Reminder what is Christmas – images from pixabay.comUnder the Tree – images from pixabay.com
Decorating the Christmas Tree
Many variations in just what people put on a Christmas Tree and there are new things as well as old traditions applied; live trees and artificial trees are in use to day. Sometimes “The Star of Bethlehem” is put at the very top; sometimes and Angel.
Share Jesus with anyone and everyone; you may help someone gain peace, joy, purpose and eternal life.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Traditions – images from pixabay.com
We have Hope in our future because Jesus Christ came to offer a way to share eternity with GOD. We have Joy because of that and how we can share this greatest gift of all. Christians mimic this at this time of year by exchanging gifts or giving them and not expecting them in return. We take part in all kinds of programs designed to benefit the less privileged in our communities and even the whole world. The giver receives as much, if not more, joy that the receiver.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Smiles – images from pixabay.com
How wonderful to watch the innocent faces of the children all a glow during this time of year. The laugh and sing and dash about within our midst helping us to feel younger, remember our youth and encourage new joy at whatever age we are.
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Christian keep Jesus Christ in Christmas season; share the meaning of his birth; offer the Gospel to whomever and wherever you find yourself. Pass this post on.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Hungry Homeless – images from pixabay.com
Christians as in many social networks care for one another. Not only family, local community or nation but all fellow humans. Christians have experienced The Love of GOD and GOD has no limit to offering love.
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
Orderly Plan – images from pixabay.com
The purpose GOD bestowed on humanity was not to just care for ourselves without regard for our planet and all the lifeforms we share it with; we are to be caring responsible caregivers.
You shall not pollute the land in which you live, for blood pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of the one who shed it. You shall not defile the land in which you live, in the midst of which I dwell, for I the Lord dwell in the midst of the people of Israel.”
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
Next Week:A Season of Hope and Joy
ESV: English Standard Version – Crossway
Join a Church, Bible Study . . . read the whole Bible in order to learn the full meaning of GOD’s Word.
This is the month that here in the USA we celebrate our Thanksgiving Holiday; a tradition we trace back to the early colonial period. There are folk tales about its origin but the official holiday was formalized by President Abraham Lincoln:
On this day in 1863, expressing gratitude for a pivotal Union Army victory at Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln announces that the nation will celebrate an official Thanksgiving holiday on November 26, 1863.*
“When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over them again. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this.
SHARE FOOD DO NOT WASTE IT
We Christians Give Thanks Every Day
Thanks while Kneeling – images from pixabay.com
Our daily bread is a symbol of much more than food we thank GOD for what Jesus has done for us and even now lives in heaven has our advocate defending us from Satan’s assaults and sowing GOD our righteousness granted by The GRACE of GOD.
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Next Week: Who Depends on You
ESV: English Standard Version – Crossway
Join a Church, Bible Study . . . read the whole Bible in order to learn the full meaning of GOD’s Word.
“Music” is a Link to Christian Music – images from pixabay.comHate – images from pixabay.com
Misplaced Fear Promotes Hate
The roots for the fear that often generates a violent response are of ancient origin. Humans tend to want to take matters in their own hands and not wait on GOD to administer justice.
Jeremiah 52:10-11(ESV)
10 The king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and also slaughtered all the officials of Judah at Riblah.11 He put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him in chains, and the king of Babylon took him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.
Human Suffering – images from pixabay.com
Another source of fear of the unknown has a lasting legacy from times past when, humans knew very little about the physical world, the oceans, wildlife and other people – strangers. Different cultures and strange nations were potential threats; these often became real threats when, they set out to conquer and dominate others. Even today this desire to dominate is still a common occurrence in many places around the world. Wiley politicians know too well how to harness the fears that occur today for mostly superficial differences and reasons, then use this negative energy and ignorance for their own purposes.
Lies – images from pixabay.com
In Other Words
People have made a mess of GOD’s Standards
Violence comes to easy – images from pixabay.com
GOD has revealed within The Bible standards that work against fear and promote peace and fellowship. In The Old Testament some people, see GOD as an angry blood-thirsty god. If you study The Bible in great depth you will learn the violent episodes depicted in The Bible pertain to specific situations and particular people, for good reason. The descriptions ARE NOT intended to be used as a universal standard. Jesus made all this clear during His ministry; He fulfilled the law that is impossible for humans to keep and, by taking our place in order to satisfy the consequences for sin, gave us an eternity with the Good and the Love of GOD in Heaven. We just have to accept Him and gain GOD’S Grace.
The Old Testament brought The Standards of GOD to Humanity via the Hebrews and The New Testament expanded this to all humanity through the work of Jesus Christ our Lord; spread by the His Apostles and Disciples Amen. Christians are followers of CHRIST who explained all we need to know when he conducted HIS ministry on Earth. For example:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Healing – images from pixabay.com
Next Week: Why Excess Food is Wasted
ESV: English Standard Version – Crossway
Join a Church, Bible Study . . . read the whole Bible in order to learn the full meaning of GOD’s Word.
