John 17:20-23 – “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.  22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”  NKJV

In 1 Corinthians 13, commonly identified as the Love Chapter of the Bible, we find the characteristics of love.  This chapter provides a powerful look into our hearts and a pattern by which we should strive to live.  As revealed in the text above, the expressed desire and prayer of our LORD Jesus was for love to prevail in the Body of Christ and that we ALL BE ONE!

The Body of Christ is not divided, yet we see division, dissension, and discord among professing followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.  God’s Plan is Unity of the Faith.  Jesus came to give us life, and that life was to be Abundant, and He is our common ground. The greatest hindrance to the work of the Kingdom and personal spiritual development today is Disunity. Likewise, the devil would like nothing better than to destroy the local church, especially those who seek the Unity of the Spirit. 

I ask that you consider a few specifics that will benefit our Christian walk and warfare.

• Born-again People Constitute the Body of Christ.

Every truly born-again person is a member of the Body of Christ.  I am speaking specifically about the biblical experience of the “new birth” in Jesus Christ.  It begins with repentance – “Confess and Forsake.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if any man (person) is in Christ, he is a new creature (creation); the old things have passed away, behold, new things have come.”

We read in John 3:16 about God’s love and plan.  In Romans 10:9-10 we find confession of sin, and in verse 13, the revelation that “if” we call upon His name, we will be saved.  In 1 John 1:9, we read, “For if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Repentance is the full realization of one’s sin and a change of attitude, heart, and direction.  Biblical repentance involves conviction of sin, with a sense of condemnation, godly sorrow, and the forsaking of sin.  It is a 180-degree turn.

• God Extends Fellowship To All Believers.

Not just those who practice your particular brand of doctrine or preference.  God extends His fellowship to people of varying opinions about various doctrines.  He accepts them, but we often exclude them because they are not like us.  We are too often major on minors straining at gnats and swallowing camels.  The hand is not the ear, and the ear is not the eye.  We have different preferences, but we require the same air to breathe. 

• The Basis of Fellowship Is Life, Not Opinion.

It would serve us well to acknowledge and remember that all truly born-again believers have the same Spiritual Father.  That truth is the only hope we have of achieving that for which Jesus prayed, “That they all be one….”

Biblical Unity is not possible aside from Agape Love, our source of Hope and Unity.  That means our love for the Family of God will have to exceed our devotion to personal opinions and non-essentials to salvation.  Remember, Love Covers!  Love Covers!

I will tread on thin ice with some by saying that fellowship is more important than believing that you have the absolutely correct theology. Please, refrain from any thought that it is a call to compromise your convictions but realize that you might not be 100% accurate in everything. 

I believe that the greatest sin and hindrance in the Church is Disunity.  The problem of building walls and barriers and infighting among various elements of Christianity does far more harm and alienates more than virtually anything else.  God hates the sowing of discord among brothers. Having the right spirit is as important, if not more important, than making accurate decisions.

The Bible is so strong on Disunity and Discord that it says, “MARK THEM which cause divisions.” (Romans 16:17). The devil will never defeat the local church from the outside.  I conclude that Romans 16:17 says to mark one group of people, and Philippians 3:17 says to mark another group.  The first group is those who cause division, and the second group is those who set the right example.  Mark them both but avoid the first and flock to the second.   You can choose your attitude.

God bless you as you go through this day!

Hebrews 13:15-16 – “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  NASB

Each year on Christmas Day, it has been my heart’s desire and practice to set aside some time to reflect on God’s Gift to mankind and His goodness to my family and me during the year.  I have had numerous people ask me to participate in a specific time to pause all festivities and engage in a time of Thanksgiving and Praise to the Lord on this special day.  All that is good and worthy of involvement and consideration, yet I have one more thing to suggest.

On this day, the Day after Christmas, called Boxing Day in many parts of the world and celebrated in various forms, including giving to the poor and needy.  After you have opened all your presents and enjoyed the festivities with family and friends, I suggest that you take a moment to evaluate your blessings and determine to share something with those less fortunate.  I hope that you have already done this before Christmas Day, but if you have not, I encourage you to consider an endeavor that the Bible makes clear is pleasing to God and something that He routinely blesses – – Giving to the Needy. 

