Be the Example

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:5-10

In his book in which he focuses on How to Keep Your Kids on Your Team, Dr. Stanley points out the need for providing for our children’s spiritual needs - a key also when considering how to protect your family.

He writes, “Are you trying to provide for your children while you are living in disobedience and rebellion toward God? If you are, you are teaching your children to think you do not need God. The children may think that if you do not need him, they do not need Him either. That is no example to set for them.”

Dad, what kind of example are you providing for your kids? Do you always challenge them in their trust and faith in God?

“If you want to provide well for your children,” continues Dr. Stanley, “here is the first step: Ask God to forgive you of your sin, and receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. If you want to be a good provider, you must start with Jesus Christ Who enables you to provide spiritual leadership for your family.” Second step: “As a Christian, you have the responsibility of explaining to your children how to be saved.”

Thought for the Day: “Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.” - John Howard Payne

Dealing with Division

“And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, ‘Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.’” Matthew 12:25

One of the most quoted portions of Scripture is that which President Abraham Lincoln used in his great speech of reconciliation. He quoted from Matthew 12:25, “Every...house divided against itself shall not stand” (KJV). His reference was to the “house” of the United States of America.

We have likened the role of a father to that of the door of the house. Through him, things are allowed either to enter or are kept outside. His role is to protect the family from error, ungodly influences, and uninvited guests.

But now consider this question: Is there division in your home? Division over ethics, morals, goals, relationships, responsibilities, rights, wrongs? Does everyone have the same hunger to know God, to please Him, to humbly follow His will?

Dad, are you a leader in making these choices? If disharmony reigns in your home, it doesn’t mean you are hopeless or a worse family than the one that looks so good on the outside. It means much the opposite. You may be going through trials which will strengthen your family, causing you to stand when the storms of life do hit with all of their force.

What are you doing today to protect your family from division?

Thought for the Day: “...any...house divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25

Close the Door!

"Or how can anyone enter the strong man's house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house." Matthew 12:29

Insurance policies, alarm systems, investments, select neighborhoods - what do all of these have in common? A father's desire to protect his family and home. But how many fathers know how to protect their families in a biblical manner? No, that isn't saying anything against insurance, alarms, investments, or safe neighborhoods; it speaks rather of the spiritual plight of the family.

The doorway to the family is the father. In how many homes is there evidence of some dangerous attitude or action which Dad allowed to come in by his own weakness or surrender to sinful desires?

Dad, be very careful about what you allow to cross the threshold of your home - not only what your family and friends bring in but what you bring in as well. Do you bring home from the office an attitude or a mindset which would cause you to blush or be embarrassed if it were exposed? Don't let it in the door.

If you do bring ungodly habits home with you, don't be surprised in the days ahead to see them bear fruit in the lives of your children. It's your choice. Learn to close the door.

Thought for the Day: "A man ought to live so that everyone knows he is a Christian - most of all, his family." - D.L. Moody

A Prayer for Protection

"Give ear to my words, O Lord, Consider my groaning. Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to Thee do I pray. In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch. For Thou art not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with Thee. The boastful shall not stand before Thine eyes; Thou dost hate all who do iniquity. Thou dost destroy those who speak falsehood; The Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. But as for me, by Thine abundant lovingkindness I will enter Thy house, At Thy holy temple I will bow in reverence for Thee. O Lord, lead me in Thy righteousness because of my foes; Make Thy way straight before me. There is nothing reliable in what they say; Their inward part is destruction itself; Their throat is an open grave; They flatter with their tongue. Hold them guilty, O God; By their own devices let them fall! In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out, For they are rebellious against Thee. But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And mayest Thou shelter them, That those who love Thy name may exult in Thee. For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O Lord, Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:1-12

Parents, what kind of pressures, problems, dangers, concerns, and issues are surfacing in your family unit? Is all smooth sailing, or are you experiencing some pretty rough seas? Most families go through times of difficulty and trial which some may call a living nightmare. For those who have struggled to keep the lid on, the next eleven days are offered in an effort not simply to bring peace and quiet to your lives but to gain a view of life which up to this time may have evaded you.

