Author: rbeaird

MERRY CHRISTMAS – 2016


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Today is the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Whether it is the actual day which He was born is not what is most important.  The more important is the WHAT and WHY we celebrate this day.  In our celebration we are recognizing that God in His incredible love cared enough for mankind that the He was willing for Jesus to come to earth, born of a woman and live among men.  This Jesus would not only have a miraculous birth where the seed of God would be implanted in a virgin maiden and the immaculate conception would transpire and that child would grow to be a man, live a sinless life, and offer Himself a ransom for ‘whosoever will come’ in repentance and faith and receive the forgiveness of sin.

Christmas is the Greatest Gift.  It was the gift of incredible love, given by God to mankind.  The gift we should offer in return is our lives our entire being to Him.  He gave us Hope of Life, what greater gift could be given to human beings than Forgiveness of Sin, Eternal Life, and Fellowship with our Creator?  Today, we celebrate Christmas and through the years I have had children and adults ask me about Christmas and the most frequently asked question is probably, “When Will It Be Christmas?”  With that thought in mind, I wrote the following and now share it with you.  As you read I trust the Holy Spirit will quicken the meaning of Christmas to your heart and cause the Love of God to well up within your being and you discover not only WHEN but WHAT and WHY Christmas.   MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

WHEN WILL IT BE CHRISTMAS?

 

When it be, Christmas asked the little boy

As he longed for that wished-for toy.

The anticipation for a child can be quite the trial

I remember my children’s anticipation with a joyous smile.

Their little hearts so eager to see

What might be under the Christmas tree!

 

Some years ago, a discussion I shall never forget

Those around the table offered lament and regret.

Christmas, to them, was not a time of glee

It was a time from which they wanted to flee.

The hustle, the bustle, the push, and the shove

Christmas, to them, was anything but the Season of love.

 

One laughed and said can we postpone Christmas this year?

My kids are asking, when will Christmas be here?

She said I hate this Season more than the rest

My patience, are severely put to the test.

This is not what Christmas was as a child,

And a tear ran down her cheek as wearily she smiled.

 

When will it be Christmas you might inquire?

When will we experience that, which will inspire?

The question of when is valid as an end

But what and why must be where we begin.

What is Christmas and Why?

The beginning of wisdom is my cry.

 

In the What we understand it was the Messiah’s birth.

When the Son of God would become man on the earth.

In the Why, I discover God’s love for me

Jesus was born to live and die so I could be free.

What speaks of the event of his birth and the why of His love?

Transforming, redeeming Grace from above.

 

As I discover the What of Christmas I see

A savior born who would rescue me.

As I discover the Why of Christmas I realize

The gift of love, that heavenly prize.

When is it Christmas, if you ask me

It is when from the shackles of sin, we are free.

 

When is it Christmas one might inquire?

It is when love ignites an inside fire.

When is it Christmas you might request?

It is when love is put to the test.

When is it Christmas for you and me?

Every day of the year when in our lives, Jesus we see.

© Roy Beaird –  2016

It is my prayer and desire that this day and every day of the year you experience Christmas in your heart and demonstrate Christmas to others.  Let the Love Light Shine brightly in your life as we conclude the year 2016 and embark on the journey that 2017 brings with its problems, promises, and possibilities.

God, bless you richly is my prayer and MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!

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HOW DO WE KNOW WHEN IT’S CHRISTMAS??? [Part Two]


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Luke 2:1-12 – “Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, ” Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  NASU

 

Back to our question, “How Do We Know When It’s Christmas?”  It seems that the calendar, government, commercialism, people, and even religion are insufficient to truly answer that question.  So where do we turn to find the answer?  I am convinced that to truly KNOW WHEN we must first KNOW WHAT and WHY!  We must view the celebration from Heaven’s point of view and in that we find the Reason and Cause for Celebration.  I am talking about Christmas not the tradition of exchanging gifts, etc. but CHRISTMAS!

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?

Is this just another of the many holidays recognized each year?  Is it a time for both hassle and pleasure in giving and receiving gifts?  It is a time for profit, merchandise, family gatherings, etc.  What is Christmas?   That is a worthy question I ask you to pursue with me.

