Merry Christmas!

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

we celebrate Jesus.

not because it’s a holiday.

we celebrate him because he is God.

and because his love for us is immeasurable

and unfathomable.

redemption is the ultimate picture of that love—

Jesus chose to die so that we might live with him forever.

and not in this forever.

but a forever in a world without pain, loneliness, hunger, death, and tears.

this Christmas, our hope and prayer is that we all might fall on our knees

and experience Jesus as our redeemer

as our Immanuel

and know his goodness

and perfect love.



Amidst the busyness surrounding the Christmas season may you find space to breathe and be still. The ultimate “present” is His presence, and our gift to you is this devotion “In the Grip of Silence” and simple reminder of what matters most.

Christmas Eve

What is the true spirit of Christmas? A young soldier once shared a very special gift with his fellow soldiers on Christmas Eve.

John 1:14  “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”

God, my Father,
May I love You in all things and above all things.
May I reach the joy which You have prepared for me in
Heaven.
Nothing is good that is against Your Will,
and all that is good comes from Your Hand.
Place in my heart a desire to please You
and fill my mind with thoughts of Your Love,
so that I may grow in Your Wisdom and enjoy Your Peace.

Joy

Psalm 16:11“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

O God of marvel and mystery, make me joyous!
Bless me with the healing and forgiving power of laughter.
Help me to delight in life’s wonderment and surprises.
Preserve me from sanctimonious solemnity and morose morality,
and deliver me from the vanity of regrets.
Remove from me the perverse tendency
to make mountains out of molehills of my life.
Help me to regard the duck’s waddle,
the monkey’s antics
and my own foibles with the same sense of
humor.

Remind me that I am important,
not for what I do but for what I am –
your child, created in your image.
Help me to realize
that it is your love that gives meaning to my existence,

and that joy and laughter and singing
are echoes to that tremendous love.
Let me not forget to be joyful!
Let me not be too hurried to be cheerful.
Let me not be too busy to smile.
I ask these things, my Lord and my God, so that
someday I may join with all the mirthful saints
and singing angels
in praising you eternally.

Peace

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

Slow us down, O Lord, this Advent,
So we may understand the darkness we are in,
The darkness of fear that comes with wanting more,
And the fear of having less.
Grant us the light of transformation,
As we wait for your true abundance
The love of the Incarnation,
A love that brings us true dignity and security,
A love that embraces all, that enriches all,
That calls us all to share justly and celebrate joyfully.

Hope

Hebrews 6:19-20 “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

In this time of darkness,
We choose to look toward the Light.
In this time when so many are suffering,
We choose faith, not despair,
We choose the work of compassionate justice.
As we move together,
Hungry for transformation, for hope,
Our steps themselves
Transform us, nourish us.
We are on constant pilgrimage,
Moving to the heart of things,
Reaching beyond what any one of us
Can accomplish ourselves.
The brightness of the Incarnation
Guides us as we continue,
With the promise of the Prince of Peace
As the bright star in these dark nights.

Living Your Thanksgiving

Psalm 100 “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are his people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.

At this time of year, I sit and thank God for giving me everything—to include His son, Jesus Christ.  We want to make such gratefulness as prominent as the giant turkey on the table and see thanksgiving become a way of life. 

There's no better thanksgiving wisdom than that found in God's Word, specifically The Old One-Hundredth (Psalm 100), "A psalm. For giving thanks." 

Following that, there are many directives listed that can help us live our Thanksgiving ...

• Make a joyful noise to the Lord
• Come into His presence with singing
• Know that the Lord, he is God
• Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise
• Give thanks to Him; bless His name
• [Remember] For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.

Reflect on these today, and ask the Lord how He can help you really live your Thanksgiving each day of the year.

