Christmas: What It Means for You and Me

We all know the two main themes of Christmas seen today: Jesus's birth and Santa Claus. While Santa Claus comes from years of folklore and stories of Saint Nicholas from the 4th-century (all something to do with Christianity), only Jesus's story never changes. Nativity scenes are always the same. Santa Claus decorations change every year. As a matter of fact, I saw a racing Santa this year. Who would've thought?

It's always great to receive Christmas presents. I mean let's be real, who doesn't know of things they want for Christmas? I know there's always at least one thing in particular I ask my parents for each Christmas. But the world has made Christmas all about receiving. I'm here to tell you, it's not. And if you already knew that, well, then maybe some deeper meaning of Christmas will come to you through this blog post.

Have you ever just stopped and really thought about the Christmas story? I mean we all know about the shepherds and the wise men and the angels and how Jesus was born in a manger etc etc. I'm sure at least most of us could give a general idea about what happened in Bethlehem so long ago. But what I think we don't fully understand is how significant Jesus's birth really was.

It all started back in the Garden of Eden in the early days of the Creation when everything was perfect. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and brought sin upon all of humanity. Now you can get into a big argument on who's fault it really was, but that's not the point of this. After they sinned, the Lord told them all his plan for redemption:
"I will make you and the woman hostile toward each other. I will make your descendants and her descendant hostile toward each other. He will crush your head, and you will bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15 GW)
Already God told them that one of their descendants would crush Satan. Although Adam and Eve did not know exactly what that meant, I'm sure the knowledge was very comforting.

Throughout the Old Testament, scripture after scripture said something about the coming Messiah. Can you imagine how long the Israelites were waiting? Can you imagine hearing from your parents and grandparents the stories of the coming Messiah and hearing how long the tribe had been waiting? Can you imagine being one of them and just hoping and hoping the Messiah would come during your lifetime? The wait must have been excruciating. Just think how many generations of people the Old Testament spans. It makes me think of the song "Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus."

But Jesus finally came. Thousands of years after Adam and Eve, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. But why would He be born as a baby? Why come humbly instead of as a king should? I heard one good reason the other day about Him being born as a baby. People aren't scared of babies. I mean can you imagine Him coming down with all His glory? People would follow Him just because they were afraid. But coming as a baby, people had to have faith that He was the Messiah. Only people who really believed Him could truly follow Him. And yes, also He was coming to build the Heavenly kingdom not an earthly kingdom. I'm sure if it were an earthly kingdom, He would've come more kingly. But that wasn't His purpose. He came as Immanuel- God with Us.

How significant that name is! It isn't "God was with Us." It's the present tense with an understood "is": "God with Us." No longer do we have to be separated from God spiritually. Because Jesus became Immanuel, we now can have a relationship with God. We now can become His followers and have eternal life. God gave the ultimate gift and love:
"God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life." (John 3:16)
When Jesus was on that cross, he literally took all of humanity's past and future sins on His shoulders and took them to the grave and Hell. He paid for all of them with His own life. What a gift! What love! The God Almighty would love humanity so deeply that He would give His own Son for us. Because of Him, we now can have love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, and self-control. Because of the love that He showed us, we now can bestow to others and be an example.

Did you know the word Christian actually means "little Christ"? God called us to like Christ, to walk as He did and love as He did. But we don't have to do it alone. Jesus became Immanuel. No longer are we alone: Immanuel. No longer must we worry about our future: Immanuel. No longer must we live in shame and sadness: Immanuel. No longer must we do things with our own strength: Immanuel. No longer must we go to Hell: Immanuel. No longer must we fear temptation: Immanuel! No longer must sin separate us from God: Immanuel! God's Son came to this earth to be Immanuel! Oh, what joy, what gift, what prize could ever top that! Humanity now can be restored if they just come to Immanuel for help.

God gave the ultimate gift. Christmas is a celebration, it's about salvation, it's about generosity. Don't let this world trap you in it's hustle and bustle and negativity in this Christmas season. Immanuel, God with Us. Live in joy, celebration, and victory because of the Savior who loved you so much to be born humbly to this world and die on the cross to pay for your sins.