Christmas is an Expression of God’s Love.  The birth of Jesus was God’s gift to humanity.  That child would grow up and perform the function of the Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World the Sacrifice for the sin of mankind.  The birth of Jesus revealed God’s incredible Love.  Christmas is Giving.  It originated with God in His gift to us, the first and best gift that could be given.  But what are we to give?  We are to give SELF both to God and to others.  We are to give GIFTS, not just token or reciprocal presents out of necessity or image, but the gift of help, love, concern, consideration, and friendship.  That is the Spirit of Christmas, LOVE, and GIVING.  Not giving for the return or reciprocation but out of love.  Christmas is Manifesting Love.  1 Corinthians 13 is a beautiful passage to read at this time of the year for it embodies what Christmas is all about.  Love cares.  Love acts according to ability, authority, and power.  Love does not falter or fail and is forever faithful.  GOD IS LOVE and He is the very center and foundation of CHRISTMAS which is LOVE.

Christmas is Living and living is a result of experience.  When we combine love and giving flowing from a heart in which Christ Jesus resides we have CHRISTMAS IN OUR HEARTS!  Christmas is Living in such a fashion as to demonstrate Christ’s love.  Christmas is Living in such a fashion as to always point to the Messiah.  Christmas is Living in such a manner as to prove that Christianity is real and works in practical application.

WHY CHRISTMAS?

Christmas’ purpose is to give Hope to mankind.  Christmas reveals the Hope of Access through Jesus.  Christmas expresses the Hope of Heaven through God’s Love and Grace.  Christmas declares the surety of God’s Promises.  Without this miraculous event, the Advent, the Birth of Jesus which we identify as Christmas we would have no basis for hope but because He came, lived, died, and rose from the dead WE HAVE HOPE!  We have CHRISTMAS!

WHEN IS CHRISTMAS?

From a legal, commercial, political, social, and even religious standpoint it is December 25th.  From a Spiritual standpoint, it is Christmas when the Spirit of Christian Love pervades our hearts and finds release and is demonstrated in our lives.  In truth, Christmas is Christ in us, Christ through us, and us in Christ!  It was Christmas (spiritually speaking) when Peter and John came to the Gate Beautiful and healed the lame man.  It was Christmas (spiritually speaking) when the woman at the well came to Jesus.

Christmas is in the Heart and its Spirit can and should last and find expression 365 days per year.  IT CAN BE CHRISTMAS TODAY and IT CAN BE CHRISTMAS next July.  Christmas is Christ in Us and Us in Christ!

            MERRY CHRISTMAS and God bless you richly is my prayer and desire!

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HOW DO WE KNOW WHEN IT’S CHRISTMAS???


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Luke 2:1-12 – “Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, ” Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  NASU

 

Christmas is one of the most, if not the most exciting time of the year for many people.  This time of the year there is a visible change in attitudes and activities usually beginning around the 1st week of December.  Some of the changes are real and some are nothing more than facades, but many people begin to speak and act in a “Christmassy Manner.”  It is truly a wonderful time of the year. Yet, there are so many arguments as to when Christmas really is, some become disillusioned, disheartened, and diverted from the season and its reason.  It is not always easy for the earnest inquirer to determine exactly WHEN IT IS CHRISTMAS!  Thus, my question, “How Do We Know When It Is Christmas?”

ACCORDING, TO OUR TRADITION – We determine that it is Christmas by the CALENDAR.

December 25th is Christmas according to the calendar.  It is printed in bright red letters on most calendars and this date is recognized as Christmas.  Many of us reserve a special place in our hearts on this date to celebrate the Birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ and we let the greeting MERRY CHRISTMAS ring!   But, is December 25th Christmas?  I am not interested in engaging in a debate as to the specific date of Christ’s birth in that question but simply asking is that Christmas?  Somehow, the date alone seems insufficient to make it Christmas!

ACCORDING TO OUR GOVERNMENT – We are told that the legal holiday for Christmas is December 25th.

Various amounts of time are allotted for holiday time off or vacation.  Most stores and places of business close their doors on that date and the festivities which transpire tell us that it is Christmas.  But, is that alone sufficient to truly identify when it is Christmas?  Is free time, parties, banquets, and festivities the true indicator of when Christmas comes?  Somehow, that seems to be lacking in truly identifying Christmas.

BASED ON COMMERCIALISM – We would think it is from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day.

