Tu, 12/31/13, 7th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"
Psalm 119:164 - "Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules."
Our church is offering a prayer time together from seven p.m. to eight p.m. both tonight, New Year's Eve, and tomorrow night, New Year's Day. I could and should actually say that the prayer time is being offered from seven p.m. to eight p.m. both tonight, the 7th Day of Christmas, and tomorrow night, the 8th Day of Christmas.
Seven is the biblical number of wholeness, completeness, fulfillment, accomplishment, and perfection. God first exemplified the meaning of seven when God spent six days making creation and then spent the seventh day making creation whole by enjoying what God had made.
To have a prayer time at our church on New Year's Eve, the 7th Day of Christmas, at seven p.m. is a call for everyone, wherever you are, to enter a prayer time that is filled with seven. In other words, have a prayer time doing what God did, stopping to enjoy what God made, thanking God for God's creative blessings in your life in the past year.
One of the best Christmas gifts to our family this year is a set of generosity jars with little pads of paper. The sole purpose of the jars and paper pads is to invite us to stop at the end of everyday and write down how we're thankful that God blessed us that day. Y'all, grab a jar and paper, and let's all thank God daily together in 2014.
And whether you can physically come to our church tonight or not, I look forward to stopping and praying with all of you tonight at seven p.m. as we thank God for making our lives whole and complete with all the blessings God's given in 2013.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Day of Praise times 2
Mo, 12/30/13, (5th &) 6th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"
Matthew 1:20-21 - "But as [Joseph] considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.'"
For yesterday's 5th Day of Christmas -
So y'all don't laugh! At least not too hard. :-) I was putting my socks on the other day. Ya know, one foot on the floor, and one foot lifted up. Like a flamingo. That lost its balance. And fell over. It hurt. But not too much because, on the way down, I was laughing because I knew I'd tell y'all.
But no puttin'-on-your-socks fall could ever hurt as much as Joseph and Mary knowing from Day One that they were giving birth to a child who had a lot of pain coming his way so he could "save his people from their sins." And it all would culminate with five wounds on the cross, which we remember on the fifth Day of Christmas.
The only way a parent could endure such sorrow is by ultimately remembering that every child 1) comes from God, 2) belongs to God, 3) is meant to personally know God, and 4) finds peace in every sorrow through a relationship with God.
Hey, Gang, the sooner we help children know God personally through Jesus, (and they can know him well before Kindergarten), then the easier it is on everybody.
For today's 6th Day of Christmas -
In Proverbs 6:16, we hear that "there are six things that the Lord hates." You can look them up in the verses after sixteen. I'm pretty sure we've all done at least one of the six. And in light of that reality, let's use the 6th Day of Christmas as another day to thank God for sending Jesus to "save his people from their sins." And, if we remember what we just said with the 5th Day of Christmas about every child belonging to God, then we all can be thankful that we're "his people" whom he saves.
So, ok y'all, have a great day! And be careful puttin' your socks on. :-)
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Day of Praise
Sa, 12/28/13, 4th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"
Luke 2:10-11 - "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"
"For all the people," that's what the angel said. People to the North. To the South. To the East. To the West. People in all four directions. Amongst many other encouragements on this 4th Day of Christmas, one certain encouragement is that Jesus was born as Savior for all people.
So that includes you, Friend.
Believe it. It's true.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Luke 2:10-11 - "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"
"For all the people," that's what the angel said. People to the North. To the South. To the East. To the West. People in all four directions. Amongst many other encouragements on this 4th Day of Christmas, one certain encouragement is that Jesus was born as Savior for all people.
So that includes you, Friend.
Believe it. It's true.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Friday, December 27, 2013
Day of Praise: Pastor Chris
Fr, 12/27/13, 3rd Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"
Matthew 2:11 - "And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."
Questions. Do you ever wonder? Wonder about your life? Why are you here? Does anyone even know? Does anyone really care? Where's your life going?
In today's verse, we hear of three gifts that are brought to the Christ child from only God knows how many Magi. We assume three Magi because there are three gifts, but the Bible doesn't actually say. What we do understand though is that three gifts tell us about the baby:
1) Gold means he's royalty, King of kings;
2) Frankincense means he's divine, that we should pray to him; and
3) Myrrh means he'll need embalming since he's going to die for us and our sin.
So too, being made in the image of God, we hear answers to our questions from God's Word in the Bible through the three gifts:
1) Gold means we're royalty; everyone has a prominent, important role in the world, which we learn more about as we seek the Word and counsel of our Father God in heaven;
2) Frankincense means we're attractive; people will be drawn to us, and specifically to the Christ in us, when Christ dwells in us through faith; we're then given to do our royal role, which is to point those drawn to us beyond ourselves; we're to point them to Jesus Christ;
3) Myrrh means we have a true nature; our self-securing sin nature is what we sell out for because we don't trust God; our true nature, which is restored through faith in Jesus, is to pour out ourselves so that others instead may live, fulfilling Jesus's words, "in losing your life, you find it."
Through three gifts, God has answers to our questions. Think about it.
Praise God!
(For an archive of "Day of Praise," please see the link to "Day of Praise" at my daughter Calley's blog, www.voguemind.blogspot.com)
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Matthew 2:11 - "And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."
Questions. Do you ever wonder? Wonder about your life? Why are you here? Does anyone even know? Does anyone really care? Where's your life going?
