Hello Everyone,
One more thing happened at Gilgal. Read with me Joshua 5:10-11.
10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. 11 The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain.
Passover celebrated God’s protection and provision.
You remember the story how the Hebrew people smeared lamb’s blood on their doorposts to protect them from the death angel it was the last plague against Egypt.
God had declared, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt” (Exodus 12:13)
Only the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross of Calvary 2000 thousands years ago will protect you from the awful judgment of God for your sin.
We are not justified because of our good intentions.
We are not protected because of our tearful appeals.
We can do no works to merit God’s favor.
ONLY the BLOOD puts us in right standing with God.
ONLY the BLOOD washes away our sin.
ONLY the BLOOD can bring complete and total forgiveness.
As the Old Andrae’ Crouch song that we have sung so many times says, the blood of Jesus “reaches to the highest mountain” and “flows to the lowest valley”. That is why “it will never lose its POWER”.
The blood of Jesus Christ is strong enough to break the chains of drugs, alcohol, crime anything that holds you captive.
It overwhelms bad habits, it overwhelms bad financial strongholds, and it overwhelms bad friendships.
It is the Passover that exceeds any Passover meal, freeing us from the punishment we deserve.
It is the center of our hope and faith in Christ.
It is God’s provision for all the messes we find our selves in.
When we stand on the principals of Gilgal,
praise for all His past blessings,
a sincere heart that repents of sin,
and a full faith in the blood of Jesus Christ and all He accomplished on the Cross-
We are then standing in the perfect place where God can bless us in the Year of Our Lord 2010.
We then are ready to enter “more”.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Hello Everyone,
The second lesson of Gigal shows up in Joshua chapter 5:1-9 read with me.
1 Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until we had crossed over, their hearts melted and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites. 2 At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again." 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. 4 Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the desert on the way after leaving Egypt. 5 All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the desert during the journey from Egypt had not. 6 The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. 8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. 9 Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.
The generation that had come out of Egypt had forgotten something along the way. During the forty years they spent wandering in the desert, they stopped practicing the sign of the covenant God had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
That sign was circumcision.
To be a Hebrew male meant being circumcised.
But as sons were born during the wilderness wanderings, God’s people failed to honor their covenant obligations.
So now it is like God is saying, “Stop everything. This generation is living in disobedience. Don’t take another step until you straighten this out.”
When Joshua had circumcised all those who where supposed to have been, the Lord responded with, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” (5:9)
Listen: Your holiest days will be your happiest days.
The people of Israel got right with God at Gigal, and then they were ready to go out and conquer the land.
You do not need to pray about things that God has already called sin.
God lovingly calls us to obedience. He never gives UP.
The fact of His Holiness can never be compromised!
To reject God’s requirements does not set us free to enjoy our independence. Instead it puts us evermore into a deeper bondage.
Only when we are in obedience to His commands are we truly free to live in His blessings and go forward.
Don’t take one step into 20010 if you are in disobedience go back and do what God has said to do.
And then you will be in the “Place of God’s Blessing” in this New Year.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
The second lesson of Gigal shows up in Joshua chapter 5:1-9 read with me.
1 Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until we had crossed over, their hearts melted and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites. 2 At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again." 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. 4 Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the desert on the way after leaving Egypt. 5 All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the desert during the journey from Egypt had not. 6 The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. 8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. 9 Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.
The generation that had come out of Egypt had forgotten something along the way. During the forty years they spent wandering in the desert, they stopped practicing the sign of the covenant God had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
That sign was circumcision.
To be a Hebrew male meant being circumcised.
But as sons were born during the wilderness wanderings, God’s people failed to honor their covenant obligations.
So now it is like God is saying, “Stop everything. This generation is living in disobedience. Don’t take another step until you straighten this out.”
When Joshua had circumcised all those who where supposed to have been, the Lord responded with, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” (5:9)
Listen: Your holiest days will be your happiest days.
The people of Israel got right with God at Gigal, and then they were ready to go out and conquer the land.
You do not need to pray about things that God has already called sin.
God lovingly calls us to obedience. He never gives UP.
The fact of His Holiness can never be compromised!
To reject God’s requirements does not set us free to enjoy our independence. Instead it puts us evermore into a deeper bondage.
Only when we are in obedience to His commands are we truly free to live in His blessings and go forward.
Don’t take one step into 20010 if you are in disobedience go back and do what God has said to do.
And then you will be in the “Place of God’s Blessing” in this New Year.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Monday, December 28, 2009
Hello Everyone,
At Gilgal, Joshua followed God’s command to take twelve large stones from the middle of the Jordain River-which God had miraculously divided to allow his people to cross on dry land-and set them up as memorial stones.
The purpose of the stones was to ignite discussion with the next generation: “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean? Tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord” (Joshua 4:6-7)
When they would do this they would be reinforcing the miracle of God’s power and provision.
These stones were not idols to be worshiped.
They were a testimony to the faithfulness of the one and only true God!
They gave reason to give praise to God.
Instead of looking at the battles ahead of them and worry about what was going to happen they could focus on the twelve stones, and their fears would evaporate.
Their God had stopped the flood stage Jordan so they could cross over! Surely He could stop the arrows, spears, and rocks of the enemy, too!
In our times of confrontation with those things that would try to come against us it would be best NOT to focus on the troubles lined up against us.
Instead, we need to celebrate the God who has already demonstrated His POWER and PROVISION in our past.
We do not need to be fretful or anxious.