The business world, even before Thanksgiving begins its push to market Christmas and we begin to see evidence of the Season in the stores, streets, and shops.  Trees are decorated, lights hung, tinsel streamers are visible, and wrapped presents visible.  We know that there is a change in the season upon us.  Each day we are informed of how many shopping days left until Christmas, all designed to enable us to accurately calculate when it’s Christmas.  But, are the decorations, advertising, slogans, jingles, sales, promotions, etc. a true indicator of when it is Christmas?

DO WE KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS THROUGH PEOPLE?

As we enter the final month of the year, increasingly people greet us with MERRY CHRISTMAS, or as the Politically Correct world would prefer we hear HAPPY HOLIDAYS or SEASONS GREETINGS instead.  We will see smiles where frowns have been the norm and a more charitable and caring attitude.  But, if this is our guide could they not do the same in July, October, or February and fool us?  Does a simple greeting make it Christmas?

IS RELIGION OUR GUIDE TO KNOWING WHEN IT IS CHRISTMAS?

Tragically, there is much difference of opinion and even dissension within Christendom over Christmas we are sometimes drawn away from the Reason for the Season with hairsplitting and theological or genealogical arguments it loses its luster.  Yet, even if we all agreed as to the time and place would that truly make it Christmas?

Thus, I come back to my original question, “How Do We Know When It’s Christmas?”  I am not going to give you my answer to that question today so you will have to stay tuned for the next devotional to hear my response.  However, I truly pray that you embrace the Reason for the Season and let the Joy of Christ flood your hearts and allow that which makes Christmas Merry flood your being.

            God, bless you is my prayer and desire!  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

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CHRISTMAS and AMERICAN PRESIDENTS…


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Proverbs 29:2 – “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”  NKJV

 

I realize this vignette from American history might not seem like an appropriate devotional but if you can and will hear my heart I hope you will understand why I have chosen this message.  The Birth of Christ is not just a historic event, a cause for national celebration but a paramount event for all mankind.  Many argue over the specific date Jesus born and some argue that He was nothing more than a mythical creation of man.  Those of us who believe the Bible and have received Christ as our Savior recognize the importance of His birth.  We may celebrate the anniversary of that birth differently but it’s importance and preciousness is held by all believers.

Christmas before the 20th Century in the White House was not an official event.  It was a private celebration by the sitting president where he and his family invited guests to celebrate with them.  The Pilgrims and Puritans believed there was no precedent for a public celebration of Christmas and since the Bible gave no specific date for the birth of Christ they considered any celebration of that holiday ‘pagan’.  Some still hold that view today.  In Massachusetts, a law was passed in 1659 – “Whosoever shall be found observing any such day as Christmas…shall pay for each offense five shillings as a fine to the country.”  That law was repealed in 1681, but the holiday was still not celebrated publicly.  As late as 1870 any student absent from school on Christmas Day faced suspension or expulsion for that offense.  By the late 1880’s, Christmas had become an accepted practice even in New England.

Christmas Trees did not become fixtures in the White House until 1889 introduced by President Benjamin Harrison.  In 1895, First Lady Frances Cleveland hung lights on the tree.  In 1901-1909 President Teddy Roosevelt banned Christmas trees from the White House for environmental reason, but in 1923 President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which continues to this day.  In 1929, First Lady Lou Henry Hoover began the custom of decorating an official tree in the White House, not just a personal one, a tradition continued by all First Ladies since.  In 1953, President Dwight Eisenhower sought out Hallmark Cards to assist him in creating a presidential Christmas Card, the beginning of the White House Christmas Card.  In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of Christmas themes and in 1963, the first Christmas card that contained an explicitly religious element was the Kennedy Christmas card, featuring a photo of a nativity scene set up in the East Room of the White House.  The Kennedy’s signed 30 cards before their final trip to Dallas and none of them were ever mailed. The National Christmas Tree that year was not lit until December 22nd because of a 30-day period of mourning following President Kennedy’s assassination.  In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was not lighted except for the top ornament in honor of the American hostages in Iran.  In 1981, President Ronald Reagan authorized the first official White House ornament, and copies were made available for public purchase.  In 1984, the Nativity Scene was allowed to return to the Pageant of Peace.  In 2001, the first White House Christmas card to contain a Scripture was chosen by First Lady Laura Bush with a quotation from Psalm 27, “Thy face, Lord, do I seek.  I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living.” 

