Bible Ballistics: BBs #232   You Shall Call His Name Jesus!!!

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

He will “shall save his people from their sins”! Notice, He saves us “from” our sins—not “IN” our sins! We live in a culture, even a Christian culture, that implies, if not outright declaring, that you can be right with God and live your own way. NOT!!! Scripture clearly tells us that belonging to Jesus is NOT simply a matter of “speaking” His name and claiming to have “fire insurance”, but a real, genuine and evident regeneration–a change of “heart”– that will be indicated by a changed and regenerated life.

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom

of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”   Colossians 1:12-14

God does a work in our hearts and lives within, He:

Delivers us from “darkness”–

Transfers us “INTO” Jesus’ kingdom—

Redeems us through Jesus’ blood—

Forgives our sins through that same blood!

Our sins are “forgiven”, which not only means they are not counted against us, but also implies that they have been replaced by something else, we are given a new power to overcome the draw of sin in our lives. How? By the work of God’s substitutionary sacrifice of His own SON, for my sin, and the working of His Holy Spirit within me, applying and working the righteousness of Jesus into me and you who believe in and receive the gift of God—the gift of the Holy, Son of God. This Jesus, who was God, is God and ever shall be GOD!

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him,

which is the head of all principality and power:

11 In whom also ye are circumcised

with the circumcision

made without hands,

in putting off the body of the sins

of the flesh

by the circumcision of Christ:

12 Buried with him in baptism,

wherein also ye are risen

with him

through the faith

of the operation of God,

who hath raised him from the dead.

13 And you,

being dead in your sins

and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

(what we WERE—DEAD IN SIN)

hath he quickened

together with him,

having forgiven you all trespasses;

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances

that was against us,

which was contrary to us,

and took it out of the way,

nailing it to his cross;

(what we ARE—Alive, forgiven, overcomers by the blood)

15 And having spoiled principalities

and powers,

he made a shew of them openly,

triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:9-15

We have victory in JESUS, because HE saves people “from their sins”—we are enabled through the blood of Jesus, to overcome the power of the enemy because we have received the “righteousness” of Jesus.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

It’s all about Jesus and what HE did in coming as a babe, in living a holy life without sin, in giving Himself as “MY” sacrifice on the cross. And His sinless, substitutionary death, gives “righteousness” in exchange for sinfulness to all who will trust in HIM. We no longer have to walk in the world’s sinful ways when we die to sin and live through Jesus.

“I am crucified with Christ:”–dead to self & the flesh

nevertheless I live;”–alive IN Jesus

yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:”–Jesus lives IN me

and the life which I now live in the flesh”—I live life

I live by the faith of the Son of God,”–I live by FAITH

who loved me,”–because His love is now IN me

and gave himself for me.”—because He DIED for me   Galatians 2:20

We must come back to biblical Christianity—new life in Christ—not a watered down imitation “faith” that has no power because God’s NOT in it: Because Jesus is NOT in it. Only Jesus can give new life, and when HE does it’s real and it’s evident—in varying degrees, yes—but it’s evident. James makes it clear that genuine faith is expressed and seen by a “living” faith not by empty, dead words:

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:17-20 (vain man=empty, not real)

We have something the world can’t give, and that’s peace with God (as well as the “peace of God“) and the “love of God” (not my love “for” God, but the love from God put in me by His Holy Spirit)! And that’s something that the world doesn’t have and can’t give—only Jesus can and He will, just ask HIM!!!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also

we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.”    Romans 5:1-5

So, my question for us today is, “Have you been “saved” from your sins?” Or are you still living in your own way and in your own sin, and just trying to tack the ‘name of Jesus’ onto your own way? It’s a hard question, but one of eternal import. I pray that you will make sure of your standing with God today by bowing before HIM and seeking His face and His wisdom. If you truly ask HIM, He will reveal Himself to YOU!!!  May you truly know the “Christ” of CHRISTmas!

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

He came for YOU!!!

Bible Ballistics: A Collector Or A Connoisseur??? Vol. 7#05

Just a brief word today, a break from our usual long articles on Sunday. I just wanted to call us to take a look at our hearts at this time of year when everyone is looking at “stuff”!!! My question is simply are you a “collector” or a “connoisseur”?

Connoisseur: An expert judge in matters of taste, origin from an obsolete French “conoistre”, meaning to “KNOW”.

Collector: A person who collects things of a specified type.

What I’m asking today is are we those who “collect” things (of any type—just to have those things), or are we the one who “knows” what is ‘real’ good taste? Are we just gathering stuff, or are we growing into productive children of God, who know the real values in this life?

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;

in the which the heavens shall pass away

with a great noise,

and the elements shall melt with fervent heat,

the earth also and the works that are therein

shall be burned up.  