We need to anchor our hearts and minds in God’s overwhelming track record.
Your Bible says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you” (James 4:8)
Apparently not all Believers live the same distance from God.
As we live a life FULL of praise and thanksgiving for God’s past mercies and blessings we experience God coming closer to us in the present.
What a difference it would make if we would simply paused once an hour or so to say, “Thank you Lord for being so good to me! I give You praise!”
Just think how much more the Joy of the Lord and the Peace of the Lord would be ours all day long.
Yes we will have problems in 2009, it is inevitable. But instead of worrying about what we are facing are going to face look at the difficulties in the reality of ALL that God has done for us in the past.
Look at the STONES that you have for a testimony of God’s faithfulness!
Be “happy in God” on the fact of His faithfulness up to now-that is the first lesson of Gilgal.
Certainly each of us has at least twelve stones of Gods faithfulness in our lives.
I am looking forward to a great New Year, but first I must pause and look back at the Faithfulness of God in the past.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Phil
At Gilgal, Joshua followed God’s command to take twelve large stones from the middle of the Jordain River-which God had miraculously divided to allow his people to cross on dry land-and set them up as memorial stones.
The purpose of the stones was to ignite discussion with the next generation: “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean? Tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord” (Joshua 4:6-7)
When they would do this they would be reinforcing the miracle of God’s power and provision.
These stones were not idols to be worshiped.
They were a testimony to the faithfulness of the one and only true God!
They gave reason to give praise to God.
Instead of looking at the battles ahead of them and worry about what was going to happen they could focus on the twelve stones, and their fears would evaporate.
Their God had stopped the flood stage Jordan so they could cross over! Surely He could stop the arrows, spears, and rocks of the enemy, too!
In our times of confrontation with those things that would try to come against us it would be best NOT to focus on the troubles lined up against us.
Instead, we need to celebrate the God who has already demonstrated His POWER and PROVISION in our past.
We do not need to be fretful or anxious.
We need to anchor our hearts and minds in God’s overwhelming track record.
Your Bible says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you” (James 4:8)
Apparently not all Believers live the same distance from God.
As we live a life FULL of praise and thanksgiving for God’s past mercies and blessings we experience God coming closer to us in the present.
What a difference it would make if we would simply paused once an hour or so to say, “Thank you Lord for being so good to me! I give You praise!”
Just think how much more the Joy of the Lord and the Peace of the Lord would be ours all day long.
Yes we will have problems in 2009, it is inevitable. But instead of worrying about what we are facing are going to face look at the difficulties in the reality of ALL that God has done for us in the past.
Look at the STONES that you have for a testimony of God’s faithfulness!
Be “happy in God” on the fact of His faithfulness up to now-that is the first lesson of Gilgal.
Certainly each of us has at least twelve stones of Gods faithfulness in our lives.
I am looking forward to a great New Year, but first I must pause and look back at the Faithfulness of God in the past.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Phil
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Hello Everyone,
I think Paul called Jesus indescribable because of His purpose in coming to earth. The angels announced to the shepherds, "Unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord."What do we celebrate at Christmas? We celebrate the fact that Jesus came into our world to save us. God saw that mankind needed saving.
When God looked at our world He knew that our greatest need is not for more wealth, nor better schools, not even a better welfare system. Our greatest need is for a Savior. Our greatest need is to be saved from the very flames of hell, itself.How do you describe that? How do you put into words what God accomplished when He sent His only begotten Son into the world?I think that Jesus, God’s gift, is indescribable because of His nature, because of His purpose in coming to earth, & thirdly, because of the grace that Jesus is given. You know, every gift that I give this Christmas will be given because the recipient of that gift has some claim on me.Now you might not like that idea, but that is true. I’ll buy a gift for my wife because she is my wife. I’ll buy gifts for my children because they are my children. I’ll buy gifts for my grandchildren because they’re my grandchildren.
We buy gifts for family members because they are family.Now if I buy a gift for you & you are not in my family, it is probably because you bought a gift for me last year & I didn’t buy a gift for you. So I owe you one this year, & so the cycle keeps on going.If I give a gift to feed the hungry, or clothe the naked or to take care of the homeless, I do it because down deep inside I recognize that I have a debt, a feeling of obligation to them. That is what makes God’s gift so special. He doesn’t owe us anything. We are in constant rebellion against Him & His will for our lives.With that in mind, Paul says something remarkable in the 5th chapter of Romans. He says, "While we were yet in our sin, while we were yet the enemies of God, Christ died on the cross for us."God gives a gift, not because He feels obligated to give a gift but because His love is so overwhelming. It’s a gift of grace.And when you stop at the manger at Bethlehem & look at the Christ child, you must realize that He is a gift of grace. And there are no words adequate enough to describe God’s grace towards us in Jesus.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
I think Paul called Jesus indescribable because of His purpose in coming to earth. The angels announced to the shepherds, "Unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord."What do we celebrate at Christmas? We celebrate the fact that Jesus came into our world to save us. God saw that mankind needed saving.
When God looked at our world He knew that our greatest need is not for more wealth, nor better schools, not even a better welfare system. Our greatest need is for a Savior. Our greatest need is to be saved from the very flames of hell, itself.How do you describe that? How do you put into words what God accomplished when He sent His only begotten Son into the world?I think that Jesus, God’s gift, is indescribable because of His nature, because of His purpose in coming to earth, & thirdly, because of the grace that Jesus is given. You know, every gift that I give this Christmas will be given because the recipient of that gift has some claim on me.Now you might not like that idea, but that is true. I’ll buy a gift for my wife because she is my wife. I’ll buy gifts for my children because they are my children. I’ll buy gifts for my grandchildren because they’re my grandchildren.