In today's verse, we hear of three gifts that are brought to the Christ child from only God knows how many Magi. We assume three Magi because there are three gifts, but the Bible doesn't actually say. What we do understand though is that three gifts tell us about the baby:
1) Gold means he's royalty, King of kings;
2) Frankincense means he's divine, that we should pray to him; and
3) Myrrh means he'll need embalming since he's going to die for us and our sin.
So too, being made in the image of God, we hear answers to our questions from God's Word in the Bible through the three gifts:
1) Gold means we're royalty; everyone has a prominent, important role in the world, which we learn more about as we seek the Word and counsel of our Father God in heaven;
2) Frankincense means we're attractive; people will be drawn to us, and specifically to the Christ in us, when Christ dwells in us through faith; we're then given to do our royal role, which is to point those drawn to us beyond ourselves; we're to point them to Jesus Christ;
3) Myrrh means we have a true nature; our self-securing sin nature is what we sell out for because we don't trust God; our true nature, which is restored through faith in Jesus, is to pour out ourselves so that others instead may live, fulfilling Jesus's words, "in losing your life, you find it."
Through three gifts, God has answers to our questions. Think about it.
Praise God!
(For an archive of "Day of Praise," please see the link to "Day of Praise" at my daughter Calley's blog, www.voguemind.blogspot.com)
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Day of Praise
Th, 12/26/13, 2nd Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"
"The ox knows its owner, and the donkey the manger of its lord, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand." - Isaiah 1:3
We all need to eat. However, in today's verse, God says that in our weakness, frailty and sin, we don't know where the food is. But this 2nd Day of Christmas celebrates that God is determined to feed us.
A manger is a feeding trough, and the donkey knows that the manger is where his master puts his food. When Jesus is born and laid in a manger, God our Master is telling us that Jesus is our food. What kind of food? Bread. "Bethlehem" (where Jesus is born) literally means "house of bread." And Jesus tells us plainly that he is the "Bread of Life."
So eat up people; feast on Jesus by receiving him daily into your being. Apart from Jesus, we might eat lots for our belly. But Jesus alone feeds our soul!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
"The ox knows its owner, and the donkey the manger of its lord, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand." - Isaiah 1:3
We all need to eat. However, in today's verse, God says that in our weakness, frailty and sin, we don't know where the food is. But this 2nd Day of Christmas celebrates that God is determined to feed us.
A manger is a feeding trough, and the donkey knows that the manger is where his master puts his food. When Jesus is born and laid in a manger, God our Master is telling us that Jesus is our food. What kind of food? Bread. "Bethlehem" (where Jesus is born) literally means "house of bread." And Jesus tells us plainly that he is the "Bread of Life."
So eat up people; feast on Jesus by receiving him daily into your being. Apart from Jesus, we might eat lots for our belly. But Jesus alone feeds our soul!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Day of Praise
We, 12/25/13, Christmas Day, "Day of Praise"
Luke 2:10-12 - "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.'"
Merry Christmas, Y'all! Merry Christmas!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Luke 2:10-12 - "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.'"
Merry Christmas, Y'all! Merry Christmas!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Day of Praise
Tu, 12/24/13, Christmas Eve, "Day of Praise"
"And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." - Luke 2:6-7
Yes, it's the same verses as yesterday because I've been thinking about these verses, including verse one through seven.
Have you ever noticed in the "birth of Jesus" verses (Luke 2:1-7) that there's a lot more about the census of the world and laying Jesus in the manger than there is about the birth specifically? The reason for this, that God put on my heart, is that the birth of Jesus is a fact, so it's just said as a matter of fact.
However, the census and laying Jesus in the manger have more said about them because we need to think more about the scope of Jesus's birth (census) and how we handle him (laying him in the manger). In sum, the scope of Jesus's birth touches the whole world, so God wants us all to share Jesus and the love of Jesus with the whole world. Additionally, it's impossible to share Jesus and his love with the whole world unless we ourselves handle him rightly, so God wants us to 1) receive Jesus personally into our lives, which is to truly believe in him, 2) talk to him intimately, which is to have constant fellowship and prayer with him, and 3) adore him with all our being, which is to worship him. By "handling" him rightly, we can then share him with the world.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
"And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." - Luke 2:6-7
Yes, it's the same verses as yesterday because I've been thinking about these verses, including verse one through seven.
Have you ever noticed in the "birth of Jesus" verses (Luke 2:1-7) that there's a lot more about the census of the world and laying Jesus in the manger than there is about the birth specifically? The reason for this, that God put on my heart, is that the birth of Jesus is a fact, so it's just said as a matter of fact.
However, the census and laying Jesus in the manger have more said about them because we need to think more about the scope of Jesus's birth (census) and how we handle him (laying him in the manger). In sum, the scope of Jesus's birth touches the whole world, so God wants us all to share Jesus and the love of Jesus with the whole world. Additionally, it's impossible to share Jesus and his love with the whole world unless we ourselves handle him rightly, so God wants us to 1) receive Jesus personally into our lives, which is to truly believe in him, 2) talk to him intimately, which is to have constant fellowship and prayer with him, and 3) adore him with all our being, which is to worship him. By "handling" him rightly, we can then share him with the world.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Monday, December 23, 2013
Day of Praise
Mo, 12/23/13, "Day of Praise"
Luke 2:6-7 - "And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
We had our first daddy-daughter forum this past Saturday night. It was a small group of dads and daughters, along with someone's mom and my son. We talked mostly about God-given spiritual authority, authority's proper use as service, grace and forgiveness, talking softly and clearly, and the ineffectiveness of yelling. It was an amazing event for those who could come. We're having the other one we had planned this Saturday, December 28, from 6-10 p.m. You're all invited.
