December 14, 2010

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:5-8

Christmas was driven by love.

In these three incredible verses Paul reveals the motive of why Jesus gave up His exalted position and all the privileges of being God and did some serious down-sizing to become flesh and blood. He stepped out of eternity and into time. He came from a serene and secure paradise to a sinful, selfish and savage world.

What would possess Him to do such a thing?

LOVE! No other explanation makes sense.

Not only was Christmas driven by love but it defines love.

Love begins with an attitude - "have the same mindset as Christ". No one loves accidently. No one loves naturally. Love is a decision. You and I love because we choose to love. Even Jesus, Who was God - and God IS love - had to set His mind on leaving Heaven.

Love becomes an action - "He made Himself nothing". Love has to be more than a thought or a feeling. Love has to be demonstrated with cooresponding actions. Love seeks! Love serves! Love sacrifices! The Bible says that God loves us BUT Christmas showed it!

Love bought atonement - "He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross"

Love properly expressed results in life-change. Real love is transformational! It changes the heart, it changes the head and it changes the habits. Loving like Jesus loved changed the world! When you receive His love it changes you - it helps you love yourself. Loving yourself enables you to live for God and love others. Paul begins this portion of Scripture by commanding us to love like this in ALL of our relationships!

What drives your life? What defines your life? What difference does your life make?

Christmas demands an answer! Christmas holds you accountable to love! Christ took away all the excuses!

December 13, 2010

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:5-8

Yesterday at FredWes we had an amazing day of celebrating relationships!

I was privileged to dedicate five beautiful babies. As their proud and grateful parents and grandparents carried their children to the front of the church to publicly dedicate themselves to being godly parents and to dedicate their precious little ones to the Lord. There were so many reasons to be excited about this but chief among them was the fact that the Faith was being passed to another generation!

Also, I baptized three young men who boldly professed their faith in Christ and just prior to their baptism their fathers came forward to pray over them. What a blessing that was!

The whole congregation swelled with pride as the children sang the songs of the season and celebrated the amazing love of God expressed in Christ!

In case those three celebrations didn't tug hard enough at your emotions, a precious young couple renewed their marriage vows on the eve of their 10th anniversary. For those of us who know the incredible work God has done in their individual lives and in their marriage it was more than just touching, it was extremely gratifying!

Relationships are what give meaning to life. Relationships make life rich! Loving and being loved is why God created us and placed us in families and communities.It is in loving one another that we learn to live in His love. And as we grow in our ability to receive His love, we grow in our ability to express love to others.

According to this portion of Scripture, Christmas was driven by God's desire to be in relationship with us and His hope that we would learn find fulfillment in giving and receiving love.

The reason that the craziness and the crush of commercialism and consumerism are bearable is because we are doing it to bring pleasure to others. Our goal in gift-shopping and gift-wrapping and gift giving is improved relationships. Christmas helps us connect with those we love the most!

Today, as you reflect fondly on the people you love, praise God for Christmas! As you meditate on how His love and grace have enirched your life, praise God for Christmas! When you realize how much peace and satisfaction your soul has found in Christ, thank God for Christmas! Christmas happened so that healthy relationships can happen for you, and in you and to you!

December 12, 2010

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:6

The Apostle Paul writes after the fact that all the events of Christmas happened at precisely the right time and in exactly the right way!

I believe that is true. You probably do too!

But, for Mary and Joseph, not so much! Christmas was an inconvenience for them!

Think about it!

What a terrible time to get pregnant! Mary was engaged to a wonderful man and was making plans for the dream wedding. But then the angel shows up with another plan. Mary would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear a son. As far as she was concerned, it couldn't have happened at a worse time!

What a terrible time for the Caesar to declare a tax! Just when Mary and Joseph were trying to scrape up enough money to begin their new life together, now they have to cough up a bunch of it to Rome! From their perspective it couldn't have happened at a worse time!

What a terrible time to have to take a trip! Mary was nine months pregnant! And what a terrible trip to have to take, across the hilly, rocky roads of Galilee - ON A DONKEY!

What a terrible place to have to go! Bethlehem? Such a tiny little place with only one hotel! And what a terrible time for that one hotel to be all booked!

And, what a terrible time for the king to get paranoid! Mary has just given birth to a baby - in a manger inside a stable no less - and not they have to hit the road for another trip! This time they must head down to Egypt to escape the edict of the king to kill all newborn boys. What a hassle!

