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Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #9 - The Real Reason for the Season (John 3:14, 30; 12:32)
The Real Reason for the Season (John 3:14, 30; 12:32) John 3:14, And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: John 3:30, He must increase, but I must decrease. John 12:32, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. Jesus is not part of the story of Christmas. Christmas is part of the story of Jesus. Jesus is the real reason for the season. Getting the Christmas spirit means different things to different people. To some it is that beautiful warm feeling of "no place like home for the holidays". To others it is the excitement of shopping for gifts and wrapping them by the tree. To the student, the Christmas spirit is getting away from school and studies for a while. Focus is a choice of the heart. We must choose to discipline and devote our time in which we determine to focus our hearts on worshipping God. The distractions without and the cares within will never voluntarily subside to make room for meditation. We have to choose to shut out the noise and worship Jesus. If “Christmas” is some material thing that you are dying for, then you will probably be disappointed, even if you get it. If, however, you are seeking the Christ of Christmas, you will never be disappointed. The true spirit of Christmas gives Christ His rightful place. The true spirit of Christmas involves a lot of self-denying and self-sacrificing and self-giving. This is not easy, but it is Scriptural. The supreme illustration of what it means to give of oneself in the interests of others is the example of the eternal Son of God. He gave up the glory and majesty of heaven--for us (Philippians 2:6). He emptied Himself (Philippians 2:7). The eternal Son never emptied Himself of His Deity. He identified with us by becoming Man--for us (Philippians 2:7). He voluntarily gave up His hold on life and died--for us (Philippians 2:8). Every step of the path of our Lord was a further surrender of what was His by right. As mentioned above, this portion of the Word of God has great doctrinal significance. Contained in these few short verses is the doctrine of the incarnation. That God became Man is surely the story of Christmas. Philippians 2:6, tells us that Jesus did not begin being God at Bethlehem, and He did not stop being God at Bethlehem. "Who, being in the form of God" conveys the idea of always being God. As the perfect Man and Servant, Jesus gave obediently of Himself for others to the point of death by crucifixion (Philippians 2:8). This is the mind or attitude that is to characterize the growing Christian. This is the true Christmas spirit. Christmas will be difficult for many this year. Perhaps the death of loved ones is becoming incredibly real all over again, or maybe financial hardships have brought a family to the breaking point. I hurt deeply for those who are struggling, suffering, or sorrowing this Christmas. Christmas is the message that Christ came to help His people. And just as God gave mankind the greatest gift, we are to make giving a priority this season. Here is my question for you—how will you be a help to someone in need? Do something special and out of the ordinary this season, and if you’re not sure how, here are a few ideas. There will be many who won’t have any funds this year. Find them and put some extra cash in their pocket or discover what their kids enjoy and bring some gifts. Or maybe you could bring them a meal or give them some decorations to brighten their home. I hope this holiday season will be more than just a reprieve from the rigors of your job. Look for ways to be compassionate to the hurting, lonely, discouraged, broken, and depressed. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the season of Christmas, take a few moments and invite Christ into every detail of your life! Luke 2:7. May our hearts be anchored to the meaning of the Season...Jesus Christ. Perhaps, you can help families with small children make Christmas affordable. We know it will be worth every sacrifice made to help someone experience God. Because He truly is the reason for the season. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #8 What Do We Do with a Gift Like Christmas? (Matthew 2:10-11)
What Do We Do with a Gift Like Christmas? (Matthew 2:10-11) Matthew 2:10-11, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” The night heaven visited the earth, it wasn’t Santa Claus who came to town, it was Jesus Christ. Jesus came 2,000 years ago and the world has never been the same. Don’t make the mistake of just enjoying the wrapping of Christmas: activities, time with family, gift exchanges, traditions. Enjoying what is behind the wrapping, the gift. Quite simply, Jesus is the gift of Christmas. Emmanuel, God with us! But if Christmas is a gift, how do we celebrate the gift, not just enjoy the wrapping? What do we do with a gift like Christmas? 1. Receive the Gift. Romans 6:23 tells us that “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” A gift, however, must be received. If you haven’t made the choice to receive Christ, I’d encourage you to discover how you can. 2. Relish the Gift. Salvation is just the beginning. But sometimes Christians, including we who are in ministry, become so consumed with the functioning aspects of the Christian life or ministry that we fail to personally revel in who Jesus is to us. Hebrews 4:15 encourages, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Make sure you take time this Christmas to get to know Him more. Delight to be in His presence. 3. Reverence the Gift. The wise men displayed their wisdom in several respects, but not the least of these was that they worshipped Jesus: “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). It’s easy to get so caught up in the rush of Christmas that we miss the wonder of worship. Don’t make the mistake of enjoying the wrapping of Christmas (activities, time with family, gift exchanges, traditions) without enjoying what is behind the wrapping, the gift. Jesus is the gift of Christmas. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder: · It's easy to get distracted with the decorations, the baking, the shopping, and the parties. But at the end of the day, what matters is if we make room in the Inn (our hearts) for Jesus.