We buy gifts for family members because they are family.Now if I buy a gift for you & you are not in my family, it is probably because you bought a gift for me last year & I didn’t buy a gift for you. So I owe you one this year, & so the cycle keeps on going.If I give a gift to feed the hungry, or clothe the naked or to take care of the homeless, I do it because down deep inside I recognize that I have a debt, a feeling of obligation to them. That is what makes God’s gift so special. He doesn’t owe us anything. We are in constant rebellion against Him & His will for our lives.With that in mind, Paul says something remarkable in the 5th chapter of Romans. He says, "While we were yet in our sin, while we were yet the enemies of God, Christ died on the cross for us."God gives a gift, not because He feels obligated to give a gift but because His love is so overwhelming. It’s a gift of grace.And when you stop at the manger at Bethlehem & look at the Christ child, you must realize that He is a gift of grace. And there are no words adequate enough to describe God’s grace towards us in Jesus.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Hello Everyone,
Now at this time of the year we do our best to describe the greatness of God’s gift of Jesus to us. Musicians have composed some of their greatest music on this theme: Handel’s "Messiah," Bach’s "Christmas Oratorio," & the beautiful hymns, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," ”Silent Night, Holy Night," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," & my favorite, "Joy to the World.”
Some of the greatest music we will ever hear are written about God’s indescribable gift. Poets & painters & sculptors have taken up the tools of their trade to honor Jesus, the gift of God’s love.Now Paul said, "Thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift." Why does Paul call Jesus "indescribable?"
I think that there are at least four reasons.First of all, I believe that Paul calls Jesus "indescribable" because of His nature. How do you describe Jesus? What words would you choose?
How do you describe a baby born of a virgin?
How do you describe God in flesh, walking on earth & reaching out to hurting people?Isaiah said He would be called Emanuel, "God with us."
How do you describe that? What words would you choose? How do you describe that which is spirit when all we have ever known is that which is either physical or material?
How do you describe God who has all knowledge when all we have is limited knowledge?How do you describe God who is all powerful?
How do you describe the eternal?
How do you describe the indescribable?Paul says that we can’t. Words aren’t adequate. But many of the wisest men in the world have tried to describe Jesus.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Now at this time of the year we do our best to describe the greatness of God’s gift of Jesus to us. Musicians have composed some of their greatest music on this theme: Handel’s "Messiah," Bach’s "Christmas Oratorio," & the beautiful hymns, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," ”Silent Night, Holy Night," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," & my favorite, "Joy to the World.”
Some of the greatest music we will ever hear are written about God’s indescribable gift. Poets & painters & sculptors have taken up the tools of their trade to honor Jesus, the gift of God’s love.Now Paul said, "Thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift." Why does Paul call Jesus "indescribable?"
I think that there are at least four reasons.First of all, I believe that Paul calls Jesus "indescribable" because of His nature. How do you describe Jesus? What words would you choose?
How do you describe a baby born of a virgin?
How do you describe God in flesh, walking on earth & reaching out to hurting people?Isaiah said He would be called Emanuel, "God with us."
How do you describe that? What words would you choose? How do you describe that which is spirit when all we have ever known is that which is either physical or material?
How do you describe God who has all knowledge when all we have is limited knowledge?How do you describe God who is all powerful?
How do you describe the eternal?
How do you describe the indescribable?Paul says that we can’t. Words aren’t adequate. But many of the wisest men in the world have tried to describe Jesus.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Monday, December 21, 2009
Hello Everyone,
2 Corinthians 9:15 is a short verse, only 8 words long. Listen as the apostle Paul says, "Thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift." This is the time of year when we are concerned about choosing just the right Christmas gifts to give to the special people in our lives.
But let me ask you, "Have you ever received an indescribable gift?" Have you ever received a gift that was beyond description? I thought about that for a while this week. What kind of gift would it have to be to be called "indescribable?" Would it be a gift that you open & look at & say, "This is just beautiful, & it is something that I’ve wanted all my life - what is it?" Or maybe it is a gift that carries a lot of emotional feelings with it.
It was given to you by someone very special, & it was a complete surprise when it was given. You’ll treasure it always because of the memories.
Would that make it an indescribable gift?Or maybe it would be a gift that you cared so little about that you wouldn’t even bother to find words to try to describe it.Every human gift is describable by someone.In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul at first is writing about human gifts.
The church in Corinth is taking up offerings to give to the poor Christians in Jerusalem.
He commends them for their eagerness to help, & reminds them that those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly, but that those who sow generously will reap generously.Then he shifts his attention from human gifts to God’s gift of sending Jesus to earth for us. And he cannot find words to describe it. He says, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift."
For 30 plus years I have been trying my best to describe this indescribable gift in every way that I know how and as of yet I have not come close.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
2 Corinthians 9:15 is a short verse, only 8 words long. Listen as the apostle Paul says, "Thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift." This is the time of year when we are concerned about choosing just the right Christmas gifts to give to the special people in our lives.
But let me ask you, "Have you ever received an indescribable gift?" Have you ever received a gift that was beyond description? I thought about that for a while this week. What kind of gift would it have to be to be called "indescribable?" Would it be a gift that you open & look at & say, "This is just beautiful, & it is something that I’ve wanted all my life - what is it?" Or maybe it is a gift that carries a lot of emotional feelings with it.