Take time to live your Thanksgiving and call or visit someone who is alone or having a hard time (for whatever reason) on this holiday.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

I Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

On Veteran's Day we remember and thank God for those dear men and women who have served and FOUGHT and died to protect us and our families from evil! America stands today as a nation and people of freedoms because our brave soldiers have FOUGHT to keep us free! History reveals that there is no freedom for those unwilling to fight to protect it!

Our veterans are our heroes!

These everyday Americans have borne the brunt of the hardships and sufferings of combat. From the very beginning of our nation, from the Revolutionary War through today's conflict in Iraq, our courageous service men and women have faced enemy after enemy so we could live free!

Thank you Lord for our VETERANS!

Throughout the history of America, there also have been other types of "soldiers" and heroes that have supported our troops and helped to preserve our freedom. Men and women and children who have PRAYED at home, while our heroic soldiers have battled the enemy overseas. These dedicated "prayer warriors" have fought the "spiritual battles" against the satanic forces of darkness that are behind every war against freedom and against what is right!
How many of our dear fighting men and women have told true stories of having been miraculously spared from death and harm...to learn later that a loved one at home was praying for them?
How many command decisions turned into victories because Americans' were praying? How many soldiers have been encouraged and strengthened spiritually and emotionally, and healed physically by the persevering prayers of faithful, praying people?

Today we honor our dear veterans who have so bravely served America, and we will never forget their sacrifice.

Thank you Dear Heavenly Father for our veterans and their families, and for your blessings on America.

And we also thank you Lord for the many veteran "prayer warriors," who have "fought the good fight of faith" to support our soldiers and our nation in prayer!

23rd Psalm

23^rd Psalm

The LORD Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

 ¹The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
 ²He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
 ³He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
   for his name’s sake.

 ⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
   I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
   your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.

 ⁵You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
    forever.

Have the Boldness of Lions!

1 Chronicles 12:8 “From the Gadites there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles upon the mountains:

Luke 10:19 “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”

As we continue our study of the men who followed David, let's look at their boldness — the boldness of lions! We also need this boldness in the face of the enemy who is "like a lion", himself….a roaring lion. While it is true that the devil received a fatal wound at Calvary, he is still roaming, dangerous, and seeking whom he may devour. We need to stand bold as a lion against him, for we have the "lion of Judah" [Revelation 5:5] as our Captain, ready to defend us. And greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.

David's mighty men were gifted and fearless warriors. They also had a powerful and courageous leader whose righteousness, faith, and humility, were a great inspiration. A strong, courageous and righteous leader will bring out the best in his followers. David's men of valor were bold as lions and swift as gazelles.

But our Captain, Jesus, is the most courageous, humble, and righteous leader who ever existed, and his power is ultimate. He has given us to partake of these qualities, and when we do, we can walk in authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and triumph over all the power of the enemy.

The mighty men of David present a great example for us in our spiritual warfare. They must have been fearsome to the enemies of Israel. Following Jesus closely, we also will cause the enemies of God to tremble and flee. Bold in Him, we will be invincible — bold as lions and swift as gazelles!

You're Helping to Build the Army of God!

1 Chronicles 12:21-22 “They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army. For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God.”

Hebrews 10:25 “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

It must have been amazing to watch David amassing men around himself until it was like the army of God — Jesus is doing exactly the same thing in our days. The difference is the kinds of battles we're fighting. David and his men engaged in physical warfare against bands of raiders; Philistines and local Canaanite tribes. We are in a spiritual war against "…principalities, against powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." [Ephesians 6:12]

A program by National Geographic gives a powerful illustration for us. In the great annual wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park in Africa a giant herd, thousands of wildebeest, slowly move in groups across the plain. They are invariably followed by stalking lions. But the lions never attack the herd – they simply watch carefully for the stray wildebeest, either careless or seeking greener grass, who separates himself from the larger groups of animals. The isolated wildebeest will become the sudden prey of the lions who attack with lightening speed and ferocity.