The daddy-daughter event was a lot like Jesus's birth: small group, God giving spiritual authority, God showing authority's proper use as service, the outpouring of grace and forgiveness, God talking very softly and clearly, and the implication of the ineffectiveness of yelling.
It's almost Christmas. We tend to think that dwindling noise and people means Christmas is over. God's word seems to say the opposite; dwindling noise and people may mean that Christmas and Christ are as near as they'll ever be.
Think about it.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Luke 2:6-7 - "And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
We had our first daddy-daughter forum this past Saturday night. It was a small group of dads and daughters, along with someone's mom and my son. We talked mostly about God-given spiritual authority, authority's proper use as service, grace and forgiveness, talking softly and clearly, and the ineffectiveness of yelling. It was an amazing event for those who could come. We're having the other one we had planned this Saturday, December 28, from 6-10 p.m. You're all invited.
The daddy-daughter event was a lot like Jesus's birth: small group, God giving spiritual authority, God showing authority's proper use as service, the outpouring of grace and forgiveness, God talking very softly and clearly, and the implication of the ineffectiveness of yelling.
It's almost Christmas. We tend to think that dwindling noise and people means Christmas is over. God's word seems to say the opposite; dwindling noise and people may mean that Christmas and Christ are as near as they'll ever be.
Think about it.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Day of Praise
Sa, 12/21/13, "Day of Praise"
Proverbs 16:9 - "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Yesterday, I heard people talking about after-Christmas-sales. I tend to remember advertising jingles from my childhood, and the after-Christmas-sales talk reminded me of this 1970's jingle: "Everything you wanted but didn't get for Christmas is on sale now at Sears."
I wonder how God feels about this spirit of "zip past Christmas to get all we want."
Actually, we all know how God feels. Or do we?
In today's verse, God is telling us that He's not mad at us but that He's determined to give us far more than our hearts are set on. Like yesterday, in addition to the after-Christmas-sale talk, I also heard someone speak of their confidence in God to provide. They said they have no family to speak of but that every year they stumble into things they need that others are throwing out. For example, one year for Christmas they got new slippers that a neighbor kid didn't want. Another year, they got a ridiculous deal on a car because someone didn't like the color. In sum, their heart was not set on stuff; it was set on the Lord. And the Lord knew how to provide for them.
Just as God knows how to provide for you.
Look for Christ at Christmas. And you'll see Him as the greatest Gift and Giver.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Proverbs 16:9 - "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Yesterday, I heard people talking about after-Christmas-sales. I tend to remember advertising jingles from my childhood, and the after-Christmas-sales talk reminded me of this 1970's jingle: "Everything you wanted but didn't get for Christmas is on sale now at Sears."
I wonder how God feels about this spirit of "zip past Christmas to get all we want."
Actually, we all know how God feels. Or do we?
In today's verse, God is telling us that He's not mad at us but that He's determined to give us far more than our hearts are set on. Like yesterday, in addition to the after-Christmas-sale talk, I also heard someone speak of their confidence in God to provide. They said they have no family to speak of but that every year they stumble into things they need that others are throwing out. For example, one year for Christmas they got new slippers that a neighbor kid didn't want. Another year, they got a ridiculous deal on a car because someone didn't like the color. In sum, their heart was not set on stuff; it was set on the Lord. And the Lord knew how to provide for them.
Just as God knows how to provide for you.
Look for Christ at Christmas. And you'll see Him as the greatest Gift and Giver.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Friday, December 20, 2013
Day of Praise
Fr, 12/20/13, "Day of Praise"
Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
I always chuckle when people ask me where my younger daughter goes to college. I'm glad to tell them; it's just that when I say, "Mississippi University for Women in Columbus," then people often say, "Now, what state is that in?"
If we don't listen, look, and seek, then we usually don't find the answer to our questions.
A friend of mine was telling me that he used to wonder how all his friends kept having all these great conversations about eternity come their way from random people. He said he asked them, and they said, "We look for them."
Friends, it's just that simple. God is with us. But God ordained that the way to see him is to look for him. The way to find him is to seek him. Seek him, not halfheartedly, but with all your heart. And this Christmas, if you'll look for him, you'll see that Christ truly is in Christmas!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
I always chuckle when people ask me where my younger daughter goes to college. I'm glad to tell them; it's just that when I say, "Mississippi University for Women in Columbus," then people often say, "Now, what state is that in?"
If we don't listen, look, and seek, then we usually don't find the answer to our questions.
A friend of mine was telling me that he used to wonder how all his friends kept having all these great conversations about eternity come their way from random people. He said he asked them, and they said, "We look for them."
Friends, it's just that simple. God is with us. But God ordained that the way to see him is to look for him. The way to find him is to seek him. Seek him, not halfheartedly, but with all your heart. And this Christmas, if you'll look for him, you'll see that Christ truly is in Christmas!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Day of Praise
Th, 12/19/13, "Day of Praise"
Matthew 20:16 - "So the last will be first, and the first last."
Painful sight. Our whole city was running behind yesterday, and it was only by a number of back-road maneuvers that my son and I got him to his first-ever, high-school exams on time.
But as I drove from the school in the opposite direction, I saw one street and then two and then three and then four that were filled with cars driven by high-school students, who clearly knew, not only that they were late, but also that in seven minutes they would not be permitted to enter their class and take their exam.
