December 5, 2011

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

How would it impact your job if you were never at your best? How far would your worst get you on a regular basis?

What would it do for your relationships if you always showed your worst side?

How would you feel about your worst moments? What if you judged yourself only by your really bad moments? How would that affect your self-esteem?

What would you get for Christmas if Santa made your list based on only your worst days?

Give those some thought and I doubt if your answers will be positive.

As you think about what results from your worst efforts and poorest attitudes in life, let me brighten your day a bit!

There is good news of great joy from the reality of Christmas! As this verse from Romans reminds us, God's response to man's worse was giving His best!

Who does that? Who would give his very best for people who are doing their very worst? Who would send the best they have to redeem those who have already seemingly wrecked their his dream? Who would do that?

Other than God - no one! But God did!

From the moment that Adam exercised his will against God and activated the sinful nature in the human race, God announced His plan to redeem the race. The only way that God could restore a fallen race and rescue it from its worst self was to send His very best!

That is exactly what He did!

Did we request it? No, we were clueless.

Did we deserve it? Not even close.

Did we need it? Absolutely! It was our only hope.

Why would He do it? Ah, that's the good news of Christmas!

It is called unconditional love! It is called grace! It is free - but it is not cheap. It cost God His best for a people at their worst!

Joy, to the world, the Lord has come!

December 4, 2011

“The Perfect Baby Gift”

Really Bad Baby Gifts:

1) A Cactus

2) English Leather Cologne And After Shave Combo

3) A Reversible Electric Power Drill

4) A 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

5) A Pit Bull

6) A Craftsman Tool Kit

7) Velcro Sheets

8) A Sonic Toothbrush

9) A Bowling Ball

10) Soap On A Rope

Now, let me tell you about the best baby gift ever! The most perfect baby gift ever was A PERFECT BABY!

This perfect Gift was motivated by a perfect love!

God, the Perfect Father sent the Perfect Baby Gift – HIS SON, JESUS!

God GAVE His Baby In Order to SAVE Your Baby!

That is the exciting news of Christmas! That is the “good news of great joy” announced by the Angels to the shepherds on that first Christmas!

It is why Christmas is such a favorite Holiday – because it celebrates that glorious truth that never grows old – God sent His Baby so that your baby can someday go to see Him!

This is especially significant in light of what we have done this morning – dedicating your babies back to the God Who gave His Baby!

Here is how it is announced in the Bible:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 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.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:30-35

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1-4, 14

“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.” Luke 2:8-14

The reason I still excited about Christmas after all these years is because of the PERFECT BABY GIFT that God gave you and me – the gift of a Savior!

WHAT DEFINES A PERFECT BABY GIFT?

Who Gave the Gift?

The more significant the giver of the gift then the more significant the gift will be. When the giver is precious to you the gift they give will be as well!

The Perfect Baby gift was given by God - the Giver of all good gifts.

How Much Did It Cost?

While you never know exactly how much a person pays for a gift because they take the prince tag off and it would be very tacky to ask, but most people know a costly gift from a less expensive one. When someone who could afford to purchase an expensive gift gives a cheap gift, it can bother you.

God's Perfect Baby gift caused Him everything! He is the most expensive gift every given!

The Thought Behind The Gift

When a gift is so special or unique it shows a good deal of thoughtfulness, that makes it extra special as opposed to someone who knew you were expecting a boy and gives you a pink dress.

God thought of us before we were ever created - that's why we were created. And, while we were still sinners the Bible says that God sent His Son to die for you and me.

How Long Will The Gift Last!

A good gift will not be too small to wear or so poorly constructed that it falls apart, but will be the right size and the best quality.

This Perfect Baby gift not only lasts forever but will allow you and I to last forever.

How Appropriate To The Need?

A good baby gift will meet a need that will make life easier for the mother and the newborn.

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

"If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior."

CHRISTMAS MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE BECAUSE WE NEEDED A SAVIOR AND GOD GAVE HIS CHILD TO SAVE YOUR CHILD – AND YOU!

Can you imagine how much God loves YOU to send His Son?! HE LOVES YOU AS MUCH AS HE LOVES HIS SON!

