PERSEVERING

 

PERSEVERING

December 1, 2010

For weeks and months they hike

persevering countless days and nights

with only a star shining bright

as a beaming, guiding light

wise men or magi alight

persevering camels that fight

sandstorms at night

and windstorms quite

harsh and not liked.

Whatever their plight

they persevere with might

keeping that star in sight.

These camels, stately like a knight

or a steed, persevere day and night

plodding along keeping one bright

glorious shining star in sight.

Persevering these wise men are right

to persevere and not give in to fright.

It is their hope, this shining star so bright,

of which poets across the ages write.

That star, His star, in the sky, so bright

unbeknownst to them will bring delight

for it leads them to the one who is the Light.

The Light of World, in fact, is in sight.

You know, it's only God who could write

a story with such intrigue and delight.

Who would ever think that a star shining bright

or camels that plod day-after-day and night

would be part of the greatest story ever told, that's right!

This story that guided countless civilizations alright.

A story that unfortunately has become an oversight

for many keep Christ out of their Christmas celebration night.

The greatest gift you could give your family tonight

is to read this true story one December night.

This story that never grows old and will delight

when you persevere in doing what is right.

* * * * *

What if the camels had gone on strike?

What if the wise men had given up their flight?

What if there had been no extraordinary star?

This story would have had a different ending, by far.

Have you ever felt like giving up?

Do life's hardships seem like too much?

Perhaps it's because you're not looking up?

Perhaps you need to feel God's loving touch.

If you fix your eyes on your circumstance,

then you are not giving the Lord a chance

to perform a great and good work in you.

Is that the reason you've been feeling blue?

Consider that circumstance a test

that is sent to grow your faith,

then look to the Lord who has your best

interests – always – in His heart.

Don't give up.

Keep looking up.

God will be there for you

with a good plan for you.

In fact, something extraordinary

that He can only accomplish through you.

So that circumstance - less than ordinary -

is sent to perfect, mature, and complete you.

View it as a gift.

Then you'll see your spirit

within you lift.

Doesn't God give good gifts!

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before him endured...

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men,

so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1b-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,

you will receive what he has promised.

Hebrews 10:36

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GIFTS OF FAITH

 

GIFTS OF FAITH

Christmas, a time of giving to others,

to show our love for one another.

Christmas, though a time for giving and receiving presents,

is oftentimes forgetting to include Christ's presence.

Busyness with many festivities,

recapturing childhood memories,

yet the reason for the season is oft forgot,

though it's the reason we exchange gifts we brought.

So how about we make a conscious effort

this year to give Christ heartfelt, faith-filled gifts.

What would you give to Christ this Christmas?

What would you freely give if someone asked?

Let's start with the three gifts the wise men brought to Christ.

These gifts will also make a difference in our lives.

As you know, these gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Precious, meaningful gifts meant for a king, they were.

Gold is the symbol of royalty, a gift fit for Jesus Christ,

as the wise men acknowledged Jesus was King of the Jews.

When we acknowledge and confess Jesus as Lord of our life

we agree His way is best and give Him the right to rule.

So we faithfully follow God's commands

written in God's Word for His children.

We know that obedience shows God we love Him

so we endeavor to live our lives to please our King.

Frankincense is a symbol of Christ's purity, His sinless perfection,

being God's provision to guarantee our sins are forgiven.

To be pure is to be "set-apart" from the influences of this fallen world.

To live in this world as ambassadors being obedient to God's Word.

Striving to be pure in word, thought, and deed;

living a life of love instead of greed.

Having the Holy Spirit who enables us

to remain strong when sin attracts us.

Myrrh is a symbol of Christ's death and suffering

used at that time in burial preparations.

We imitate this by "dying to self," daily to aspire.

Seeking God's ways instead of our own selfish desires.

Dying to self is a daily battle,

one in which God will enable.

To say "no" to ungodliness,

as we acknowledge God's way is best.