It was given to you by someone very special, & it was a complete surprise when it was given. You’ll treasure it always because of the memories.
Would that make it an indescribable gift?Or maybe it would be a gift that you cared so little about that you wouldn’t even bother to find words to try to describe it.Every human gift is describable by someone.In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul at first is writing about human gifts.
The church in Corinth is taking up offerings to give to the poor Christians in Jerusalem.
He commends them for their eagerness to help, & reminds them that those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly, but that those who sow generously will reap generously.Then he shifts his attention from human gifts to God’s gift of sending Jesus to earth for us. And he cannot find words to describe it. He says, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift."
For 30 plus years I have been trying my best to describe this indescribable gift in every way that I know how and as of yet I have not come close.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Hello Everyone,
The message of Christmas is there is a savior to receive Luke 2:11“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” The real purpose of Christmas is never about spending but saving.His name is Savior (Mt 1:21)
21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
His ministry is Savior (Mt. 9:13)13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
The message of Christmas is there is a sign to be believed Luke 2:12 “This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”Keeping Christ in Christmas is a sign to the world that God cares about people. The message of Christmas is there is a story to be shared Like 2:17 “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.”Christmas is the story about God’s love“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…(John 3:16)Christmas is the story about God’s liberty …that those who believe in him shall not perish…(John 3:16)Christmas is the story about God’s life…but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
The message of Christmas is there is a savior to receive Luke 2:11“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” The real purpose of Christmas is never about spending but saving.His name is Savior (Mt 1:21)
21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
His ministry is Savior (Mt. 9:13)13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
The message of Christmas is there is a sign to be believed Luke 2:12 “This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”Keeping Christ in Christmas is a sign to the world that God cares about people. The message of Christmas is there is a story to be shared Like 2:17 “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.”Christmas is the story about God’s love“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…(John 3:16)Christmas is the story about God’s liberty …that those who believe in him shall not perish…(John 3:16)Christmas is the story about God’s life…but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Hello Everyone,
"Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ, the Lord."
Shepherds were men of faith. They probably had more faith than some of the scribes & Pharisees who went to the synagogue every day.They believed in a Messiah. All of God’s chosen people believed in a Messiah. When things got especially hard, during times of poverty & enslavement & exile, they would think about the Messiah & God’s promise that one day the Messiah would come.They prayed over & over again, "Let the Messiah come. Let Him come today!" They prayed that prayer for hundreds of years, & they must have wondered, "Is our faith worth anything? Does God hear our prayers? Does God keep His promises? Will the Messiah ever come?"There must have been many who quit praying, & quit having faith. But when the announcement came to shepherds, God was saying, "Your faith matters, & it is not in vain. I am a God who hears & who keeps His promises. Now the Messiah has come, & I have kept My promise."How about us? Sometimes we become tired. There may be times when we wonder if it is worthwhile going to church.
Some of you have prayed. "Oh, come, Lord Jesus," we pray, "come quickly!" We wonder why He is waiting so long. We wonder if it is worth it all.But one day He will come. He will come for all of us, shepherds & kings, wise men & peasants. He will come for His people.
He’ll dry our tears & take away our pain. There will be no more death, no more good-byes. Then we’ll say, "It was worth it. It was worth it all!"
Oh How HE Loves Us!Pastor Phil
"Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ, the Lord."
Shepherds were men of faith. They probably had more faith than some of the scribes & Pharisees who went to the synagogue every day.They believed in a Messiah. All of God’s chosen people believed in a Messiah. When things got especially hard, during times of poverty & enslavement & exile, they would think about the Messiah & God’s promise that one day the Messiah would come.They prayed over & over again, "Let the Messiah come. Let Him come today!" They prayed that prayer for hundreds of years, & they must have wondered, "Is our faith worth anything? Does God hear our prayers? Does God keep His promises? Will the Messiah ever come?"There must have been many who quit praying, & quit having faith. But when the announcement came to shepherds, God was saying, "Your faith matters, & it is not in vain. I am a God who hears & who keeps His promises. Now the Messiah has come, & I have kept My promise."How about us? Sometimes we become tired. There may be times when we wonder if it is worthwhile going to church.
Some of you have prayed. "Oh, come, Lord Jesus," we pray, "come quickly!" We wonder why He is waiting so long. We wonder if it is worth it all.But one day He will come. He will come for all of us, shepherds & kings, wise men & peasants. He will come for His people.
He’ll dry our tears & take away our pain. There will be no more death, no more good-byes. Then we’ll say, "It was worth it. It was worth it all!"
Oh How HE Loves Us!Pastor Phil
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Hello Everyone,
"Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ, the Lord.".
The second thing this passage teaches us is that life matters not only to you, but your life counts with God.Do you think that maybe those shepherds might have sat around the campfire many times & wondered if life was really worthwhile or not. "What difference does it make if we watch the sheep or not?"Maybe you have wondered also, "What difference does it make if I get up every morning or not? It seems as if my life is an endless cycle of things that really don’t mean anything”.
