by George | Dec 24, 2020 | Community News
The Best Gift
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:7
On a busy December afternoon, I discovered that a nail was making my tire go flat. So, I went to get it fixed at a local tire store.
While I was there, one of the young men recognized me and came over to greet me. I didn’t recognize him, but when he told me his name, I remembered. He was a child that used to attend the first church I pastored several years ago.
The young man told me he never forgot an object lesson I used one Christmas.
I smiled, amazed that he remembered my simple lesson after all these years. God had hidden His word in the young man’s heart….
Like I said, it was a simple object lesson.
I showed the kids 2 gifts. One was wrapped with fancy wrapping paper, ribbon and bow. The other, a plain brown paper sack.
I held them up for the kids and adults to see.
“Which one is the best gift?” I asked. (Some of the bright kids pointed to the brown paper sack!)
I opened the fancy gift, and there was nothing inside! Then, I opened the brown paper sack and showed them the contents, a miniature manger scene.
I explained the Christmas story to them. Reminding them that Jesus was born in something like a barn, not in a palace.
The Son of God left His home in heaven, came to this Earth as a little baby, born of a virgin. He was born to parents who were not wealthy. In other words, He became poor for us.
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”
II Corinthians 8:9
I explained to the kids and adults that Jesus became like us, identifying with our humanity. He grew up, lived a sinless life, and offered Himself for our sins.
I told them that the fancy box looked good, but it was empty, explaining that things of this Earth were like that. It’s empty without Christ. He came to give us life abundant.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10
This Christmas, let’s rejoice and thank God for the best gift of all, His Son Jesus Christ.
by George | Dec 21, 2020 | Community News
Abide
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
Facebook memories are great, aren’t they?
If you’ve had a Facebook account for sometime, you probably know about Facebook memories. A whole section is devoted to the stuff you posted last year on this date.
So, the other day, Facebook reminded me of this post from a few years ago.
“My mind was preoccupied this morning thinking about the Christmas parties we are doing in the neighborhoods and about the Easter egg hunts coming up in March, when I heard this verse in my Spirit. “Abide in Me… Apart from Me you can do nothing.” It’s important to spend time at the Master’s feet… Abiding… Resting in Him. I felt a great peace come over me.”
For me, this was a timely reminder. We have crossed over into December and suddenly we are getting busier and busier.
We get so busy that we forget to start off our days with God. When this happens, I feel like I don’t have the energy and strength for the challenges ahead. I’ve become disconnected from the power source.
So, what does it mean to abide? Brad Baurain explains:
“Abide” is not a word we use much today, so translations often replace it with other words such as “remain,” “continue,” or even “reside.” Abide means to make a firm decision to “stay in place.” The key idea is that we “stick close” to Christ, understanding that our life and fruitfulness depend upon Him.”
So, let’s take a few moments with the Master, drawing on His strength. Carry on a conversation with God throughout the day. Keep abiding in Him!–
by George | Dec 18, 2020 | Community News
Set Apart
“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 13:2
Set apart… If you’ve ever been to or participated in an ordination at church, you may have heard those words. “Brother Johnson has been set apart for the Gospel ministry.”
The Holy Spirit made it clear that Paul and Barnabas were called to do something for God. They were called to preach the Gospel but, they would have to do some traveling.
Paul and Barnabas didn’t get to stay in Jerusalem with the apostles.
The Bible seems to indicate that they didn’t waste any time.
“Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.”
Acts 13:3-4
Notice that they prayed before and after the Holy Spirit’s calling. This reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s direction and power.
Paul and Barnabas could have said, “No fair! How come we don’t get to stay home like the other apostles? I wish I had their calling!”
Nope. They went. It was a hard journey, but they gave it their all, and God blessed their efforts.
Being set apart is not only for ordinations, but I think it can be applied to everyday life.
What is your “calling?”
God has something unique for you to do. You may already be doing it. You can thrive wherever He has planted you.
Don’t compare yourself to others. Walk in the path God has placed you in.
Don’t forget to seek His direction.
You have been “Set apart!”