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved,

what manner of persons ought ye to be

in all holy conversation

and godliness,

12 Looking for

and hasting

unto the coming of the day of God,

wherein the heavens

being on fire shall be dissolved,

and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we,

according to his promise,

look for new heavens

and a new earth,

wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved,

seeing that ye look for such things,

be diligent

that ye may be found of him

in peace,

without spot,

and blameless.” 2 Peter 2:10-14

Peter, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (see 2 Peter 1:20-21) reminds us that this world is temporal! Temporal: Related to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; secular. In other words—TEMPORARY—not lasting.

We, who follow Jesus, serve the creator of the universe, who came to die for our redemption, and HE is coming again, and when He returns He will make all things new! And since this temporal world will pass away, we should keep our focus on the eternal. And that my friends, is a hard thing to do consistently, because the pull of the world and all it’s glitter is ever tugging at our hearts and minds. What we see, hear, and deal with on a daily basis, constantly calls us from the really important things of life but Jesus calls us to:

“…..take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek🙂 for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:31-34

While the world is racing after “more”, “bigger”, “better”, “faster”, “smarter”, we are called to continually seek “the kingdom of God, and his righteousness”!!! To do things God’s way—not the world’s! Knowing that God has our best interest, our spiritual growth and our value to the Kingdom in mind, not the latest “gizmo” that ‘everyone else’ is chasing after today, but will be forgotten tomorrow.

It seems amazing that we are so easily distracted, but then I am reminded that we have been conditioned to “keep up with the Joneses” by the advertising gurus! So who are you trying to keep up with? Are you “collecting” more stuff, or learning to “know” God more and choosing the things that please Him?

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25 (also 14:12 )

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

Do we “know” that one right way? The narrow way? Are we going that way? Or are we being sucked into the “broad” way and “UN”knowingly, heading for destruction? We need to choose wisely, as Joshua long ago called Israel to do:

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

We must choose which way we are going to walk (and in reality we’re always choosing—whether rightly or wrongly)! The times are evil, and the enemy is busy about his business; but what about us? What are we busy about? Are we seeking God in all our ways; becoming “connoisseurs” or settling to be “collectors” of stuff that will perish in the end. Only one choice will last for eternity. Don’t let the glitter of any “season” fool you into missing the only “right” choice!!!

And I’d like to close with some words of our Lord Jesus, who calls us again and again to keep our priorities straight:

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.”    Matthew 6:19-21

Only you can decide! Only you can make the choice to be either a “collector” or a “connoisseur”! Stuff, or true knowledge and “taste”–yes it’s an earthly choice, but a choice with eternal consequences. Maybe you need to “Have A Little Talk With Jesus”!

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 He’s waiting for YOU!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #231   The Only Reason To Rejoice!!!

I’d just like to share a few thoughts about Jesus, the one whose incarnation and His sacrifice brought salvation to all who will receive it. That’s what it’s all about—that’s what everything is about, because as Joseph was told by the angel:

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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.”     Matthew 1:21-23

Jesus came to bring forgiveness to us; this One who was, is and ever shall be “Emmanuel”/”God with us”, because He was the only One who had no sin, so only He could pay the price for our sin! And that my friends is why the “babe” was born and came into this world in virtual obscurity—the King of Kings born in a barn, and laid in a manger/feeding trough. The One who intentionally lived His life in that same obscurity, to give Himself for all who will come to Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning death for “MY” sin and “YOURS”.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus paid a debt He didn’t owe because we owed that debt that we could not pay. And we must recognize that HE IS the ONLY WAY!!! We can bow before Him as Lord and Savior in this life, or bow before Him as Judge later.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

 of things in heaven,

                       and things in earth,

 and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

             that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”   Philippians 2:10-11

So, as we think about Jesus, may we rejoice in the gift that He has given for us—HIMSELF! I pray that you know Him, and honor Him in all your ways. If you don’t know Him, won’t you call on Him today? He is calling your name—may you hear and respond.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and 2 open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

The time is short; won’t you look to Him today? And then you will have reason to rejoice always!!!

“Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.…The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:4 & 5b

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #230    Stop And Take A Breath!!!

As we’ve been talking about the hustle and bustle of life, especially during this season of the year, I’d like to take just a few minutes to remind each of us to slow down and take account of ourselves and our priorities. Let’s consider a few verses and a story.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

God calls us to “stop, look and listen”, in our vernacular! Our God is God Almighty—always has been, still is, and always will be—regardless of how much people try to ignore Him. But we who know Him often get just as caught up in the demands of life as the world does, and we shouldn’t, because we have His Holy Spirit dwelling within us. This verse from Psalm 46 reminds us to take time (you’ll never “find” time) to be with God and in His Word.