When God comes & makes His announcement to shepherds, He is also saying to us, "Your life is worthwhile. It is My gift to you. Therefore live every moment of it, because your life does matter to Me."Listen, every life matters. We should know that. It’s impossible to live, even for a few minutes on this earth, & not influence somebody in one way or another. We are always influencing someone, either for good or for bad. Some years ago, a cartoon appeared in newspapers across the land. It pictured two farmers in Kentucky, standing in a field as snow fell softly. One turned to the other & asked, "Anything exciting happen today?" "Nah, nothing exciting," said the other farmer. "Oh, there was a baby born over at Tom Lincoln’s home, but nothing exciting ever happens around here."But that baby born in the home of Tom Lincoln one day became the President of the United States. He changed the course of history & liberated the slaves. One life can make a difference!I wonder if there were people in Bethlehem on that night so long ago, asking, "Anything exciting happen today?" Maybe they were told, "No, nothing much.
Oh, I hear some woman gave birth to a baby in a stable, but nothing exciting ever happens around here." Except that a baby was born, a baby that changed the world.Life counts. Life matters. Your life & mine. Lives of shepherds & lives of kings, all are important to God.
Oh How HE Loves Us!Pastor Phil
"Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ, the Lord.".
The second thing this passage teaches us is that life matters not only to you, but your life counts with God.Do you think that maybe those shepherds might have sat around the campfire many times & wondered if life was really worthwhile or not. "What difference does it make if we watch the sheep or not?"Maybe you have wondered also, "What difference does it make if I get up every morning or not? It seems as if my life is an endless cycle of things that really don’t mean anything”.
When God comes & makes His announcement to shepherds, He is also saying to us, "Your life is worthwhile. It is My gift to you. Therefore live every moment of it, because your life does matter to Me."Listen, every life matters. We should know that. It’s impossible to live, even for a few minutes on this earth, & not influence somebody in one way or another. We are always influencing someone, either for good or for bad. Some years ago, a cartoon appeared in newspapers across the land. It pictured two farmers in Kentucky, standing in a field as snow fell softly. One turned to the other & asked, "Anything exciting happen today?" "Nah, nothing exciting," said the other farmer. "Oh, there was a baby born over at Tom Lincoln’s home, but nothing exciting ever happens around here."But that baby born in the home of Tom Lincoln one day became the President of the United States. He changed the course of history & liberated the slaves. One life can make a difference!I wonder if there were people in Bethlehem on that night so long ago, asking, "Anything exciting happen today?" Maybe they were told, "No, nothing much.
Oh, I hear some woman gave birth to a baby in a stable, but nothing exciting ever happens around here." Except that a baby was born, a baby that changed the world.Life counts. Life matters. Your life & mine. Lives of shepherds & lives of kings, all are important to God.
Oh How HE Loves Us!Pastor Phil
Monday, December 14, 2009
Hello Everyone,
Shepherds were at the opposite end of the social spectrum from King Herod & all the influential people of the day. They lived in the fields with their animals. They weren’t respected. They had no power or prestige. Yet, God’s angel came to them & said, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ, the Lord."
Unto shepherds a Savior was born.In that one simple announcement God made known some very important truths.First of all, it tells us, "No matter how insignificant you may think you are, God knows you, & you are important to Him."All throughout scripture we see God honoring & using people & things that the world would overlook or ignore.The Apostle Paul writes, "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world & the despised things..." (1 Cor. 1:26-28a). A Jewish teenager was sold into slavery by his brothers & carted off to Egypt. Yet, when God wanted to deliver a very special message to Pharaoh, it was the slave, Joseph, who was brought out of the dungeon to interpret the message. God uses the lowly & despised to show His power. Five thousand men, plus women & children, stayed late on a hillside one day, listening to Jesus. There was no food & the people were hungry. Well, that is not totally accurate. There was one little boy who had 2 fish & 5 little loaves. But it was enough, because God took that small amount & fed the many. He is always doing that, isn’t He?So when God decided to select a mother for His Son, He went past the fashion salons & beauty salons. He went past the furs & diamonds & gold, & went to an insignificant village called Nazareth. He found a peasant girl. She did not dress in designer clothes.
She did not have a great education. But she was pure, & God selected her to be the mother of His only begotten Son.So when the Christ comes, He is born in a stable. He is wrapped in swaddling clothes & laid in a manger.The world looks down its nose & says, "That’s foolishness." But Paul says, "The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, & the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength." (1 Corinthians 1:25) When God makes His announcement, it is delivered to shepherds. It is like Jesus saying in the Sermon on the mount, "If God cares about sparrows & lilies, then He cares about you."
If God cares about shepherds, He cares about you!We need to hear that, don’t we? We all need to hear that. All of us have known feelings of rejection. All of us have known feelings of being left out. Christmas comes and the announcement is made to shepherds. “Unto you a Savior is born."Celebrate this Christmas the fact that God knows you, & you are important to Him."
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Shepherds were at the opposite end of the social spectrum from King Herod & all the influential people of the day. They lived in the fields with their animals. They weren’t respected. They had no power or prestige. Yet, God’s angel came to them & said, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ, the Lord."
Unto shepherds a Savior was born.In that one simple announcement God made known some very important truths.First of all, it tells us, "No matter how insignificant you may think you are, God knows you, & you are important to Him."All throughout scripture we see God honoring & using people & things that the world would overlook or ignore.The Apostle Paul writes, "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world & the despised things..." (1 Cor. 1:26-28a). A Jewish teenager was sold into slavery by his brothers & carted off to Egypt. Yet, when God wanted to deliver a very special message to Pharaoh, it was the slave, Joseph, who was brought out of the dungeon to interpret the message. God uses the lowly & despised to show His power. Five thousand men, plus women & children, stayed late on a hillside one day, listening to Jesus. There was no food & the people were hungry. Well, that is not totally accurate. There was one little boy who had 2 fish & 5 little loaves. But it was enough, because God took that small amount & fed the many. He is always doing that, isn’t He?So when God decided to select a mother for His Son, He went past the fashion salons & beauty salons. He went past the furs & diamonds & gold, & went to an insignificant village called Nazareth. He found a peasant girl. She did not dress in designer clothes.
