Christmas Opener: Just Come Home from NewSpring Production on Vimeo.
Monday, December 28, 2009
100 entries!!!
I have officially reached my goal of 100 blog entries for the year!!! Yeah!!! I know not all of them have been actual thoughts of mine but I have tried to at least put something interesting on the blog each time. For example...check out this video that was played at Newspring during their Christmas series...good stuff...
Advent-Christmas Eve
The final Advent devotion this year was not one that I wrote out but is one we talked about at our Christmas Eve service.
Luke 2:41-52
41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
42And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.
43And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it,
44but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances,
45and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.
46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress." 49And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?"
50And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.
51And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
At a very early age Jesus showed that His life was all about ministry. To Him ministry was listening to the Father and doing what He said. Jesus gives us some simple commands. Love God and others. Make disciples. Sometimes we try to make life waaaaay too complicated. Everything boils down to those simple things. Life is ministry. You may not be in a paid position somewhere but as a believer in Jesus Christ you are a minister. Listen to Him and do what He says.
Luke 2:41-52
41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
42And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.
43And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it,
44but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances,
45and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.
46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress." 49And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?"
50And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.
51And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
At a very early age Jesus showed that His life was all about ministry. To Him ministry was listening to the Father and doing what He said. Jesus gives us some simple commands. Love God and others. Make disciples. Sometimes we try to make life waaaaay too complicated. Everything boils down to those simple things. Life is ministry. You may not be in a paid position somewhere but as a believer in Jesus Christ you are a minister. Listen to Him and do what He says.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Promise-Advent #4
The Promise
Luke 2:25-33 (English Standard Version)
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;30for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."
33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.
Devotion
God is the keeper of His promises. If God says it then it must be true. It may be hard for some people to wrap their minds around those statements. After many disappointments in life it becomes easy to not trust anyone. Broken promises can harden our hearts towards people and even toward God.
Simeon lived a long time with only a promise to hang on to. The promise was he would one day see with his own eyes the salvation of the Lord. We don’t know how long he waited but we do know that eventually God fulfilled His promise.
No matter what anyone else says, we serve a perfect, all-knowing, faithful God. He always keeps His promises. He always has and He always will. He is not like anyone else.
Jesus said, “I am with you always.”
Jesus said, “Yes, I am coming quickly.”
This advent season we celebrate a God who refuses to leave us by ourselves and who promises that one day we will see Him face to face. We can believe these promises and because of this we can celebrate with hope, joy, peace, and love.
Let us listen to the promises of Jesus this season and know they are true.
Prayer:
Dear Father, Help me to be like Simeon, a person who is so excited about seeing you that no matter how long it takes for You to return, I can wait with a sense of eager anticipation. I pray that You will help me to wait in such a way that I don't ever become ho-hum, callused, or just give lip service to Your return. I also pray that You will use me as you did Simeon, to be an example to others. I ask that You give me the desire to be a "righteous" and "devout" person, and that others will recognize those qualities, benefit by my actions, and as a result come to a saving knowledge of Your Son, Jesus. Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness, Your promises, for loving me unconditionally, and always being with me. Help me to be a "light" for You as I eagerly wait for Your return.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
(prayer written by Rev. Jim Crouse)
Luke 2:25-33 (English Standard Version)
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;30for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."
33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.
Devotion
God is the keeper of His promises. If God says it then it must be true. It may be hard for some people to wrap their minds around those statements. After many disappointments in life it becomes easy to not trust anyone. Broken promises can harden our hearts towards people and even toward God.
Simeon lived a long time with only a promise to hang on to. The promise was he would one day see with his own eyes the salvation of the Lord. We don’t know how long he waited but we do know that eventually God fulfilled His promise.
No matter what anyone else says, we serve a perfect, all-knowing, faithful God. He always keeps His promises. He always has and He always will. He is not like anyone else.
Jesus said, “I am with you always.”
Jesus said, “Yes, I am coming quickly.”