This is one of the most powerful videos I've ever seen. I've shared it on Facebook and Twitter already but after reading this blog, watch it again and let it's meaning soak deep into your mind and heart.
"God With Us- A Young Charles Spurgeon Christmas Sermon"
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=W77KW7NX&fb_action_ids=248981978597703&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B461929930510412%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

Short Blog: Churches in America

I never thought I'd be blogging on this, but I felt a need for it today. You know, one of the biggest problems with churches in America today is comparison. No longer do churches compare themselves to God's Word. It is now to other churches. "But this church does this." "Oh, look at how bad that church is!" "They have this equipment, we should get it too!"

I'm here to tell you- NO! Shall I say it again? NO! N-O-! The church is not the pastor's, it is the Lord's! God owns the church!

"God has put everything under the control of Christ. He has made Christ the head of everything for the good of the church. The church is Christ’s body and completes him as he fills everything in every way." (Ephesians 1:22-23 GW)

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God. Don’t cause others to stumble, whether they are Jewish, Greek, or members of God’s church. I try to please everyone in every way. I don’t think about what would be good for me but about what would be good for many people so that they might be saved." (1 Corinthians 10: 31-33)

"However, you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not God’s people, but now you are. Once you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10)

"The opposite is true. The parts of the body that we think are weaker are the ones we really need.  The parts of the body that we think are less honorable are the ones we give special honor. So our unpresentable parts are made more presentable. However, our presentable parts don’t need this kind of treatment. God has put the body together and given special honor to the part that doesn’t have it.  God’s purpose was that the body should not be divided but rather that all of its parts should feel the same concern for each other. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts share its suffering. If one part is praised, all the others share in its happiness." (1 Corinthians 12:22-26)

We live in a culture where comparison is the name of the game. If you don't look a certain way, act a certain way, do a certain thing, then you aren't worthy or good enough. Well I'm here to tell you today, that is a lie straight from the Devil! That goes for people and the church as a whole! Don't compare yourselves to worldly standards but to godly standards. God's way is the only thing that will stand sure forever. Besides, doesn't comparison bring a lot of envy and discontent? I mean who wants that? People look down on Christians today because we compare just like the world does. We try to be better or just as good as one another. What kind of example is that setting? Why should people go to church or follow God if its just comparing one another? You wanna make a change in the world and turn America around? Stand up and use God's Word as the standard. It is a much more content lifestyle because you're only trying to please God and not the whole world. Shall I get off my soap box now? ;)

 

Encouragement for Exams Week

So I don't know about you, but on Friday just thinking about this week made me stressed. So much studying to do and even a paper to write. Last night I decided if I need encouragement, then ya'll definitely need encouragement as well!

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]."
Philippians 4:6-8 AMP

"I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]." Philippians 4:13 AMP (LOVE the way this version words it!!)

“Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.  Place my yoke over your shoulders, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble. Then you will find rest for yourselves because my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 GW

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

"Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

"Yet I still belong to you;
    you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
    leading me to a glorious destiny.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
    I desire you more than anything on earth.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
    but God remains the strength of my heart;
    he is mine forever.

Those who desert him will perish,
    for you destroy those who abandon you.
But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
    I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
    and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do."

Psalm 73:23-28

 

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." Isaiah 43:2

 

"I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?

My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!"

Psalm 121:1-2

 

"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying." Romans 12:12

 

"For I hold you by your right hand—
    I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
    ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.'"

Isaiah 41:13

 

"Because you are my helper,
    I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
    your strong right hand holds me securely."

Psalm 63:7-8

"So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:31-34

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
    and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
    with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
    or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
    and they never stop producing fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8

And my favorite verse-
"For the Lord your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With his love, he will calm all your fears.
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Zephaniah 3:17

I hope these verses help! Study hard, my friends!