* * * * *

Three gifts to give to Christ each day of the year:

l acknowledging Jesus is Lord keeps His presence near,

2 being pure or set apart from the world,

3 daily dying to self by saying "no."

These three gifts of abiding faith

we give to Christ who by His grace

was the very first Christmas present.

Don't forget to acknowledge His presence.

Lord, may I seek to please you

in all I say, think, or do

so that my life is a testimony

giving you praise, honor, and glory.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him

with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?"

Matthew 2:1-2

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

Hosea 6:3

And this is love:

that we walk in obedience to his commands.

2 John 1:6

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable -

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions,

and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

while we wait for the blessed hope -

the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness

and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,

eager to do what is good.

Titus 2:11-14

You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they were created

and have their being.

Revelation 4:11

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CHRISTMAS REMINDERS

 

CHRISTMAS REMINDERS

Gifts given each year at Christmas

remind us of the first Christmas

when Jesus was born

in Bethlehem.

Jesus is God's gift to us all

to bring salvation to lost souls.

Though born many centuries ago,

His story still has an ageless glow.

The un-decorated Christmas tree

reminds us of Calvary's tree

upon the hilltop bare

with arms stretched out there.

Arms stretched out in love

from heaven above

to everyone in every nation

bringing the gift of salvation.

The decorated Christmas tree

lit each year for all to see

reminds us of Christmas

and God's blessings to us.

For many decorations

were remembrances given

by friends and family -

God's blessings to you and me.

The angel sitting atop the Christmas tree

is another reminder to you and me

of the first Christmas when an angel appeared

to the shepherds in the fields saying, "do not fear."

They brought good tidings of great joy

to men, women, girls, and boys.

Promising peace on earth

with baby Jesus' birth.

Bright twinkling lights in colors or white

remind us of the star that shone bright

leading the wise men to see the child-King

with gifts fit for a king they did bring.

Wise men and women

still follow this man -

who became the cornerstone

of civilization born.

Carols sung in December

cause us to remember

the first Christmas on earth

proclaiming Christ's birth.

Carols never grow old

as Christ's birth is told

each year in December -

a season to remember.

Jesus is the reason

for this blessed season.

In your hustle

and bustle

let Christmas

remind us

of Christ's birth

on planet earth.

* * * * *

Thanks be to God

for his indescribable gift!

II Corinthians 9:15

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news of great joy."

Luke 2:10

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace.

Luke 2:14

The star they had seen in the east

went ahead of them until it stopped

over the place where the child was.

When they saw the star,

they were overjoyed.

Matthew 2:9-10

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,

burst into jubilant song with music.

Psalm 98:4

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ANGELS

 

ANGELS

Have you wondered what God named his other angels?

We know of Michael and Gabriel.

They were sent to earth as special messengers.

All angels, though, have a special purpose for

they were created to do God’s work -

certainly, a God-honoring output.

In the Bible, angels often appeared in visions.

We read an angel spoke to Joseph in his dreams.

Joseph must have been in a listening “yes, Lord” frame of mind

for he obeyed the angelic directive time-after-time.

Joseph's obedience changed the course of history

as the Christmas story is God's Son's birth story.

This angel, a messenger direct from God, and loyal,

came to Joseph when he was in mental turmoil

giving godly instructions for righteous Joseph to follow,

after Joseph had thought of a human response allowed.

A timely angel with greetings who

would change society anew.

The angel, Gabriel, appeared in person to both Zechariah and Mary

with a message that seemed quite an impossibility.

Both were gripped with fear

when Gabriel appeared.

Zechariah responded with disbelief,

while Mary's response was one of believing faith.

Perhaps one of Gabriel's roles

is to bring peace to God's people

for “do not be afraid” were words

that these surprised believers heard.

Many angels brought a message of peace

for they brought with them a new lease.

One night an angel, surrounded by the glory of the Lord,

came down from heaven with good news of great joy for the shepherds.

As with Joseph, Mary, and Zechariah, who were dismayed,

this angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid.”

