I Samuel 16:7 says, "But God told Samuel, 'Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. . . God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.'" -- The Message
I don't know what to say. To me, this is an unhappy day. My guess is, to alot of US citizens, who voted with moral consciences, it's not a day to celebrate either. I don't like the overindulgence regarding Barack Obama's outward appearance. I'm all for "Black American History." He will be, afterall, the first Bi-racial president. Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Indian . . . .it should make no difference what the outward appearance and stature represent. What should matter is what is in the heart of the man . . .not the color of his skin, the articulate speeches, nor the great political promises for future prosperity and peace.
I fear what this man, and the people working behind this man, will do to unborn children, the sanctity of marriage, and the religious freedoms we now rest in. Tomorrow is the 36th anniversary for Roe v. Wade and newsarticles have suggested that on the second day of office, President Obama is planning on quickly reversing President Bush's pro-life policies. If he does, the door of murder will again be opened wide for international and domestic abortions and infanticides and we will be paying for this with our taxes. See this CNN article dated justyesterday . . . http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/19/obama.abortion/ for more details.
I will be watching and praying for Divine protection. Dear Lord, please keep us alert and far away from acquiesence. Keep us from passively accepting something, without necessarily consenting to it . . . compromising. Forgive us and keep us from wanting a "King," more than a God. . . for suppressing the Truth, worshipping the created more than the Creator and for betraying the multitude of innocent unborn . . . betraying them for pieces of "economic recovery," the god of money and self-preservation. . . betraying them for the sake of history.
Let us not trust in "chariots or horses," but remember and trust in the Name of our God. (Psalm 20:7) Let Jesus be our King!
I want to share this poem, written by Chief Justice of The Alabama Supreme Court, Judge Roy E. Moore, July 1998 entitled:
OUR AMERCIAN BIRTHRIGHT
One nation under God was their cry and declaration.
Upon the law of Nature's God they built a mighty Nation.
For unlike mankind before them who had walked upon this earthen sod,
These men would never question the Sovereignty of God.
That all men were "created" was "self-evident,"
To secure the rights God gave us was the role of government.
And if any form of government became destructive of this end,
It was their right, their duty, a new one to begin.
So with a firm reliance on Divine Providence for protection,
They pledged their sacred honor and sought His wise direction.
They lifted an appeal to God for all the world to see,
And declared their independence forever to be free.
I'am glad they're not here with us to see the mess we're in,
How we've given up our righteousness for a life of indulgent sin.
For when abortion isn't called murder and sodomy is deemed a right,
Then evil is now called good and darkness is now called light.
While truth and law were founded on the God of all Creation,
Man now, through law, denies the truth and call it "seperation."
No longer does man see a need for God when he's in full control,
For the only truth self-evident is the latest poll.
But with man as his own master we fail to count the cost,
Our precious freedoms vanish and our liberty is lost.
Children are told they can't pray and they teach them evolution.
When will they learn the fear of God is the only true solution.
Our schools have become battlegrounds while all across the land,
Christians shrug their shoulders afraid to take a stand.
According to a US Casualties report 4,156 humans lost their lives in Iraq in almost six years. Compare this to the daily total of over 3500 innocent lives lost to abortion and infanticide. There have been demonstrations and outrage galore over the war in the Middleast. . . . where are they for the war against the sanctity of life?
After watching the following video, I would hope everyone will agree with me in prayer for God's mercy and protection to be over the innocents who have no voice . . . .
Don't be impressed by the outward appearance and stature, don't be impressed by cheering crowds, elated news commentators, or image-printed coins. Don't be impressed by the outside appearance. But watch what is within. Pray, of course, and hope for the best alway, but don't "fall" for the illusion . . . stand for the Truth and let Jesus be your King!
Recently I received the following "devotional" thought and/or teaching from Rick Warren in my e-mail. And I have to address and protest it as a freedom writer and lover of the grace and good news of the Gospel. Here is what Rick Warren believes and teaches regarding individual spiritual growth:
Spiritual Growth Is Not a Private Matter by Rick Warren
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***Some of us hesitate to commit ourselves to developing an intentional plan of growth that requires accountability or relationship with others because we believe spiritual growth is a personal and private matter. We choose to believe each person develops in his or her own way at his or her own rate. This is an aberration from the truth. The idolatry of individualism has influenced even the way we think about spiritual growth. So much of the teaching on spiritual formation is self-centered and self-focused without any reference to our relationship to other Christians. This is completely unbiblical and ignores much of the New Testament. The truth is that Christians need relationships to grow. We don’t grow in isolation from others. We develop in the context of fellowship. Over and over again in the New Testament we find this basic truth: Believers need relationships with each other to grow! Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another …” (NIV). God intends for us to grow up in a family.