A Realization- 1 Cor 12-13

I was reading through more of 1 Corinthians tonight when I was hit with an interesting realization. Most of us know about 1 Corinthians 13 "The Love Chapter." But did you know why it was in the Bible (other than we should love one another)? Read the chapter before. Chapter 12 begins with the topic of spiritual gifts. There are many spiritual gifts, but they are all equal because they are all from the same God. It then transitions into the discussion of the body of Christ. The human body needs all its parts.
" Suppose a foot says, “I’m not a hand, so I’m not part of the body!” Would that mean it’s no longer part of the body? Or suppose an ear says, “I’m not an eye, so I’m not a part of the body!” Would that mean it’s no longer part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how could it hear? If the whole body were an ear, how could it smell? So God put each and every part of the body together as he wanted it. How could it be a body if it only had one part? So there are many parts but one body. An eye can’t say to a hand, “I don’t need you!” Or again, the head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” The opposite is true. The parts of the body that we think are weaker are the ones we really need. The parts of the body that we think are less honorable are the ones we give special honor. So our unpresentable parts are made more presentable. However, our presentable parts don’t need this kind of treatment. God has put the body together and given special honor to the part that doesn’t have it. God’s purpose was that the body should not be divided but rather that all of its parts should feel the same concern for each other. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts share its suffering. If one part is praised, all the others share in its happiness." (vv.15-26)
The next verses talk about how all the spiritual gifts are necessary in the body of Christ. Not everyone is the same, but we are all with the same God. The church Paul is writing to was very young and located in a wild city. They were becoming swayed by the world, and Paul was writing to instruct them in the right way. There was some discord among the church because of the different spiritual gifts. Paul tells them everyone is essential; there is no one better than the other.

Paul closes chapter 12 in verse 27: "You only want the better gifts, but I will show you the best thing to do." And boom, next comes chapter 13. I don't know about you, but I never noticed that flow. The problem with most translations nowadays is there are subtitles. Now, that's really not a bad thing. It can be helpful, but I think sometimes we miss the full context. When Paul was writing this, there were no chapters or verses. He says verse 27 and goes right into true love. For me, this makes more sense of verses 2 "I may have the gift to speak what God has revealed, and I may understand all mysteries and have all knowledge. I may even have enough faith to move mountains. But if I don’t have love, I am nothing." and 8-10 "Love never comes to an end. There is the gift of speaking what God has revealed, but it will no longer be used. There is the gift of speaking in other languages, but it will stop by itself. There is the gift of knowledge, but it will no longer be used. Our knowledge is incomplete and our ability to speak what God has revealed is incomplete. But when what is complete comes, then what is incomplete will no longer be used." Those are referring to the spiritual gifts of knowledge, prophecy, and speaking other languages referred to in chapter 12.

My main point of this blog is just sharing with you that realization that occurred to me. It was just a lightbulb moment because honestly I have struggled with chapter 13 for years because it just never quite made sense. Now I get it. The church is supposed to love one another if we are a part of the body of Christ. Chapter 13 isn't just for couples or friends. It's for the Church. Now that is something powerful.

Run

This scene is one of my favorites from the movie Facing the Giants. To me it shows the true meaning of perseverance. I used to do gymnastics, and I can remember days when I just wanted to quit. My muscles were so tired and ached so much. There would be half an hour left, and I would just feel like I wasn't going to make it. This semester has even required perseverance. Doing calculus homework for 4 hours until midnight is not exactly my cup of tea. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that perseverance builds character. Being a follower of Christ calls for perseverance. Here's what the bible says:

"Don’t you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win. Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. They do it to win a temporary crown, but we do it to win one that will be permanent. So I run—but not without a clear goal ahead of me. So I box—but not as if I were just shadow boxing. Rather, I toughen my body with punches and make it my slave so that I will not be disqualified after I have spread the Good News to others." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (GW)

Sidebar: Probably one of the most quoted passages in all of Scripture. When I came across it and God pressed it on my heart I was like, "Really, God? That's so cliché." But maybe you need to hear this, and you'll only hear it from me. I'm not sure what God's plan is but here we go!

Being an athlete requires dedication. Ask people in any sport. Football, gymnastics, soccer, whatever- it all requires dedication. If you're not in it 100%, then you're going to be miserable doing it. The same goes for the Christian life. If you're not 100% following God, then why are you a believer? Why do you go to church and read your Bible? The point of all of that is to draw us closer to the Father's heart. The Christian walk takes dedication. And dedication means perseverance because I can guarantee you it is not going to be easy. Satan is going to knock you down as hard as he can. You're gonna scrape your knee, break your arm, pull a muscle, but it all comes down to perseverance. I love how that translation phrases verse 27: "Rather, I toughen my body with punches and make it my slave so that I will not be disqualified after I have spread the Good News to others." Note the "make it my slave" part. Following God does not come naturally. Let me say that again: following God does not come naturally. We are born into sin and have fleshly desires. We have to say no to those desires and allow the Spirit to reign in us. Jesus said it plainly in Matthew 16:24, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me.'"