Just when everything seemed to be going wrong, God brought the miracle of salvation! When everything was uncomfortable and inconvenient for Mary and Joseph it was perfect timing for God!

That is another of the amazing truths of Christmas! God's timing is always perfect even if it doesn't fit your schedule! When everything seems to be going wrong, God can still work a miracle! IF you are obedient to Him in spite of the inconveniences.

This Christmas season, trust God's timing! Trust His sovereign goodness! Even if it looks like the worst time for something to happen, remember that when everything seemed to be going wrong God brought a miracle!

Obedience is a willingness to be out of control - and under His control!

December 11, 2010

"Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord." Luke 1:8-15

When the angel appeared to Zachariah and spoke these words it marked the end of a 400 year period of silence. His message marked the beginning of the New Testament era.

Many people wondered what God was up to during this 400 years of silence. That question was answered conclusively with the events that unfolded over the next year. John was born and prepared the way for the coming of Jesus. Then the Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem and the world has never been the same. So what was God doing in that period when He appeared to be silent? He was being God! He was preparing people and events for His next great move!

There have been times in your life when God seems silent. You pray and pray and look for God to answer and you see no evidence that He hears you. Maybe you are in one of those periods right now. Heaven seems like brass and your prayers don't seem to get anywhere. It can be discouraging! It can test your faith!

One of the many blessed truths of the Christmas story is that when God appears to be silent He is actually just preparing for the next great work He is planning for your life! Embrace that truth and let it encourage you!

But to me, it raises and even bigger question, "What are you doing when God appears to be silent?"

Learn from Zechariah! Learn from Mary! Both were busy serving God and being faithful! The Scriptures testify that they were righteous people who found favor with God! Even though God had been silent, their faith was strong! They trusted in the goodness of God even when they couldn't see evidence of His activity in their lives!

The great 19th Century preacher, Charles Spurgeon was said, "When I can't trace the hand of God I can trust His heart!"

In those moments when God seems silent in your life, trust His heart! Believe that He is preparing you and your world for the next great thing He wants to do! And, remain faithful to Him so you can remain in His favor. When you are not sure what He is doing, be sure that YOU are doing right!

Christmas proves that God is always up to something good!

December 10, 2010

"But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord." Luke 1:13-15

"You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:31-33

In our pluralistic and politically correct culture, you will often hear this phrase tossed out by well-meaning people under the pretense of open-mindedness, "We all worship the same God, it doesn't matter whether we call Him "God" or "Allah" or "Buddha" or whatever."

Uh, sorry! It matters! It matters a lot!

First, there is the little matter of the First Commandment - actually, the first four, were very clear and specific that there is only One God and it is "Jehovah" the God of the Hebrews. The Old Testament lists a series of names that describe character of "Jehovah", but it only enhances and strengthens the uniqueness of our God.

While this is a less weighty argument, it is nevertheless significant that Gabriel, the archangel who stands in the presence of Jehovah God, was very specific about what Zachariah and Mary were to name their sons. The same God Who was blessing them with miracle babies also had a definite idea of what He wanted them to be named!

In the ancient Hebrew culture a name had great importance. Names were given according to some unique feature of a child's physical nature or regarding their character. A name had an almost prophetic quality. Parents named their child in a way that would inspire and help shape his future character and values. Unlike today when a name is often chose from a favorite celebrity, Hebrews were very intentional about the name they gave their child understanding it had eternal implications.

No wonder Gabriel stressed to Zachariah that this miracle son that God was going to give them MUST be named "John"! Why?

Because God said so! But also because "John" means "God is gracious". Who better to preach repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah than a son named "John - God is gracious"? After all, the Scriptures tell us that it is the "kindness of God that leads us to repentance" (Romans 2:4). Repentance would be futile had without God's gracious plan to send His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. So, who better to declare the message of turning from sin and clinging to grace than one named "John - God is gracious"?

Now, be sure, if you miss the grace of God and if you become confused by this politically correct myth about all gods being equal, then you will only know the wrath and justice of God.

Gabriel also was clear to Mary that her miracle child would be a son and she was to name Him "Jesus". Very specific!

The name "Jesus" comes from the Hebrew name "Yeshua" which is used 27 times in the Old Testment and has a rich and extensive documentation. It means "God saves" or "salvation". Since Jesus was the Son of God ("Yeshua" came from "Jehovah") should we not worship that God? And does that not clearly separate that God (our God) above all other gods? Names matter!

The good news of Christmas is about a "gracious God" Who sent His Son to bring "salvation"! That message was made clear when God sent "John" to prepare the way for "Jesus"!