Maybe you received something that you do not need.  Rather than returning or exchanging it for something for yourself, consider taking it or the refund and doing something for those who did not have the wherewithal to celebrate this day with gifts for their children or family. They may need food, clothing, or shelter, and your contribution, regardless of how small, would make a meaningful difference in their lives today. Perhaps you do not know of anyone in that condition or situation, but I would suggest that your church does some of the local charities that are worthy and honorable, or maybe friends, family, or neighbors do.  Ask, and you might be surprised how near to your physical local the needy are.

I am not trying to shame anyone into doing something but simply suggesting that we count our blessings and then consider the possibility of giving a blessing to someone who is not as fortunate or blessed as we are today. It will be an excellent catalyst into the coming year, propel you to even greater heights in your spiritual journey, and may even be a significant factor in your financial development in the coming year.

Jesus said that we would always have the poor with us, so we are not going to stamp out poverty and need, but we can be aware of it and minister to it when it is revealed to us and within our ability to do so. 

May God bless you and provide you with a joyous and happy New Year!

Today many are celebrating with family in the warmth of their homes, opening presents and preparing to partake of the holiday feast prepared or being prepared.  Sadly, there are others alone, cold, penniless, and destitute.  Some of them have lost all hope.  I ask that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers and if you have not already, plan to help someone in need, if not today, soon.  Christmas is about Love, Caring, and Giving, and how better to manifest the Spirit of Christmas than by reaching out to someone in need?

I only offer this poem below that I wrote 17 years ago when I encountered parathyroid cancer and experienced a work of God the surgeon called a miracle.  As I sat in my truck at lunch praying and reading scripture, I felt a warmth cover my body and knew in my heart that God had removed the remnant of cancer. 

I had undergone surgery, but it did not appear that all had been removed.  A second surgery was planned, and about two weeks before the surgery, this experience occurred when the PTH and calcium levels were checked. They had gone from the high to the low side of the normal scale. 

The doctor said, “This does not happen medically.”  He then said, “I think we know who did this.”  We proceeded with the second surgery to repair some things and check everything; from that day to this, all have been normal.  Each Christmas, I remember the rich blessing of life that God has given me, and I give Him all the praise.

I give this poem as my gift and pray that God grants you a most joyous Christmas.  As I bid you adieu for the day, I depart shouting – – M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S!!!

TWILIGHT AND MIDNIGHT CHRISTMAS…

When we are young, and life is like a flowering tree

We think only of the moment; what’s in it for me?

Christmas is a time of anticipation.

Youthful joy and full of expectation

What will we get? What can we do?

It’s all about me and little about you.

Then in our teens, those rebellious years.

We bring to our parents exquisite joy and rivers of tears/

Christmas is a time of anticipation

Youthful joy and full of expectation.

Why can’t I go off with my friends and see

What this world can offer me?

Then as young adults with children of our own

We are now parents, and the worry to us belongs.

Christmas is a time of our children’s anticipation

Waiting to see if we fulfilled their every expectation.

If you fail, this you will hear, “But I wanted the latest and hottest fad

I didn’t get it now; I am mad.”

Then come the twilight years.

You are alone to face all your fears.

Children and grandchildren are grown with families of their own.

It’s Christmas, and you are alone,

Forgotten, it seems, with no one to share

Life’s little joys for no one does care.

Remember this in your Christmas of twilight.

As you turn inward and are filled with the darkness of night.

It’s not the specific day that makes it so dear

It’s not even the time of the year.

It’s that your family has set one day aside.

To join you and celebrate Christmas there by your side.

© Roy Beaird – 2005

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Peace on Earth, Good Will To All… MAY 2023 be joyous, productive, prosperous, and powerful!

Luke 2:1-3 –“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.” NKJV

The prophets of old had declared that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, and had not Augustus, an evil tyrant, made his decree, Mary & Joseph would not have been there where Jesus would be born in fulfillment of the prophetic word. 