This advent season we celebrate a God who refuses to leave us by ourselves and who promises that one day we will see Him face to face. We can believe these promises and because of this we can celebrate with hope, joy, peace, and love.
Let us listen to the promises of Jesus this season and know they are true.
Prayer:
Dear Father, Help me to be like Simeon, a person who is so excited about seeing you that no matter how long it takes for You to return, I can wait with a sense of eager anticipation. I pray that You will help me to wait in such a way that I don't ever become ho-hum, callused, or just give lip service to Your return. I also pray that You will use me as you did Simeon, to be an example to others. I ask that You give me the desire to be a "righteous" and "devout" person, and that others will recognize those qualities, benefit by my actions, and as a result come to a saving knowledge of Your Son, Jesus. Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness, Your promises, for loving me unconditionally, and always being with me. Help me to be a "light" for You as I eagerly wait for Your return.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
(prayer written by Rev. Jim Crouse)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
world of adventure
I love this picture!!!! Right now it is the background on my computer. Others have seen it and love it also. It's just a really cool picture. However, today I realized that there's more to it than that. At 3 years old my daughter has a lifetime of adventure and opportunity ahead of her. She will test some waters.
There will be times when she will dive right in.
There will be moments when the waves will be over her head.
There will be beauty.
There will be noise.
There will be places to go.
Through it all she will have a daddy that is right behind her.
Encouraging her.
Supporting her.
Loving her.
Watching her.
Enjoying the moments.
Guarding her.
Laughing with her.
I love being a dad. It seems like when I start having those overwhelming paternal feelings God taps me on the shoulder and says, "You're my child too."
Wow! Thank you God for always loving,
always encouraging,
always guarding,
always supporting,
always watching,
always being God.
Tiger Woods
Everywhere you turn lately everyone seems to be reporting on Tiger Woods and his family. You hear more about them than what's going on in the Middle East with Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc...
I have to admit that I am becoming more and more frustrated. I don't really want to hear any more about it but every time I check the news there seems to be a new development that they can not wait to tell me about.
Then today I found the following two posts on one of my favorite blogs.
Here's the first one that brought back some memories of several years ago.
Now read the followup to that. I think we all need to read this one from time to time.
Wow! We all need a savior! This Christmas we celebrate His birth! Thank you, LORD!!!!!
I have to admit that I am becoming more and more frustrated. I don't really want to hear any more about it but every time I check the news there seems to be a new development that they can not wait to tell me about.
Then today I found the following two posts on one of my favorite blogs.
Here's the first one that brought back some memories of several years ago.
Now read the followup to that. I think we all need to read this one from time to time.
Wow! We all need a savior! This Christmas we celebrate His birth! Thank you, LORD!!!!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Community-Advent #3
Luke 2:8-20 (English Standard Version)
The Shepherds and the Angels
"8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."
Devotion
One angel’s announcement made way for a host of angels praising God together. The news they shared that night was given to a group of individuals. Shepherds knew what it meant to be together. They worked together and ate together. They lived life, one day at a time, together. So when they received the good news that a Savior was born they immediately went to find Him and worship Him…together.
The Bible calls the church “the Body of Christ.” We can only be a body if we have many, multi-varied members. Raising our different voices together is to follow the example of the angels in a Holy Activity.
Together God uses us to bring glory to Himself. It may be in song, in corporate prayer, or even through lending a helping hand. Together we can celebrate this advent season by encouraging each other towards our Lord and Savior just as the shepherds did that starry night long ago.
Prayer-
Father God,
During this Christmas season may you instill in us a spirit of oneness that speaks to our love for you and bring glory to your name. As the body of Christ may you give us the vision to look beyond our personal needs, problems and opinions in order to see into the hearts and lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Show us how to encourage one another on towards love and good deeds, and may we do it as long as it's called today. Help us to remember that how we love and encourage one another is our greatest testimony to an unbelieving world.
In Jesus Name we pray,
Amen.
(prayer by Rev. Ken Latimore)
The Shepherds and the Angels
"8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."
