it is the most wonderful time

Ah, the Christmas season. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. Of course, it is all about us giving not getting, right? Yet if you really think about it, it is all about receiving. God incarnate come to earth to save man.

He came for us to receive forgiveness. Without receiving it, our eternity will be a bit too warm. I know I don’t want to be one of the unforgiven Sinners that will be cast into everlasting torment.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6.23

Choose this day the free gift of salvation so you can be counted in the heavenly choir. That is what this most wonderful time of the year is really all about.

Tell others what the reason for this season is really all about.

What a way to…

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a fresh start

Sometimes you need a fresh start. The Word and nothing else is needed to give you just that. It can change your perspective or help you see truth clearly. I love how this passage points us to Christ the Messiah. It really is the most wonderful time of the year.

“Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone.

That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in His death so that everyone could also be included in His life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own. Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at Him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and Him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with Himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what He is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ Himself now: Become friends with God; He’s already a friend with you.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5.16-20‬ ‭MSG‬‬

And that is the ticket to…

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prince of peace

Another name for Christ that should bring a calming to your soul when you really think of Him being is is The Prince of peace.

What does it mean that Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)?*

“In Isaiah’s prophecy about the coming Messiah, he says:

   “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
   And the government will rest on His shoulders;
   And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9.6

In a world filled with war and violence, it’s difficult to see how Jesus could be the all-powerful God who acts in human history and be the embodiment of peace. But physical safety and political harmony don’t necessarily reflect the kind of peace He’s talking about (John 14:27).

The Hebrew word for “peace,” shalom, is often used in reference to an appearance of calm and tranquility of individuals, groups, and nations. The Greek word eirene means “unity and accord”; Paul uses eirene to describe the objective of the New Testament church. But the deeper, more foundational meaning of peace is “the spiritual harmony brought about by an individual’s restoration with God.”

In our sinful state, we are enemies with God (Romans 5.10). “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5.8

Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are restored to a relationship of peace with God (Romans 5.1). This is the deep, abiding peace between our hearts and our Creator that cannot be taken away (John 10.27–28) and the ultimate fulfillment of Christ’s work as “Prince of Peace.”

But Christ’s sacrifice provides more for us than eternal peace; it also allows us to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, the Helper who promises to guide us (John 16.7, 13). Further, the Holy Spirit will manifest Himself in us by having us live in ways we couldn’t possibly live on our own, including filling our lives with love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5.22–23). This love, joy, and peace are all results of the Holy Spirit working in the life of a believer. They are reflections of His presence in us. And, although their deepest, most vital result is to have us live in love, joy, and peace with God, they can’t help but to spill over into our relationships with people.

And we desperately need it – especially since God calls us to live with singleness of purpose with other believers, with humility, gentleness, and patience, “being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” Ephesians 4.1–3. This unity in purpose and gentleness would be impossible without the work of the Holy Spirit in us and the peace we have with God thanks to the sacrifice of His Son.

Ironically, the lightest definition of peace, that of the appearance of tranquility in a person, can be the most difficult to grasp and maintain. We do nothing to acquire or maintain our spiritual peace with God (Ephesians 2.8–9). And, while living in unity with other believers can be extremely difficult, living in peace in our own lives can very often feel impossible.

Note that peaceful doesn’t mean “easy.” Jesus never promised easy; He only promised help. In fact, He told us to expect tribulation (John 16.33) and trials (James 1.2). But He also said that, if we called on Him, He would give us the “peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension” Philippians 4.6–7. No matter what hardships we are faced with, we can ask for a peace that comes from the powerful love of God that is not dependent on our own strength or the situation around us.”

And when we receive it, it helps us…

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*from got questions

don’t let reading The Word become a chore

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. Therefore, it should inspire not tire.

We often leave the reading time for when we are in a hurry or right before bed when the day has gotten away from us and we have no focus or energy left to glean from its wisdom. Don’t do this!

Don’t let reading The Word become a chore!