Isn’t it amazing how God will use the base things of this life to achieve His purposes?  While I never applaud evil governments or tyrants, I applaud this event in that it helped facilitate the purposes of God, and we would have a day that we would come to celebrate as Christmas in honor of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ the Savior!

I do not know what was going on in the hearts of Mary and Joseph that night as the time of delivery neared.  I know the Bible tells us that Mary pondered things in her heart regarding this child and the words of the Angel from God. 

So, as we stand on the Eve of the day that we have set aside to celebrate the birth of our Messiah, let us allow the anticipation and excitement that heaven must have had to flood our hearts and, on the morrow, when we gather around the tree or whatever your custom is considered the “Reason for the Season.” 

I have had people tell me, “Christmas is for kids.”  But I beg to differ; it is for mankind. It is for Redemption, Restoration, and LIFE!  It is for Remembrance of what the birth of Jesus meant then and now.  Without that event, we would still be in darkness, bound by the powers of darkness and slaves to the devil.  But because of a cold, dark, meager stable as a place, we have Hope because, in those surroundings, the King of kings and Lord of lords came into this world for the express purpose of Redeeming that which was lost – You and Me!

So, on this Christmas Eve, allow your mind to entertain the real reason for this holiday, and I believe that it will transform your heart and mind and even your relationship with others.  It will most assuredly make this day and tomorrow even more special to you!

With that, I say MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.  May the richest and best blessings of the Lord be yours this Christmas, and may Jesus become the focal point of all you do as you reflect on God’s incredible love! 

God Bless, and have a Happy and Safe Christmas!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  NKJV

Most of the time, I understand what someone is saying when they say, “I have a new revelation from God.”  Rarely are they declaring they have received or uncovered something extra-biblical or even something not heretofore revealed?  After all, the writer of Ecclesiastes declared that there is nothing new under the sun.  (1:9). There is no additional Bible beyond what we have; God has not and will not change. 

However, if we understand revelation in the biblical sense as “God’s disclosure of Himself and His will to His creatures and His communication of truth to the human heart.”  Then it becomes much more commonplace or should.  I sometimes see something I have never before seen or heard discussed, which is a new revelation.  It is not new in the sense that it was not always in the word and open for others or even that no one else has seen it, but it is new to me.

Psalms 19:1 reveals, “The heavens declare the glory of God.”  Romans 1:18-25 declares that God reveals Himself through nature; therefore, all are without excuse.  That does not mean that God will not or does not open our understanding to something entirely new for us and enable us to teach and bring others to that knowledge that is revelatory.  God is still speaking today, but caution is to be exercised.

Relying on a New Revelation that is extra-biblical is what produced many of the false religions and sects practiced today with tenets that are contradictory to the written Word of God, the Bible. 

We are told in Deuteronomy 4:2, “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it….”  In 23:32, we read, “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.”  Psalm 30:6, “Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”  Then the clincher in Revelation 22:18-19, “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

Therefore, I believe that God is still speaking to human hearts revealing Himself more fully and teaching us His ways more clearly. However, whatever New Revelation we receive will be consistent with the teachings of the Bible and verifiable in the Bible.  It is disturbing that some are running here and there seeking a New Revelation rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to plant them where they can grow, develop, and produce fruit. 

If I see something I have never seen before, it is New to Me, and I become excited and want to share it with everyone.  Some have declared at my presentation of this New Revelation that it was indeed a New Revelation, and people would flock to hear it.  

I have witnessed situations in today’s church world where people become bored unless the minister declares that they have a New Revelation.  They then look elsewhere for someone who could claim a New revelation.  In that sense, the terminology has harmed the Body of Christ.  However, the fact that we go decades in too many churches without seeing something new or beyond what we had seen before also speaks of death, not life.  We should strive to be open to the Holy Spirit so that He can guide us into ALL TRUTH and never be satisfied or become complacent where we are. 

God bless you as you go through this day!

Genesis 3:21 – “Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.”  NKJV

This is the first recorded sacrifice in the Bible, and it comes After man has sinned in the Garden.  It is a type and picture of what is to come to cover sinful man.  God supplied the animal and shed its blood using the skin to make coverings for Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness.  In one short sentence, we get a glimpse of what is to come through the sacrificial death of the LORD Jesus on the Cross for the nakedness (sin) of mankind.