Anyone who has read even parts of the Bible has become aware of the eternal conflict between God and Satan. Some view God as all-loving but not all-powerful due to the existence of evil in the world. No so. It proves the contrary that God is allowing evil to remain in order to provide for each member of humanity the opportunity of free choice. Whom will you serve?

Much of what you believe or involve yourself with depends upon your degree of commitment. How committed are you to the preservation of your family unit? Dad, Mom, son, or daughter - if you are deeply committed, then back it up with words and actions which are truly Christlike.

Thought of the Day: "In a broken nest, there are few whole eggs." (Chinese proverb)

The Importance of the Home

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh at that place. And the Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. And the man said,
“This is now bone of my bones,
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man.”
For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:21-25

As we reflect on Christmas, let it be always remembered that Christ was born into a home. He was raised in a family atmosphere. When you read the above text, it is clear that the first institution ordained by God was marriage, the family, and the home. The fact that Christ was born and raised in a home, gives clarification to what God began.

It has been said that a nation is only as strong as the families in it. As we look around today the family is in great distress. There are those who want to destroy the family, others who want to redefine the family and others who just have no idea what a family is all about.

America has been a strong nation because she has had strong families. We need strong homes – and my conviction has always been when all else fails, you ought to follow the directions. If God created and ordained the family, then the instruction manual is the Bible. So we will begin to see and study some Biblical truths about the family and I would encourage you to pray not only for your family, but for others as well.

Immanuel

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

One of the qualities of successful teacher or instructor is the ability to implant in a student a desire to learn - a desire to achieve or to reach a specific goal. The capstone of that ability is to do that without the student becoming aware of it.

Can you see that quality in the handiwork of God? Just look at the universal pull toward some type of religion. All cultures, all nations, all peoples have this inborn desire to attribute worship and thankfulness to a god to whom they hold themselves accountable.

That God-shaped vacuum was placed there by God that men would seek its fulfillment which can come only through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The discovery of the cure for the ache is what Christ's birth is all about. People have a God-given expectation. If we have this vacuum, then there must be something to fill it. That something is Christ.

Jesus was characterized by many names; one of them was Immanuel which boldly means God with us. Paul tells us: "...God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

Immanuel: Christ in you - is He? If so, let every thought, word, and motive be a true reflection of His presence every day.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Through the Eyes of Others

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.' Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which translated means, 'God with us.' And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took her as his wife, and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus." Matthew 1:18-25

Many today will find themselves in the midst of last-minute preparations and decorations. It might serve us well to take a moment to see Christmas through the eyes of others. Such as -

Dale Evans Rogers: "Christmas, my child, is love in action...When you love someone, you give to them, as God gives to us. The greatest gift He ever gave was the Person of His Son sent to us in human form so that we might know what God the Father is really like. Every time we love, every time we give, it is Christmas."

Charles Dickens: "I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys...And so as Tiny Tim said, 'A merry Christmas to us all, my dears. God bless us, every one.'"

"...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19

Remember - The Light that shines from the humble manger is strong enough to light our way to the end of our days.

Prince of Peace

“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. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7

Did Jesus make a mistake? Is the Bible in error? Is God unable to deliver what He has promised? No. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27.)

Here's another aspect of Jesus' ministry to mankind - our peace. But how does that peace become ours? Wonderful direction is given in Isaiah 26:3 where it says of God, "The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee."

When Christ is our Savior, His peace actually lives in us. That's why the Apostle Paul could say in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, "Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance." "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15). In Philippians 4:7 he says, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." And in Galatians 5:22: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience..."

How can we have peace? Jesus' own words speak best: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Receive His peace.

Have You Been Born Again?

“For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Col. 1:13-20

Jesus came to be our Savior. The salvation experience is what Jesus called being “born again.” What a wonderfully descriptive term. He used it originally in His nighttime conversation with Nicodemus. The term is still as misunderstood today as it was when Jesus first used it with this ruler of the Jews.

Advertisers have attributed the term “born again” to a new product design. Artists, musicians, politicians, and entertainers who have made a comeback are said to have been “born again.” Many have tried to use the term in effort to gain approval and acceptance by those in the religious world. But all of these are empty copies of the real meaning of being “born again.”