Here is what it looks like – watch!

http://youtu.be/GhkpxpjHIRg

Christmas means God sent the PERFECT BABY GIFT – He Gave His Child To Save Your Child!

A Gift Like That Should Be Received Gladly! How Could You Refuse It?

What other plan do you have for your salvation?

December 3, 2011

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25

How do I know if I have a “Joseph heart”? Or maybe a better question is, how do I know when I don’t?

I am glad you asked!

Let me give you some markers you can look to for evidence.

First, Joseph was surrendered to God’s will.

Being surrendered to God’s will simply means you do what you know God wants you to do even when it is something you don’t understand or would rather not do. Joseph wanted to marry Mary, but not under these circumstances. But he did!

The other things he was asked to do where not things he found joy or pleasure in, but they were the clear will of God so he did them.

Are you surrendered to the will of God? Are you willing to do what ever He may ask you to do?

Second, Joseph sacrificed to do God’s will.

Obeying God will cost you something! Disobeying God will cost you more!

Joseph sacrificed his reputation in the community to marry a pregnant fiancée. When you are a small businessman in a small town your reputation is everything. Joseph but it up for risk to obey God!

What have you sacrificed for God lately? What are you willing to sacrifice? What are you unwilling to sacrifice?

Finally, Joseph served God, served Mary, and served God’s Son. In so doing, He served God.

People with a “Joseph Heart” are servants. Like Jesus’ earthly father, those in possession of a “Joseph heart” are willing to serve God by serving others. They are humble. They are helpful.

Are you are servant? Do you find joy in serving others? Or, would you rather be served?

There are at least three unmistakable signs of a “Joseph heart:

A willingness to surrender to God

A willingness to sacrifice for God!

A willingness to serve God!

Those are things that allowed Joseph to help change the world!

How is your heart?

December 2, 2011

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25

Jesus became the Savior and Mary is honored as the Mother of the Savior, but Joseph is the most overlooked of the principles in the Christmas story.

However, he deserves his due for his heart. Do you have a “Joseph heart”?

What do I mean by that?

Think for a moment what God asked him to do.

He was to risk his reputation by taking Mary as his wife after she became pregnant. Who would believe her story of how she got pregnant? Would you?

He was asked to delay the consummation of the marriage until after she delivered the Christ. That honeymoon was definitely on hold!

He was commanded to take Mary and the Child and flee to Egypt in the middle of the night to escape Herod. Then he had to stay there until Herod died. What do you think that prolonged absence did for his carpentry business?

Finally, he got to take his bride and baby back home to Nazareth to face the stares, and awkward glances and vicious gossip from his neighbors.

Good guy, eh?
Essentially, here is what God asked of Joseph, “I want you to forget everything you want to do, and do everything I ask you to do, do it immediately, and don’t expect to any of the credit.”

Would you take that deal?

Joseph did! That’s what I mean by a “Joseph heart”.

Do you have a “Joseph heart”?

Can God count on you to do the hard thing? Will you readily surrender those things that you would selfishly desire to do? Will you do it immediately? Will you do it consistently? Will you do it for His glory? Are you willing to make big sacrifices and get little recognition for it?

Joseph did! And because he did we have a Savior!

If you could get a peek at God’s Christmas wish list I bet He is wishing for more men with a “Joseph heart”!

December 1, 2011

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

I am a proud alumnus of Indiana Wesleyan University (in a humble sort of way). IWU has been a leader in distance learning – that is, via extension centers and the Internet. That concept allows people to get a good college education without the high cost and without actually going to Marion, IN.

Not only is this less expensive it fits our human nature. It is our nature to know as much as we can with as little effort and sacrifice as possible. I am not being critical, if I could have gotten a college degree without actually going to college and studying and paying off student loans for ten years I would have taken it in a heartbeat!

You would, too!

Knowledge is power and to have more knowledge without working for it or paying for it is an irresistible idea. Who could pass on that deal?

God did!

What?

Re-read these verses!