Devotion
One angel’s announcement made way for a host of angels praising God together. The news they shared that night was given to a group of individuals. Shepherds knew what it meant to be together. They worked together and ate together. They lived life, one day at a time, together. So when they received the good news that a Savior was born they immediately went to find Him and worship Him…together.
The Bible calls the church “the Body of Christ.” We can only be a body if we have many, multi-varied members. Raising our different voices together is to follow the example of the angels in a Holy Activity.
Together God uses us to bring glory to Himself. It may be in song, in corporate prayer, or even through lending a helping hand. Together we can celebrate this advent season by encouraging each other towards our Lord and Savior just as the shepherds did that starry night long ago.
Prayer-
Father God,
During this Christmas season may you instill in us a spirit of oneness that speaks to our love for you and bring glory to your name. As the body of Christ may you give us the vision to look beyond our personal needs, problems and opinions in order to see into the hearts and lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Show us how to encourage one another on towards love and good deeds, and may we do it as long as it's called today. Help us to remember that how we love and encourage one another is our greatest testimony to an unbelieving world.
In Jesus Name we pray,
Amen.
(prayer by Rev. Ken Latimore)
Friday, December 11, 2009
Way too many...
Romans 10:14-17 (New American Standard Bible)
"14How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
15How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"
16However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?"
17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."
There are way too many people dying without knowing Christ. Sometimes we don't say anything because we label ourselves by what we think we are NOT.
Not a preacher.
Not an evangelist.
Not outgoing.
Not good in front of people.
Not one to intrude into other people's lives.
There are way too many people dying without knowing Christ.
We do our best every week to present the Word of God in a way that people can come to know Him or know Him better. Who have you invited to church lately? You may not be any of the things listed above but you can invited someone.
You CAN encourage someone.
You CAN point towards Christ.
You CAN bring someone to church.
You CAN overcome the excuses.
You CAN make disciples of those around you that God has placed there.
There are way too many people dying without knowing Christ!
"14How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
15How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"
16However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?"
17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."
There are way too many people dying without knowing Christ. Sometimes we don't say anything because we label ourselves by what we think we are NOT.
Not a preacher.
Not an evangelist.
Not outgoing.
Not good in front of people.
Not one to intrude into other people's lives.
There are way too many people dying without knowing Christ.
We do our best every week to present the Word of God in a way that people can come to know Him or know Him better. Who have you invited to church lately? You may not be any of the things listed above but you can invited someone.
You CAN encourage someone.
You CAN point towards Christ.
You CAN bring someone to church.
You CAN overcome the excuses.
You CAN make disciples of those around you that God has placed there.
There are way too many people dying without knowing Christ!
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Monday, December 07, 2009
The Message-Advent #2
The Message
Luke 1:26-38 (English Standard Version)
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
34And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"
35And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. 36And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God." 38And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Have you ever felt honored and humbled all at the same time? From the first words of Gabriel’s message to the end Mary was informed that an impossible event was about to fall on her. She had been chosen to carry the Holy Son of God. How overwhelming, especially for such a young girl!
Every parent knows how huge the task is. How do I make sure this child is healthy? Am I feeding him enough? Is she getting enough tummy time? Is he sleeping too much? Is he sleeping too little? I’m sure Mary had all of these questions and more.
But Gabriel also offered words of assurance.
“The Lord is with you.”
“He will be great.”
“Nothing will be impossible with God.”
The message Gabriel poured into Mary was one of an overwhelming task surrounded by an almighty God.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 28 to “go and make disciples.” Our task is overwhelming. Our minds and hearts fill with questions. Where? How? When? But Jesus goes on to say “I am with you always.” This is not a task we figure out on our own. It is a lifestyle that happens while walking with our Lord and Savior.
What is the message you hear God telling you this Christmas Season? Whatever God is calling you to this season do not forget the Almighty God is with you.
Prayer-
Our Father,
Our lesson today is a link in the chain of promise. It assures us that we, too, have a job to do. While our task may seem overwhelming we are reminded that You are with us. Just as You prepared Mary for her task, You have prepared us for ours. Thank you for the tasks. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your assurance that you will “never leave us or forsake us.” Thank you for your promise to return for us soon, maybe today.