Run. Don't quit. Don't give in. It's not going to be easy. When things are hard, remember that video. Persevere to the end. Don't let the circumstances now knock you out of the game. God is always with you. Remember, we are partners with Christ. When we are weak, He is strong!

From Broken to Partner

As I was reading 1 Corinthians, I was stopped short in the first chapter. The first chapter. I don't know about you guys, but when I think of the first chapter of Paul's letters I think of boring introduction and exhortation. Boy was I wrong! There are a couple verses outside of these that I could talk about, but I'm going to focus on verses 26-31.

     First, I'll deal with verses 26-29. I have been reading from God's Word translation, often abbreviated GW. This is my God Girl Bible. I love it because it has little devotionals in it that put some passages into perspective. The God Girl theme is all about Prov 31 and becoming a woman of God. Anyway, enough rabbit trail; here are the verses:
     "Brothers and sisters, consider what you were when God called you to be Christians. Not many of you were wise from a human point of view. You were not in powerful positions or in the upper social classes.  But God chose what the world considers nonsense to put wise people to shame. God chose what the world considers weak to put what is strong to shame. God chose what the world considers ordinary and what it despises—what it considers to be nothing—in order to destroy what it considers to be something. As a result, no one can brag in God’s presence." 
     At first you may be like "Whaaaaaaaaa?" Listen to what it's saying. God uses the people who's life is perfect- is that what it says? NO! This passage is saying God uses the broken people to put the world to shame! God uses those who are considered inferior, stupid, never-gonna-amount-to-anything people and turns them into something the world could never fathom. Do you know how encouraging that is?! We don't have to be perfect! It's okay that we're messed up! So what if people make fun of us or say we'll never be something special? God shakes His head at them and says, "No, I've claimed this one. I'll make sure you see how powerful I am." The world thinks they can brag because of something that's accomplished. God blows their minds. But the person who was transformed is in awe of the God who would even care just a little about him. This allows no one to brag. God is the Mastermind.

     Verses 30-31 are also encouraging. Not only does God use the broken people, but He also partners them with Christ! Listen to this:
     "You are partners with Christ Jesus because of God. Jesus has become our wisdom sent from God, our approval, our holiness, and our ransom from sin. As Scripture says, 'Whoever brags must brag about what the Lord has done.'”
     My Bible devotional states it best: "Partners are two people who share in doing something together; they work together toward a common goal. This is a big deal, because it means that when you feel like you can't do what's right, that's okay, because he can. It means that even though you may not realize it or feel like it right now, you have the wisdom of Jesus on your side-and not only that but His righteousness and holiness as well. That means that He is enough. You may fail, you may mess up royally, but you have been made a partner with Christ, and so He will get you out of your mess if you are willing to let Him. You just need to trust Him to do it." That is encouraging to me. It makes me think  of the verse, "When I am weak, He is strong." We are partners with Christ. That is such an awesome blessing!

As we all know, Christmas is less than a month away. It's already December! Because of Jesus' birth as a baby, He could become sin to take away our sin so we could be partners with Him. That is how much He loves us. He loves us so much that even though we spit in His face and crush His name in the mud He still chose the cross so that one day we can live with Him forever. We can call Him and trust Him with our lives. We don't have to suffer alone anymore. I don't know about you, but suffering alone is the most depressing thing ever. Jesus gave His life so that He can help us and support us. He'll never leave you or forsake you.

Partners in Christ....what a phrase!

Welcome!

Hello there!

Welcome to my new blog! I realized the other day I write much on Facebook about biblical insight. Although that's not necessarily a bad thing, I wanted a place where I can write and write and write without using long statuses or filling up people's news feed. Sometimes you just need more space to write. So here we go!

I'm not sure how frequently I will write, but knowing me, it could be everyday or once a week. No matter how much, I hope that God will use this blog for His glory to be a help and encouragement to you.

Thank you and God Bless!