In spiritual warfare isolation is equally dangerous, as our enemy roams like a roaring lion looking for separated brethren to prey upon. We all need real relationship and spiritual community for protection against our enemy who is constantly stalking vulnerable prey. It's not enough to simply "go to church". We need to be the community of believers, actively participating in loving, serving, praying, counseling, encouraging, admonishing, eating, rejoicing, weeping, and forgiving as the family of God.

Far too many are isolated, and seriously vulnerable to the spiritual attacks. Are you one of them? Do you know someone who is in this dangerous condition? David's army was successful and safe because they were together in mind heart and purpose. Wildebeest, as well, survive when they stick together. Find your spiritual community and be faithful to it. It should not be a formality, but a family reality with a warfare mentality.

In War You Need Chutzpah!

Genesis 14:14-16 “When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.”

Abraham's rescue of Lot and his household from the four Mesopotamian Kings in the middle of the night was an act of holy chutzpah! Israel's first patriarch demonstrated great faith, courage, family loyalty, and military strategy during this successful rescue operation.

This example of courage and daring ought to inspire us in certain situations where evil should be boldly and radically confronted. There are times when we, too, can and should operate with holy chutzpah, surprising the enemy with fearless courage, faith-filled action, and laser sharp strategy. "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you." [Luke 10:19]

There is a time to wage war with holy chutzpah. When our cause is righteous and the goal is rescue and deliverance from evil then we ought not to be passive. In these situations we need the Lord's strategy and the courage which comes with true righteousness. Perhaps it will require a strong word spoken in love; perhaps a day or a week of serious fasting and prayer. It may even involve addressing an evil spirit as the Apostle Paul did in Philippi [Acts 16:18]. There are times for radical action without fear that it can’t be done. Our Lord, on the cross, exemplified tremendous courage and heroism to rescue us from our sins and the devil's power. In the power if His spirit we also can be instruments of dramatic deliverance – with Holy chutzpah!

You're at War?

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”

We are already at war spiritually. Constantly contending in our minds, we battle over thoughts and emotions which flow through them. The enemy often attacks by bringing up issues from our past. Failures, regrets, wounds, and traumas all have the potential to drag us down into doubt, darkness and despair. Our tremendous challenge is not to respond to these memories with old destructive thought patterns. Our victory lies in responding to these thoughts and feelings.

While we don't necessarily ignore thoughts and feelings from the past, it is vital that we don't allow them to control our souls and emotions, but that we take them captive through prayers and declarations inspired by our spiritual mind.

The battle over past issues is won we  takes authority over their meaning, purpose and definition in our lives with Jesus on the throne of our hearts and minds, everything in our past is brought under His authority and works together for our good!

Stand In The River

Joshua 3:8 “And as for you, command the priests who bear the Ark of the Covenant, ‘When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’”

Joshua and all the Israelites were standing in front of the Jordan River. They were about to experience one of God’s miracles. From their story we can learn how Christians make God’s miracles happen.
The Israelites have to act; they have to go into the river first. I am sure they feared walking into a rushing river. They may have begun to doubt and think, ‘Will this river be cut off? Maybe we should wait until the river is cut off before stepping in!’ But God said to them that no matter what go to the river and stand in it first! That takes a true act of faith!

Many times we want verification before we try to something we are afraid of. We want to step into the river after it is cut off. We want to see first, and then believe. But God said to the believers, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

We have to act first. Often, we are unsure whether or not to step into the river, because we do not trust that God will cut it off as He said. But, we need to rely on our faith and go and stand in the flowing river. God will cut off the river, and we will cross it on dry ground. We will praise God on the dry ground!

Don’t Forget Others - 9/11

2 Corinthians 9:11 “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

At this time of remembrance of the events of 9/11 we pause for a moment to reflect on those events, the lives lost and our understanding of man’s actions towards man. Leaves us more questions than answers. These tragic events were intended to leave us shaken, hopeless, disturbed, scared and destroyed inside and in some ways for some it has done that. It has left us looking over our shoulder or giving a second glance at times.