About 18 months ago my husband was scheduled to have a routine procedure to put in a pacemaker to help regulate his heart. We had been told it would take about 45 minutes for the surgery, but as I sat and waited for him, the time became alarming. After asking what was going on, I was told there were some problems and they were still working on him. Finally after 4 long hours, the doctor came out and told me that his heart had stopped on them and it took quite a bit of doing to get him “jumped” and finish with the pacemaker, but that he was now doing well.

When my husband, Zane, finally got into a room and we could talk, he related his experience. If you didn’t know, they don’t put “out” for this procedure, but simply give you the “happy” meds so you don’t feel anything, but are awake and conscious. Zane recounts that he was on the table and his arm was dangling, so he asked if they could correct that and they wrapped him up in the sheet. Realizing that things were going awry, he felt the Lord speak to his heart, “Psalm 46:10” and with that encouragement from God he just relaxed and knew that he wasn’t going to die. When he got to the room he looked up Psalm 46:10, and what did it say? “Be still, and know that I am God”!!! And if you know my husband, the joker, his response was that “I had to be still—they had me wrapped up like a mummy”! But all joking aside, he gave all glory and thanks to God for comforting his heart—physically and spiritually and reminding him that God still has work for him to do!

So, as you go about your day and the activities of the season, remember to “stop, look and listen” to the God who loves and cares for you. As Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God”, and the Psalm also tells us the reason that we can ‘be still’:

“God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear,

though the earth be removed,

and though the mountains

be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar

and be troubled,

though the mountains shake

with the swelling thereof. Seals.”    Psalm 46:1-3

Remember, you can “Be still, and know that I am God”, because:

“God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear,”

He cares for YOU!!! Be Still—Know God Is God—rest in Him!

Bible Ballistics: God’s Glory OR Our Greed??? Vol. 7#04

As Christmas is awhirl about us, I’d like us to take time today to “consider your ways”

“Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways…… Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.” Haggai 1:5 & 7

While the context in Haggai isn’t over “holidays”, it is about the people’s unwillingness to seek God first, to finish His temple instead of being focused on their own homes, luxuries and ease. God tells them HE has caused much of their difficult circumstances because they have been unfaithful to do what HE called them to do—rebuild the temple! What has God called us to “build”? God has called us to “build” His kingdom.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

We are to seek the “kingdom of God” first—not to be consumed with our own selfish desires and greed. We must remember that scripture also calls us to work and provided for our families, but so much of what we see going on today has gone far beyond “providing” to indulgence and living life and being examples of “greed” and “selfishness” before our children and others around us:

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 1 Timothy 6:7-9

Paul reminds Timothy, his son in the faith, that contentment is the key to “provision”, rather than being distracted and overcome by the greedy desires of inordinate wealth. To keep up with the “Joneses” or the latest bells, whistles or glitter of the techno world drives many! But we are to live with a heart of contentment and generosity not greed.

“He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.” Proverbs 21:26

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10

Be sure and notice that it’s not “money” which is the “root of all evil”, but the “LOVE” of money. When greed becomes our driving force we will reap a harvest of heartache, and often pass it on to those around us, especially our children. Are we teaching our little ones to be known for “giving” or “getting”? Are our children so indulged that they have no thought for others? Only you can answer these questions, but I urge you to “consider” the example you are living before them; to “consider” the attitude you are passing on to them regarding “possessions”—do “possessions” possess you? Or are we sharing the true joys of “giving” and letting God reward our faithful generosity?

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

We are to be generous from out hearts, remembering that that we have received everything from God. How can we not share with those around us, when we have been so blessed by the blessings of God?

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Ephesians 4:28

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10 (While this context is in regard to spiritual gifts, I think the application could also be made to material things)

We are to be channels of blessing to others, especially those in need, to share the gospel and our resources as we have opportunity. And those opportunities are all around us if we’ll but listen and see with the heart of God. When our heart is set on God, our heart will also be set on others! And a heart set on God will also desire to please the God we claim to believe in, love and serve by serving His love to the world in “word” and “deed”!

In tying all this together with our subject for today, I have one question: “What have you allowed Christmas to become to you?” Not “what has the world done”, but personally, what am “I” doing and why? Regardless of where you stand on the subject of “Christmas”, I’d like to call each of us to examine our own hearts and minds and “consider your ways”. My desire isn’t to defend or condemn the “holiday” that we celebrate during this time, but to ask “What we are doing with it when we choose to celebrate it?” Are our motives and actions really focused where they ought to be? Let’s back up in time a bit, to a time when people were allowed to have personal convictions without being harangued by their brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” Romans 14:1-14

Paul clearly tells us that we are to live and do all to glorify God, and to cause no harm to the brethren. Simply put we need to remember a few main points in this passage:

“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant?” Every true believer is God’s servant—not yours– not mine!

“God is able to make him stand” Every true believer has God working in his or her life, so that we might be “conformed to the image of His Son” (See Romans 8:28-29)

“Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” I am to examine myself and be sure I am listening to, following, and obeying MY LORD JESUS!!!

