Keeping Christ in Christmas

     Christmas approaches very fast! It's not uncommon anymore to hear "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". What happened? Jesus is no longer the reason for the season any more. Now, it's true that we should celebrate Christ birth and resurrection every day, not just on the "specific days"; but when did it become too much to hear, "Merry Christmas!"
     A couple days ago, I watched a video of what kids thought Christmas was about, and who they thought Jesus was, what kind of gifts He was brought...etc.. It was extremely disappointing to see how far mis-lead these kids were. You heard some of them say that Jesus was brought lots of money, and clothes; and you heard some kids say that Jesus came as a king riding on a camel. It's very unfortunate that some kids aren't taught the real meaning of Christmas.
     Last week, after going to the store, an older man greeted me with, "Happy Holidays!" I almost said Happy Holidays back, but stopped myself and said, "Merry Christmas!" instead. He looked at me like I was crazy, and moved on. I couldn't help but wonder, what changed? Why have we stopped using Christ in Christmas? Christmas isn't a time for presents, trees, lights, goodies, and such. (although that's fun too!) But, the real reason why we celebrate Christmas, is because we celebrate Jesus coming down to this earth, in the form of "Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." (Luke 2:12,16)
     "And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night, and behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will 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 will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:7-14)
     Let's not forget the real reason why we celebrate Christmas! And this Christmas season, let's keep Christ in the Center! After all, He's the reason for the season! :) Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!

When the Hurricane Hits

We've all had those moments.
The moments when the hurricane in our lives, hit. At full throttle, the plane, goes straight down.
We can't see a way out, and we can't understand how we got where we are.
When Jesus walked on water, he didn't calm the storm first, he called to Peter through the storm.

Matthew 14:22-33"Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

He spoke: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Nothing had changed. The storm still raged. The wind still shrieked. The boat still pitched. The thunder still boomed. The rain still slapped. But in the midst of the tumult, I could hear his voice. Although he was still far away, it was like he was by my side. The night was ferocious, yet he spoke as though the sea were placid and the sky silent. And, somehow, courage came. “Lord, if it’s you, . . . tell me to come to you on the water.” The voice was Peter’s. He wasn't being cocky. He wasn't demanding proof. He was scared. Like me, he knew what this storm could do. He knew that the boat would soon go down. He knew that Jesus was standing up. And he knew where he wanted to be . . . where we all wanted to be. “Come on,” Jesus invited. So Peter climbed over the side and stepped onto the sea. Before him opened a trail through a forest of waves. He stepped quickly. Water splashed. But he kept going. This path to Jesus was a ribbon of calm. It was peaceful. Serene.Jesus radiated light at the end of the trail. Smiling.

There are times in a person’s life when, even in the midst of them, you know you’ll never be the same. Moments that forever serve as journey posts. This was one.

In today’s passage, Christ came to the disciples and dealt with their storm.  But if you read the passage closely you discover Jesus didn't act in a way they expected.  Surely when the storm began, the disciples prayed that God would calm the storm, and eventually he did, but not at first.  Jesus first dealt with their chaos by walking with them in the storm.  Yes, Jesus delivered everything the disciples needed to make it through the storm, but he didn't deliver in a way they expected. The same is true when Jesus deals with us in the storms of life.  Jesus will deliver exactly what we need to deal with the storms, but he may not deliver in a way we expect. Instead of calming the storm, he may calm our spirit. Instead of healing our body, he may heal our souls. Instead of giving us more money, he may give us more wisdom. Instead of making us stronger, he may help us learn the value and power of our weakness. Oh, Jesus will supply everything we need, but he may not deliver in ways we expect, because our real need may be something we've never recognized.  Yes, when we are in the midst of our storm, Jesus gives us just what we need.  And what we need most is always the comforting presence of Christ. 

       When we face the storms of life, we may start begging God to calm the storm.  But God may act differently than we expect.  Instead of calming the storm, he might invite us to snuggle up in his presence until the storm is over.  And if God’s presence is with us, he is always enough - enough for us to make it till the end of the storm.
      Yes, he's always enough for the storms of our life.

      He's always enough to bring calm to our strife.

      He's always enough when the darkness descends.

    He's our savior, our pilot, our God and our friend.

  So when your calm turns to chaos and your joy turns to gloom.

    And darkness surrounds you like the walls of a tomb.