What does it really mean? It’s a beautifully descriptive term for the transformation which takes place in a person’s life when they come into the kingdom of God. It’s an accurate description also and one which conveys a dynamic spiritual truth: Life comes through birth, and without spiritual birth, there can be no spiritual life.

Paul tells us that the “natural man (the one who has not been born again) does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised” (1 Corinthians 2:13).

Friend, have you been “born again”?

He Came to Meet My Need

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” James 1:22

“What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” James 2:14-16

Christmas is about giving, and it is in that thought that I pass on this story I read for you to think on today –

He said his name was James. “I been back on the bottle fer the last month” Tired, cold, and hungry, James is one of thousands of jobless, homeless “street people.” But what made James more than just another street person was the fact that he had stopped me – I could not avoid him.

“What an inconvenience,” I thought. Several plans for getting rid of him quickly came to mind. But they all melted as meaningless excuses when I heard my Savior say, “I was hungry, but you did not feed Me” (Matthew 25:42). Would I minister to the physical needs of this man in Jesus’ name or harden my heart and “get to work”?

“What if I’m just being taken advantage of?” I thought. Then came His words of reassurance: “I was taken advantage of. I was misunderstood. I was despised and rejected, but it was all in the eternal plan of God – and it all led to the cross.”

“You may laugh at this,” I said as James sat over a hot breakfast plate, “but I want you to know that I’m doing this for you in Jesus’ name. If I say I love God but don’t care for your needs, I’m the worst kind of liar.” His reply? “I’m not laughing. Thank you.”

O, Worship the King

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.' And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he began to inquire of them where the Christ was to be born. And they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet,

“And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah;
For out of you shall come forth a Ruler,
Who will shepher My people Israel.”’

Then Herod secretly called the magi, and ascertained from them the time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, ‘Go and make careful search for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, that I too may come and worship Him.’ And having heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:1-11

Jesus, Our Life

"And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life." 1 John 5:11-12

What first comes to mind when you hear the word life?

Biblically, there are two spheres of life: physical life and spiritual life. Obviously, you have physical life or else you wouldn't be reading this. Your physical health or condition may contribute to you ability to read or concentrate, but you are alive.

Are you alive spiritually? Paul says, "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). That is, before your new birth experience, you were dead to the things of the Spirit.

The manger of Bethlehem takes on additional significance when we realize that on that hay lay One Who came to bring life, spiritual life, to those who had physical life. Christmas is not just the celebration of the birth (the life) of Jesus; it is the celebration of the spiritual life we can enjoy - the life He came to bring.

Do you have this life? If not, along with all the gifts you'll give this Christmas, you could accept God's special gift, given 2,000 years ago for you. Will you accept God's gift of new life? It's wrapped up in Jesus' birth and His death. Both were necessary in order for God to make the offer of life to you. If you already have this life, allow Christ to be your life every day.

To Know Him

"And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, 'KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.'" Rev. 19:11-16

Many people shun Christianity because they think it focuses too much on eternity (or whatever happens to us after this life is over) and looks too little at living today. Others shun it for the opposite reason: They see Christians who are caught up in living for today with no thought or concern for the future - near or eternal.

How can we present a realistic and balanced Christian vew? What people see in us individually is our perception of Who God is. The most effective witness comes from those who know Him. That should be our life-long pursuit and goal - to know God.

If we would keep in our hearts and on our minds the realization that Jesus is Lord, that truth would be reflected in what we do and say. Folks will soon recognize something different about you. They may not be able to put their finger on it (you can), but to them, you are differnt (in a good way).

It boils down to the question: What is your attitude about Jesus? Let Philippians 2:5-11 be a guide for your daily walk: "Have this attitude in yourselves..." (verse 5). The result? Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (verses 10-11).

Joyfully share with others now: the Babe is Lord.

Jesus, the Reason for the Season

"And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, 'Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.' And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them." Luke 2:15-20

With Christmas Day just a little more than a week away, you've probably been saturated with your annual dose of Christmas carols and holiday tunes from the radio, from the stores in which you've shopped, and the church Christmas programs you've attended. Some holiday songs hold very little meaning. Some bring no honor to the occasion of Christ's birth, while many would lead you to believe that Christ has nothing at all to do with the celebration.

