you think of when the word 'love' comes to mind-mercy, grace, forgiveness, reconciliation, peace, charity, kindness, unmerited favour and the putting of others before oneself? The story of Israel is really our story. How many times has GOD parted the Red Sea in our lives-yet when we face another valley experience, our faith often times seems to shrink while our grumbling and worry increase? The story that always causes my heart to burn, is found in Judges 10, when Israel once again turns to idolatry. Sin brings pain. When Israel is bearing the pain of their sin, in repentance they turn back to GOD. This is the response of the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Everlasting, Mighty God of Israel-Yahweh Sabaoth, "And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel," Judges 10:16. LOVE conquers SIN.
GOD knows of our sinfulness, our struggle between good and evil, right and wrong. He knows that, '...we like sheep have gone astray' Isaiah 53:6. And perhaps, because He could bear our misery no longer, He sent us CHRIST-the Messiah!
"For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end." Isaiah 9:6-7
"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is CHRIST the LORD.'" Luke 2:10-11
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:5-6
"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7
So, as we celebrate the CHRISTmas season, let us give thanks in our heart, saying, "Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Thank you GOD for your unfailing LOVE! Thank you Father for sending the Son, our MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST!
We would also like to ask for your commitment to pray for the families devastated by the Newtown, Connecticut shootings that took the lives of 20 precious children and 6 teachers from Sandy Hook Elementary School. Please also pray for the family of the shooter, who took his life and the life of his mother.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Talk Tuesday-No Word From God Shall Ever Fail
As I began reading the Christmas story in the gospel of Luke, chapters 1 to 2, I was impressed with one sentence, written in the various translations either as, 'No word from God will ever fail' or 'For with God nothing will be impossible', found in Luke 1:37.
The gospel of Luke opens up with an account of Zecharias' encounter with an angel, heralding the birth of his own son, John the Baptist. Zecharias' wife, Elizabeth, had been barren. The angel Gabriel appeared to him and said:
"Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth," Luke 1:13-14.
The promise included the fact that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb (Luke 1:15), that he would turn the hearts of the people back to God (Luke 1:16), and that he would go before Jesus in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17), to prepare the way. Imagine how Zecharias felt! His doubt, awe, fear, shock and joy all came crashing together in a statement of hesitant hopefulness, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years," Luke 1:18.
The angel Gabriel then visits Mary, in the Galilean city of Nazareth and says to her:
"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, " Luke 1:30-32.
Imagine Mary's complete and utter shock! She asks the question, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" Luke 1:34
It is at this point that the angel responds with the words, 'No word from God will ever fail' or 'For with God nothing will be impossible', Luke 1:37.
What dream has the LORD spoken into your heart lately? What promise has He made? What kingdom purpose has He called you to fulfill? As we ponder the Christmas story, may the gift of faith rise up in our own hearts, so that we eventually boldly declare:
"Let it be to me according to your word." Luke 1:38
The gospel of Luke opens up with an account of Zecharias' encounter with an angel, heralding the birth of his own son, John the Baptist. Zecharias' wife, Elizabeth, had been barren. The angel Gabriel appeared to him and said:
"Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth," Luke 1:13-14.
The promise included the fact that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb (Luke 1:15), that he would turn the hearts of the people back to God (Luke 1:16), and that he would go before Jesus in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17), to prepare the way. Imagine how Zecharias felt! His doubt, awe, fear, shock and joy all came crashing together in a statement of hesitant hopefulness, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years," Luke 1:18.
The angel Gabriel then visits Mary, in the Galilean city of Nazareth and says to her:
"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, " Luke 1:30-32.
Imagine Mary's complete and utter shock! She asks the question, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" Luke 1:34
It is at this point that the angel responds with the words, 'No word from God will ever fail' or 'For with God nothing will be impossible', Luke 1:37.
What dream has the LORD spoken into your heart lately? What promise has He made? What kingdom purpose has He called you to fulfill? As we ponder the Christmas story, may the gift of faith rise up in our own hearts, so that we eventually boldly declare:
"Let it be to me according to your word." Luke 1:38
Monday, December 3, 2012
Talk Tuesday-'Tis The Season
'Tis the season to be...busy?! As the countdown to Christmas Day begins, the temptation to get caught up in the commercial frenzy of the season may seem almost irresistible. While we are hunting around for the latest bargains, checking names off our list, and getting ready to eat our Christmas-full of meals, there are those for whom Christmas will be difficult, painful and uncomfortable. Let us begin to meditate on the real reason for the season, the birth of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. What did it mean for Mary? What did it mean for the children of Israel? What does it mean for you and me?
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:30-32
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:13-14
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Lord Jesus, help us to know you more. Help us to live out your purpose for our lives here on earth. May we be agents of peace and love this Christmas season, allowing your light to shine forth from our hearts, illuminating the way to salvation which is found solely in you. In Your name we pray, amen.
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:30-32
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:13-14
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Lord Jesus, help us to know you more. Help us to live out your purpose for our lives here on earth. May we be agents of peace and love this Christmas season, allowing your light to shine forth from our hearts, illuminating the way to salvation which is found solely in you. In Your name we pray, amen.
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