Biblical Hermeneutics has what is called “The Law of First Mention” and affords us a powerful basis for developing a doctrine or defining a principle in God’s Word.  In this case, it gives us a valuable key to the meaning of sacrifice in the Bible and points to the Cross.  The Law of First Mention can be understood as “the first use of a word, phrase or incident in and gives a key to the exact meaning everywhere else in the Bible.”  If we apply it to this verse, we discover three basic things:

• Salvation Must Be Of The Lord.
• It Must Be by the Death of an Innocent Substitute.
• It Must Be by Blood.

Every acceptable sacrifice must meet those conditions and cannot be man’s work but God’s.  It cannot be the fig leaves of man’s own righteousness but the bloody skins of God’s providing.  Abel’s sacrifice met the condition of Genesis 3:21, but Cain’s did not.

Noah took one of the clean animals God had commanded him to take seven.  Abraham was prepared to slay his son when God showed him a ram in the thicket, so God provided the sacrifice.  It Must be God’s gift, as we see in John 3:16. It Must be by the death of an innocent sacrifice, as was Jesus, as detailed in 1 Peter 2:22-24.  It Mut be by blood, as Peter declares in, I Peter 1:18-20

The Blood is indispensable for salvation!  Since God is perfectly and completely holy, sin can never be passed over without the satisfaction of Divine Justice.  Sin is, at its root, a rebellion against God.  That is why Jesus had to go to the Cross; he was and is our substitute and payment for sin.  His innocent blood liberates from the legal claim of the devil, and through the Blood of Jesus, man is repurchased, and entry into the family of God is made possible but only by the Blood.

Remember when the Children of Israel made the Golden Calf and worshipped it?  Moses took the image, melted it, ground it to powder, put it in water, and made Israel drink it.  In Deuteronomy 9, there is a more elaborate detail of what transpired.  Moses took the gold, melted it, stamped it, ground it a second time, put it in a brook, and made Israel drink.  He then took some of the water out of the brook and offered it to God for the Blood Atonement of the sins of Israel.  

Gold is insoluble in water as it is nineteen times heavier with a specific gravity of 19.5.  In fine powder form, it assumes a colloidal condition and water results in a coloration.  As the particles are made finer and finer, it acquires an “apparent” specific gravity permitting their suspension in water and takes on a “rose-colored” appearance.  All that Moses did to the gold would have resulted in a blood-red solution and possessed purifying qualities.  It was a type of Christ and His shed blood.

One more thing must be said.  Moses made atonement, and God accepted it, but Only those who, by faith, appropriated it were saved.  The others died.  That is strongly suggested in Exodus 32:26-28.  Jesus died for every man, woman, boy, and girl in the world who has lived, is living, and will live, but Only those who, by faith, appropriate it receive Salvation.

The Cross is found in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and the Blood of Jesus is an indispensable element in the message of Salvation or The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  My question is simple but vital, “Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb?”  If not, I urge you to turn to Him today, for “now is the accepted time, and today is the day of salvation.”

God bless you as you go through this wonderful day!

Proverbs 17:1 – “Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife.” NKJV

Some people are so driven to attain what the world views as success that they will endure almost anything to achieve that lofty perch.  Having possessions does not necessarily equate to happiness, contentment, or success.  If your pursuit of things creates an environment that produces strife, true success is a million miles away!  As this passage states, it would be better to have a meager existence with Peace than to have everything that money could buy and live in Turmoil. 

If you live in strife, you will never know the Peace of God that passes all human understanding.  If you live in strife, you will never grow spiritually the way God wants you to.  You will find that you spend more time, thought, and energy on resolving problems, harboring resentments, or fighting feelings of despondency and depression than you do basking in the light of God’s love, mercy, and grace. 

Please do not take this as a treatise on living in poverty and not having things. It is not!  Instead of allowing things to control you and drive you, let the Spirit of God have your full attention.  That is why Jesus said in Matthew 6:33-34 – “… seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” NKJV

You cannot buy peace with money or any other earthly commodity. It comes from God through the channel of a surrendered heart.  It is the result of allowing God to take the lead in your life and determining to live according to His direction and under His guidance.  Peace is one of the most valuable things that any human could gain.  When we have Peace within, we grow spiritually and are most effective in life in every facet.