The countless looks of agony, fear, and distress on the faces of those students both moved me to tears and hearkened back to Jesus's words in Matthew 20:16 - "So the last will be first, and the first last."
So I prayed that all those students knew Jesus and that they'd taste the peace of his promise (that the last will be first) in the midst of their distress. And I prayed for the students, who, not knowing Jesus, could not have peace, and that those unbelievers would cry out for a God and that the Only God would speak peace into their hearts.
Friends, you're going to be stuck in a line today. And when you are, look around. You will see people, because that's what lines are made of, namely, people who are stressed at their position that they're stuck in a line. But that line is a chance to remember for yourself and to speak calmly to another that the God of great reversals is near with a word of present hope and everlasting significance: "So the last will be first, and the first last."
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Matthew 20:16 - "So the last will be first, and the first last."
Painful sight. Our whole city was running behind yesterday, and it was only by a number of back-road maneuvers that my son and I got him to his first-ever, high-school exams on time.
But as I drove from the school in the opposite direction, I saw one street and then two and then three and then four that were filled with cars driven by high-school students, who clearly knew, not only that they were late, but also that in seven minutes they would not be permitted to enter their class and take their exam.
The countless looks of agony, fear, and distress on the faces of those students both moved me to tears and hearkened back to Jesus's words in Matthew 20:16 - "So the last will be first, and the first last."
So I prayed that all those students knew Jesus and that they'd taste the peace of his promise (that the last will be first) in the midst of their distress. And I prayed for the students, who, not knowing Jesus, could not have peace, and that those unbelievers would cry out for a God and that the Only God would speak peace into their hearts.
Friends, you're going to be stuck in a line today. And when you are, look around. You will see people, because that's what lines are made of, namely, people who are stressed at their position that they're stuck in a line. But that line is a chance to remember for yourself and to speak calmly to another that the God of great reversals is near with a word of present hope and everlasting significance: "So the last will be first, and the first last."
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Day of Praise
We, 12/18/13, "Day of Praise"
Romans 8:19 - "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God."
What are you waiting for?
I was at a stop light yesterday when I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw that the driver in the car behind me was crying uncontrollably. I wondered what had happened. I wondered if I should do something. I wondered where the person was going.
God tells us, in today's verse from Romans and throughout the Bible, that many problems that really upset us could be avoided if we'd wait for the right things. In our weakness, we tend to wait for the next present, the next Christmas, the next weekend, the next vacation, the next pay check, the next meal, the next ball game, or whatever the next thing is that we think is going to comfort us and give us rest. Such waiting sets us up for disappointment and often uncontrollable tears like the person behind me at the stop light.
On the other hand, as in today's verse, when we eagerly wait for Christ and for the sons of God (who are men and women who show us Christ), there is a radically greater strength in our lives both because the object of our hope is The Strong One and also because the things that previously disappointed us or came and went too fast are now laid at the feet of Jesus for him to worry about, deal with, and bless.
Even as I'm about to end this devotion, I can picture many puzzled looks from readers because we all like cute, simple, and short stories. But I'm here to tell you that God's word says that so many tears could be avoided if we'd just stop and ask God to help us truly see what our hearts are set on and waiting for and then ask God to help us to truly long for Christ.
Christmas is rapidly approaching. What are you waiting for?
Think about it. God through Christ will help us all to do so.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Romans 8:19 - "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God."
What are you waiting for?
I was at a stop light yesterday when I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw that the driver in the car behind me was crying uncontrollably. I wondered what had happened. I wondered if I should do something. I wondered where the person was going.
God tells us, in today's verse from Romans and throughout the Bible, that many problems that really upset us could be avoided if we'd wait for the right things. In our weakness, we tend to wait for the next present, the next Christmas, the next weekend, the next vacation, the next pay check, the next meal, the next ball game, or whatever the next thing is that we think is going to comfort us and give us rest. Such waiting sets us up for disappointment and often uncontrollable tears like the person behind me at the stop light.
On the other hand, as in today's verse, when we eagerly wait for Christ and for the sons of God (who are men and women who show us Christ), there is a radically greater strength in our lives both because the object of our hope is The Strong One and also because the things that previously disappointed us or came and went too fast are now laid at the feet of Jesus for him to worry about, deal with, and bless.
Even as I'm about to end this devotion, I can picture many puzzled looks from readers because we all like cute, simple, and short stories. But I'm here to tell you that God's word says that so many tears could be avoided if we'd just stop and ask God to help us truly see what our hearts are set on and waiting for and then ask God to help us to truly long for Christ.
Christmas is rapidly approaching. What are you waiting for?
Think about it. God through Christ will help us all to do so.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Day of Praise
Tu, 12/17/13, "Day of Praise"
"Jesus said to her, 'Mary.'" - John 20:16
My 14-year old son, Caden, has a gift. He only needs to calmly say my name, "Dad," and I know exactly what he means.
Like when we're driving to school in the morning, and the first of many people use the side of the road that's not the road to pass all of us who are waiting in line on the road. I'll let out my annoyed driver siiiiiiiiigh. And Caden will calmly say, "Dad."
What Caden means is, "Dad, don't start getting all excited. You know that doesn't help anything. People drive like this everyday. And your getting upset with them hasn't, to this day, miraculously turned them into good drivers. So calm down." Caden says all that with a calm, "Dad."
That's what Jesus did in today's verse when he said, "Mary." Mary was all excited about nothing as she was frantically weeping about Jesus's body being taken. And Jesus calmly says, "Mary. Calm down. I'm right here with you. Your getting all excited doesn't make anything better. It actually makes things worse because you don't even see me standing right here. And I've got everything under control." Jesus says all that with, "Mary."