President George & Martha Washington held formal receptions as well as festivities at Mt. Vernon which started at daybreak with a fox hunt and a mid-day feast that included Christmas Pie and Dancing and sometimes lasted for a full week.  President Andrew & Rachel Jackson had private Christmas celebrations and in 1834 the celebration included games, dancing, a grand dinner, and ended with an indoor snowball fight with specially made cotton-balls.  President Abraham & Mary Todd Lincoln in 1861 ministered to the wounded at Campbell’s and Douglas hospitals and in 1863, Tad Lincoln accompanied his father to the hospitals and the loneliness of the wounded soldiers inspired him to send books and clothing to the soldiers signed “From Tad Lincoln.”  President Herbert Hoover’s message to the Nation’s Christmas Tree Association was “Your annual Christmas held at the foot of a living tree antedating the birth of Christ, is a dramatic and inspiring event of national interest.  It symbolized and vivifies our greatest Christian festival with its eternal message of unselfishness, joy, and peace.”  President Franklin & Elanor Roosevelt included a Christmas message of Christ, Love, Peace, and Hope.  President Harry & Bess Truman always offered a strong Christian message in their Christmas Cards and messages to the nation.

What is my point?  Simply that America was founded as a nation that recognized the hand and providence of God in our beginning which is evidenced in our founding documents, our laws, and has been traditionally recognized by President after President.  As Americans, we need to rekindle the Spirit of Christmas and return to our roots if we are to impact the world positively as God desires and we are able.

As you prepare for your Christmas celebration(s) I pray that the Lord will rekindle in you that Spirit of Love that brought about the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and may Christmas reign in your hearts every day of the year!   May God, bless you richly is my prayer and MERRY CHRISTMAS is my wish!

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QUACKING WITH THE CROWD and FLYING WITH THE FLOCK… [Continued]


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Proverbs 23:7 – “For as he thinks within himself, so he is…”  NASU

 

In considering this subject and picking up where we left off last time as we discussed that We Become What We Think.  Today, I want us to go a step further and consider some additional realities in our pursuit to Soar like the Eagle rather than Quack in the Crowd and Fly with the Flock.

THE NUMBER ONE TARGET OF THE DEVIL IS OUR MINDS…

The devil knows that if he can keep us bound in our thought processes he can keep us from becoming what God has designed and desires.  Ephesians 6:10-11 declares, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”   The ‘wiles’ or ‘schemes’ of the devil is important to note.  The word comes from the Greek [methodia] from which we get the word method.  The Amplified renders it “strategies of the devil.”  We know from Scripture that the devil is crafty and utilizes a well-thought-out plan of attack.  He is never just shooting in the dark hoping to hit something.  We are told in (v.12) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…”  Satan operates in the realm of the mind and wants to inspire and induce negative, mediocre, non-challenging thinking.  In 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 he is called the “god of this world” and his activity is identified as “blinding minds.”  In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 we are instructed to take control of our thoughts, through the Holy Spirit.  As we do that and allow the reprogramming of our thought processes we can begin to Soar with God rather than Flying with the Flock and Quacking with the Crowd.

WE MUST CONSIDER THE BATTLE AND THE BATTLEGROUND…

The passage in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 utilizes military language and that imagery usually suggests physical combat.  Everything that takes place in this passage happens in the mind.  Let me offer an illustration that will help us see this truth.

In ancient days, cities were built inside thick and massive walls. The wall provided a formidable barrier to protect the city.  Before an alien force could conquer a city, it had to first overcome that protective shield. Towers were erected in strategic places along the wall for early warning and observation.  In times of battle, seasoned men with an understanding of military warfare would be positioned in those stations and from those vantage points could see the advancing forces and shout back strategies for a counterattack. In order for the enemy to take the city, several things had to become a reality. The wall had to be scaled or penetrated. The towers had to be invaded or taken down. The military men had to be destroyed or captured.  In the NASB there is a reference to “destruction of fortresses” and “destroying speculations.” 

If you understand this passage as representing the Wall around the Mind you gain an edge.  It is quite possible that speculations represent the reasoning (thought patterns or traditional thinking) which have been built in us by the enemy.  The immediate question should be, “How does God’s truth win this battle?”  These speculations that encompass our minds must be penetrated but how?  The Holy Spirit penetrates those walls with the truth of God’s Word and makes an opening.  Then, He (Holy Spirit) encounters, “Lofty things” which are mental blocks which have been erected against spiritual viewpoints.