One role of angels must be to encourage people

for as a human race we are fearful people.

This angel could rightly be called a good news angel,

though the Bible also speaks of avenging angels.

Heavenly hosts are another name for angels.

They visited earth then went back to heaven to dwell.

These angels were praising God

with voices giving glory to God.

This occupation was not new to them

for that is the angels role in heaven.

These angels praise God day and night,

perhaps surrounded by a bright light,

for God is light and in Him is no darkness.

The fallen angel, satan, distributes wickedness.

After Jesus' temptation in the wilderness,

ministering angels came to encourage Jesus,

strengthening him, perhaps with sustenance,

for Jesus had been without nourishment

for 40 days and nights

being tempted by Satan's fight.

God sends guardian angels to watch over us.

Though often unaware of, they protect us.

Doing God's bidding they come

just when we most need them.

God sometimes uses ordinary people for this purpose, too.

I'm sure you can think of an “angel” who was there for you.

* * * * *

Today there are still "angels" in our midst.

Some will greet you with a hug and a kiss.

Perhaps they are named Gloria or Marco.

Others might be Angela or Antonio.

How can we be an "angel" to another?

Certainly we can encourage one another.

Right now, today, take the time

to send a note, make a call, be kind.

Encouragement will be recalled

time-after-time when life's lulls

on days that are weary

leave one downhearted and teary.

An angel of the Lord

appeared to him in a dream and said,

"Joseph son of David,

do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,

because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 1:20

An angel of the Lord

appeared to Joseph in a dream.

Matthew 2:13

An angel of the Lord

appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.

Matthew 2:19

The angel answered, “I am Gabriel.

I stand in the presence of God,

and I have been sent to speak to you

and to tell you this good news.”

Luke 1:19

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,

to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph,

a descendant of David.

The virgin's name was Mary.

Luke 1:26-27

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.”

Luke 2:9-10

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men.”

Luke 2:13

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven...

Luke 2:15

He will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways.

Psalm 91:11

Angels came and attended him.

Matthew 4:11

Are not all angels ministering spirits

sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:14

Do not forget to entertain strangers,

for by so doing some people have entertained angels

without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2

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SIGNS OF THE SEASON

 

SIGNS OF THE SEASON

December comes but once a year we know.

Christmas soon comes and then it goes.

Twinkling lights everywhere all aglow

underneath white new fallen snow.

Snowflakes falling from a darkened sky

delight little children who now lie

in the new snow making snow angels

or Frosty the snowman in the dell.

Christmas carols heard around the town

will turn someone's sad frown upside down.

Trees are decorated everywhere,

inside and outside lights they now wear.

Children are on their best behavior.

Holiday foods prepared and savored.

Cookies decorated with colored frostings

with red and white candy canes for licking.

Gifts exchanged by friends and family,

loved ones we make an effort to see.

Pleasant memories often brought to mind

this Christmas season time after time.

Nativities displayed on tables.

Mary and Joseph in the stable.

The Christ-child born this night long ago

is why we celebrate Christmas, you know.

Let's not forget God's gift to us this day

rather we're at home or far away.

God sent His Son born as a baby.

God's precious gift to you and to me.

Merry Christmas to each one of you

and blessings to last the whole year through.

Until next year when we meet again:

from my heart, peace with joy, I send.

(May be sung to the tune of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”)

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CHRIST-MAS TREE

 

CHRIST-mas TREE

Is there an angel atop your Christ-mas tree

heralding tidings of joy for all to see?

Perhaps there are musical notes decorating your tree

reminding you of those angelic songs of jubilee.

Maybe you’ll display harps or trumpets that could have played

tidings of peace and joy from the heavenly host as they paid

a visit to earth that night

with God's glory shining bright.

Don't forget to display the words peace and joy

the heavenly host spoke of when employed

to announce the good news to all.

Words that still ring true for us all:

Gloria in Excelsis Deo.