  When the storms of your trouble get frighteningly tough,

     Just come to Jesus.  He's always enough.

Jesus, friend of Sinners

I was convicted this week on how often we don't love the sinners.
Have you heard the saying, "hate the sin, love the sinner."?
My mom knows of a young woman whom is a lesbian. My heart breaks that some people don't understand how wrong it is, or are to set in their own ways to repent and turn from their wicked ways.
When my mom went down to visit her sister a while back ago, she saw this particular young woman. My mom gave her a hug, because, as awkward as it was, my mom wanted her to know that she still loves her.
After the trip, my mom talked to her sister, and her sister said, "She just wanted to know that you loved her! And you showed her that you did."
We cast so much judgment on some people that we don't look at our own sin, in our own life. Sometimes, I have to ask God to forgive me, because I judged someone based on how they acted/dressed/looked. God, please forgive me!
In Matthew 12:33-37, we see that Jesus says, "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”I really like this song by Casting Crowns that talks about how Jesus loved the sinners.
"Jesus, Friend Of Sinners"

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours
Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours
You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet
'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours
And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

A little Rest

After Christmas...the shopping, returning, getting clearance items, negotiating price matches, cleaning, cooking, cleaning more, cooking more, and... resting! :)
After Christmas, there's a sense of... peace. Finally, after wrapping presents, cooking, cleaning, preparing, everyone can rest. That's what it's suppose to be...right?! ;)
A tradition in our family every Christmas Day, is to have an open house in the afternoon. Have snacks, play games, and talk. This year was a little different. We had invited several families throughout that week to join us, and some of them said yes... it wasn't until the day before that everyone canceled! So, while my mom wanted to just cancel it, we told her no... when you start a tradition, you just can't stop. So, we invited out very good friends, the Sargent family over... they've come every year for the last 7 years? Any way, so, they came over. Our house was filled with laughter, food, games, and love. Our very good friend, whom is a police officer was on patrol that night, and decided to stop by for a few, so, our house was full.

After our friends left that night, as a joke, I said, "So, Mom, what do you want to do for New Years?!" ;)
A couple people, including myself are extroverts in our family, and so, if dad's off, then we should do something "fun"... not this time. :) After cleaning, and getting back to normal life, doing some returns, life was finally... normal... although, there is no such thing as normal in my life. ;)
Do you ever feel that way? My brother and I were talking about the story of Mary and Martha the other day. Martha was worried about this and that, while Mary, was sitting quietly at Jesus' feet.

"Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.  She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
~Luke 10:38-42~

So, as we prepare for New Years, and returning back to normal life, let's not be worried about everything, but instead, pray about everything. Have a wonderful New Years!

Philippians 4:6-7
 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The Gift of Giving

We've heard it said from the Bible, "...It is more blessed to give than receive," in Acts 20:35.
However, some of us have a hard time to give. Over the years, I've learned the joy of giving. Sometimes, I don't want to, but I find that when I do, I feel so good and joyful! Plus, it makes the other person feel special. I feel like God has blessed me, so I should bless other people.
This past week, my dad told us, "The Church needs more money to build the Church Building, and they need it by the end of the month. Would any of you children like to give any amount of money to the Church?"
Between all of us kids, we gathered $1,000! To some people, that may be very little, but, it's $1,000 closer to the goal needed to build a debt-free Church Building.

I couldn't help but think of how Jesus must have felt when the wise men brought him gifts.
How special, to even have gifts!
When Jesus Christ was born, that was the best gift of all! My Uncle and Aunt in Texas have, in big, bold letters on their fence that says, "It's all about Jesus!" It's true! Jesus is the reason for the season! Can you imagine what that night must have been like when Jesus was born? Was it smelly since it was where animals lay? Was Mary relieved that the pain was over? Was Joseph in complete awe? Did the innkeeper know that night, the Messiah was born?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know 

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb 

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I AM

When we give, we bless someone, so let's go out and bless someone this Christmas season. And remember, that Jesus is the reason for the season! :)