The enemy encourages you and me to revert to carnal habits when under pressure, under attack, experiencing a trial or test.  These “Lofty things” are natural thinking and humanistic to the core.  Too many, for too long, have convinced themselves that they lack the ability or the risk is too great and failure is sure, therefore accepting the status quo is the only logical pathway.  Those Lofty Things must be cast down!  What is God’s Ultimate Goal for Us?  That we take every thought captive. God wants to transform those old thoughts that defeat us into new thoughts that liberate us.  He wants to REPROGRAM us.

Consider the commitment God is presenting to us.  He will take the old habits and old thought patterns and TRANSFORM them.  In our struggle to become like Him we face lust, pride, jealousy, envy, perfectionism, cynicism, and criticism.  God must penetrate those thought patterns, pull them down and break the chains that have us bound. There is Hope and He Can and Will Help.  God wants to enable us to take every thought CAPTIVE to the obedience of Christ and enable us to Soar like the Eagle rather than Fly with the Flock.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – “It is true that we live in the world, but we do not fight from worldly motives. The weapons we use in our fight are not the world’s weapons but God’s powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds.  We destroy false arguments; we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.”  TEV

What do we do?  First, we admit we need God’s help.  Next, we ask for God’s help.  Then we make the commitment to excellence.  May God, give you the wings of an eagle and enable you to soar to new heights.  Blessings as you enjoy this wonderful day in Jesus!

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QUACKING WITH THE CROWD…


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Proverbs 23:7 – “For as he thinks within himself, so he is…”  NASU

 

I, personally, desire to be an eagle and soar to those new and exhilarating and exciting heights that God has for me spiritually, emotionally, etc.  I have no desire to fly in a flock and quack with the crowd.  I want to rise above the level of mediocrity and the clutter this distressed world and enjoy God’s best.  That is my desire!  However, desire is very important but it is not sufficient.  If we are to accomplish this lofty goal, we MUST fight some fierce battles and endure some tremendous struggles.  It is important that we realize that WHAT and HOW we think is important.  Additionally, WHAT we think about is important and it is necessary that we gain control of our thought processes and bring them into captivity to the obedience of Christ.  We will find it necessary to learn to Think Clearly (uncluttered minds), Think Courageously (filled with faith and courage), and Think Confidently (I can through Him. Victorious thinking). 

You will not become an eagle by simply deciding you no longer want to Quack with the Crowd or Fly with the Flock.  It takes work, effort, commitment, and discipline.  It takes determination and it takes courage.  It takes Faith.  I heard an illustration a number of years ago, that was incredibly inspiring.

The story is told that Andrew Jackson’s boyhood friends just couldn’t understand how he became a famous general and then the President of the United States. They knew of other men who had greater talent but who never succeeded. One of Jackson’s friends said, “Why, Jim Brown, who lived right down the pike from Jackson, was not only smarter but he could throw Andy three times out of four in a wrestling match. But look where Andy is now.” Another friend responded, “How did there happen to be a fourth time? Didn’t they usually say three times and out?” “Sure, they were supposed to, but not Andy. He would never admit he was beat — he would never stay ‘throwed.’ Jim Brown would get tired, and on the fourth try Andrew Jackson would throw him and be the winner.” Picking up on that idea, someone has said, “The thing that counts is not how many times you are ‘throwed,’ but whether you are willing to stay ‘throwed’.” We may face setbacks, but we must take courage and go forward in faith. Then, through the Holy Spirit’s power, we can be the eventual victor over sin and the world. The battle is the Lord’s, so there is no excuse for us to stay “throwed”! 

             The world is full of people who give up too quickly and sit back with arms folded, deep frowns on their faces, and skeptical stares in their eyes.  Their favorite words are “Why try?  Give Up!  We can’t do that.  Nobody ever does those things.  They get all the breaks.”  We can rise up and be what God has designed and desired us to be but IT TAKES WORK.  There are some important things to realize if we are going to Soar Like the Eagle rather than be Quackers in the Crowd.

WE BECOME WHAT WE THINK.