This is what I believe and proclaim:
Rick Warren is modeling what the "Shepherding Movement" heretics tried to promote . . .only in a different "frame." Beware of false teaching. He took one scripture verse and says that anyone believing that spiritual growth is a private matter is aberrant and idolatrous. This is called "proof texting." Actually, the verse says "we are to motivate one another to good works" . . .not to growth.
In this false teaching he is usurping the Holy Spirit's job in each individual's life. Faith IS extremely personal. That is why we call it a "personal relationship with the Lord!"
Accountability, discipleship programs, putting man in the Holy Spirit's place is what's aberrant and idolatrous. We are making man and his get-better programs, his diagnosis and prognosis of our spiritual condition the "god" in our life, rather than the Lord. Instead of pointing one another to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus, we are pointing one another to a person or a program.
THE LORD IS OUR SHEPHERD AND WE SHALL NOT WANT . . . .
We grow in grace thru faith, not thru relationships. Accountability is only necessary in a church where there are big problems or decadent behavior.
Please consider this verse . . .I Corinthians 3:6 & 7 (AMP) says, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase. 7So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God Who makes it grow and become greater.
Relationship doesn't cause the growth. God causes the growth. He gives the increase and the measure in His timing and He is the Producer of the fruit (60 fold, 100 fold) . . . we just "bear" it.
Actually, we should have relationships not only within our our own church, but within other churches lest we become exclusive and elitists.
But the subject of church growth is another subject altogether . . . .
In the end, I need to quote again Dave Johnson, author of "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse": TRUE SHEPHERDS POINT TO THE CHIEF SHEPHERD. Here's a simple rule of thumb I've learned recently for discerning teaching: The actual source of all teaching and doctrine is revealed in whom it glorifies. In other words, teaching that emphasizes success through YOUR great discipline or even success through YOUR great faith also tends to aim the glory at YOU. Thus, it is frequently true that faith in faith glorifies your faith, and faith in self-discipline glorifies your self-discipline. BUT faith in God's grace and in the gift of His righteousness glorifies God, because A GIFT CANNOT BE BOUGHT OR EARNED; it can only be received."
Rick Warren, in this case, is pointing to relationships and assembling with one another as your source of growth . . . he fails to point to the Truth -- Jesus Christ -- as our Source of growth. And Jesus, our Shepherd, uses whatever vehicle He decides for our growth. It may be relationships . . . it may be isolation (as with the apostle John on the island of Patmos). He is our Source for growth. . . . nothing else.
Rick Warren is making up a false spiritual "requirement" outside of the work and performance of Christ. . . emphasizing man's work and performance.
Growth is a GIFT FROM GOD. This is the Good News! Relationships are important for growth, but it must be voluntary, not prescribed. Otherwise, it becomes a heavy yoke, a "work" of the flesh. We can have relationship with one another thru the internet, thru groups on-line, Bible studies, going to the movies, within our own family units, etc., our work places, telephone calls. God uses every one and everthing for our individual growth.
And emphasizing "success" and/or growth thru relationships is aiming the glory at us, . . . not at God WHO GIVES THE GROWTH. Then we can boast that WE are causing our own growth thru our attendance and thru our activities within the assembly of members. We begin to believe and proclaim to ourselves and one another that WE ARE THE SOURCE OF OUR OWN GROWTH. And this also sets up the judging of one another. Those who aren't as "committed" to those who are "committed" by showing up all the time. This, to me, is the aberrant and idolatrous belief. This is religion. This is legalism. And it's toxic to growth. Legalism kills. Liberty gives life. As a recovering legalist, I can testify to this.
It's good to "revelate" and protest when we don't agree or believe something a teacher . . .even a well-known teacher, tries to send out to the Body.
Frankly, I believe that "WE" are the church, not some building. That WE are the temple of the Holy Spirit, not a certain room or building. But that, again, is another discussion. :) :) Take care and Believe the Good News! His Yoke is easy and His burden is light. Hallelujah!