So today, when something happens and you start to get upset, stop, for just a moment. And listen. Jesus is calmly calling your name, maybe through someone like my son does for me. And with one word, he's saying, "Take a breath. Calm down. I've got it all under control. Just trust me."
Blessed are those who do.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
"Jesus said to her, 'Mary.'" - John 20:16
My 14-year old son, Caden, has a gift. He only needs to calmly say my name, "Dad," and I know exactly what he means.
Like when we're driving to school in the morning, and the first of many people use the side of the road that's not the road to pass all of us who are waiting in line on the road. I'll let out my annoyed driver siiiiiiiiigh. And Caden will calmly say, "Dad."
What Caden means is, "Dad, don't start getting all excited. You know that doesn't help anything. People drive like this everyday. And your getting upset with them hasn't, to this day, miraculously turned them into good drivers. So calm down." Caden says all that with a calm, "Dad."
That's what Jesus did in today's verse when he said, "Mary." Mary was all excited about nothing as she was frantically weeping about Jesus's body being taken. And Jesus calmly says, "Mary. Calm down. I'm right here with you. Your getting all excited doesn't make anything better. It actually makes things worse because you don't even see me standing right here. And I've got everything under control." Jesus says all that with, "Mary."
So today, when something happens and you start to get upset, stop, for just a moment. And listen. Jesus is calmly calling your name, maybe through someone like my son does for me. And with one word, he's saying, "Take a breath. Calm down. I've got it all under control. Just trust me."
Blessed are those who do.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Monday, December 16, 2013
Day of Praise
Mo, 12/16/13, "Day of Praise"
"And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." - Genesis 1:3
After Sunday evening worship, it's usually my job to check all the lights, doors, and thermostats. Usually, I knock on the bathroom doors, barely open them, and call out "Hey, anybody in there?"
Last night, everybody seemed gone, so I just opened the bathroom doors and turned off the lights. However, from one restroom came a "Hey, I'm in here!" So immediately, I turned the light back on.
Friends, somebody's going to turn your light off today and leave you in the dark. But God is a God of light, and Jesus is the light of the world. So, I know from lots of experience besides yesterday, and I hope you do too, that if you'll just call out to God, God will either shine light onto your path or give you a peace beyond understanding in your dark.
Call on the Lord! He will not fail you!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
"And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." - Genesis 1:3
After Sunday evening worship, it's usually my job to check all the lights, doors, and thermostats. Usually, I knock on the bathroom doors, barely open them, and call out "Hey, anybody in there?"
Last night, everybody seemed gone, so I just opened the bathroom doors and turned off the lights. However, from one restroom came a "Hey, I'm in here!" So immediately, I turned the light back on.
Friends, somebody's going to turn your light off today and leave you in the dark. But God is a God of light, and Jesus is the light of the world. So, I know from lots of experience besides yesterday, and I hope you do too, that if you'll just call out to God, God will either shine light onto your path or give you a peace beyond understanding in your dark.
Call on the Lord! He will not fail you!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Day of Praise
Sa, 12/14/13, "Day of Praise"
Live as if you already have the greatest Christmas gift that could ever be given. That's what I heard written in the following blog by my oldest daughter, Calley. Encouraging all of us, Calley wrote:
Some people have said I have a "Save the World" mentality because I'm still young and things can be black and white. Actually I have a "The World is Saved" mentality, because that's what it is. The things I do aren't done to redeem anything; they're done because everything has been done, because redemption is here, because we can be sons!
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
Galatians 4:4-6
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Live as if you already have the greatest Christmas gift that could ever be given. That's what I heard written in the following blog by my oldest daughter, Calley. Encouraging all of us, Calley wrote:
Some people have said I have a "Save the World" mentality because I'm still young and things can be black and white. Actually I have a "The World is Saved" mentality, because that's what it is. The things I do aren't done to redeem anything; they're done because everything has been done, because redemption is here, because we can be sons!
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
Galatians 4:4-6
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Friday, December 13, 2013
Day of Praise
Fr, 12/13/13, "Day of Praise"
Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder..."
Hey, Believers in Jesus , don't worry, y'all.
Maybe you've heard the latest on the efforts of various groups who are trying once again to get laws to totally take Christ out of Christmas by making it illegal to publicly display manger scenes and anything that looks like Jesus and God.
Well, here's all I have to say about that: Pontius Pilate already tried that, and it didn't work.
Don't you remember? Jesus stood before the government ruler, Pilate, and told Pilate that he had no power except what God gave him. In essence, Jesus said, "Hey, Big Guy, the government is upon my shoulder. I'm holding it up. And while you're at it, Pilate, you might note that it says 'shoulder,' as in one shoulder. You're not so big that I can't stick something else on my other shoulder. So don't even think that you'll be done with me with your spineless schemes."
But Pilate still had no backbone of faith, so he gave into the crowd and crucified Jesus. In essence, Pilate took Jesus out of the public's sight and buried him.
And a lotta good that did, Pilate!
Three days later, Jesus was raised from the dead and as good as said, "Uuuuh, Piiiiiilaaaate. I seeeeee youuuu. Smile!"
And so it is to this day.