The truth is that we tend to act out or manifest what we take in or focus on.  Truly, we become what we think.  That’s God’s words as seen in our text, not just my personal opinion.  In Romans 12:1-2 we are instructed to not be conformed [ducks, geese, turkeys] but transformed [eagles].  This involves our desire and God’s supernatural work.  We are to be RENEWED (reprogrammed) in our minds (thought processes).  That truly is where it all begins.  That battle is literally won or lost in the mind before it is won or lost.

There is an interesting passage in 2 Peter 2:22 and I don’t mean to be gross but it reads, “It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to the wallowing in the mire.”  The question that comes to mind is WHY?  Why does the dog or hog go back?  The answer is, they do not think differently, they follow their unchanged nature.  You can give a Royals Royce to a person with no concept or appreciation for its worth, how to use or appreciate it and it will be no more than a VW Dune Buggy in short order.  Clothes, cars, possessions, or station in life without a change in thinking results in the same destitution as before.  We must be RENEWED (reprogrammed) with the kind of information that will set us free.  We want to become eagles and soar not ducks and fly with the flock, quacking with the crowd.

I have observed that a significant number of people, even in church, are entrenched and bound by defeatist thinking.  I do not believe in ‘mind over matter’ but in a very real sense, we think our way out of difficulties.  No, thinking won’t change things real change requires effort and work but it changes our attitude and enables us to focus on Him who brings us victory and shifts our view from the crowd to the clouds.

God, bless you as you embark on today’s leg of life’s journey and I will have more to say in the next devotional on this matter!

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I AM PRAYING BUT NOTHING IS HAPPENING…


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Habakkuk 1:1-4 – “The oracle which Habakkuk the prophet saw.  

2 How long, O LORD, will I call for help, and You will not hear? I cry out to You, “Violence!”  Yet You do not save. 3 Why do You make me see iniquity, and cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises. 4 Therefore the law is ignored and justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore justice comes out perverted.”  NASU

 

I can hear the pain in the words of the prophet of old.  He is praying, preaching, and warning but nothing is happening.  God seems to be a million miles from him and his world around him crumbling.  I can hear the depressions, frustration, and anxiety in his words and confess, I have felt that way before.  I felt like Elijah after his confrontation and victory over Jezebel and the prophets of Baal.  He sat under the juniper tree wallowing in his plight and complained to God, “I did what you said, and now it’s just me… Nobody cares, so let me die… Woe is me!”  God spoke to him, “Get up and quit wallowing in your self-pity.  I am still God and will act in My time and My way.  Your job is to do what I say.  You are not responsible for the outcome or attitude of others.”   God quickened my heart and I repented before Him and, in His time and His way, the victory came or is coming!

I love the response of God to the prophet that begins in (v 5) and God says, “Open your eyes and look around.”  When we do that.  When we really open our eyes spiritually we are ASTONISHED and AWED by God’s ways and works.  I love the statement in the latter portion of that verse, “Because I am doing something in your days – You would not believe if you were told.”  We must shake ourselves and come out of the doldrums and the tunnel vision of our on immediate reality and see what God is doing.  We should remember that He (God) sees the end from the beginning and we can only see the beginning from the end.  He is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent.  He is infinite but we are finite.  He is unlimited but we are limited.  He is God the Creator of Everything and we are the created.  It is like the little lady talking about faith saying, “If God tells me to jump through a hole in the wall it is my business or responsibility to jump and His to make the hole in the wall.”  The key is GOD TELLING US, not us just deciding to jump.

Yes, our world is troubled and terrible things are happening all around us.  The genocide of abortion, the despotism that is bringing chaos to the world and misery to millions is a reality.  The darkness of sin seems to be growing stronger and stronger and evil men are waxing worse all the time.  Yet, God is still God and greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.  With God, all things are possible and we are in God.  There is a shaking happening and perilous times are upon us but at the same time, there is a harvest and an awakening in the Spirit realm that is mighty and awesome.  We simply need to allow the Holy Spirit to OPEN OUR EYES and enable us to see beyond the natural into the supernatural.

When you have been praying and nothing seems to be happening, remember the words of the angel to Daniel, “We heard you on the first day…”  Hold the words of 1 John 5:14-15 near your heart, “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”  NASU

Do not lose heart and do not give up!  Weeping may last for the night but joy and victory are coming!   God, bless you richly is my prayer!

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THE OTHER SIDE OF GOD…


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Nahum 1:1-3 – “The oracle of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.  