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Celebrating and Sharing Christmas (Matthew 2:10-11) Matthew 2:10-11, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” A little boy came home from Sunday School. He was so excited about learning the Christmas story. Especially about the Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. He was so excited that he had to tell his mother. He said, "I learned today in Sunday School all about the first Christmas. In fact, there was no need of Santa Claus. There wasn't a Santa Claus way back then, so these wise men had to deliver the toys”. What I learned comparing Santa Claus and the Lord Jesus: · Santa lives at the North Pole. Jesus lives everywhere. · Santa rides in a sleigh. Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water. · Santa comes once a year. Jesus is an ever-present help. · Santa comes down your chimney. Jesus stands at your door of your heart and knocks. · Santa fills your stockings with goodies. Jesus supplies all your needs. · You have to wait in line to see Santa. Jesus is as close as the mention of His name. · Santa lets you sit in his lap. Jesus holds you in His hands. · Santa has a belly like a bowl of jelly. Jesus has a heart of love. · Santa’s little helpers makes new toys. Jesus makes new lives. · Santa puts gifts under your tree. Jesus became our gift and died on a tree. The night heaven visited the earth, it wasn’t Santa Claus who came to town, it was Jesus Christ. Jesus came 2,000 years ago and the world has never been the same. If “Christmas” is some material thing that you are dying for, then you will probably be disappointed, even if you get it. If, however, you are seeking the Christ of Christmas, you will never be disappointed. The true spirit of Christmas gives Christ His rightful place. Prayer, Father thank You for sending us Your only begotten Son. Your gift was an eternal gift to the entire world. Help me to share the gift of Your Son, Jesus, with others. Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #6 – What Can You Birth For Christ This Christmas? (Luke 2:8-19)
What Can You Birth For Christ This Christmas? (Luke 2:8-19) Luke 2:8-19, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” Mary cherished the fact that God had kept His promise. God had promised to send a Messiah, a Saviour, and He had kept His Word. There may have been many times when Mary wondered if God would keep His Word. Things had gone against her little nation. Once proud people, they were broken and conquered. The people groaned under an oppressive burden of taxes, and there was a raging restlessness rising within the nation. Where was God in all of this? Mary must have asked that question many times. The voice of the prophet had not been heard in the land for four hundred years. Why this strange silence of God? Would He speak again? Would He keep His promise to send a Messiah to save His people? However, there is a reason for these things. We find in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God's ways are not our ways. His schedule is not ours. He acts in unexpected places, unexpected ways, and in unexpected times. You remember how startled Mary was when she learned she was to be the mother of the Messiah. She certainly would not have expected it that way. An angel had announced in Luke 2:11, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” There is nothing people should want more than a Saviour since there is nothing they need so much as to be delivered from the power and bondage of sin. We are sinners. We are rebels. We have taken up arms against God. We break God's laws, injure our brothers, and sometimes destroy our own lives. Ephesians 2:1-3, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” God created people with freedom, that is a free will to make our own choices. What if people misuse their freedom? This they did. They turned from obedience to God to their own willful ways. We are told in Genesis 6:5, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Sin often leaves its terrible marks upon the lives of men and women. In the early years of my ministry within my local church, I had an opportunity for street ministry and homeless ministry. At the Calvary Rescue Mission in downtown Memphis, TN, I crossed paths with several people I knew from my own childhood and those who were once at an elite status now living on these streets. Their faces were empty and without hope. These poor men were not always this way. Some of them were once successful, professional, and businessmen with loving families. But they had fallen as low as humanity could go. Sometimes they slept in the streets. Sometimes they found their way to the Calvary Rescue Mission and cast themselves upon the mercy of a mission for a meal and a place to stay. We, no matter how respectable or shameful our sins, all need a Saviour. The good news is a Saviour has been given. This is why the Gospel is good news, exceedingly good news. The angel could announce to the shepherds in Luke 2:10, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Christ is the answer to our sin and alienation. Mary kept all these things. But where? In her heart Luke 2:19, “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” To deposit them in her heart was to put them at the very center of life. Mary had been personally involved. She had given birth to Jesus and she had held Him in her arms. She had known the pain and joy of childbirth. It must be something that happens to us. Christmas must be something that happened not only then but happens now; not just something that happens to others, but something that happens to us. And once it has happened to us, it has become one of our most priceless possessions. What is it this Christmas that the Lord had put on your heart? What is it that you can personally be involved with this Christmas to be a blessing to someone? If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #5 What Child Is This? (Matthew 2:1-6; Micah 5:1-2)