So, instead of focusing on what you have or do not have in life with regard to earthly possessions, focus on what you have in and through God!  That shift in focus will radically transform your life and touch everyone around you.  Try it, and you will find that what I am saying is truth!

May the Lord bless you as you go through your day, my prayer!

Philippians 4:8-9 – “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”  NKJV

I have often said, “You are not what you think you are, but you are a product of what you think.”  We are a product of our thinking because our thought lives will produce attitudes, and attitudes will produce actions, and actions will shape our character.  Therefore, we are a product of our thoughts!  What we dwell on will determine our attitude, altitude, and aptitude.

The apostle Paul gives us some specific things to fill our minds with:

• Truth.

Jesus answered the question about “What is truth?” telling us that Thy Word Is Truth in speaking to the Father.  Truth is a liberator and something that we should seek and fill our minds with.

• Noble Things.

Honorable things, moral things, things worthy of a life that professes to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

• Pure Things.

The pure in heart will see God.

• Lovely Things.

Not just things pleasing to the eyes but things pleasing to the heart of God.

• Good Reports.

There is so much negativity in the world today. With today’s political, economic, and world situation, it is difficult not to be negative, but we should seek to hear and give “Good Reports.”  They uplift the heart and spirit.

• Things of Virtue.

In an amoral and immoral world, oh, how we need “virtue.”

• Things that are Praiseworthy.

Take time to give not only Praise to God but to your fellow man.  You will be amazed at how much it affects your attitude and relationships.

He tells us to Meditate or Think on or about these things and the things that were learned from him and seen in his life, and the result will be that the God of Peace will be with us.  If we need anything today, it is GOD!  We need the Peace of God to flood our hearts and minds amidst the chaos in our present world.

So, if you are struggling, why not take this prescription and “Think on these things!”  I believe that you will be more than pleasantly surprised at the outcome. 

May God bless you as you go through your day!

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” NKJV

Like many in the Bible, this is a short passage that we often quote but generally do not fully believe.  I know that is a bit harsh, but my statement is true.  This passage is either “truth” or “fiction.”  If it is Truth, we must begin “walking it out in reality” in our lives.  If it is Fiction, we can toss it aside along with the rest of the New Testament and forget this thing called Christianity.  I believe it to be the Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth!

Now the larger question is not what I believe about this passage but whether I am “walking it out in reality?”  The answer is probably not often enough, and I confess that to my shame.  I genuinely do believe that there is Noting Impossible with God.  I believe that All Things Are Possible to those who believe! 

Tragically, too often, we allow our feelings, emotions, physical restraints, financial confinements, or something else to hinder us from grabbing that truth and running with it boldly in the Power of God.  That ought not to be so!  If God has declared it as a Promise for us and a word of encouragement, then we should honor His Promise by Living it in this present world.

It is not saying that we can do it in and of ourselves.  It says that we can do it Through and only Through Christ and His strength.”  That is dramatically different and cannot be overlooked.  His strength is made perfect in my weakness or puts another way – when I realize that I cannot do it in my own power, I am open to His demonstration of power.  I am more willing to trust His strength, knowledge, wisdom, and power!  I stop relying on the “arm of flesh” and lean to the “arm of God.”  Therein is the key to victory in ALL THINGS!

Even if your faith originated with God, it is not the product of your hard work, great piousness, or somehow earning it.  Faith is a heavenly commodity extended to earth as God speaks, and as we Hear what God says, we receive that infusion of faith. Then as we Respond to what we have heard, faith is released and manifested in this present world and our present situations.  It beings with God and ends with God; you and I are simply vehicles through which His Faith is carried in this world.

Therefore, as you face obstacles and opposition in life, Do Not turn to your own understanding, strength, wisdom, or power. Run to Him!  In Him, we live and move and have our being.  In Him, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.  In Him, we can do all things!

May God be with you as you go through this day!  Blessings!