She did not have a great education. But she was pure, & God selected her to be the mother of His only begotten Son.So when the Christ comes, He is born in a stable. He is wrapped in swaddling clothes & laid in a manger.The world looks down its nose & says, "That’s foolishness." But Paul says, "The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, & the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength." (1 Corinthians 1:25) When God makes His announcement, it is delivered to shepherds. It is like Jesus saying in the Sermon on the mount, "If God cares about sparrows & lilies, then He cares about you."
If God cares about shepherds, He cares about you!We need to hear that, don’t we? We all need to hear that. All of us have known feelings of rejection. All of us have known feelings of being left out. Christmas comes and the announcement is made to shepherds. “Unto you a Savior is born."Celebrate this Christmas the fact that God knows you, & you are important to Him."
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Hello Everyone,
So what does life look like for those who find the secret of contentment?They will rejoice in the Lord more Philippians 4:10“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ”Are you ever concerned about how little rejoicing in the Lord you do?The only way to renew our worship is to find our contentment in the Lord?
If our contentment is found in the Lord there will always be opportunities to rejoice in the Lord.They will do more for the Lord Philippians 4:13I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Here is the wrong picture of contentment: Sitting down and doing nothing.Once you have learned the secret of contentment you will actually do more for God. They will bring more Glory to God Philippians 4:20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen
The best way to bring more glory to God is to find our contentment in Him.How does it bring glory to God if we are trying to find our contentment in someone or something else? It doesn’t. Finally they will give more Philippians 4:15-16.15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.” We can only give more if we have found the secret to contentment. Once we have found the real secret to contentment we will have more to give.The secret to contentment costs nothing -so that leaves you and me free to give everything.
That was why the Philippians could give and keep on giving even when other churches stopped.
Oh Hoe HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
So what does life look like for those who find the secret of contentment?They will rejoice in the Lord more Philippians 4:10“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ”Are you ever concerned about how little rejoicing in the Lord you do?The only way to renew our worship is to find our contentment in the Lord?
If our contentment is found in the Lord there will always be opportunities to rejoice in the Lord.They will do more for the Lord Philippians 4:13I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Here is the wrong picture of contentment: Sitting down and doing nothing.Once you have learned the secret of contentment you will actually do more for God. They will bring more Glory to God Philippians 4:20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen
The best way to bring more glory to God is to find our contentment in Him.How does it bring glory to God if we are trying to find our contentment in someone or something else? It doesn’t. Finally they will give more Philippians 4:15-16.15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.” We can only give more if we have found the secret to contentment. Once we have found the real secret to contentment we will have more to give.The secret to contentment costs nothing -so that leaves you and me free to give everything.
That was why the Philippians could give and keep on giving even when other churches stopped.
Oh Hoe HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Hello Everyone,
We see that Contentment is something that must be learnedPhilippians 4:12b “...I have learned the secret of being content…”Where does a person learn the secret to contentment?•Is it during the times where you find yourself full or is it during the times where you find yourself hungry? •Is it during the times where you find yourself living in plenty or is during the times where you find yourself living in want?The answer is both! Contentment is being the very same person regardless of the circumstances.
What has a person learned that allows him or herself to find the secret to contentment? They have learned that in order to find contentment they must get themselves into a right relationship with GodThe very SOURCE of all our contentment comes from having a right relationship with God.Whenever we lose our contentment it’s always because we have somehow neglected our relationship with GodHow do you know when you have gotten yourself into a right relationship with God?When you are experiencing God’s strength.You and I are like rechargeable batteries. When we lose the charge we have to be recharged. We get recharged through having a right relationship with God.
· When we read, study and apply God’s word we are recharged.
· When we pray we are recharged.
· When we worship together on Sunday’s and Wednesday’s we are recharged.
· When we share our faith we are recharged.
So what does life look like for those who find the secret of contentment?Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
We see that Contentment is something that must be learnedPhilippians 4:12b “...I have learned the secret of being content…”Where does a person learn the secret to contentment?•Is it during the times where you find yourself full or is it during the times where you find yourself hungry? •Is it during the times where you find yourself living in plenty or is during the times where you find yourself living in want?The answer is both! Contentment is being the very same person regardless of the circumstances.
What has a person learned that allows him or herself to find the secret to contentment? They have learned that in order to find contentment they must get themselves into a right relationship with GodThe very SOURCE of all our contentment comes from having a right relationship with God.Whenever we lose our contentment it’s always because we have somehow neglected our relationship with GodHow do you know when you have gotten yourself into a right relationship with God?When you are experiencing God’s strength.You and I are like rechargeable batteries. When we lose the charge we have to be recharged. We get recharged through having a right relationship with God.
· When we read, study and apply God’s word we are recharged.
· When we pray we are recharged.
· When we worship together on Sunday’s and Wednesday’s we are recharged.
· When we share our faith we are recharged.