What Child Is This? (Matthew 2:1-6; Micah 5:1-2) Matthew 2:1-6, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” Micah 5:1-2, “Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” The New Testament books name the location where the birth of Jesus was in the little town of Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1-6 fulfills this prophecy from Micah 5:1-2. In reading the Gospels we find that the prophetic words of Micah were fulfilled. One of the clearest prophecies of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, is set forth. More than 700 years prior to His first advent, the prophet Micah foretold the place of His birth as Bethlehem Ephratah. The original name of the village was Ephrath (fruitful) and later came to be known as Bethlehem (house of bread). The prophecy is precise for there was another village named Bethlehem in Zebulun. Bethlehem Ephratah is located about 8 miles south of Jerusalem. Though Bethlehem today is a city of some size in the ‘West Bank’, the prophet refers to it as ‘little.’ The shepherds were out tending to their flocks on the outskirts of Bethlehem when the angel of the Lord appeared. The events of this holy night were unleashed upon this world on that awesome night. I dare say none of us would have allowed for Jesus to be born in this lowly city. The most famous person the world has ever known was about to be conceived within the small city of David. The angel proclaimed Him, the angelic host praised Him, the shepherds published His story, Mary pondered upon Him, and the entire world is still puzzled by Him. How was the atmosphere in heaven as the divine Son of God exited heaven and headed for earth? I'm thinking that a holy hush overtook the portals of glory, but its reach also extended down to earth as the angel presented the babe in the manger.
Although Jesus was born so many years ago, He is worthy of all consideration:
2. The Treasure. The precious treasure of God’s gift to the world was entrusted to an engaged couple that had kept themselves pure and honorable in the eyes of God. The Lord allowed them to bear the burden of caring for this heavenly treasure. It is much to ponder on how Mary and Joseph felt in raising the very Son of God. 3. The Timing. When the time was just right, God sent forth Jesus. The voice of God had not been heard within the boundaries of Israel for 400 years and suddenly God declared that the time was at hand, so He picked out a worthy vessel and sent forth Jesus. 4. The Triumph. Jesus may have been born in a manger, but from day one the world was on announcement that He would be triumphant in His quest:
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Making Room for the Redeemer (Luke 2:1-7) Two Floridian men found a way to make better use of their time when their wives went off Christmas shopping, they decided to go sailing. Shortly after, the sunny skies gave way to fierce winds and storm clouds. The winds tossed their boat back and forth. After hours of wrestling the winds and waves, the boat thrusted into a sandbar near the shoreline. The men hopped out of the boat and started pushing as waves crashed over them. Soaking wet from head to toe and covered with mud, one man had a grin on his face as he said, "It sure beats Christmas shopping, doesn't it?" While most of us men would rather do just about anything than go shopping at Christmas time, some people simply can't do without the hustle and bustle. Regardless, we must make room for the Person behind it all, Christ, our Saviour. The Son of God was given for you and me. So, before you prepare to charge up your credit card for gifts, invest in the amazing gift they advertised on television, and start mixing the ingredients to your family's favorite dessert, center your thoughts on the One whose birth made it all possible. Take a moment to thank God for the gift of His Son today. I’m not as hard on the keeper of the inn as many people are. For seven years I worked in hospitality for a number of hotel chains. I have had the unfortunate obligation of telling people, “we are sold out!” To me, the innkeeper was making the best of a bad situation. You’ve sold all your rooms, but this young lady is about to give birth, so you scramble for the best solution you can muster up in a hurry. Let’s face it, it wasn’t the best room, but it was room. Somebody got creative and made it happen. Let’s consider this thought. How could the innkeeper not find room for Mary, who was pregnant, and Joseph? What exactly was he