What's in a name? Eternal salvation and personal access to fellowship with the God of the Universe. That's all.

December 9, 2010

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “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. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2:8-20

I get some of my news from the Free-Lance Star newspaper, I get some news from the Roanoke Times online version, I get some from The Warsaw Times-Union on the internet, some from the radio, some from Fox news, and most from the internet. Rarely do I get good news from any of those sources.

The shepherds got their news from and angel. Lucky shepherds!

As you would imagine, the breaking news that the angel brought was good news! In fact, it was great news that brought joy! Talk about a news flash! One moment these shepherds are staring at the stars and the next moment an angel apprears!

What was this good news? God had heard the prayers of His people over the centuries and now the Messiah was about to be born! The silence of God was to be broken and the Son of God would soon appear!

You have to love how these shepherds responded to the news. We can learn from them!

Good news is to be believed!

The shepherds heard the news from angel and believed it! Of course, hearing it from angels makes it a tad more believable! But, also, they believed it because they know the prophecies and were versed in the teachings of the religious leaders. They were spiritually atuned enough to recognize that something was from God! Are you?

Good news is to be beheld!

".....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.”

Hearing this news was wonderful! Going to see it would be better - so, off they went according to what the angels had said. They found it to be exactly as the angel had said - except better!

"So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger."

Good news is to be believed and it is to be beheld and one more truth we can learn from the shepherds - good news is to be broadcast!

"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."

When good news is believed and beheld and then broadcast, it is believable and it blesses! Good news is meant to be shared!

One more thing about these as they returned from sharing this good news that they believed and beheld and broadcast, one more thing happened to them - they were blessed! When you share good news and it is believed by others, it causes you to believe it more! When you see others be blessed by the good news you beheld and broadcast it blesses you! That happened to these shepherds!

If you want this Christmas to be a time of "great joy", believe the good news that a Savior is born! Do you believe it?

This Christmas can be a time of "great joy" if you will behold the Savior! Take a fresh look at the story. Read it. Read it out loud to someone else. Meditate on it. See Him afresh and new in your eyes of faith! Will you behold Him this Season?

Christmas 2010 will bring you "great joy" if you will broadcast it! Tell others with your lips and with you life that Jesus is born and it matters to you! Who will you tell?

The "great joy" is enhanced when you see others believe the story and when it blesses them, you are blessed! If you want to be blessed this Christmas, share the blessing with others!

How do we know these shepherds, believed and beheld and broadcast it and were blessed? Who else passed on the story? We know it because they were faithful to share it! Will you be faithful with this transforming truth?

December 8, 2010

"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” And the child grew and became strong in spirit;" Luke 1:77-80

There is a sense in which every birth is miraculous. Life itself is a miracle and a new life is a marvel. The fact that two mortal people can reproduce an immortal soul is a miracle.

Two miraculous births set the stage for the unfolding of the Christmas drama. This historical event that would alter the history of the human race happened because an elderly couple who had been infertile their entire married lives, supernaturally conceived a son. And, Mary, the virgin became pregnant via the Holy Spirit and brought the Savior into the world.

No parent can be objective toward their child. Parental love is an irrational unconditional overwhelming emotion which takes objectivity out of play. Your child is precious but my child is special. However, the most biased parent would be delusional to compare their child to the Christ child. There is only one Son of God supernaturally conceived by the Spirit.

Having said that, there is a child in the Christmas story with whom you could compare. Identify with his purpose and learn from his parents.

John came to prepare hearts of people to receive the Lord. That is something that every child of every believer can do. Every child born to Christian parents are given for that purpose.

But first, the parents of the child must prepare that child's heart to receive the Lord and point him in the ways of God. That is exactly what Zachariah and Elizabeth did.

I want you to grasp what Zachariah is doing in this Scripture portion above. At the dedication of this child, his father is prophecying over John the Baptist. He is speaking into this child's spirit. Although this newborn has no understanding of what is being said, still, his father's prophecy lodges in the spirit and consciousness of John.

This Sunday I will be dedicating five babies that God has blessed FredWes with during 2010. As I do I will remind their parents of this very truth. Their child has been given them so they can point him/her to their Creator and Lord and one important way to do that is speaking truth and love into that child. Like, Zechariah and Elizabeth, each parent has a sacred privilege of shaping their child so that child can "grow and become strong in spirit". Children who are strong in spirit will prepare others and point them to Jesus!

Be very careful what you speak into the life of children!