“For none of us liveth to himself” We must remember that we DO affect the lives of others, and we should behave accordingly!!!

“why dost thou set at nought thy brother?” We are to value every person, especially the brethren, and not discount them because they see something differently than we do!

“for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” We will ALL stand before HIM and:

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” Each one, every one will account for themselves—not me for you OR you for me. Just as the proverb says, “Every pot must sit on it’s own bottom”! But we are to consider the affect we have on others:

“that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way” We are to be a help and not a hindrance, speaking the “truth in LOVE”!

While scripture is full of exact commands and prohibitions there are other things in life that are subject to our own personal convictions based on our understanding of the principles of scripture and our own personal relationship with God. I may have convictions that others may not share: I am a ‘teetotaler’ because of my personal convictions, others may think it ok to take a drink; some eat a certain way due to their convictions, and others eat anything; some celebrate Christmas in total devotion to Jesus, while others think it unspiritual or even “idolatrous” to participate. So what do we do? I believe scripture teaches us to “follow Jesus”, study HIS Word and apply it as His Spirit gives us understanding, and to remember that we saw above that each of God’s servants will answer to HIM—not ME. But follow Jesus we must!

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

“But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.” Matthew 8:22

“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.” Matthew 9:9

“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John 10:27

“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:26

Did you get that? When Jesus calls us and we answer HIS call, we are to follow HIM!!! And we can only do that by the power of the Holy Spirit and knowing what His Word says, so that we can discern truth from deceit; and there is an awful lot of deceit out there calling to us every day. But if we are following Jesus we will walk in “the light of life” not the darkness of sin that pervades the world. But are we studying His Word? Are we praying “without ceasing” to seek His face and follow Him? Are we following the Spirit or the flesh?

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…….. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16 & 25

And we can only walk in the Spirit, if we have been born again and have received the Spirit of Jesus/God within our hearts!

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9

What does all this have to do with Christmas? Everything really. While we have celebrated Christmas for many years, we haven’t always allowed the glitter of the world to invade our churches. I remember a time when Christmas was celebrated in churches with songs of the Messiah’s birth, and the joy of our salvation because of “God Incarnate”-“God with us”. There were no Christmas trees or glitter in the ‘sanctuary’; those were left to individuals to participate in or not in their own homes—not in the church house! We celebrated the New Born King by sharing with those in need, by caroling the Gospel story through our neighborhoods, by presenting the story of the nativity with children reenacting the events of the birth of our Savior. Yes, a simpler time but a time when our focus was still on the coming of the Messiah who would live and die for all who will believe.

We are always to call people to know our Savior—the redeemer of all—not to desert the truths of the Gospel for the glitter of the world, and to what end? I’m not sure what other’s motives are, but I know much of what I see seems to be trying to be “relevant” (so-called) to a world consumed with themselves, and we go right along with the greed and glitter instead of calling people to “consider your ways” and consider the real Jesus who came to “save his people from their sins” not “in” them (see Matthew 1:21)!

So, what’s the point? The point is, are we willing to examine what we are celebrating? Are we celebrating Jesus by living a life of service and humility? Or are we so caught up in the “Madison Avenue” glitter and greed that Jesus is a secondary issue of Christmas rather than the center of our celebration? If I might make some suggestions, why not “consider” some new traditions for your family that involve “giving” as well as “getting”.

–Serving in your local Salvation Army Christmas Dinner ministry.

–Helping in a local food bank on a regular basis.

–Participating in an “Angel Tree” ministry for the needy.

–Taking baby gifts to your local Pregnancy Resource Center to enable them to continue to offer the choice of life instead of abortion.

–Taking blankets and/or coats where the homeless in your area stay.

–Making a meal for an invalid and delivering it along with some Christmas Carols.

–Going to the hospital and singing carols through the halls (with permission of course).

–Taking gifts and carols to the children’s ward of your local hospital (again with permission).

–Making cookies to deliver to service people on Christmas day—i.e., the police station, fire department, nurses, convenience store clerks or other who have to work.

You get the idea, begin to “consider your ways” and bring them in line with the heart of God, our God who loves people:

“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.” John 3:16

And my dear friends, that is the greatest thing that you and I need to “consider” about our ways. Do we know Jesus? If we know Jesus, are we reflecting His heart to the world? Or are we so consumed with the greed of the world that we’ve lost sight of the true message of Christmas—Christ Jesus who came that we might have life:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

So, as you and I “consider our ways” I pray that we will allow God to direct or ‘re’direct our steps to be all that He has called us to be, and that is His hands and feet to a world in desperate need of JESUS!!! To join with James and have that “living faith”, not a faith in “talk” only!

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James 2:14-18

God’s glory? Or greed? It’s your choice, but be sure and “consider your ways”!