Remember: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3.16-17

Read The Word. Let it equip you. Then, go do every good work as you…

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“My word, which comes from my mouth, is like the rain and snow. It will not come back to me without results. It will accomplish whatever I want and achieve whatever I send it to do.” Isaiah 55.11

Many this season are reading through the book of Luke, go for it. Another idea is to read Proverbs of the date so today read 15th chapter. How about a Proverbs to start the day and a Psalm at night?

fear not (or the moment Linus drops the blanket)

The following was originally published at The Way I See It on December 14, 2015…

Just Drop the Blanket: The Moment You Never Noticed in A Charlie Brown Christmas Jason Soroski*

“I once played Linus in a first-grade performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas. But while working so diligently to learn those lines, there is one important thing I didn’t notice then, and didn’t notice until now.

This week A Charlie Brown Christmas aired on national prime time television for the 50th time. In a world where the latest greatest technology is outdated in a matter of months, and social media trends come and go in a matter of days, 50 years of anything becomes quite meaningful.

I am a fan of all things nostalgic and all things Christmas, and so when the two are combined I am hooked, and the Charlie Brown Christmas special falls squarely into that category.

I was in the first grade back when they still performed Christmas pageants in schools (less than 50 years, but still a very long time ago), and our class performed a version of the Charlie Brown Christmas. Since I was kind of a bookworm and already had a blue blanket, I was chosen to play the part of Linus.

As Linus, I memorized Luke 2:8-14, and that Scripture has been hidden in my heart ever since.

But while working so diligently to learn those lines, there is one important thing I didn’t notice then, and didn’t notice until now.

Right in the middle of speaking, Linus drops the blanket.

Charlie Brown is best known for his uniquely striped shirt, and Linus is most associated with his ever-present security blanket. Throughout the story of Peanuts, Lucy, Snoopy, Sally and others all work to no avail to separate Linus from his blanket. And even though his security blanket remains a major source of ridicule for the otherwise mature and thoughtful Linus, he simply refuses to give it up.

Until this moment. When he simply drops it.

In that climactic scene when Linus shares “what Christmas is all about,” he drops his security blanket, and I am now convinced that this is intentional. Most telling is the specific moment he drops it: when he utters the words, “fear not” (at :39 seconds).

Looking at it now, it is pretty clear what Charles Schultz was saying, and it’s so simple it’s brilliant.

The birth of Jesus separates us from our fears.

The birth of Jesus frees us from the habits we are unable (or unwilling) to break ourselves.

The birth of Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly, and learn to trust and cling to Him instead.

The world of 2015 (or 2019) can be a scary place, and most of us find ourselves grasping to something temporal for security, whatever that thing may be. Essentially, 2015 is a world in which it is very difficult for us to “fear not.”

But in the midst of fear and insecurity, this simple cartoon image from 1965 continues to live on as an inspiration for us to seek true peace and true security in the one place it has always been and can always still be found.”

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Luke‬ ‭2:14-18‬

Tell the story…

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THAT’S NOT ALL… READ PART TWO OF THIS ARTICLE, THE REST OF LINUS’S STORY ON DECEMBER 21st!

*As a writer and musician, Jason Soroski strives to communicate in a way that is insightful, meaningful, relevant, and mindful of the small things that we may otherwise overlook in our everyday lives. He effectively taps into his experiences as a worship pastor, classroom teacher, husband, and homeschooling father of five to relate poignant stories from real-life experiences. Jason holds an M.Ed. from Missouri Baptist University, has been featured in various print and web publications, and currently resides in Houston, TX. Read more from Jason at his blog The Way I See It.

https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/just-drop-the-blanket-the-moment-you-never-noticed-in-a-charlie-brown-christmas.html

it is time to be kind

This time of year people get stressed. Don’t do it – be kind!

And my two cents: Don’t get caught up in the wants, the shopping, the must haves unless you can pay in full and don’t go in debt paying off Christmas gifts til next March.