So what does life look like for those who find the secret of contentment?Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Hello Everyone,
First of all you need to see that Contentment is a SECRET. Paul said in Philippians 4:12:I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,Most people don’t know the secret to finding contentment.Most people think the secret to contentment is found at a higher pay level; at a better job; in a bigger house or at a different location. We need to understand that contentment is an inside job.Paul goes on to say: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”The secret to finding contentment is coming to the understanding thatContentment is an inside job!Being content has nothing to do with what is going on outside of me but everything to do with what is going on inside of me.Paul says you can take everything I have away from me and I’ll still be content.”
The truth is that most people don’t know that contentment is an inside job. Let the Holy Spirit do His work in your heart this season.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
First of all you need to see that Contentment is a SECRET. Paul said in Philippians 4:12:I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,Most people don’t know the secret to finding contentment.Most people think the secret to contentment is found at a higher pay level; at a better job; in a bigger house or at a different location. We need to understand that contentment is an inside job.Paul goes on to say: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”The secret to finding contentment is coming to the understanding thatContentment is an inside job!Being content has nothing to do with what is going on outside of me but everything to do with what is going on inside of me.Paul says you can take everything I have away from me and I’ll still be content.”
The truth is that most people don’t know that contentment is an inside job. Let the Holy Spirit do His work in your heart this season.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Monday, December 7, 2009
Hello Everyone,
Philippians 4:19 has got to be one of the most encouraging verses found in the Bible. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”When God promises to meet all our needs that is some of the most exciting news we could ever receive.Question: What is the greatest need in a believer’s life?•Is the greatest need in a believer’s life a financial need?•Is the greatest need in a believer’s life a physical need?•Is our greatest need the same for every believer?In Philippians 4:10-13 we find a description of what could be the greatest need in a believer’s life.I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.The greatest need in a believer’s life is to have contentment.To have peace in our hearts and peace in our minds (which is what contentment is) is every believer’s greatest need. If you need contentment in your life then you need to see what Paul says in verse 12b. “…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Yes the greatest need in a believer’s life is to have contentment. Let’s take time this week and see what Paul can show us about contentment.
Oh How HE Loves Us!Pastor Phil
Philippians 4:19 has got to be one of the most encouraging verses found in the Bible. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”When God promises to meet all our needs that is some of the most exciting news we could ever receive.Question: What is the greatest need in a believer’s life?•Is the greatest need in a believer’s life a financial need?•Is the greatest need in a believer’s life a physical need?•Is our greatest need the same for every believer?In Philippians 4:10-13 we find a description of what could be the greatest need in a believer’s life.I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.The greatest need in a believer’s life is to have contentment.To have peace in our hearts and peace in our minds (which is what contentment is) is every believer’s greatest need. If you need contentment in your life then you need to see what Paul says in verse 12b. “…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Yes the greatest need in a believer’s life is to have contentment. Let’s take time this week and see what Paul can show us about contentment.
Oh How HE Loves Us!Pastor Phil
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Hello Everyone,
It is a gift that takes a lifetime to unwrap…an indescribable gift, that truly ENRICHES THE LIFE OF EVERYONE WHO GETS ITI have not found one Christian in my 30+ years of walking with God that has said…”since I got saved, my life is worse than it was before”Why? Because God’s gift of salvation is meant to enrich the life of everyone who will receive itIt enriched the lives of the Shepherds that day.Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.They realized there life would never be the same again from that day forward.The same is true for all who receive the gift of the Christ-child.Before I received the gift…I felt lonely even in a crowd I had no hope.But after receiving this gift…Jesus walks with me everyday…I am not alone.Deut 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."Before this gift…I was doomed to live eternal life in hell…but because of this gift…I now have eternal life in paradise.Before this gift…I have no hope…nothing to look forward to…nothing to live for.But Jeremiah 29:11 tells me: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Before receiving this priceless gift…my life had no peace…anger and depression consumed me.But now Isaiah 26:3 tells me: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”Paul says in Rom 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;Yes…this gift that takes a lifetime to unwrap, enriches every life that receives it.I know many of us can’t wait to unwrap those gifts that are under the tree.But I want to remind us all that the unwrapping of the most precious gift of all is not just to be unwrapped once on Christmas day.But it is a gift that is meant to be unwrapped everyday…for the rest of our lives.The child that was born in the manger that day…was a gift that was wrapped in swaddling clothes.But as we unwrap that gift we all can see that it is…A gift that is INSTANTLY ours when we receive itA gift that takes a LIFETIME of unwrappingA gift that was of ENORMOUS valueA gift that is to be GIVEN awayA gift that ENRICHES every life that receives itMay we all treasure this gift as we take the time everyday to unwrap it EVERY DAY OF our lives.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