(Glory to God in the highest.)

These angelic songs were first sung to the shepherds

as they cared one night long ago for their herds.

Is there a shepherd's hook on your tree

for your friends and family to see?

Perhaps there are sheep scattered among your Christ-mas tree's evergreen boughs,

reminding us of those sheep protected from animals that howl and growl,

as shepherds kept watch through the night

under the stars shining bright.

Or will sheep on your tree remind you of the Good Shepherd,

or as David states in Psalm, The Lord Is My Shepherd.

Do take a moment to recall

this good news available to all.

The shining lights on the Christ-mas tree

remind us of the stars twinkling brightly

in the midnight sky that night

when the shepherds were filled with fright.

Or the magnificent star that led the wise men

all the way to the town of Bethlehem.

Orchestrated by God, the first GPS system?

Have you ever thought how each detail was wonderfully planned?

Is there a manger hanging from within

your Christ-mas tree's evergreen limbs

cradling the Christ-child,

above pretty-wrapped gifts piled?

Do barnyard animals nestle in the boughs -

cattle, donkeys, or maybe feathered fowls -

in remembrance of the last-minute stable

that the innkeeper made available?

Maybe there's a star atop your tree

reminding you of the star the wise men did see

guiding them to where the Christ-child

was, with his mother Mary, as the star directed.

Perhaps camels are added to the revelry

as they too have a place in history.

Don't forget the wise men's gifts

of gold, myrrh, and frankincense.

Perhaps you'll display something gold or a wooden treasure chest

to remind you of these gifts given after the long quest

to find the newborn King

who would forgiveness bring.

Do you hang a cross upon your tree

to be reminded of the cross of Calvary

where Jesus willingly gave His life,

in turn offering us eternal life?

Is there a heart in red

reminding you of the blood shed

when Jesus freely gave His life for us

reminding you of the real meaning of Christmas.

Do include an ornament heart

to remind you of God’s love for you.

God’s love that will never depart -

never ending, each day anew.*

* * * * *

This year when you decorate your Christ-mas tree,

be reminded of God's gift to you offered for free.

The gift of salvation found in Jesus, whose name means the Lord saves,

offering you forgiveness, peace, and joy, with His life He gave.

The angel said to them...

"I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

Luke 2:10

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest..."

Luke 2:13-14

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby,

who was lying in the manger.

Luke 2:16

On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11

For God so loved the world

that he gave his only begotten Son

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 (KJV)

* (It’s a German tradition to hide a pickle within the pine tree’s boughs to be found. Perhaps your family could start a tradition involving a special Christmas heart.)

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REMEMBER

 

REMEMBER

December is a time to remember:

when Christmas music is played in November,

when there’s a wreath hung upon the door,

when it’s snowing and the temperature is burr,

when an evergreen tree is cut down – timber,

when you catch cold and there’s no short cure,

when it's too cold and you prefer to stay indoors,

when chowders satisfy your hunger,

when snow plows late at night roar,

when toys and merchandise are advertised to lure,

when there are several last-minute trips to the store,

when cards are addressed to those familiar,

when cookies are baked and shared once more,

when gifts are exchanged with neighbors -

December is a time to remember

that this month there is something much more...

Jesus is the reason

for this festive season

so when there’s a ton

of work to be done

and a midst all the fun

with parties among

this merry season -

don’t forget God’s Son.

Without Jesus Christ there would be none

of this celebrating going on.

Do enjoy and share this season’s

merriment but remember the reason

we observe each Christmas season.

When you set up the nativity

remember Jesus was God’s gift to you and me.

This gift came as a baby wee

and filled human hearts with much glee.

When you put up your decorated Christmas tree

do be mindful of the cross of Calvary

when one day you prayed a sinner’s heartfelt plea

and now you’ll live with God for eternity.

When you sing carols, even off-key,

the Lord will hear and be pleased

to hear you sing with a heart filled with glory

as you remember the first Christmas story.

Remember

December.

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