doing? How could he not find this poor girl a bed? What we do know is that the innkeeper just didn’t know. If he’d known what was unfolding in the stable and being presented to the world, he would have found them a room. He would have slept in a tent and given them his own room. He was busy-busy-busy, working, not taking the time to really see what was happening around him. Jesus Christ was born in a stable very near to him, perhaps even in his own stable, and he missed it. However, a place was found for Mary to deliver the greatest gift ever wrapped for this world. It was a stable. Can you relate? Can you think of Christmas’ when the message of Christ was so near, but you missed it? How often, like first-century Bethlehem, our lives get too busy and Jesus gets crowded out. If you haven’t noticed Him lately, perhaps it’s because you haven’t made room for Him in the overcrowded place called “schedule.” Make it happen and Jesus will show up. Have you allowed the intensity of the season, the schedule, the events, the presents to consume you so you haven’t noticed Jesus? If you’re distracted like the innkeeper, pay attention, God is nearby. The Lord comes to those who have room for Him. Yield your life to the direction and control of the Holy Spirit. Too often we desire to be used of the Lord but we either are too busy, or we make it inconvenient to be used of the Lord. D. L. Moody said, “I believe firmly that the moment our hearts are emptied of pride and selfishness and ambition and everything that is contrary to God’s law, the Holy Spirit will fill every corner of our hearts. But if we are full of pride and conceit and ambition and the world, there is no room for the Spirit of God. We must be emptied before we can be filled.” We must seize the opportunity to make room for Jesus to be used of Him. Questions to Consider: What opportunities to proclaim the Gospel will God put before you today . . . and will you seize the opportunity? When I am busy with my day, am I looking for “God ordained moments” to share the Gospel? Points to Ponder: With every opportunity comes a decision-God's will or your will. When you agree to serve God, be ready, He will use you in ways you never thought possible. PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your wonderful gift of the Gospel. I’m humbled that You would ever consider using me to minister to others. Help me to make room for You, and for me to keep my eyes and ears open to Your leading to help share what has so impacted me. Give me the courage and the words to share with any person You direct me to meet. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #3 - Comfort this Christmas (Luke 2:10)
Comfort this Christmas (Luke 2:10) Luke 2:10, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” It’s been said that, “God sometimes snuffs out our brightest candle that we may look up to his eternal stars. God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.” As the curtain opens in Isaiah 40, we are confronted with great comfort and a challenge. God said, "Comfort ye my people." In fact, he stressed this issue by repeating it twice. Isaiah 40:1-5, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” Just as a city would prepare the way for the arrival of a king in their town, God's people were to prepare themselves for the arrival of the Lord. Prepare ye the way of the Lord! The glory of the Lord would be revealed. That glory was revealed when Christ came into this world. His coming has been such a huge comfort to people. Christ's comfort is like the little girl who came home from a neighbor's house where her playmate had died. Her father questioned her and asked, "Why did you go?" His little daughter replied, "To comfort her mother." The father continued to inquire, "What could you do to comfort her?" His daughter answered, "I climbed into her lap and cried with her." Jesus came to this sin cursed world, laid in the crib of Bethlehem, our Lord climbed to cry with us, to live with us, to laugh and rejoice with us, to suffer with us, and to die with us. This is the comfort that says much more than simply, "I care about you." This is the comfort that moves into our lives, takes over, overwhelming us with His grace, compassion, love, and mercy. 1. The Promise of Comfort. Isaiah 66:13, “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” Being comfortable is not the same as being comforted. People purchase things to make themselves comfortable but you cannot purchase comfort. Our Lord is our source of comfort. John 14:8, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” 2. The Plentifulness of Christ's Comfort. II Corinthians 1:5, “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” Not only is God's comfort available, it is abundant. The word "consolation" carries the idea of "comfort." 3. The Provision of Comfort in various Predicaments. Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” II Corinthians 7:5-6, “For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus…” No matter what circumstances we may face, the Lord can comfort us. 4. The Purpose of Comfort. Why does the Lord comfort us? One reason is so we can minister to other people. II Corinthians 1:4, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 5. The Paths of Comfort. How, whom, or with what does the Lord use to comfort us? 1) The Sovereign Father comforts us. Comfort begins with what God has done, what God is doing, and what God will do. Isaiah 51:12, “I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass…” II Corinthians 1:3, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort…” 2) The Spirit of God comforts us. The word for Messiah is Menahem which means "the comforter." Jesus told us that when He left, we would be given another comforter who would be with us forever. The comforter is the Holy Spirit. The comfort we get from God comes from within us and cannot be taken away from us. John 14:16, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever…” 3) The Scriptures can comfort us. We can find peace and comfort by spending time reading God's Word. Get back to the Bible! Read it when you are down, discouraged, depressed, delighted, or feeling defeated. Romans 15:4, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Psalm 119:50-52, “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.” I Thessalonians 4:18, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 4) The Saints of God can comfort us. I Thessalonians 5:11, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” I Thessalonians 4:18, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” God wants us to be a blessing to others. If you know someone who is going through a trial, why not try to comfort them? Listen to them, love them, languish with them, and lift them up. “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people”. Questions to Consider: Does your faith give comfort to others or do you find yourself struggling in doubt and fear? Can you think of someone who needs your help right now? What steps can you take to encourage that person? Points to Ponder: Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the ways or the words you can speak that will amplify that person’s confidence. The Lord wants to use you to bring your encouragement and support to someone who needs it. Prayer, Lord, You are my God. Thank You for speaking comfort over me, over the sensitive and wounded places in my soul. Thank You for comforting me during trials, when the end is not in sight. Thank You for comforting me when I’m suffering the consequences of my own foolish choices. Most of all, thank You for forgiving my sins, through the blood of Your only Son, Jesus Christ, Lord of all, in whose name I pray, amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #2 A Saviour Who Made Us Rich (Luke 2:7)
A Saviour Who Made Us Rich (Luke 2:7) Luke 2:7, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger.” In January of 1956, Jim Elliot and four other missionaries gave their lives in Ecuador in their effort to reach the Waodani (Auca) Indians. This fierce group was known to attack any outsiders, but the vision for reaching them with the gospel compelled these young men to take the risk. Not long after they set up camp near the Waodani village they were attacked by warriors. Refusing to defend their lives with force, the missionaries were killed. The news flashed around the world, and the story of courage and sacrifice challenged many to take up the missionary cause. Even today Elliot’s words live on: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” In a very real sense, Jim Elliot and his missionary friends were living the spirit of Christmas. They were willing to give up the comforts of home and promising careers and to ultimately lay down their lives to take the gospel to those who had never heard. They could have fought back to defend themselves, but they chose not to. This is what Jesus did for us in coming to Earth. Nothing of lasting significance and importance for God is ever accomplished without great sacrifice. Whether it is our time, our talent, our treasure, or even our lives, we must be willing to give up what is temporary for the sake of what is eternal. When we do, we are following the example and pattern of Christ and walking in His steps. When Jesus allowed Himself to be laid in that manger, He was identifying Himself with those He came to save. Jesus came to identify with: Man’s Destitution. Jesus knows about our needs. II Corinthians 8:9, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” He knows our deprivation. Matthew 8:20, “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” He has promised to meet our need. Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Man’s Difficulties. Jesus knows about our struggles. Isaiah 53:3, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” He knows about the trials we face and He has identified Himself with them. Therefore, He is able to help us through our troubles and meet the needs of our lives. Man’s Desires. When Jesus came to this world, He knew that people were basically greedy and in love with wealth and the pursuit of it. He came to teach us that there is a higher priority in life. And, that priority is the glory of the Father! Luke 16:15, “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” He was born in that humble manger to remind men that the greatest goal of the human soul is to seek the glory of Almighty God ahead of everything else. Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The Manger was the Way to the Father and Salvation! When Mary laid the baby in the manger, the animals feeding trough, she was laying down the One Who would say in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The manger did not appear to be very promising, but the One Who was “come from God”, also “went to God” (John 13:3), and would bring the true knowledge of God and His salvation to sinners. The Manger was the Way to Freedom and Sufficiency! On another occasion, Jesus taught that He was “the door of the sheep” (John 10:7). Jesus said in John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” While going in and out represents freedom and liberty, finding pasture portrays the sufficiency that is ours in Christ. Jesus was wrapped in “swaddling” clothes, that is to say he was bound, so that we might be made free. The Manger was the Way to Fullness and Satisfaction! The Apostle Paul explained in Romans 5:15, “…the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” The tiny baby may not have filled up that feeding trough, but those of us who know Him and have experienced His grace can testify that He has filled and satisfied our lives. May others be brought to this same salvation, sufficiency, and satisfaction that is in Jesus. He was born in a manger, and thereby, He made Himself accessible to all who would come to Him. The birth of Jesus is an important event. I am glad it happened as it did because in it I find there is room for me and for you to come to Him and be saved by His grace. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #1
Hope for this Christmas (Matthew 1:18–23) Matthew 1:18-23, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” While the Christmas season truly is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends for fellowship and encouragement, for many around the world, it is a time of despair, unrest, and hopelessness. We live in an imperfect world where too often it seems things that are going well one minute are breaking down the next, and things that seem all but certain today are thrown into uncertainty and chaos tomorrow. But when things seemed at their most hopeless, God stepped in to deliver news about the birth of His Son, who would be the hope of the world. In the Bible, the word hope is not synonymous with maybe. Biblical hope refers to sure and certain expectations, creating in us a sense of anticipation. The hope we mean here is based on the promises of God’s Word that can change our anticipation of the future. For Joseph, this hope was the promise that he would see the God-child given to save the world: Jesus, the greatest gift ever wrapped and presented to the world. The hope of the world was wrapped up in this doctrinal truth: Jesus Christ is not the son of any human father, He is the Son of God. 1. The Plan (Matthew 1:20). In our darkest experiences, we forget that God has a plan to bring good out of suffering. While Joseph was wrestling through undesirable options, God lifted the curtain and revealed a miraculous plan. God was working out His eternal purpose in the lives of Mary and Joseph. God was going to bring to pass all the prophecies concerning the Messiah and He was going to use Joseph to be a part of it! In all of this, Joseph is an example to other believers. When a crisis arose in his life, he sought the Lord's face. Instead of reacting harshly and abruptly, Joseph reacted in faith waiting on the Lord for guidance and direction, and he was helped by God! Joseph is an encouragement to us as well. When we consider that Joseph was a humble character and that he was basically a nobody, it gives hope to you and me! To be called to be part of God's plan is an honor beyond compare, and it is an honor shared by every child of God! Matthew 1:20, “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” Think about that. Not only was Jesus to be “born of a woman,” but He was conceived of the Holy Ghost. 2. The Provision (Matthew 1:21). The miraculous birth was God’s plan to send His Son, and He sent Jesus for a specific purpose. Luke 2:11, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” I Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” The purpose for Jesus’ birth is found in His name. Matthew 1:21, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” The Hebrew name Jesus literally means “Jehovah Saves,” and Saviour means “Deliverer.” Jesus came to earth and was born of a virgin for a single purpose, that our sins could be covered by His blood so that we could gain forgiveness and everlasting peace with God through faith. 