We humbly pray,
AMEN
(prayer written by Rev. Orville Harvey)
Luke 1:26-38 (English Standard Version)
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
34And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"
35And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. 36And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God." 38And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Have you ever felt honored and humbled all at the same time? From the first words of Gabriel’s message to the end Mary was informed that an impossible event was about to fall on her. She had been chosen to carry the Holy Son of God. How overwhelming, especially for such a young girl!
Every parent knows how huge the task is. How do I make sure this child is healthy? Am I feeding him enough? Is she getting enough tummy time? Is he sleeping too much? Is he sleeping too little? I’m sure Mary had all of these questions and more.
But Gabriel also offered words of assurance.
“The Lord is with you.”
“He will be great.”
“Nothing will be impossible with God.”
The message Gabriel poured into Mary was one of an overwhelming task surrounded by an almighty God.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 28 to “go and make disciples.” Our task is overwhelming. Our minds and hearts fill with questions. Where? How? When? But Jesus goes on to say “I am with you always.” This is not a task we figure out on our own. It is a lifestyle that happens while walking with our Lord and Savior.
What is the message you hear God telling you this Christmas Season? Whatever God is calling you to this season do not forget the Almighty God is with you.
Prayer-
Our Father,
Our lesson today is a link in the chain of promise. It assures us that we, too, have a job to do. While our task may seem overwhelming we are reminded that You are with us. Just as You prepared Mary for her task, You have prepared us for ours. Thank you for the tasks. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your assurance that you will “never leave us or forsake us.” Thank you for your promise to return for us soon, maybe today.
We humbly pray,
AMEN
(prayer written by Rev. Orville Harvey)
Friday, December 04, 2009
Friday randomness
- Be careful about taking things at face value. Check out Scot McKnight's post here.
- What a difference a year makes...see here.
- The coolest baby in the world here.
- Stocking stuffer idea here...OK this one is for me but you may enjoy it too. :-)
- This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent. Look for this week's devotion posted here on Monday morning.
Is Zechariah 4:6 really true?
I like to think of myself as a fairly competent person. If a problem arises I can think through it and come up with a course of action to solve it. I love information and learning new things. If there is something I don't know I can usually find someone who does so they can educate me in the matter.
I have put together enough furniture in our house to have a sense of accomplishment in that area. I am also certain this Christmas will provide several opportunities to install batteries, open difficult toy packaging, and simply "make it work Daddy".
In thinking through all of the above the word "I" keeps jumping out at me...reminding me of Zechariah 4:6...
Zechariah 4:6 (English Standard Version)
6"Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts."
Some times I realize that I have WAY too much confidence in myself and pay WAY too little attention to the real power of the universe...GOD's SPIRIT!!!!
What are you trying to accomplish today? What are you surrendering to the Holy Spirit today?
Notice a difference?
I have put together enough furniture in our house to have a sense of accomplishment in that area. I am also certain this Christmas will provide several opportunities to install batteries, open difficult toy packaging, and simply "make it work Daddy".
In thinking through all of the above the word "I" keeps jumping out at me...reminding me of Zechariah 4:6...
Zechariah 4:6 (English Standard Version)
6"Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts."
Some times I realize that I have WAY too much confidence in myself and pay WAY too little attention to the real power of the universe...GOD's SPIRIT!!!!
What are you trying to accomplish today? What are you surrendering to the Holy Spirit today?
Notice a difference?
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
questions
Asking questions is really an art form that way too many of us ignore. It's through asking questions that we really absorb as much around us as possible. When we ask...we get answers. When we get answers...we learn something new. When we learn something new...we grow. I'm all about growing but it does take a little bit of effort to get there.
Craig Groeschel has a great post here on asking the right questions. Do you have any productive questions you would add to his list?
Craig Groeschel has a great post here on asking the right questions. Do you have any productive questions you would add to his list?
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