Jesus, yes, Jesus is LORD! And that's LORD with all caps. It's not lord with no caps or even Lord with one cap. "LORD" means "Almighty God." Sovereign God. KING of kings God. LORD of lords God. I'm in charge around here and everywhere else God. And you can try to bury me, reject me, unseat me, and take my name out of your sight and your little holidays. But, like I told Moses long ago when he asked my name, I AM what I AM, and I AM GOD. So, y'all best be bowin' down to me, worshippin' me, and exaltin', which means liftin' up, me! Because when, it's all said and done, anybody who tries to lift himself up by puttin' me down, well, y'all just remember, a ruler named Pilate already tried that.
Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder..."
So, Believers in Jesus , y'all don't be worryin' now, okay?
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Day of Praise
Th, 12/12/13, "Day of Praise"
Matthew 16:25 - Jesus said, "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
I talked to Santa yesterday. Really, I did. He was telling me that he recently was with some Camp Smile-A-Mile children. Camp Smile-A-Mile is a camp for children with cancer.
Santa has a huge heart, but he isn't the weepy type. But he said that he lost it when this one little girl was on his lap and only asked for a couple little things. And right before this almost-bald sweety hopped down, she said, "Oh, and Santa, would you please bring my sight back?"
It's a good thing that my Santa loves Jesus and gave her a hope-filled response.
And it's a good thing when we all remember that giving real hope and love is the reason Christ came. And giving real hope and love to others in Christ is the best way for us to celebrate Christmas in our homes, towards our neighbors, and beyond. That's what Christmas is all about.
Matthew 16:25 - Jesus said, "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Matthew 16:25 - Jesus said, "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
I talked to Santa yesterday. Really, I did. He was telling me that he recently was with some Camp Smile-A-Mile children. Camp Smile-A-Mile is a camp for children with cancer.
Santa has a huge heart, but he isn't the weepy type. But he said that he lost it when this one little girl was on his lap and only asked for a couple little things. And right before this almost-bald sweety hopped down, she said, "Oh, and Santa, would you please bring my sight back?"
It's a good thing that my Santa loves Jesus and gave her a hope-filled response.
And it's a good thing when we all remember that giving real hope and love is the reason Christ came. And giving real hope and love to others in Christ is the best way for us to celebrate Christmas in our homes, towards our neighbors, and beyond. That's what Christmas is all about.
Matthew 16:25 - Jesus said, "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Day of Praise
We, 12/11/13, "Day of Praise"
Genesis 12:2 - "And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing."
God told Abram that God would bless him to be a blessing. And God promises the same to you and me. We are blessed to be a blessing.
Blessed - Would you believe me if I told you that my daughter, Calley, took her very real transportation need to the Lord on Saturday night and that she got a text the next day, asking if she was interested in a little car that might as well have dropped straight from heaven?
Okay, so I honor that you don't think that God works that way, but let me ask you, "Who do you thank when an unexpected blessing comes your way?"
To be a Blessing - So I walk into the awards and engraving store to pick up
one of our memorial board additions. There was this customer who clearly had every reason to lose patience. But he didn't.
When somebody mentioned his smiling attitude, his response was "it's not me! It's Jesus in me!"
Ah yes, we are blessed to be a blessing!
Have a great day. And don't forget to pray, believing in God's eagerness to bless, and to bless, joyfully recognizing the need of others to be blessed.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Genesis 12:2 - "And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing."
God told Abram that God would bless him to be a blessing. And God promises the same to you and me. We are blessed to be a blessing.
Blessed - Would you believe me if I told you that my daughter, Calley, took her very real transportation need to the Lord on Saturday night and that she got a text the next day, asking if she was interested in a little car that might as well have dropped straight from heaven?
Okay, so I honor that you don't think that God works that way, but let me ask you, "Who do you thank when an unexpected blessing comes your way?"
To be a Blessing - So I walk into the awards and engraving store to pick up
one of our memorial board additions. There was this customer who clearly had every reason to lose patience. But he didn't.
When somebody mentioned his smiling attitude, his response was "it's not me! It's Jesus in me!"
Ah yes, we are blessed to be a blessing!
Have a great day. And don't forget to pray, believing in God's eagerness to bless, and to bless, joyfully recognizing the need of others to be blessed.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Day of Praise
Tu, 12/10/13, "Day of Praise"
Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
God's word is true. And His word about His word is true. God's word "is living and active,...discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
I was asked to serve a funeral where the family of the deceased is divided. Oh, they clearly love each other, but they explicitly made it clear that there's no unity amongst themselves religiously. A couple of women, with a few other funeral attendees, have a living faith in Jesus. The others amongst the family and attendees were self-professed atheists, agnostics, and Jews.
I tried to but couldn't figure out what to do.
So I gave up, praying, "Lord, if your word is true, then it really needs to be true now. I'll prepare, but you're going to have to speak through me so that no one at this funeral is offended but that everyone is ministered to, and maybe even brought to faith, by your word of comfort, hope, and life through Jesus."
Y'all, I was reluctant to tell all this to you because it may come across to some as bragging. But that's a risk I'm willing to take to tell you that God did an amazing thing at that funeral as testified to by the nods of the head and the smiles through the tears during the funeral, the fearful grandson who found courage to play a song after the scriptures were read, and the personal testimonies spoken by a number of the previously, self-professed non-Christians after the funeral.
Friends, we all have self-professed atheists, agnostics, and non-Christian people in our lives. But their word is not, because no human word is, as sharp and strong and transforming as God's word.