So . . . .God may have you stay in bed with your spouse and have some "fellowship" or have a great breakfast and fun with your children on some Sundays. So, don't come under the bondage or religious burden of having to have to go to church in order to be a "good" or "growing" Christian." Be free . . . and don't come under any condemnation or petty religious yokes. God is with you and in you and you can even have "church" at home with your family! It's fun! Go to your local church or visit another church as you are LED OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Be at peace. Jesus is Lord! :)
The "Golden Globe" awards were on TV last night. I'm a sucker for these shows. I know, I know . . . . "vanity, oh vanity." But, before we get all "religious" let's consider all in the light of His Grace. He loves everyone in Hollywood. God sent His Son to them as well. They are not the enemy and celebrities can be wonderful witnesses for Jesus! I appreciate good acting and I have a wonderful Friend and Guide, the Holy Spirit, Who is very efficient in guiding me through this world while not being "of the world." As I "watch" and pray :) , the Holy Spirit gives me great prayers and compassionate thoughts of hope for each and every one. This is part of the fun!
I didn't get to watch last night's show, but I did utilize the "DVR" and I'm looking forward to watching and fast-forwarding all the commercials tonight with Doug. :) So . . . don't tell me who won! I am having a hard time as it is avoiding news and talk shows so that it won't be spoiled for me. However, I LOVE to tell all Who the ultimate "winner" is!
I just want to share with you what the Holy Spirit communicated to me yesterday morning. I saw a man standing on a stage with the same type of envelopes the awards shows use. The man said as he was opening the envelope . . . "And the Winner is . . ." He then opened and read, "JESUS!" :)
This is, of course, the Good News! Jesus IS the Winna Man! He Won! It is Finished. And, in Christ, we win too!
It's a BINGO! moment all the time with Jesus!
He has run and won the race for us. He shares His prize with us. In Jesus, we all get to hold our "golden globes" as overcomers! We get crowns to cast at His feet We get to eat of the Tree of Life in Paradise. We get to eat of the hidden manna and we get a new name written on a white stone. We get to rule nations and we get the morning star! How's that for a prize! We get to wear garments of white and be pillars in His house and sit on His throne. Revelations tells us all this. If we stay fully convinced of the Good News, relying on His performance alone, He leads us to be Overcomers and Winners!
John 16:33, Jesus says, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” And I thank God, that abiding in Jesus . . . resting in Him . . . makes me an overcomer, too! Jesus IS the Winna Man!
Good intentions . . . .to right the wrongs . . . . change habits . . . .
The truth is, we can NEVER walk it out right on our own. To try . . .to even think that we can . . .is lethal, and "smelly" and we fall from the Grace of God.
Today, the Lord showed me a picture of a "Flounder." (the fish) And He said to me, those who attempt to resolute themselves to Me in their flesh (in their own strength) will flounder --"
Now the definition of flounder is: to flap, splash through mire, flounce . . . . To fling the limbs and body, as in making efforts to move; to struggle, as a horse in the mire, or as a fish on land; to roll, toss, and tumble; to flounce.
HOWEVER! The GOOD NEWS IS: He has sent us a HELPER, the precious Holy Spirit. Who gives us His fruit and His liberty from the flesh by faith, thru grace. The "just" shall live by faith (Galatians 3:11)
Jesus said it was "expedient" that He went Home to the Father, because then the Helper could come and freely change us from glory to glory . . . without our own striving . . . by faith alone. Why is it we forget and neglect the One Who is here now. . . the Holy Spirit. He is God. Jesus paid a high price for the Holy Spirit to come and indwell believers. In the Old Testiment, when our Holy God was on top of the mountain and told Moses NOT to let the people or even their animals touch that mountain or they would die . . .is because He's holy and we're not. On our own, we can never be holy. But, because of the Blood of Jesus, because of His perfect life lived here and His redeeming sacrifice that same Holy Spirit that was dangerous and even deadly for us to go near, can now reside within us when we are born again. Then, it is Christ IN you living thru the power of the Holy Spirit that changes you from the inside out.