How fortunate we are that the preacher and hymn write Charles Wesley penned this beautiful poem. Let its meaning guide you through the day with an expectation and heart filled with adoration for Christ.

"Come, Thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts along;
By Thine all-sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne."

The Promised Messiah

"Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke was due? His grave was assigned with wicked men, yet He was with a rich man in His death, because He had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth.

But the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand. As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He Himself bore the sin of many, and interceded for the transgressors." Isaiah 53:1-12

A further aspect of the incarnation (God's taking on physical human form as Jesus) is the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. Our wonder and worship of the Christ-child are greater when we see Him as the fulfillment of God's promise. It's easy to see through reading the Gospels that the people of Jesus' day did not really recognize Him as their Messiah. Especially absent was any official recognition by the religious authorities; they were the ones who instigated His death.

But lest we find ourselves too quick to judge, it stands as a point of challenge to us today: Do we daily recognize Jesus for Who He really is? As you read the Scripture for today, note - Jesus literally fulfilled everything Isaiah said would happen to the Messiah. And yet, even after His resurrection, the Jews still didn't recognize Him.

The power of the Christian life (and you've probably heard this many times) is in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And that's why Christmas is so important. Christ's birth as a human being made it possible for us to relate to and respond to God. His birth opened the way for us to know God personally, individually.

That pursuit is at the very heart of all worship and relationship between you and God - simply to know Him. And because of His arrival as a baby in that stable in Bethlehem, we can know Him. "O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord."

Christ...Our Savior

"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'"

Let's spend the next two weeks in preparation for a significant time of personal worship of the One Whose birth we commemorate at Christmas. Each day our focus will shift to another indispensable aspect of the Christ-child: today His role as Savior.

The shepherds heard an angelic host announce the arrival of "a Savior,...Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). Can you imagine the mental image these men and boys had of a national savior, divinely heralded by a choir or angels? Why, the nation of Israel no doubt would soon be freed from the pesky Roman rule. They would have a kingdom once again like that of David's historic, glorious reign.

No, God's redemptive plan far superseded earthly kingdoms and thrones. Many in Jesus' day were unable to recognize the arrival of the Promised One - even though they studied the Scriptures and knew what to look for.

"Poor, ignorant, blind, foolish, men," we sadly say. "They missed the greatest opportunity in the history of the world." But think for a moment: If Jesus came today, would you recognize him? What standard would you use to decide if He was Who He claimed to be?

Birth of Jesus

“Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’

And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, ‘Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” Luke 2:1-20

Growing in Adversity

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

Although I’ve never flown a plan or skydived, I greatly enjoy listening to a friend recount his stories of memorable events. Experientially, we’re worlds apart. He has experienced these activities; I can appreciate his enjoyment only secondhand.

One of the greatest resources for encouragement and added faith and trust in God is either to read or hear the testimonies of others who have found Him faithful to His Word and have weathered great difficulty or trial though God’s unlimited grace and care. But far beyond the joy gained by reading someone else’s experience is the joy gained by going through the experience yourself. This holds true for us as we look into the issue of adversity.

One of God’s tools for transferring truth from our heads to our hearts is the use of adversity. It is in times of difficulty or trial that we begin to toss out beliefs we have held which don’t hold up under pressure. The Crucible of adversity tries our beliefs to the maximum. Our perception of Who God really is becomes much sharper under the force of this tool. Best of all, God doesn’t remain an impersonal “Someone” but reveals the tenderest touch of a loving Father through it all.

Remember this thought: What He leads you to - He leads you through!

When in Need

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:13-16

Suddenly you find yourself in an emergency room while doctors and nurses fight to save your life. Your circumstances are out of your control. The police have just left, taking with them your teenage son on criminal drug charges. His circumstances (and yours) are out of control. She says it has been a slow process, but over the years you have simply killed her love. Now she has found someone who really loves her and she’s leaving you. Your circumstances are out of control.