2 A jealous and avenging God is the LORD; The LORD is avenging and wrathful. The LORD takes vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies.  3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.” NASU

 

Most of us would rather talk about “God is Love” rather than “God is a Consuming Fire.”  We like the Mercies of God, not the Judgments, and rightly so.  No one wants to be judged or punished.  We want mercy and forgiveness and that is the ultimate heart of God as revealed in both Old and New Testaments.  I have often said, “God is more willing to give pardon than we are to receive it.”  In that I mean, He is always looking for a way to restore and sometimes we are too full of pride to truly repent and submit ourselves to Him in humility, repentance, and faith.

This is an incredibly interesting prophecy for it deals with a city that repented when Jonah preached to them of impending destruction.  Now, this city has drifted back to its former state and God’s patience has worn thin.  If we only had this Book of the Bible to understand who God is we would not see Him as He really is but only as a vengeful being with the power to crush mankind like a bug.  When I read, “A jealous and avenging God is the LORD…”  I tremble.  When I continue reading and hear, “The LORD is avenging and wrathful…”  I am terrified.  When I read, “The LORD takes vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies.”  I want to find a hiding place, but quickly realize there is none.  Who are the enemies of the LORD immediately become my question and quest to discover so I can avoid being among that number?  He becomes that image many have of God that He is “carrying a big stick and just waiting for us to step out of line so He can beat us over the head.”  That image of God prevents the person holding that image and concept from every developing a loving and learning relationship with the LORD.  Under this concept, we dare not become too visible and certainly would never want to get too near out of paralytic fear.  When we read, “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished” we become hopeless.  What if we are the ones deemed guilty and guilty we are for “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”?  What do we do?  Where do we turn?  Where is our Hope?

Thankfully this is not the only reference concerning God in the Bible.  We do need to understand His Power and that at a word He can cause the sea to become dry, the clouds obey His command, the soil and cities of the Earth are under His power.  Nothing escapes His eye and there is no place to hide from His presence.  So, if we align ourselves with the devil directly or indirectly, intentionally, or unintentionally and allow our devices to become a scheme against God LOOK OUT!  We sometimes fret over the lack of obvious judgment for the wicked and those who openly oppose God and His people but take heart God promises or warns that whatever anyone schemes against Him will come to nothing.

Nineveh was informed by Nahum the prophet that though they were strong and full of themselves they would be cut down to nothing.  They had been known for generations as a might people but soon would find their name no longer mentioned in awe and they would be cut off.  Then, the prophet slips in a word concerning the Coming Messiah in (v 15), “Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace!”  That was a word of comfort to the Jewish people and to all of those in generations to come who BELIEVE.  The wicked will not prevail but God will and in Him we will ascend to the mountain of God and worship in His Holy Hill.  We should fear the LORD with reverential fear and know that there is another side to Him beyond Judgment.  He is also the God of Mercy!  He longs for us to COME TO HIM.

            God, bless you as you rest in His presence and peace.

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WHO IS JESUS???


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Hebrews 1:1-4 – “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.”  NASU

 

In John 1:1-5 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.  In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.  The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”  That was the apostle John’s description and definition of Jesus and here in Hebrews the writer echoes the same thing with a direct application to you and me in who we are, our hope, and our manner of life.

The Bible reveals from Genesis to Revelation that God is a speaking God!  He talks, He speaks, He uses words to convey His message, ministry, and purpose.  The writer of Hebrews addressed the truth that God had used the prophets of ages past to speak to man and reveal His plan and purposes.  He then reminds everyone that, in that present time the Last Days, God was speaking again through Jesus.  But, who was Jesus?  To many of that day, He was merely a carpenter’s son, a Jew, and some even recognized Him as a prophet but not all recognized Him as the Son of God and Messiah.  Yet, if His message is to resonate and have transforming power in our lives we must recognize and receive Him as Messiah, the only begotten Son of God, and Savior of the World.

The Book of  Hebrews declares that this Jesus was appointed by the Father as ‘heir of all things’ and ‘creator of the world.’  He is described as the Light or the Radiance of God’s Glory and the exact representation of the Father in His nature.  He is the giver and sustainer of life and ‘upholds all things by the Word of His Power’.  Notice it did not say the Power of His Words but the Word of His Power!  He is more than Words!  He came for the purpose to seek and save mankind, to provide Himself as a sinless sacrifice to satisfy divine justice and redeem mankind from the ownership of the devil.  Once He completed that task of purification He sat down at the right hand of the Father and was Lord of All.