In the book of Acts, the believers were told to wait until the Holy Spirit came upon them to empower them to witness and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can do nothing without the Holy Spirit's help. He gives us the personal power (fruit) to live the Christian life, He gives us the ministering power to proclaim liberty to the captives AND He gives us the power to do signs and wonders . . . miracles. These supernatural acts of God, the greater works Christ said Believers would do, are our tools and implements for the building up of the Body of Christ and for the unbeliever to come to Christ. Jesus said, some won't believe except they see miracles. And God knows each individual heart and what needs to be done and said in order to deliver salvation to them. We NEED the Holy Spirit . . . the Helper!
Jesus' whole life here was lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave Jesus the ability from His birth (the incarnation) to the miracles and deliverances and healings, to His Death (Hebrew 9:14) and Resurrection.
Who changed Peter? He really "floundered." Who changed him from a fearful, intimidated man into the bold, passionate man on Pentecost? The Holy Spirit. Even after living with Jesus for three years, Peter fearfully denied Christ . . . BUT after the Holy Spirit came upon him, he was a NEW CREATURE from within. No resoluting or committing can ever do this work.
Jeremiah 13:23 says, "23 Can an Ethiopian change the color of his skin? Can a leopard take away its spots? Neither can you start doing good, for you have always done evil."
But herein lies the Good News as presented by Matthew Henry, commentator: "We cannot alter the natural colour of the skin; and so is it morally impossible to reclaim and reform these people. Sin is the blackness of the soul; it is the discolouring of it; we were shapen in it, so that we cannot get clear of it by any power of our own. But Almighty grace is able to change the Ethiopian's skin.Neither natural depravity, nor strong habits of sin, form an obstacle to the working of God, the new-creating Spirit. The Lord asks of Jerusalem, whether she is determined not be made clean. If any poor slave of sin feels that he could as soon change his nature as master his headstrong lusts, let him not despair; for things impossible to men are possible with God. Let us then seek help from Him who is mighty to save."
This leads me back to the "flounder" the Lord showed me today. We will struggle, we will flounder, we will be stuck in the mire whenever we attempt to remove our own "spots" or blemishes. NOW, by the power of the precious Holy Spirit, as we believe in His ability, we can and will become THE KING'S SALMON! Able to leap and swim against great obstacles, able to miraculously fly in beauty and freedom and "multiplication" . . .some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some 100 fold! to the Glory and Honor of God. Here's an encouraging video of a salmon who is supernaturally going against all odds because the Creator has given him the ability . . . .
NOW . . ."The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all." (2 Cor. 13:14)
A 15 year old boy from Great Britain produced that video. I'm hoping he'll make more. The lyrics are outstanding and had to be included in my entry for the New Year. In Christ alone!
Last night the Lord gave me a vision for the coming year. I saw a picture of a seeing-eye dog. A German Shepherd seeing-eye dog with it's working harness on. And I heard the Lord say, "I can see everything clearly for you."
I saw bumps, or ridges, in the road ahead, but the Lord reassured me that He can see past those bumps in the road and He sees everything clearly. I can only see so far and maybe a little of what's right in front of me. But He sees it all. So He told me to "take hold" of the harness and let Him guide me. "This world can get pretty dark, but I see all things clearly and I will lead you and guide you safely just where I want you to be. Just hang on and rely on to My lead." He will protect, guide and keep me as I trust in Him. That's a good and comforting Word. And He is the Good Shepherd, my Shepherd. :)
This world will be getting darker, but Jesus is the Light of the world. Once, He showed me a picture of a "night light." And He said to me: "When the torrents of ungodliness surround you, look up to Me and I will be your Night Light." Torrents of ungodliness . . . . the definition for torrents is: A turbulent, swift-flowing stream. A heavy downpour; a deluge. A heavy, uncontrolled outpouring: as in, a torrent of insults, etc.
So, my Word from the Lord for 2009 would be to keep my eyes on Him, the Light of the World. To take hold of Him and rely upon Him completely. . . in Christ alone, that Solid Rock.
A friend and sister in the Lord (Kathie Walters http://www.kathiewaltersministry.com/) shared a vision she had had of Christ and I have her permission to reprint it . . . . I want to look at Jesus more in 2009.
"I was thinking this morning about where my real TREASURE IS - Well here it is to share with you: print it out and take some time to read over it, it's worth it. It's the best message on the internet.
In New England, when I was speaking at a Women's conference - I had a vision of Jesus - He was running toward us with His arms outstretched - then I started to speak and this came tumbling out of my mouth:
'Jesus is altogether lovely. He saves us and keeps us by His power, from sin and death. He has given to us His Robe of Righteousness.