One unintended consequence though was a resolve that no matter what we will not be defeated and our inner spirit will not be crushed.  We have taken the events of that day and looked into ourselves and decided to make good of a bad thing.

We are reminded that we are not just an island but there are others that we interact with daily. People that we can help, comfort, laugh with and talk with.

Our text , 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.”, reminds us to look outside of ourselves and to be generous to all in every way and if we do they will cause thanksgiving to God.

Works of charity should be done with thought and design. Due thought, as to our circumstances, and those we are about to relieve, will direct our gifts for charitable uses. Help should be given freely with faith and love.

A great scholar, Mathew Henry, wrote “Let us endeavour to copy the example of Christ, being unwearied in doing good, and deeming it more blessed to give than to receive. Blessed be God for the unspeakable gift of his grace, whereby he enables and inclines some of his people to bestow upon others, and others to be grateful for it; and blessed be his glorious name to all eternity, for Jesus Christ, that inestimable gift of his love, through whom this and every other good thing, pertaining to life and godliness, are freely given unto us, beyond all expression, measure, or bounds.”

Rules of the Road

John 13:35 “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Recently I stopped in traffic behind a large truck. A sign prominently displayed on the truck's rear door asked the public to call a certain number if the truck driver was not obeying the rules of safe driving. Trucking companies displaying such signs surely have confidence in their drivers and in their training.

I began to wonder how my behavior would change if Christians were required to wear a sign identifying us as Christians and requesting that our bad behavior be reported. Would I be less likely to show frustration because of poor service? Would I be more patient while waiting in line at the bank or sitting in the doctor's office? Would I forgive more easily when others made comments that hurt my feelings? Perhaps I would offer to help a person in need more readily if I were wearing a sign that declares my faith.

All of us are challenged to follow God's direction in our day-to-day interactions. Whether or not our behavior is noticed by anyone, we are always accountable to God.

1 Peter 3:8-9 “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”

Spiritual Perseverance

Isaiah 59:17 “He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.

At the center of preparing for a deployment, there is one critical survival skill in the modern battlefield; Spiritual Perseverance. We need to be spiritually strong individuals when there are so many distractions. In the whirlwind of change, Spiritual Perseverance is needed to survive. It is buoyancy and an ability to "bounce back” from the challenges from the battlefield. Spiritual Perseverance is looking outside of yourself and into your spiritual center as you move into, through and out of the mobilization cycle.  For me it is being centered in Christ.

Today we need and see for Spiritual Perseverance. We can arm ourselves in the full armor of God when we become physically, emotionally and spiritually challenged. God can strengthen us, in crisis and concern, and walk with us in both the lilies of the field as well the valley of shadow of death. We can stand ready, both personally and professionally looking to God.

Today’s Army climate challenges us physically, mentally and spiritually. Spiritual Perseverance is a crucial key to the military life we lead. We will come out stronger on the other end.

Be A Standard Bearer

Isaiah 59:16-19 “He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, so will he repay, wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies; to the coastlands he will render repayment. So they shall fear the name of the Lord from the west, his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the Lord drives.”

Whether the enemy comes in like a flood, and then the Lord raises a standard against him…or, the enemy comes in, and like a flood, the Lord works miraculously and drives him away, the clear meaning and promise is that the presence of evil will not go unnoticed. God will respond powerfully, in His own way, and in His own time.

We’ve often spoken of the increase of wickedness in these last days; virtually every day some new scandal appears. Evil is on the rise; its power being consolidated in many areas of social, political, and personal life. Our identification with the one true God who raises His standard in response to this wickedness, calls us to be His “standard bearers” in the midst of the flood of evil around us. This is not easy, but is a high calling for faith-filled and disciplined saints.