Regardless, know it is time to be kind.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3.12

And when you do, you will…

be.the.church

Here’s some other thoughts on kindness to apply and enrich your life:

Kind words are short and easy to speak but their echoes are endless.

If you can’t be kind, be quiet.

When you are wrong, admit it. When you are right, be quiet.

Be kind whenever possible. Note: It is always possible!

You never regret being kind!

When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; as I grow older, I admire kind people. ~ Polish born American Rabbi Abraham Joshua Herschel

You don’t need a lot of friends; just the kind ones.

Appreciate those who are kind to you.

Nobody can truly take away your pain but God, so don’t let anyone take away your happiness. Keep being kind no matter what.

You don’t need a reason to be kind. Just be it.

Treat everyone with politeness and kindness, not because they are nice, but because you are.

Always have a willing hand to help someone, you might be the only one that does.

Being nice merely to be liked in return nullifies the point.

Always be friendly, always be kind, like the most beautiful flower that you can find.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.

There is beauty in being kind

Always stay humble and kind

Nobody forgets an act of kindness

Kindness is a language the blind can see and the deaf can hear

Kind people are the best kind of people

We rise by lifting others. Be kind in word and deed.

No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted

Be kind to unkind people; they need it the most

Always be a little kinder than necessary

Here’s some previous posts on kindness:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/10/25/be-kind/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/11/15/kind-and-sweet/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/08/31/it-is-the-end-of-be-kind-to-humankind/

future of phones

When I was young, I dreamed of having a phone that was just for me. I loved seeing Elvis’s in his pink Cadillac at Graceland and thought phones in all cars would never be a thing.

Speaking of Elvis, he was very generous and gave over $100,000 to charities each Christmastime. Be like Elvis and be generous. Definitely a way to show the world you are the church as generosity is especially welcome this time of the year.

Here’s what the newspaper said about the future of phones way back in 1953…

Well, obviously smart phones of today do all that and then some. FaceTiming, google translate, no rotatory dial. Basically everything the futuristic cartoon The Jetsons has going on is now a reality: hover boards, self driving cars, helping robots, and seeing who you talk to.

It got me thinking: Are you really seeing who you talk to? Take time this season having fun sharing the phone facts above, but take time to really see and hear those you meet and greet.

That is a practical way to…

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“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1.19 NIV

God never forgets

I had the privilege of seeing Corrie ten Boom when I was younger and also visited her family home in the Netherlands in Haarlem and saw the real hiding place where many Jew and Gentile refugees were hidden during WWII. What an inspiration and great teacher she was.

God really used her even in the midst of such tragedy and sorrow as her beloved sister died in the concentration camp that Corrie got released from because of a clerical error.

Ten days after her release, all the ladies in her age bracket were sent to the gas chambers. Such horror to endure, but God! He used her mightily in the decades ahead yet there were times when even Corrie ten Boom felt cut off from the Lord.

In such a time of despair, she once said to the Lord, “Have you forgotten your Corrie?”

In the following story Corrie tells about a time when she and her sister Betsie were in the concentration camp in Ravensbrück, and she had this terrible cold. She told her sister Betsie how much she just wished she had a handkerchief. Of course, handkerchiefs were impossible to find in that place. Betsie then suggested that Corrie pray for one, and Corrie just laughed at that ridiculous idea.

So, Betsie prayed. She said: “Lord, you see my sister, Corrie, here, has a very bad cold, and in Jesus’ name, I ask you TODAY for a handkerchief for her. Amen.”

Corrie tells that shortly after that she heard someone call out her name. She went to stand near the window of the barracks where she saw a friend of hers, also a prisoner, and who worked in the hospital in Ravensbrück.

“Here,” her friend said. “Take this! I’m bringing you a little present.” She pressed it into Corrie’s hand.

“I opened the little package,” said Corrie, “and it was a handkerchief!”

“How did you know I needed a handkerchief? Did you know that I have a cold?” Corrie asked.