He extends his mercy, longsuffering, loving kindness, tenderness, healing, compassion. He is our Shield, our Defender, our Rock, our Hiding Place. He is our Provider, Counselor, Great Shepherd, our Friend Who is closer than a brother, our Love. He is the Husbandman, the Keeper of the vineyard. He is the Source of all blessing.
He restores, rescues, forgives and redeems. He is our Victor, the Captain of hosts. He is our Banner, and our Standard, mighty in battle, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus is crowned with glory and honor. He is our Savior, Sanctifier, Redeemer, merciful and faithful High Priest.
He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. He was dead, but now He is ALIVE forevermore and He is seated at the right Hand of God (seated - it's finished). He destroyed death, and led captivity captive. He is the great Apostle of our faith. He is the Supreme Sacrifice, the spotless and blameless Lamb.
He is our Anchor, our Strong Tower, our Shield, our Defender, and He was the Ancient of Days before the first day began. He is the Forerunner, the Firstborn among many brethren. He is the surety of a better testament and He comes from the unchangeable priesthood.
He is able to save to the uttermost.
His presence doesn't cast any shadow because He is the light that lights the Heavenly City. He is the Light of the world. and the Giver of life. He is the Door, the Way and the Truth. He is the Treasure, the Pearl of great price, more precious than the finest gold.
He was the Rock of Ages before any mountain peaks were formed. He was the Bread of Life before there was any grain. He was the Lily of the Valley before there were any flowers on the earth. He is the Eternal Intercessor and He is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, higher than the heavens.
He makes His enemies His footstool and laughs at His adversaries. He came from eternal glory to the depths of humiliation. He abdicated heavens throne for a pile of straw in a manger. He sacrificed infinite riches to embrace poverty. He bade farewell to Heaven's love to receive men's hatred and shame. He surrendered Heaven's adoration to suffer scorn, and He turned from celestial bliss and life with cherubims and seraphim to die between two thieves on a cross.
He is the Tree of life. He is consecrated for ever and makes us sanctified forever by His Precious Blood. He is the Minister of the Sanctuary. He is the Mediator the New covenant. He is the High Priest of GOOD THINGS to come. He's the Lion of Judah, and the Lamb, slain. He is the New and living Way.
He was born contrary to the laws of birth. He lived contrary to the laws of life. He healed, contrary to he laws of medicine. He was tried and condemned contrary to the laws of justice and He arose, contrary to the laws of death and the grave. He ascended, contrary to the laws of gravity and He is coming back againcontrary to the expectation of the world.
He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the Great Shepherd of ALL THE SHEEP HE IS THE HOLDER OF THE KEYS. HE IS THE AMEN. HE IS THE FINAL WORD... He is qualified to open the Book.
He is the expression of the heart of the Father. His love has no limits. His grace has no measure. His power has no boundaries known unto men. Out of His infinite riches, He gives and gives and gives again. He is our nearest Kinsman, and is qualified to redeem us. He is THE WORD MADE FLESH, the Honey in the rock. He is high and lifted up. He is the Lily of the valley, the Bright and Morning Star, the Fairest of 10,000. He is more precious than gold. He's the glory and lifter of our heads. He is the Righteous Judge.
He is a Refuge for the oppressed. He doesn't forget the cry of the humble. He bore our sorrows and our griefs. He was despised and rejected of men and now He controls the destiny of the nations-The kingdoms of this world are going to become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and for ever. He is our portion and our Inheritance. His garments smell of sweet myrrh and His breath is as sweet as apples. He is a very present help in trouble. He hides us under the shadow His wings, and keeps us as the apple of His eye. He is our high tower.
He makes the hills shake, the mountains melt, the heavens bow. He pulled back the curtain of eternity and stepped out on the stage of time for one brief moment, and then stepped back again into eternity, but in that one bridge moment of time He sealed the fate of every man and fixed the destiny of every man and woman. He will light my candle because He is the light of life. He is the Branch, and the Root of Jesse. HE IS THE GREAT WAVE-MAKER FROM GALILEE. He makes the crooked paths straight and the rough places plain.
He split history, and divided the ages.