Another awesome amazing truth about Christmas is that God, Who knows everything that there is to know and possesses all power, did not settle for long distance learning in regard to the human experience.

Rather than cling to power, He relinquished it.

Instead, of resting in knowledge, He released it.

Unlike you and I, who do our best to avoid pain and suffering and death, He embraced it!

WHY?

This text tells us:

1) So He can completely identify with us!

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are”

 2) So He can compassionately intercede for us!

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God”

One of the primary responsibilities of a High Priest is to represent his people before God and God before his people.

3) So we can confidently interact with Him!

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

God did not settle for knowing you from a distance, He sent Jesus to get personally involved in the pain and passion of your human experience! Christmas means God’s Son got up close and personal with your human experience! He desired to know you more intimately so you may know Him more intimately!

That’s AMAZING news! “Good tidings of great joy” as the angels proclaimed!

Why would you settle to know God at a distance when you can know Him personally? Why would you cling to your illusions of power when you can be intimately connected with the God of the universe?

November 30, 2011

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” Matthew 1:24

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt” Matthew 2:13-14

“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.” Matthew 2:19-21

Meditating on the Christmas story the other day a thought occurred to me, “I had trouble trusting my teen-agers with the car, but God trusted two teen-agers with the Christ!”

From everything we know about Mary and Joseph, that is what they were – teen-agers!

Once I got my mind around that I began to ponder why they were so trustworthy when mine weren’t.

My teens were immature – so were they.

My teens were inexperienced – so were they.

My teens were impulsive – they may have been.

Let me focus on the obvious and most significant difference – obedience. God could trust Joseph and Mary.

The proof is in these three verses chosen from the first few chapters of Matthew. In each of these verses Joseph obeyed God IMMEDIATELY.

That will build a little trust!

When I saw God trusting teens with the birth and care of the Savior I began to comprehend the power and potential of obedience. Wow!

After I got a grasp on that I begin to wonder what could happen in my life if I would become more obedient – instantly obedient.

What about you? How is your obedience?

God used two obedient teens to change the course of human history, not to mention the possibilities for eternity!

Our world may be only a few “obediences” away from a dramatic improvement. If only God could trust us!

November 29. 2011

"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." Galatians 4:4-5

Christmas happened at the perfect time and Christmas means that God's time is always perfect! God is always on time! He has never been late!

I am sure you have wondered about His timing. His timing is almost always different from ours.

Probably Joseph and Mary questioned God's timing. His plan sure messed up theirs. You know that nice big wedding they were planning? It never happened because God's timing was different than theirs.

And remember that census thing when they they had to go all the way to Bethlehem for Joseph to register? Bad timing! Mary was extremely pregnant when that all happened. They had to pack up their bags and hop on a donkey and ride over bumpy roads through rugged terrain. Not a comfortable trip under normal circumstances but REALLY bad when you are nine months pregnant. Terrible timing!

Mary and Joseph were not the only ones traveling to Bethlehem for the census, but they did come far and they did travel slolwy. So, when they got to this small town with limited lodging they arrived at a bad time - after everyone else! By the time they went to check in to the inn they where left out of the inn because the inn was out of rooms! Not good timing.

The timing was terrible for Mary and Joseph! There is no two ways about it! God's plan for these two teens was not timed for their comfort or convenience. Were you to have pulled them aside for a moment and asked them, "Hey, guys, what do you think of God's timing?" I am sure they would have been hard pressed to give you a positive answer about God's timing.

But, the important fact is this, they obeyed God! If they questioned His timing they didn't doubt His purpose. They understood that even though God's plans messed up the timing of their plans and caused them terrible stress, they knew there is never a good time to disobey God. That time never comes!

The writer of the Epistle to the Galatians acknowledges that God's timing was the perfect when He sent His Son to save the world. Christmas proves that God's timing is always right. Mary and Joseph had trouble seeing it then, but they know it now!

Are you struggling with God's timing in your life? Have you been waiting for Him to do something that seems overdue? Are you way past impatient and bordering on doubtful? Let me point you to the Christmas story to remind you - GOD IS ALWAYS ON TIME!

Christmas proves it!