Our challenge now, more than ever before, is, do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. We cannot bear God’s standard if we yield to become like the world around us. Only by abiding, praying, staying close to Him, can we represent our Lord. Let’s continue to encourage one another daily.

Pray in Times of Trouble

Jonah 2:7 “When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.”

"Dear God, I pray that thru my journey in life that I follow Your will and not my own emotions. I want to do what You want me to do for my job, spouse, and lifestyle. Lead me and make me someone after your own heart. Amen."

Watch Your Words!

Proverbs 12:18 “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me!” At one time or another, all of us have sung this schoolyard song. But have you ever stopped to consider how incredibly untrue it is?

Granted, name-calling isn’t going to break any bones or have the same physical effect of hurling debris at someone. But let’s be honest—sometimes words inflict wounds that run deeper and last longer. Words have a powerful impact!

We see this portrayed perfectly in Proverbs 12:18. It says there’s a person whose words are like a sword piercing someone’s heart. You know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of words like that. Something is said that utterly cuts you down. It leaves you limping and lying on the battlefield of life.

On the flip side, there are also people whose words promote health. What they say has a way of infusing fresh life and vitality into us. We’re revived and invigorated to press on instead of dwelling in discouragement. Our circumstances haven’t changed, but our spirit has been strengthened by the “tongue of the wise.”

Words are powerful. They can damage and destroy, or they can encourage and edify. Again, we’ve been on the receiving end of this reality. But now we need to consider our role on the other side.

God has given most of us the capacity to communicate, to express ourselves through what we say. Remember, our words have a powerful impact on others, and we should be constantly watching our words to make sure they’re promoting health instead of piercing hearts.

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear”

A Bit Of Faith Goes A Long Way

Do you ever think along the lines of “If I could just get that new job I would be able to buy a better house, car or whatever?”

This is human nature. There is nothing wrong with having ambitions to better ourselves.

Matthew 9:22 “Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.”

This woman knew what her “If I could only…” was. It was if she could only touch the cloak of Jesus she would be healed. Nothing fancy. Nothing grand. Just a knowledge that faith in Jesus Christ would make her well again.

Do you have a “If I could only…” in relation to Christ? Mine is “If I could only study the Bible better and more indepth then I would be in a better place to teach others so that God’s Kingdom would be furthered.

If you have not considered this then take a few moments to think how your service or worship would be better “if only I….”

You Are!

Luke 9:20 “Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

No matter what the world might think of him -- whether it is Herod or the crowd or the enemies of Jesus -- Jesus' real concern was that his disciples know. He would leave his mission in their hands. They would be called upon to put their lives on the line. They would be called to move from being merely followers to becoming followers who were leaders, mentors, and guides for thousands of others. Peter answers for them: "You are the Messiah sent from God!" Who is Jesus to you? Is he your Messiah, the gift sent from God to save you? If not, what stands in your way?

Fitting Into God's Foolishness

1 Corinthians 1:21, Paul gives us an interesting insight into how you and I please God.

“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.”

God's methods are astounding.  To bring men and women into His family through the foolishness of preaching!  When people hear the gospel preached and believe it, God is pleased.

Now how is the gospel preached?  Through your life and mine.  Every one of us has been entrusted by God with some gift to communicate the gospel.  Perhaps you have been entrusted by God with unusual wealth.  Or maybe a marvelous singing voice, or the ability to communicate, or perhaps the skill to assimilate facts.

Whatever it is, God has put something in each of us that somehow fits into His great master plan of winning this lost world to Jesus Christ.

God has chosen to use these weak, fallible vessels to share the simple gospel message that the world is separated from Him because of sin.  In His mercy, God reached down to the human race when He sent His own Son, Who willingly gave up His life on the cross and died for our sins.  The price was paid.  God's eternal justice was satisfied.  And the Holy Spirit raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

That is the message our world so desperately needs to hear today!  God is pleased when you share that "foolishness."  So however God has gifted you, use that gift today to present a living Jesus to our dying world!