He is the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. He is the Baptizer in the Holy Ghost. He preserves the faithful. He is the Resurrection and the Life. He spoke and framed the world. He makes our way perfect and makes our feet like hinds feet. He causes us to walk in high places.
He is able to comfort, guide and bless. He spoke and the heavens unrolled themselves and the galaxies were born. He spoke and the streams and rivers wound their way across the earth. The rose began to blush, and the violets cast their fragrance, and the birds began to sing. Colors wove themselves into a rainbow. He spoke and a handful of dust became a living soul. He turns our mourning into dancing and, girds us with gladness.
Let me tell you about His Voice. His Voice is powerful upon the waters, full of majesty, like thunder, it breaks the cedars, divides the flames, shakes the wilderness, makes the hinds to calve, discovers the forests, sets the mountains in their place. It stills the seas. His Voice shook the earth and melted the hills. His Voice is as the sound of many waters. He spoke and calmed the storm. He spoke and gave life to the dead, brought healing to the sick, strength to the weak, and forgiveness to the sinner.
Herod could not kill him. The Pharisees could not confound him. Satan could not trick Him. Sickness could not withstand him. Devils could not stay near Him. The waves could not drown Him. The rabble could not disturb Him. Death could not corrupt Him. Hell could not keep Him. The grave could not contain Him. Gravitation could not restrain Him and God has highly exalted Him and given Him a Name above every name and at His Name, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord of all.
He led captivity captive and gave gifts to men. He brought a stream out of a rock, and fed the people in the wilderness. He fed 5000 with two loaves and a few fishes. He is Savior to the lost. Healing to the sick. He is hearing to the deaf and sight to the blind. He is cleansing to the leper, and strength to the weak. He is comfort to the oppressed, hope to the hopeless and help to the helpless.
He is a Brother to the friendless and a Friend to the brotherless and He is LIFE to the dead.
He is infinite, eternal, glorious and full of majesty. One day in His courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. Wouldn't you rather be a doorkeeper in His house than dwell in the tents of the world..? He is the Covenant Keeper keeping- covenant with covenant breakers. He is sweeter than all the flowers. He is the Lover of our soul and the Keeper of our hearts. He is music to the poet, and a song to the worshiper. His Name has been whispered by thousands upon thousands of dying soldiers on the battlefields of the ages. His Name has been the battle cry of those who fought for righteousness and truth. HE IS THE KING OF ALL KINGS AND ALL RULERS AND EVERY NATION WILL BOW TO HIM, HIS NAME IS JESUS....'"
MAY OUR VISION BE JESUS IN 2009 AND FOR ALL ETERNITY! AMEN! He is our "seeing-eye" Good Shepherd and our Bright and Eternal "night Light!"
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. I never really heard the lyrics before I had faith in
Christ. After October 25th, 1987, Christmas meant more to me than ever. The meaning changed from gifts, family, parties and all the trimmings -- to the awe and wonder of Jesus! I had heard the Nativity story all my life and understood that Jesus was God's Son Who came as a little baby to save the world. It was a fantastic story! However, the reality of this Nativity story became mine that day in October when I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. I told Him that I had known about Him, but that now I needed Him to become real in my life. I knew about the Savior, but now I NEEDED a Savior.
Romans 10:11-13, says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." That was one Bible version of that verse. Sometimes when I look up the same verse in different versions, I can better "fit" the meaning to what I want to convey. For instance, in The Message Bible, this verse says simply,"the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help. "Everyone who calls, 'Help, God!' gets help."
"Everyone who calls, 'Help, God!' gets help" . . . incredibly simple and incredibly accurate. If we call upon His Name and believe we shall be saved. Simple. I LOVE what Max Lucado, author, calls John 3:16. He says that John 3:16 is the "Hope Diamond" of the Bible. "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyonewho believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." This is Good News and this gives us all great HOPE.
And what is saving faith? What is the difference between just knowing about someone and really BELIEVING IN THEM? This is my best demonstration on what saving faith is: Take a chair. Stand next to that chair. Look at the chair. Do you believe that that chair exists? Most would say, "yes." That is where I was before October 25th, 1987. I knew that Jesus existed. I believed that much. But that wasn't enough faith to be converted, inwardly changed by the Holy Spirit, or born again. Let me go back to the existing chair standing beside you. You believe that the chair is there. You might even believe that that chair can hold you if you chose to sit in it. But true saving faith, real faith, the "believe" that John 3:16 is referring to is this -- sit down in the chair and COMPLETELY RELY UPON IT TO HOLD YOU UP.