The Thorn

As I mentioned before, our family went to see, "The Thorn" for Easter. For those of you who don't know what it is...it's a, how shall we say it...play/musical about Jesus, and his life on this earth basically until after he rose from the dead.It was interesting to see all the different kinds of costumes, and the actors/acrobats.
In one of the scenes when Judas is fighting himself whether he should betray Jesus or not, Satan was there enticing him, and well... Judas gave in.
They had a "John the Baptist" as the Narrator, and after Judas got the money for betraying Jesus, everyone paused while the "Narrator" came out. He said, "Satan comes here for one purpose, and one purpose only...to kill, steal, and destroy." ...isn't this so true? Whether we like it or not, Satan is always going to try to steal, kill, and destroy. He will destroy our lives if we let him. There is only one thing that can stop Satan from winning, and that is the power that Christ has. We can only overcome Satan and temptation if we have Christ on our throne. That is the only way... in Judas's life, he gave in...but we as children of God have a choice...what is your choice? Do you remember the Lord's Prayer? Matthew 6:9-15 "...And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil..."
With every temptation God provides a way of escape. (1st Corinthians 10:13)

Good Friday

IT WASN'T A GOOD FRIDAY by Harry Page It wasn't a Good Friday, the day that Jesus died, He'd suffered and been tortured, and probably had cried, Seen Herod and seen Pilate, and the Sanhedrin too, All of this he took, for love of me and you. It wasn't a Good Friday; the Devil seemed to win, But Jesus knew he'd come to save us all from sin, The prophesies were fulfilled, all the boxes ticked, But Satan didn't realise, that now he had been licked. It wasn't a Good Friday, the disciples ran away, When they saw the soldiers they knew they couldn't stay, Only John and Peter followed with the throng, While Jesus being marched away, knew he must be strong. It wasn't a Good Friday; the skull place was ahead, The nails, the cross, the mocking, the spear that says you're dead, But all of this he had to bear, it was part of God's plan, To give his all for each of us, as Jesus only can. It wasn't a Good Friday, now God had turned away, Utterly forsaken, this was the darkest day, He could have called the angels to save him from this pain, But stayed and died so we could come at last to heaven again. It was a great Good Friday, ‘It's finished' was his cry, A shout that would have carried, up to God on high, He had, he'd won the battle, and death defeated too, Paid the price, set us free, new life for me and you. So think on this Good Friday, what costs he had to pay, To bring us to the Father, to take us all the way, So put your trust in Jesus, give him allegiance true, He loved you and he died for you, and now it's up to you.

The Crucifixion

Tonight for our family worship, we read John 19.
It was the chapter on Jesus Crucifixion.
While we were reading it, I started crying. No, I am not usually an emotional person, but I couldn't help it. Jesus let people whip him, spit at him, put a crown of thorns on this head, when all he had to do was call out to God, and God would have rescued Him. But Jesus knew what he had to do in order for us to be with Him. Isn't that incredible?

A few nights ago, I watched Fireproof. In the part of the movie when Caleb Holt gives himself to God, Caleb's dad said, "son, you just asked me how you can love someone when they constantly reject you. The answer is...you can't, because you don't have God's love." He said, "Jesus loves us even though we reject him, and spit in his face."
Isn't that so true? We are constantly disobeying his laws, or ignoring his commandments, and yet he still loves us with unconditional love!
Now, does that mean that we can get away with sin? No! Absolutely not! God will judge us in the end.

Now, getting back to the crucifixion, Jesus is so amazing!!! Last year when I watched the "Passion of the Christ" for the second time, and I cried like crazy. I couldn't understand why people wanted to crucify him. I was mad, and upset.
I am so thankful that Jesus died on that cross willingly! And now, I can spend an eternity with him, forever and ever.

Here's a video called, "Why?" My dad showed it to me last year, and I've always kept the video. Please listen to the words; It makes me truly appreciate the sacrifice that God made for me.

Temptation

Temptation:
Why is is so easy to give into temptation? Whether it's a temptation of stealing, lying, disobeying, or something else. Why is it so hard to resist temptation?

The Webster's 1828 dictionary's definition of temptation is:
"The act of tempting; enticement to evil by arguments, by flattery, or by the offer of some real or apparent good. The state of being tempted or enticed to evil. When by human weakness you are led into temptation, resort to prayer for relief. Trial. An allurement to any thing indifferent, or even good."

In Matthew 6:13 it says, "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one..." (NKJV)

Mark 14:38, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Luke 8:13, "But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.

Luke 22:40, "...Pray that you may not enter into temptation."

1st Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation..."

Jesus himself was tempted in Luke 4; however, Jesus resisted temptation.
Just like Jesus, we too can resist temptation. The next time you are tempted, try to pray; God will be there to help us!