Jesus Birth Prophesied

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7 :14)

"Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David." (Luke 1:30-32)

The Prophecy fullfilled

"Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." (Luke 2:11-13)

This is the true joy of Christmas, our Saviors' birth.
Merry Christmas.

Thy Will Be Done

How often have you said, The Lords' Prayer? Now, how often have you stopped to think about the words, "Thy will be done?" Those are some tough words to pray at times.

My wife is currently losing her brother to lung cancer. We have prayed for healing and continue to pray for healing but, Gods' will may not be to heal him on earth and that's OK. Even though as Christains we are told to, "make our requests known to God," He is under no obligation take our direction. Who are we to direct or council God?

Jesus, the night before His crucifixtion prayed, "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. (Matthew 26:39) The Bible also speaks of Jesus being in so much agony at this point, that His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:44) This request must have been difficult for the Father not to grant seeing both the current and future pain of His Son. However, God had a greater purpose, the salvation of man.

Therefore, do not be discouraged by what seems to be unanswered prayer. Understand our Father has a heavenly purpose that is far beyond our current understanding.

The Truth
"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Press Forward

How often do we stop and think about Gods' work in our lives? If you're like me, not often enough. We tend to focus on life itself and not God's purposes in taking us through life. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "He who has begun a good work in you will be faithful to complete it, until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6) Therefore, whatever we are experiencing in life, has come through Gods' hand to us, with a plan for our perfection in Him. Who are we then to question. This has been a very comforting scripture to me as I have walked through life's difficult moments.

As Christains we are encouraged to, "Forget those things which are behind and to reach forward to those things which are ahead." (Philippians 3:13) In other words, focus on the opportunities yet to come. Not knowing the "whys" in life is okay, because we know," That all things are working together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

How should we then live our lives? Once again the Apostle Paul leaves us a valuable scripture as to the more excellent goal:

The Truth
"Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14)
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

Thanksgiving History

The original feast in 1621 occurred sometime between September 21 and November 11. Unlike our modern holiday, it was three days long. The event was based on English harvest festivals, which traditionally occurred around the 29th of September. After that first harvest was completed by the Plymouth colonists, Gov. William Bradford proclaimed a day of, "Thanksgiving and Prayer", shared by all the colonists and neighboring Indians.

During the American Revolution a yearly day of national Thanksgiving was suggested by the Continental Congress. In 1817 New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom, and by the middle of the 19th century many other states had done the same. Here is a exerpt from the state of New-Hampshire's Thanksgiving Proclamation.

"The congress in general assembly do here by command the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness."

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a day of Thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November, which he may have correlated with the November 21, 1621, anchoring of the Mayflower at Cape Cod. Since then, each president has issued a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the date for Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November in 1939. (approved by Congress in 1941)

As a nation our forefathers knew the value of thanking God for all His blessings. It is my prayer that our current and future generations of leaders will do the same.

The Truth
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

The Body of Christ - A Tool Box

The Body of Christ is a collection of people who have established a relationship with Him. They are a mosaic of unique individuals with differing talents, gifts and capabilities. In scripture, this body is likened to the physical body of a person. While the physical body can learn to fuction without one of its parts, it will not move at full capacity nor function as well. The Body of Christ is the same, it does not function as well without all of its members either.

I like to think of the Body of Christ as a "Tool Box", each tool having its own unquie purpose. While it's possible to do some jobs without the correct tool, the job will not be completed as easily or sucessfully without it. For example, have you ever tried to loosen a tight nut with a pair of plyers? One can sometimes do more harm than good. But, tackle than same job with a socket wrench and you will be more secessful and have all the skin on your knuckles.

As we learn to use and respect the critical differences of the tools in our box, we should also learn to respect the uniqueness of those individuals in the Body of Christ and encourage one another in the use of the unique talents and gifts God has given to all of us.

Is there someone you know who could use a little encouragement to use their gift or talent for the Body of Christ? Give them a call, sometimes that's all it takes.

The Truth
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (Unity and Diversity in One Body)

Swift To Hear

I can remember my grandfather Nick telling me, “Boy, there is a reason why God gave everyone two ears and one mouth. So they would listen, twice as much as they would speak.” To this day I do not know if he meant to impart some wisdom or if he was just telling me to be quite. Nevertheless, as Christians we should be, “swift to hear, slow to speak.” Listening can be the best approach when someone is going through a trial. Even though our first instinct is to “fix the problem”, restraint with prayer is the best counsel.

The Truth
“There are many plans in a mans heart, but the Lord’s counsel - that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)

Salvation of the Righteous

With so much economic bad news, to fret or worry about it can only cause one harm. Therefore, "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall direct your path." (Psalm 37:5) Prayerfully consider the best way to use the resources God has given you, "For the Lord upholds the righteous, even in the days of famine they shall be satisfied." (Psalm 37:17)

Our economic future is now in the hands of politicians with agendas in mind, not true recovery. George Washington warned against political parties and the interests they represent. He felt the nation's best interests would be sacrificed at the alter of party politics. Boy does that ring true right now. Washington was a true statesman, a righteous man who sought heavenly guidance, a combination long removed from American politics. The Bible states, "The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous." (Proverbs 15:29) Oh how we could use prayer for this nation and a righteous man to lead it.

Nominations are now open for a statesman, a righteous man, who seeks heavenly wisdom.....any suggestions?