How do you respond in times like these just described? What holds you together so that you don’t simply unravel on the spot? These are times when we desperately need confidence (which is usually the first thing we lose) and a sense of inner tranquility - even though our emotions may be pressed to the breaking point. To achieve that, consider the following:

Remember God’s promises. Locate an appropriate promise for your need.
Recognize that God is intervening in your circumstances.
Release your grip on your circumstances. Look to the Lord for His purpose in your situation.
Rest in God’s sovereign care.
Rejoice. God is directing every event in your life for your good.

Remember: Your circumstances are never out of God’s control.

“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading.” - Oswald Chambers

How to Keep Going

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.” John 15:10

Of all the people we read about in Old Testament narrative, there is one who comes along early (Genesis 4-5) who is credited with something no one else achieves. One man lived such a life that at the end of 365 years, it doesn’t say, “and he died,” but rather it says, “and he was not, for God took him.” Genesis 5:24

Maybe we can learn something from this Old Testament man who walked with God as we look at the New Testament Man Who is God. Again and again, Jesus surprises us as we read the Gospels. His response to people is so different and so refreshing that it’s not hard to see why people were drawn to Him and wanted to follow after Him.

Jesus was deadly serious about one thing: obedience to the will of God the Father. Whenever He became aware of the Father’s will, the narrative shows Him quickly carrying it out. That same quality is demanded of each of Christ’s followers. We must recognize that in order to accomplish God’s purpose; we must function according to God’s will which often is opposed by our own will. That’s the point of surrender. Obedience doesn’t come from an unsurrendered heart.

When the Going Gets Tough...

“Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God’? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:27-31

“Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love! The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.” The words of John Fawcett’s familiar hymn blend beautifully with Paul’s hallmark works describing the intended and desired path of development for the Christian.

In part Paul says, “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ....no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, ...but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him...even Christ.” Eph. 4:13-15

Does your life fit into this description? Are you on your way to developing those qualities? If so, then you should weather the storms caused by every wind of doctrines which comes “by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” Eph. 4:14. There is great safety and value in any fellowship of believers when they are “equipping...the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” Eph. 4:12.

Be Prepared

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Col. 1:9-12

One thing you learn when you live on a farm is the importance of keeping your eye on the weather. It can mean the difference between a bumper crop and no crop. So too in our daily walk, it is helpful to keep our eyes on the condition of the circumstances which surround us. The storms of life may strike often, but they often give a warning.

What do you do when you recognize a thunderhead of trial blowing your way? Are you paralyzed by fear? Do you go to others to consult when it’s likely to hit? Do you compare this one to storms of the past and tremble at its fierceness? Do you hide? Or do you get busy and “batten down the hatches”?

Before rough times arrive, there are a few thins you can do to prepare for their coming. When they do come, you’ll be better prepared to cope with them.
- Remove any hindrance in your life. Keep right with God
- Resolve to keep balanced in your judgment. Don’t panic.
- Recognize that your hope is in Christ. Rest in Him.
- Resist the temptation to return to your former lifestyle.
- Realize that holiness is the only acceptable goal for the believer.

The Boy Scouts’ motto cautions Christians as well: “Be prepared.”

The Power of Forgiveness

“...and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belt; but to wear sandals; and He added, ‘Do not put on two tunics.’ And He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. And any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake off the dust from the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.’ And they went out and preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.

And King Herod heard of it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, ‘John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.’ But others were saying, ‘He is Elijah.’ And others were saying, ‘He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’” Mark 6:8-15

From the land in which our Lord walked comes a story of mercy and forgiveness. In November of 1989, Sergeant Zeev Traum was patrolling the beach-front road south of Gaza City. He and another Israeli soldier were ambushed in their jeep by Palestinian gunmen. The 40-year-old’s death brought a unique dilemma for his widow. She could simply bury her husband, or donate his heart to an ailing Palestinian.

Bittersweet revenge could be found if she denied the request and let “one of them” die since “they” killed her husband. Instead, she opted to forgive. So outside the city walls where Jesus Christ replaced our heart with His, 54-year-old Hanna Khader, who had waited four months for a heart, received new life from his political enemy. In response, Zeev’s widow said, “if it’s possible to save a man’s life, I think it’s a mitvah (Commandment of Jewish Law or Meritorious Act).”