Dear God, there are so many different people and hearts in front of us each day. Please help us to listen for, hear, trust, and speak your words and plans above our own. And then please grant us to see your transforming work in each life, including granting us to see, in our own life, a deeper confidence in your word. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Monday, December 9, 2013
Day of Praise
Mo, 12/09/13, "Day of Praise"
John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
The weather's gotten colder, so I saw and read this article about energy saving tips. The author said that we should turn our water heaters down to 120 degrees but no lower because, at 119, harmful bacteria will start to grow in the water heater. I just laughed. It's as if the author was saying that we should save energy by putting in as little as possible and just barely staying away from danger.
It's a good thing that God's not like that.
God is a God of super-abundance, like we hear in today's Bible verse. God did not send Jesus with just enough grace to get by, leaving us just on the edge of danger. Instead, God sent Jesus "full of grace," which is more than enough for all of us to be covered in God's love and to have enough to pass a lot on.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
The weather's gotten colder, so I saw and read this article about energy saving tips. The author said that we should turn our water heaters down to 120 degrees but no lower because, at 119, harmful bacteria will start to grow in the water heater. I just laughed. It's as if the author was saying that we should save energy by putting in as little as possible and just barely staying away from danger.
It's a good thing that God's not like that.
God is a God of super-abundance, like we hear in today's Bible verse. God did not send Jesus with just enough grace to get by, leaving us just on the edge of danger. Instead, God sent Jesus "full of grace," which is more than enough for all of us to be covered in God's love and to have enough to pass a lot on.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Day of Praise
Sa, 12/07/13, "Day of Praise"
John 1:17 - "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
One way for us to apply the contrast in today's Bible verse is by asking ourselves if we deal with people in a heavy-handed, condemning way or a gracious, give-them-the-benefit-of-the-doubt way.
When my son, Caden, was in second grade, he played in a city, recreational, basketball league. Yes, everybody's trying to win, but it's ultimately a rec league. Nobody's career or salary is at stake. But maybe somebody's reputation is at stake. Are they heavy-handed, taking this stuff way too seriously? Or are they gracious, giving the benefit of the doubt?
This one game was nearing halftime. A boy threw Caden the ball at half-court. Caden turned and shot it, just as the halftime horn sounded. It went in! Everybody cheered like crazy! A second grader made a half-court shot in a game!
But wait!
The referee said it didn't count because his x-ray vision ascertained that the ball was still on Caden's fingertips as the halftime horn sounded.
Seriously? Second-graders? Rec league? C'mon ref, do you really need to be right and have your pickiness be more important than a thrill of a lifetime for a second grader? How about a little grace?
Can y'all imagine a world full of stuff like that?
God couldn't either.
That's why God sent Jesus!
John 1:17 - "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
John 1:17 - "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
One way for us to apply the contrast in today's Bible verse is by asking ourselves if we deal with people in a heavy-handed, condemning way or a gracious, give-them-the-benefit-of-the-doubt way.
When my son, Caden, was in second grade, he played in a city, recreational, basketball league. Yes, everybody's trying to win, but it's ultimately a rec league. Nobody's career or salary is at stake. But maybe somebody's reputation is at stake. Are they heavy-handed, taking this stuff way too seriously? Or are they gracious, giving the benefit of the doubt?
This one game was nearing halftime. A boy threw Caden the ball at half-court. Caden turned and shot it, just as the halftime horn sounded. It went in! Everybody cheered like crazy! A second grader made a half-court shot in a game!
But wait!
The referee said it didn't count because his x-ray vision ascertained that the ball was still on Caden's fingertips as the halftime horn sounded.
Seriously? Second-graders? Rec league? C'mon ref, do you really need to be right and have your pickiness be more important than a thrill of a lifetime for a second grader? How about a little grace?
Can y'all imagine a world full of stuff like that?
God couldn't either.
That's why God sent Jesus!
John 1:17 - "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Friday, December 6, 2013
Day of Praise
Fr, 12/06/13, "Day of Praise"
Psalm 48:14 - "This is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever."
When God says that He will guide us, He means it. So I'm listening to the radio yesterday after driving 200 miles for a funeral, a funeral planning, and a baptism counseling. I'm almost home to pick up my hungry son for dinner. People on the radio are saying, "I need this and that for Christmas." God zapped me with, "I need an oil change." I argued. God won. So I turned around and pulled into the oil change place. In those 20 minutes, a very young guy at the oil change place bares his soul, rededicates his life to Christ, and commits to a missionary training ministry. In addition, we both watch traffic back up and wonder if I would've been in the accident that just happened if I hadn't heeded God's guidance.
Someday we'll know.
For now, let's just believe and praise God that when God says that He will guide us, He means it.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Psalm 48:14 - "This is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever."
When God says that He will guide us, He means it. So I'm listening to the radio yesterday after driving 200 miles for a funeral, a funeral planning, and a baptism counseling. I'm almost home to pick up my hungry son for dinner. People on the radio are saying, "I need this and that for Christmas." God zapped me with, "I need an oil change." I argued. God won. So I turned around and pulled into the oil change place. In those 20 minutes, a very young guy at the oil change place bares his soul, rededicates his life to Christ, and commits to a missionary training ministry. In addition, we both watch traffic back up and wonder if I would've been in the accident that just happened if I hadn't heeded God's guidance.
Someday we'll know.
For now, let's just believe and praise God that when God says that He will guide us, He means it.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Day of Praise
Th, 12/05/13, "Day of Praise"
John 15:13 - Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Looking for the perfect gift to give this holiday? Jesus plainly says that the greatest gift you can give is yourself.