The Truth
"The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strenght in time of trouble." (Psalm 37:39)

Pride

Pride is the root of all sin. It is the mistaken notion that we are in control - instead of allowing God to be the master of our lives. This is what makes "pride" the ultimate sin - it brings alination that will keep us form being dependent on God.

In Proverbs (8:13, 11:2 and 16:18) it becomes clear that God is not pleased with pride in our lives. When we are self-centered and choose a life of self-reliance, we go against God's commands and his desire for our life. He wants us to be confident and bold, but reliant on Him to keep us from the negative consequences of disgrace and distruction.

Are you relying on yourself or on God to help you in the key areas in your life? It is an important question to ask yourself everyday to remain in His will.

The Truth
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirt before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

Press Toward The Goal

NBC has been running a segment called, “The Olympic Zone.” This segment has covered many athletes personal stories and their families sacrifices to develop an Olympic Athlete. Some families have even moved or split up, in order to comply with the idea of training in some, “special facility.” Uprooting a family, paying for professional coaches, trainers, housing, tutors and who knows what other expenses, is an enormous amount of time, energy and resources “pressing toward the goal” of an Olympic Medal. This could be one explanation why some parents can’t watch their son/daughters perform.

Just think how close we could be to our Lord if we invested just a fraction of that amount of time, energy and resources in perfecting our walk with Jesus. In Philippians 3:12-16, Paul reminds the Christians at Philippi that even he must continue to, “strive toward the mark of perfection in his walk with Jesus. Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” (Phil. 3:13)

If the apostle Paul feels he must continue to strive toward the mark of perfection, how much more should we? What sacrifices can you make to get closer to Jesus?

The Truth
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14)

Encouragement of a Friend

I have really enjoyed watching the Olympic Games. Seeing the skill level these athletes have attained through hard work, discipline and sacrifice is remarkable. Furthermore, to see the execution of their craft under such tremendous pressure and expectations is inspiring.

The true struggle for the Olympic Athlete is, perfection. Though true perfection is unattainable, they still press toward the mark to receive their prize. But what happens when they fall short or heaven forbid, make a mistake? As we have seen all to often, the media is there to magnify the mistakes - while understanding teammates have been there to, “Encourage a Friend.”

Nothing soothes the soul like the encouragement of “understanding” friends. When we are experiencing pain or disappointment, friends know how to tell us that they understand and care. As Christians, we need to be givers of encouragement: not just on the playing field but, in our home, at work, to our friends and to people we encounter in life.

Is there someone you know who needs encouragement? Give them a call.

The Truth
"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet one another, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another." (Hebrews 10: 24-25)

Sacrificial Love

All parents understand the concept of “sacrificial love,“ giving to others before yourself. Little things like, first sip of a cold drink, the better seat at the ballgame, the first choice of meat at the dinner table or the late night comfort needed to fall asleep. These sacrifices, though relatively simple to give up, show the natural love of a parent.

However, “sacrificial love” is not always that simple. Try allowing a son/daughter to go through something painful, for a greater good, without rescuing them. To watch them struggle, falter or experience pain, goes against every fiber of our being as parents.

Can you imagine what pain God the Father was experiencing seeing His Son go through the agonizing death of the cross? Then, having to turn His back on Him because He could have no fellowship with sin. God’s “sacrificial love” for us goes far beyond our limits of understanding. (Psalm 40:28)

If you offered such a gift for man and he did not accept it, how would you feel? What might be your reaction?

The Truth
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)

Be Prepared

A moderate earthquake occurred today in Chino Hills at 11:42 AM. It occurred about 7 miles below the earths surface, registered 5.4 on the seismograph and shock the ground for 5-10 seconds. There was no major damage reported but it did cause: breaking news reports on all the major networks, loss of some cell phone connections, loss of power, broken water pipes, a flood of reports by numerous agencies and literally unnerved many people.

Can you imagine how unnerved people will be during, “The Great Tribulation?” Standing in your doorway or ducking under a table will not protect you form this catastrophic event. Man needs to, “be prepared”, for more than a minor shaking of the earth. The Biblical account of what will happen during the Great Tribulation can be found in Revelation, Chapters 8-11.

How can you be prepare? What will save you?

The Truth
“For there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matthew 24:21)

Peace in time of Trouble

Have you ever noticed that some people, no matter what is going on in their lives, always seem to have a peace about them; while others seem to panic under the same circumstances. Even Jesus' disciples were not at peace during trials. One Biblical example can be found in Mark 4:35-41. Here the disciples panic over the wind and waves, then wake Jesus out of His sleep to plead for their safety.

As Christians, “we have not been given a sprit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.” (1 Timothy 1:7) The Apostle Paul tell us to, “Be anxious for nothing,“ knowing that God has given to us, “ a peace that passes all understanding.” (Philippians 4:6-7) However, knowing this and putting it into practice in our lives, are two different things. Paul goes on to say in Philippians, that this peace can only be accomplished through , “prayer and supplication making our requests known unto God.”

What is causing you to be anxious? Have you been constant in prayer?

The Truth
"Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

Day of Trouble

Christopher Laurie, son of Pastor Greg Laurie and Cathe Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., passed away on July 24, 2008 in a car accident. A resident of Huntington Beach, Laurie, 33, served as the art director at Harvest Christian Fellowship for the past three years.

While we can not understand why these events occur in this world, we must not blame God for them. He is not the cause. Instead we should look to God, "in our day of trouble” and put on the whole armor of God. This will allow us to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11) which will come during these times.

Who would you call upon in your day of trouble? Where would you look for your answers?

The Truth
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15)