When we completely rely upon Jesus as our only way to eternal life. When we rely upon His finished work, His righteousness, knowing that we can never "do good enough" to earn our way to Heaven . . . when we call upon His Name as the answer to our "dilemma," then we receive all that the angels heralded that night . . . reconciliation with God, healing, deliverence, death holding no sting, peace and good will, and . . . a second birth.
"Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
The Gospel is Good News. It brings relief to our souls. We need help. And God offers it thru His Son, Jesus. He is the only Way, the only Truth and the only Life.
Quoting Max Lucado, "YOUR GOODNESS CAN'T WIN GOD'S LOVE. NOR CAN YOUR BADNESS LOSE IT. BUT YOU CAN RESIST IT." Let's not resist so great a Gift and so great a love.
Merry Christmas, from our house to yours. And may we all stay fully convinced of this Good News and believe, relying on Christ alone. Amen.
I'm grateful that Max Lucado wrote this book. In it, he successfully presents similar experiences we all have. Unfortunately, in this imperfect world, elitism and exclusivity flourishes. You're not "good enough," is the message. You're not "qualified," "desirable," "stable," "a winner like us," or the "cream of the crop."
Even Rudolph the reindeer had to deal with this! :) Because of his shiney nose, he was not allowed to play in any of the "reindeer games." Poor Rudolph! (I always hated that part of the show!)
But who are these elitists who are giving us "dots" and making us feel "sub"-everything and inferior? They are "wemmicks" just like us! Every time they get stars they feel so much better. They even feel better when they give you dots.
But in Max's story, we are lovingly reminded and encouraged that God knows our name! He made us. If you've been given alot of "bad marks", don't worry! God doesn't care what others think about you. And neither should you. Who are they to give you "stars and dots?" WHAT THEY THINK DOESN'T MATTER!. Only what God thinks is important and He thinks you're pretty special . . . because you are His!
Punchinello ran into someone who had neither dots or stars. Her name was Lucia. Stickers wouldn't stick on her . . .dots or stars. This is our example. We shouldn't want anyone's marks! (anyone's approval or disapproval)
So why don't the stickers stay on Lucia? Because she has decided that what God thinks is more important than what they think.THE STICKERS WILL ONLY STICK IF YOU LET THEM! . . . If they matter to you. BUT,the more you trust His love . . . the less you care about their stickers.
Remember, you are Special because God made you and He doesn't make mistakes! And He sent His one and only Son for YOU . . . for our freedom and for our way Home. Many tried to put their "dots" on the Savior while he walked this earth. He was despised by many and counted among the sinners. He ate and drank with sinners. He loves sinners! He is a Friend to the sinner! He didn't care what the elite thought. He didn't seek out the elitists! He exposed them. He drapes his arm with a serving cloth and serves us, washing our feet, to lift us up! He sings over us with songs of deliverance and we are touched by the Master's Hand.
Jesus took the marks on His back for us. And He gives us the "stars" of God's approval. He exchanged our "dots" with His "stars." He laid His life down completely so that we might be Born Again into His Kingdom of Love. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Father God and thank you, Holy Spirit, that You are not a respecter of people.
In Christ, we are all the same. Galatians 3:26 - 28 says, "26)You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27)for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28)There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
There is neither Jew nor Greek, etc. In Christ the old, worldly lines of separation are all blotted out.
All are one in Christ Jesus. One person, as it were, one new manof which Christ is the head (Eph 2:15). All, without regard to race, or position, or title, blended into one whole.
Romans 2 describes the Impartiality of God, and in Galatians 2:6, Paul testifies that "(By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.)" So don't believe the lies that you're not important to God, or to the Body of Christ. Each part is important and very essential. And we all play different roles to the edification of one another.
"Here we learn that the gospel is not ours, but God's; and that men are but the keepers of it; for this we are to praise God." (Matthew Henry)
So, let us all sit in the "woodshop with our beloved Eli" every day and believe what He says about us and rest. And let us encourage one another daily that what He thinks matters most. Reminding one another that we are all "wemmicks" and fall short of the Glory of our Maker. But in Christ, we are all one Body and He is our Head and there is no partiality with God. And . . .