16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully,17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.19 And I will say to
Silos and Barn – images from pixabay.com
my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
When You face the Day of Reckoning
Justice – images from pixabay.com
I am old enough to share that most of my family, some of my friends and many peers succumbed to one of life’s ultimate realities: death. Some suddenly others slowly; some in peace some in pain. This is our fate even as Christians unless, Jesus returns and spares us this transition. So, in the mean time if you experience a serious injury or illness and survive like almost everyone we learn just how precious life is and make some plan to change something about our life.
Near death experience inspires a new song with lyrics 2015 by Matt Norton
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; …
Last Ride – images from pixabay.com
Maybe you have learned this the easy way . . .
Almost – images from pixabay.com
. . . you look to GOD for the way to live, treat others accordingly and prioritize your goals by GOD’s standards. That would be wonderful. If not consider not waiting for calamity to push you to make that decision.
GOD will accept your repentance at the last breath; just accept Jesus into your heart.
You still can be saved – images from pixabay.com
Some people are taken aback when they learn this: whether you accept Jesus as a small child or as an elderly person on your death-bed you are still saved for eternity. There are heavenly rewards if you have a chance to earn them but salvation is a free gift from GOD because of the work of Jesus Christ.
When I was a teenager a friend and I (who had been exposed to Church teachings) were rebellious; we did some questionable things many teens do; the most fear evoking thing was an exploratory dabbling in the occult. We played with the Ouija Board, self-induced hypnotic trances and played with automatic writing. Several events scared the wits out of us. Satanic or Demonic experiences I am not sure but we did know about Jesus and perhaps our families were praying for us because we did survive and break free from the influence.
The Spiritual World is a Battle Field
Battle – Public DomainFighting – Public Domain
Do not take the spiritual world for granted: The Good from GOD and the Evil from demons and Satan. As Christians we have Jesus to thank for helping us ward off the attacks of Satan and Satan’s cohorts. Sadly people possessed or directed by evil entities may yet do harm as a consequence of sin or unbelief. We (we Christians) can call on Jesus for the strength to be strong and respond to the challenge. The evil ones fear GOD and know Who Jesus is. Ultimately (sooner or later) Jesus with all the power of GOD will judge and mead out what is to happen to Satan and the Fallen Angels.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Standtherefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, …
So while we are subject to Spiritual Warfare we can emerge victorious
Song:Spiritual Warfare – The Battle Belongs to The Lord
The Apostles and Disciples called out demons the way Jesus had; can we do the same? In some circles this is debated so, I will leave the subject for further study, advanced counseling from mentors, and local Church leaders.
How many times have humans thought enough food could not be produced for a growing population only to be fooled by GOD. GOD gave humans brains and intelligence and GOD blessed us also with the ability to keep up with change. Find ways to harvest more food is just another example of GOD given intelligence used correctly. When food fails to reach the hungry it is not because there is not enough of it: it is because of selfish and greedy people living according to their sin.
Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!
Black Birds – images from pixabay.com
Consider what are the real reasons some people seek ways to control populations? This goal is is not in GOD’s plan.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Great effort is exerted to save premature babies; couples who have a problem conceiving spend a lot of money to become fertile. Yet some people find parents inconvenient and to seek what GOD has created. Why?
You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
Tyrants and ruthless leaders sometimes seek to rid their populations of any person that cannot contribute to their agenda. History has deplorable examples of this. Add genocide, infanticide and males of military age to the hideous annihilation.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
Some cultures place great value on the elders. The older members of society have much wisdom and experience to share with the young. These elders are held in high regard and are often valued with great affection.
In 1st Kings 12 King Rehoboam (son of Solomon) rejected the council of wise elders and instead listened to his young friends the result? The kingdom split.
Next Week: When Each Day Becomes Precious
ESV: English Standard Version – Crossway
Join a Church, Bible Study . . . read the whole Bible in order to learn the full meaning of GOD’s Word.
Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Sinful humans abuse this power for selfish gain and power. The struggle initiates violent conflict, abuse of human rights and persecution. Jesus
Catacombs – images from pixabay.com
advocated peace, love and forgiveness. This philosophy left aggressive violent people with the impression Christians were meek and docile and easy prey: Persecution followed. What these perpetrators did not realize, long after they were to be gone Christianity would prevail.
Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Roman Republic – images from pixabay.com
Slavic Christian Community- Famous Song about Persecution by Brandon Heath: Dmitri’s Song
Todd Smith (Video) – “Dmitri’s Song (Jesus Is Alive)”
Governments limit, forbid or attempt to annihilate Christians even today. The negative forces have the opposite affect. When Christians face these most dire conditions they go underground and there Faith grows stronger and their numbers increase.
Police States May Oppose and Control Humans of a Race, Political View, Ideology, a Creed or Religion.
Though the USA is considered a police state by some that is hyperbole – having over a million law enforcement personnel may make it seem so, but our population is over 325 million .
These are the current police states in the world according to Business Insider magazine:
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Next Week: The Value of Humans
ESV: English Standard Version – Crossway
Join a Church, Bible Study . . . read the whole Bible in order to learn the full meaning of GOD’s Word.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Saints – images from pixabay.com
You are not off the hook though
We Christians may not need to do good to earn GOD’s Grace or entry into heaven but, since we are grateful we do good to demonstrate The LOVE of GOD and in eternity we can receive rewards for doing so.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