3. The Promise (Matthew 1:22-23). Another name of Jesus that tells us of His purpose on earth is given in Matthew 1:23, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Jesus is Emmanuel, the Messiah, born of a virgin because Jesus was God united with man and His coming to earth showed that God was dwelling with man. He came to give us true hope through the gift of eternal life. The very message of Christmas is a message of hope. But it’s not the hope of trembling possibilities. It is the hope of trustworthy promises that God came to us, purchased our pardon, and offers us the gift of eternal life. Hope in God’s promises is not a wishful longing, but a faith filled confidence for the future. It is simply impossible to trust one of God’s promises and not anticipate its coming true. To know God is to trust Him. And to trust God is to trust His promises. And to trust God’s promises is to be sure of their fulfillment. This assurance concerning the future, anchored in God’s promises, is what the Bible calls hope. When we trust Jesus Christ as our Saviour, then we have real hope. No matter what else is uncertain around us, we have the hope of a home in heaven and of an eternal relationship with God. As Christians, our hope is represented in the very name Emmanuel, “God with us.” As we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate His presence in our lives, our eternal hope. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com 30 Days of Thanks & Praise! Day #30 - Thanks, Should Be a Way of Life (Psalm 95:1–3)
Thanks, Should Be a Way of Life (Psalm 95:1–3) Psalm 95:1–3, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” This psalm is a psalm of thanksgiving and rejoicing for the many merciful blessings of God upon man. It is a psalm of encouragement to the saints and exaltation for the Saviour. The benefits of the Lord are indeed great and marvelous, and it would be an act of ingratitude not to remember and appreciate them. As Christians, we have so much to be thankful for. As we read the Bible, we see many reminders to God’s people to appreciate and give thanks for what they have received. Why do we need so many reminders? We tend to forget God's blessings rather quickly. We need to remember them, or we will not praise God for them. Forgetting them often leads to complaining that God does not bless us or do anything good for us. Offering thanks and praise to God should not just be one day in November, but on every day of the year. We have ample and abundant reasons to give thanks to our loving Heavenly Father. Do not wait for special occasions to express our gratitude. Saying “thank you“ should be an everyday occurrence. A grateful heart is shown through grateful lips. A person who is truly thankful cannot help but to express it. Our lives should be filled with constant praise day after day, not just on a certain single day set aside each year. It is foolish to think that failing to be thankful will not impact our lives in many negative ways. After years of being a Christian, we risk taking the most wonderful gift for granted and losing the joy of our salvation. The antidote to prevent this loss is gratitude. The simple act of expressing thanks for what was freely given to us protects us against ingratitude because it reminds us that when our words and our songs are filled with gratitude, our hearts will be fixed on God as they should be. Giving thanks to God regularly for the gift of salvation helps keep our love for Him fresh and new. First, that salvation was a gift, not because of anything we have done or can do. Second, that it is a gift beyond description. God is good to us all the time and our thanks should be equal to His blessings and benefits. 1. You Can Be Thankful That “God Loves You”. I John 3:1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God has expressed and demonstrated His boundless love by sending His Son, Jesus, to earth so that we could have a personal relationship with Him. 2. You Can Be Thankful That “Jesus Died for You”. I John 4:10, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sin of every person who has ever lived. That means He died on the cross for you and for me. 3. You Can Be Thankful That “Salvation Is Offered to You”, Colossians 1:14, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins…” Salvation means that my sins are forgiven and that I am redeemed from the debt of sin I owed. John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name…” Salvation means that I have a relationship with God. I am no longer His enemy; I am His child. Romans 10:9–10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” To receive the offer of salvation I am told by the Bible to sincerely believe and simply receive that Jesus is God’s Son and that He alone can save me. I cannot save myself. 4. You Can Be Thankful That “Heaven Is Waiting for You”. John 14:1–4, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” Jesus went on to say, “I am the way, the truth, and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” You can know right now that you are saved—that you are born again. You can know that your sins are forgiven and that you have peace with God the Father. You can know that you are a child of God and that you have an eternal home in Heaven. But, the only way to know you are saved is to know Jesus as your Saviour. Now, that is something to be thankful for! I trust that throughout our lives we will continue every day to give God glory, praise, and worship with a spirit of thanksgiving. Let’s not wait for one day a year to share our thanksgiving. Praise Him daily! He is worthy, and we are blessed to be able to come into the presence of our great God and King as one of His children. Set aside time today (and every day) to give thanks for all that God has freely given to you. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship. Archives
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