It is a gift that takes a lifetime to unwrap…an indescribable gift, that truly ENRICHES THE LIFE OF EVERYONE WHO GETS ITI have not found one Christian in my 30+ years of walking with God that has said…”since I got saved, my life is worse than it was before”Why? Because God’s gift of salvation is meant to enrich the life of everyone who will receive itIt enriched the lives of the Shepherds that day.Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.They realized there life would never be the same again from that day forward.The same is true for all who receive the gift of the Christ-child.Before I received the gift…I felt lonely even in a crowd I had no hope.But after receiving this gift…Jesus walks with me everyday…I am not alone.Deut 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."Before this gift…I was doomed to live eternal life in hell…but because of this gift…I now have eternal life in paradise.Before this gift…I have no hope…nothing to look forward to…nothing to live for.But Jeremiah 29:11 tells me: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Before receiving this priceless gift…my life had no peace…anger and depression consumed me.But now Isaiah 26:3 tells me: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”Paul says in Rom 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;Yes…this gift that takes a lifetime to unwrap, enriches every life that receives it.I know many of us can’t wait to unwrap those gifts that are under the tree.But I want to remind us all that the unwrapping of the most precious gift of all is not just to be unwrapped once on Christmas day.But it is a gift that is meant to be unwrapped everyday…for the rest of our lives.The child that was born in the manger that day…was a gift that was wrapped in swaddling clothes.But as we unwrap that gift we all can see that it is…A gift that is INSTANTLY ours when we receive itA gift that takes a LIFETIME of unwrappingA gift that was of ENORMOUS valueA gift that is to be GIVEN awayA gift that ENRICHES every life that receives itMay we all treasure this gift as we take the time everyday to unwrap it EVERY DAY OF our lives.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Hello Everyone
This week we are looking at the Gift that takes a life time to unwrap. This gift was not a cheap gift, but it was a gift that has AN ENOURMOUS VALUE.1 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.Who can begin to put a price on the gift that God has given us through His Son Jesus?The Shepherds realized what an enormous gift they had been given.Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.The wise men understood as they tried to bring gifts to present to a King, but they knew that His life was worth much more than gold, frankincense, and myrrh but this is all they could come up withWhat gift can compare to never dying, never suffering, never crying, never feeling pain again, but to live eternally in a place called Heaven? It is indescribable!And it is of enormous VALUE…it was the greatest gift ever given…and cost more than anything ever could.And yet, it was given to each and every one of us FREELY…it costs us NOTHING!Many times when we get things that are precious to us…that are of enormous value, we want to keep it for ourselves.But that’s not what Jesus wants us to do…He doesn’t want us to keep it but He wants us to GIVE IT AWAY.Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ’It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ "This gift that we have been given that takes a lifetime to unwrap was meant for us to give to others.It is not just our gift but a gift for all to receive.The Shepherds in the field realized this…look at Luke 2:17-18When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.This time of YEAR is a time to give the most precious, indescribable gift ever given…to spread the Word what you have been given, and have seen, and been told about this child.It is a gift that takes a lifetime to unwrap…an indescribable gift.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
This week we are looking at the Gift that takes a life time to unwrap. This gift was not a cheap gift, but it was a gift that has AN ENOURMOUS VALUE.1 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.Who can begin to put a price on the gift that God has given us through His Son Jesus?The Shepherds realized what an enormous gift they had been given.Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.The wise men understood as they tried to bring gifts to present to a King, but they knew that His life was worth much more than gold, frankincense, and myrrh but this is all they could come up withWhat gift can compare to never dying, never suffering, never crying, never feeling pain again, but to live eternally in a place called Heaven? It is indescribable!And it is of enormous VALUE…it was the greatest gift ever given…and cost more than anything ever could.And yet, it was given to each and every one of us FREELY…it costs us NOTHING!Many times when we get things that are precious to us…that are of enormous value, we want to keep it for ourselves.But that’s not what Jesus wants us to do…He doesn’t want us to keep it but He wants us to GIVE IT AWAY.Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ’It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ "This gift that we have been given that takes a lifetime to unwrap was meant for us to give to others.It is not just our gift but a gift for all to receive.The Shepherds in the field realized this…look at Luke 2:17-18When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.This time of YEAR is a time to give the most precious, indescribable gift ever given…to spread the Word what you have been given, and have seen, and been told about this child.It is a gift that takes a lifetime to unwrap…an indescribable gift.
Oh How HE Loves Us!
Pastor Phil
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Hello Everyone,
Not only was this gift an instant gift…but it was a wrapped gift that… TAKES A LIFETIME TO UNWRAPWhen Jesus was born that day in Bethlehem, it was just the beginning of the gift unwrappingSee, he came wrapped in swaddling clothes…a gift for us all to unwrap.And not just once, but everyday of our lives on this earthEveryday we wake up, we get to unwrap another part of the gift of a life to the full and eternal life that God has prepared for us.1 Cor 2:9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"Just when I think I have unwrapped all I can…like the last present on Christmas…God blows me away…and allows me to unwrap a little more of His many promises and of His salvation.The gifts like peace, joy, love, faith, kindness, gentleness, meekness, understanding, revelation, even tribulation, and on and on.Paul knew this gift would take a lifetime to unwrap that’s why he said in Phil 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,He is not saying that salvation requires work…He is saying that there is so much of God’s salvation to unwrap…you will have to work at it…taking a lifetime to unwrap.
Not only was this gift an instant gift…but it was a wrapped gift that… TAKES A LIFETIME TO UNWRAPWhen Jesus was born that day in Bethlehem, it was just the beginning of the gift unwrappingSee, he came wrapped in swaddling clothes…a gift for us all to unwrap.And not just once, but everyday of our lives on this earthEveryday we wake up, we get to unwrap another part of the gift of a life to the full and eternal life that God has prepared for us.1 Cor 2:9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"Just when I think I have unwrapped all I can…like the last present on Christmas…God blows me away…and allows me to unwrap a little more of His many promises and of His salvation.The gifts like peace, joy, love, faith, kindness, gentleness, meekness, understanding, revelation, even tribulation, and on and on.Paul knew this gift would take a lifetime to unwrap that’s why he said in Phil 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,He is not saying that salvation requires work…He is saying that there is so much of God’s salvation to unwrap…you will have to work at it…taking a lifetime to unwrap.
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