Determine to be Light

“This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Eph. 4:17-24

Talk with most people these days and you’ll probably get this type of response about spiritual matters: “Oh, everybody has their own beliefs” or “Don’t push your religious beliefs on others. You have your beliefs and I have mine. Let’s leave it at that.” Sound familiar? Instead of shrugging it off as just a “difference of opinion,” look closer and you’ll discover something very interesting about Satan’s strategy of keeping people in the dark.

Those who don’t want you to push your religious beliefs down their throats are the same ones who often brazenly “push” their own views on you. Peer pressure is not restricted to teens. It is a force you deal with all of your life. It is an issue you need to settle in your teen years; then in later life you’ll have the courage and background to stand against wrong - even when it is popular.

The Bible often speaks of the lost as those whose minds or understanding are “darkened”; they have no light - no understanding. Satan expends great effort to keep them cloaked in that darkness; for if they ever see the light of the real Christ, Satan’s grip would be lost, and they would turn to and embrace the Light.

The Enemy’s Strategy

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Indeed, has God said, “You shall not eat from any tree of the garden”?’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, “You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die.”’ And the serpent said to the woman, ‘You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 3:1-6

How often has Satan repeated that very first temptation scheme used on Eve in the Garden. Note the progression of his attack against the known Word of God. First, he presents the question: “Indeed, has God said...?” (verse 1). The context implies that is sort of a sly question with a bit of rebellion just below the surface.

Let a warning sound in your mind and in your spirit when your logical questioning begins to shift a bit - and a self-will raises its ugly head - and a rebellious attitude dulls your sensitivity. Know right then that your question is leading you on a collision course with obedience to God.

Satan’s second statement was an outright lie. It was a lie backed up with a cunning revelation of a purposely misdirected truth. Watch out when you begin to listen to Satan’s contradictions. Jesus gives the supreme example of how to respond when Satan offers an alterative to full and complete obedience to the revealed will of God. Read Luke 4:1-13. He always resorts to the Word of God.

Be alert. Be aware of the enemy’s strategy. He is not an unbeatable foe. He has already been defeated at the cross.

Limited Power

“Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:7-8

“And when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Rev. 20:7-10

Who has the last say? Who is really in charge? God or Satan? If it is God, then why does it appear that He is callously indifferent to the critical concerns of many who are in desperate and even mortal need?

Maybe the answer lies in Rabbi Harold Kushner’s commentary in his book When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Because of his personal experience with sickness, death, and grief, he believes (at least he writes) that God may be all-loving, but He is not all-powerful; some things are just out of God’s control.

Unfortunately, many follow such thinking and adopt it for themselves without considering that it completely denies a major scriptural revelation concerning the nature and character of God. Charles Colson carefully titles this unbiblical view of God’s power: “God Isn’t Dead, Just Sick and Feeble.”

Believer, (honestly now) how do you view God’s power? Do you believe and live as if God has the very last word? Or is there a crack in your foundation of believe - a crack which sees God as benevolent but limited?

One of Satan’s greatest charades is to masquerade as an equal to God. Don’t believe it.

Battle for the Mind

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Phil 4:7-8

One of the common catch words - which is already on its way out - is the word “awesome.” If you were in conversation with an average teen, it would be “awesome” this and “awesome’ that.

The word “awesome” also describes the power and personality of our greatest enemy - Satan. A problem many experience regarding our enemy is that they quickly feel overwhelmed by his show of force and power. As intimidated soldiers, many believers just want to close their eyes and ears and block out any recognition of the enemy’s obvious activity. But that is not living within God’s full provision for His children.

Yes, the Bible does describe Satan as “the god of this world” II Cor 4:4. But notice that god is spelled with a little “g” not a capital “G” reserved only to represent Almighty God.

Satan is also known in Scripture as “the prince of the power of the air.” Eph 2:2

The real battle is being fought for the minds - then the souls - of individuals. Christian friend, what do you feed your heart and mind? Be alert. Judge what you take in. Remember your mind is the greatest computer ever invented, but it can only put out what you put in...