Romans 14:11 quotes Isaiah 45 and declares of Jesus, “…every knee shall bow… and every tongue shall praise God.”  Philippians 2:10 refers to that same prophetic utterance and says of Jesus that He has a name exalted above all names and that one day at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW and EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS that He is Lord!  Isaiah 9:6 identifies Him as the coming one upon whom the government of God will rest and His name will declare God’s Glory.  He is Emmanuel.  Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”  Who is Jesus?  He is the sinless Son of God who came and gave His life a ransom for you and me.  He is Messiah! 

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”  He invites us to COME, CALL UPON HIM, and ENTER INTO THE NEW BIRTH through repentance, confession of sin, by grace through faith and become New Creations transformed from darkness into His marvelous light.  We are invited to depart from a life of sin and enter into a life of righteousness and enjoy the peace that the world cannot give and cannot take away.  We are invited to ABUNDANT LIFE and in that ETERNAL LIFE in and through Jesus.

Who is Jesus?  He is the Savior waiting for you to call.  Who is Jesus?  He is the healer waiting to restore you to health.  Who is Jesus?  He is your provider wanting to open heaven’s windows for you and pour out blessings beyond your ability to contain.  Who is Jesus?  He is the one who loves you enough to die for your sins.  Who is Jesus?  He is Savior.  Your savior and my savior.  He is the Light of the World.  He is JESUS!

God, bless you as you embark on today’s leg of life’s journey in Jesus!

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DON’T DO RIGHT IN A WRONG WAY…


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Philemon 8-16 – “Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you — since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus —  10 I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, 11 who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. 12 I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart, 13 whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel; 14 but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will. 15 For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”  NASU

 

No matter what Paul thought of slavery he recognized it as a legal reality in his day and always sought to do Right with a right heart and spirit.  The matter was Onesimus the slave of Philemon, a believer was the subject of discussion.  Paul had encountered this slave while in prison and Onesimus had ministered to Paul giving him immeasurable comfort and blessing.  Now Paul addresses the matter with Philemon and asks him to “do the right thing”.  Paul does not instruct him to free this slave but to DO WHAT IS RIGHT and that expresses a confidence in God to move on the heart of this fellow believer in a positive manner.

Notice, Paul says, “…though I have enough confidence in Christ to ORDER YOU to do what is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you…”  He did not come to Philemon with his gospel guns blazing as we are too often do but based his appeal on LOVE.  The love of Philemon for Paul, the love of people, and more importantly Love for God is brought into focus.  Paul did the right thing the right way and in that appeal opened the door for the Spirit of God to move on Philemon’s heart and everyone could rejoice.  Had he demanded Philemon release Onesimus, Philemon might have done so because of his respect and love for Paul but there would have been a door open for a root of bitterness to spring up and resentment could have taken root.  Paul took the path of LOVE and RESPECT and appealed based on Love and Right.

He identified the service Onesimus had provided.  He identified the conversion of Onesimus to the faith.  He addressed the fact that the slave was a runaway and in that condition and attitude was of no value to Philemon but as a result of his spiritual experience, he was now more valuable than ever.  Paul acknowledged the legal rights of Philemon in this matter and although he wanted Onesimus to stay with him he informed Philemon that “without his consent”, which recognized the legal rights, he would do nothing.  Then he appealed for Philemon to now regard Onesimus not as a slave but a brother in Christ.

Paul could have said, “Slavery is wrong and encouraged Onesimus to continue his desire to escape.”  He could have but instead, appealed to Philemon and Onesimus to Do the Right thing the Right Way.  This is not about slavery and its rightness or wrongness, it is about LOVE, RESPECT, and HONORING others.  It is about Loving God to the point that in all things and at all times we seek to DO THE RIGHT THING in the RIGHT WAY!    In life, we encounter many things that give us the opportunity to DO THE RIGHT THING in the RIGHT WAY.  May the LORD help us to manifest Him in all things and at all times.  There is much more that could and should be said on this matter but hopefully, this will challenge your hearts to consider those things you do and consider why you do them.  Right is right, but right done in a wrong way or with a wrong attitude can be as destructive as wrong.  God help us to do right and be right in our attitudes as well as our actions!

God, bless you richly is my desire and prayer!

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