“No,” said her friend. I was sewing handkerchiefs from an old piece of sheet, and there was a voice in my heart that said, ‘Bring a handkerchief to Corrie ten Boom!’”

“That little hanky made from an old piece of a sheet was a message out of the Heavens to me!” tells Corrie. “It told me that there is a Heavenly Father who hears, when on a tiny planet, the Earth, one of his children prays for an impossible, small thing; a handkerchief. And the Heavenly Father says to one of his other children, ‘Bring a handkerchief to Corrie ten Boom!’”

Corrie continued: “That is something the Apostle Paul calls ‘The foolishness of God‘… that is so much wiser than the wisdom of mankind. You can read it yourself at home. It’s found in 1st Corinthians chapter 1 and 2.”

“Does God answer all our prayers? Well, most of the time He does,” she continued. “Why?you might ask, not every request we make? Well, you see, because He knows what we do not know. He knows everything. Someday, when we are in Heaven, we will thank Him for all the answered prayers, (where He gave us what we asked), and maybe even more for the unanswered prayers. Then we will see it from His point of view, and that God never made any mistakes.”

Not sure who originated the above story but it was so worth retelling. If you don’t know much about Corrie ten Boom or have not heard of her before, look up her writtings, read more about how she used her life to glorify God, watch the movie The Hiding Place.

Be blessed and ask God how should I spend my days.

We can’t all be Corrie’s but God has a plan and purpose for us all. God never forgets us and desires us to seek His will. Live out your purpose boldly as you strive to…

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https://deeprootsathome.com/corrie-ten-boom-a-heroine-for-women/

Interesting fact: Her birthday gift was going home to heaven as she left this earth the very date she was born 91 years young ~April 15, 1892 – April 15,1983. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Corrie and all we can learn from her legacy.

It was 1964

It was 1964 – December 10: Martin Luther King becomes the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway for his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination through non-violent means.

Check out these previous posts to learn more about Dr. Martin’s efforts:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/01/10/the-drx-excel-plus/

Today is Human Rights Day which the United Nations designated as a day to raise awareness for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Coincidence they are on the same day? I think not.

It got me thinking: There are no coincidences with God rather God incidents.

I am so grateful that God used Dr. King so mightily. I am grateful there is a declaration of human rights to protect the lives of the innocent.

What are you grateful for and what are you doing to make life a wee bit kinder for your fellow man?

“God has designed each of us for an enthusiastic, purpose-driven life. He doesn’t want you merely existing each day. He wants you to experience abundant life! But you have an enemy. And he’s a thief who wants to steal the passion, purpose, and potential you were born with. Yet here is the good news: Jesus has already overcome our enemy. Through the cross, you and I have access to His abundant life. And we can live in it today!”*

That is what this season is all about. Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10.10

Be full of life.Have a grateful heart.

Live out your purpose with passion.

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*Not sure who the author is of this quote. Either a social media poster where I saw it or they got it from another.

what to do with the gift of peace

Did you see yesterday’s post?

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/02/28/be-peace-makers-dont-judge-but-love/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/01/10/the-drx-excel-plus/

There are things that will rob us of peace, but here is what to do with the gift of peace:

1.) Receive it. Jesus is peace. He is the gift of peace. Therefore, receive the gift of peace.

Again, Jesus is peace and in order to have peace in your life, you must receive Jesus.

No Jesus = No Peace

Know Jesus => Know Peace

But now in Christ Jesus Ephesians 2.14

Some think if I had more money or if I got married or got divorced; I will have peace.

But, only Jesus can bring true peace to your soul.

2.) You need to have a gift exchange.

All your problems and worries bring to your Heavenly Father and exchange them for His peace. Give Him your mess.

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11.28

Read on: “

Rest for your souls – what does that mean? Peace!

Come to Him with your problems (even those you created), come to Him with the things hurtful people have said or done, and come to Him with all the worry. In exchange you will get His peace. It will change your mindset and you can respond differently.

3.) Now, give the peace away.

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3.18

When we give peace, we will…

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Inspired from sermon by SW