What does that look like? What does it look like to give yourself to someone for Christmas? Here are two simple but profound statements that came my way that have really made me stop and think.
1) People need to let their salvation make it to their face!!!
2) Choose conversation and community over busyness and accumulation.
Think about it! Jesus gave himself with a glow of love on his face as he made time for people. As he came to dwell in us by the Holy Spirit, he will be our strength to do the same.
The perfect gift.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
John 15:13 - Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Looking for the perfect gift to give this holiday? Jesus plainly says that the greatest gift you can give is yourself.
What does that look like? What does it look like to give yourself to someone for Christmas? Here are two simple but profound statements that came my way that have really made me stop and think.
1) People need to let their salvation make it to their face!!!
2) Choose conversation and community over busyness and accumulation.
Think about it! Jesus gave himself with a glow of love on his face as he made time for people. As he came to dwell in us by the Holy Spirit, he will be our strength to do the same.
The perfect gift.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Day of Praise
We, 12/05/13, "Day of Praise"
Luke 18:16 - But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me."
"It brings out the child in you." My son and I agreed that Disney World does that for you. It has that power.
You have much more.
Caden and I were grabbing a bite at "Subway" before an evening meeting. A mom came in with twins who were small enough to be kids but just a little too big for the high chair. They were giggling and touching each other when the girl picked up her twin brother and sat him in the high chair. Their mom grimaced as if to say, "Stop it! You're embarrassing me!" And right as she looked at them, the kids looked at me. I winked and smiled. Then they looked back at their mom with a smile as if to say, "Hey, that man doesn't seem annoyed, so is it okay if we keep being happy?" Then she looked at me, and I smiled, and the kid came out of everyone, including the dad, who had just walked in the door.
Y'all this is a season to get ready for Christmas. It's supposed to bring out the child in you. Don't be embarrassed to have some good clean fun like a child. After all, you are a child of God. Your Father in heaven gives you permission to enjoy the season and to wink and smile at others to do the same.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Luke 18:16 - But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me."
"It brings out the child in you." My son and I agreed that Disney World does that for you. It has that power.
You have much more.
Caden and I were grabbing a bite at "Subway" before an evening meeting. A mom came in with twins who were small enough to be kids but just a little too big for the high chair. They were giggling and touching each other when the girl picked up her twin brother and sat him in the high chair. Their mom grimaced as if to say, "Stop it! You're embarrassing me!" And right as she looked at them, the kids looked at me. I winked and smiled. Then they looked back at their mom with a smile as if to say, "Hey, that man doesn't seem annoyed, so is it okay if we keep being happy?" Then she looked at me, and I smiled, and the kid came out of everyone, including the dad, who had just walked in the door.
Y'all this is a season to get ready for Christmas. It's supposed to bring out the child in you. Don't be embarrassed to have some good clean fun like a child. After all, you are a child of God. Your Father in heaven gives you permission to enjoy the season and to wink and smile at others to do the same.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Day of Praise
Tu, 12/03/13, "Day of Praise"
Isaiah 25:9 - It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
One of the things that God actually saves us from is ourselves. Praise God for that because each year December seems filled with more potential frustrations than other months. But in the face of such potential frustrations, like a couple days ago, where, in the span of one hour, a cashier made a time-consuming mistake with me, a driver dangerously pulled on the road in front of me with no car lights on, and another cashier didn't give me all that I paid for, God says, "Lighten up! 'Be glad and rejoice!'" And that's a good thing because in the next hour, as it turned out, I pulled on the road with no car lights on and didn't get honked at, and a different cashier gave me a $5 gift card just because they liked my smile. Funny how things work out, isn't it?
So, let's hear it for joy and gladness instead of harumphing like Scrooge and frustration. And thank you, God, for always working things out so that we may!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Isaiah 25:9 - It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
One of the things that God actually saves us from is ourselves. Praise God for that because each year December seems filled with more potential frustrations than other months. But in the face of such potential frustrations, like a couple days ago, where, in the span of one hour, a cashier made a time-consuming mistake with me, a driver dangerously pulled on the road in front of me with no car lights on, and another cashier didn't give me all that I paid for, God says, "Lighten up! 'Be glad and rejoice!'" And that's a good thing because in the next hour, as it turned out, I pulled on the road with no car lights on and didn't get honked at, and a different cashier gave me a $5 gift card just because they liked my smile. Funny how things work out, isn't it?
So, let's hear it for joy and gladness instead of harumphing like Scrooge and frustration. And thank you, God, for always working things out so that we may!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Monday, December 2, 2013
Day of Praise
Mo, 12/2/13, "Day of Praise"
Isaiah 41:6, 8a, 10b - "Everyone helps his neighbor and says to his brother, 'Be strong!'...But you, Israel, my servant...I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
And there we have it.
God tells us plainly that it's fine for us to encourage one another, saying, "You can do it! Be strong!" But if we really want to encourage someone, then it's a much greater blessing for us to claim God's promise, saying, "You can do it! God will be your strength!"
Indeed, God will be our strength as we encourage others with the same!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
Isaiah 41:6, 8a, 10b - "Everyone helps his neighbor and says to his brother, 'Be strong!'...But you, Israel, my servant...I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
And there we have it.
God tells us plainly that it's fine for us to encourage one another, saying, "You can do it! Be strong!" But if we really want to encourage someone, then it's a much greater blessing for us to claim God's promise, saying, "You can do it! God will be your strength!"
Indeed, God will be our strength as we encourage others with the same!
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
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