Christmas is for Children

We are just hours away from Christmas Day, 2009. The gifts are all wrapped ...the bows are trying to hang on .... before the tornado hits (when colorful paper flies .... bows get ripped off.... you know the scene)...the cookie jar is now half-empty ...the candy bowl is looking a little weak....Christmas is coming! You know that it is so true ..."Christmas is for children" --- maybe I should say, "Christmas brings the child out of all of us!" This year, I have the honor of visiting with my oldest son, Rusty and his lovely wife, Victoria --- but, really I came to see Ruthie!!! (just kidding). Ruthie is our first grandchild! She is now seven months old ... she's sitting up ....not running yet!! But, she is so pleasant -- so cute -- she is a real young "heart-throb". Last night, we took her to the mall to visit with Santa (her first)....after waiting through that long line, her mommy and daddy were all smiles .....video camera rolling ... she sat down in his lap ...looked up at him and smiled! I wondered what she was thinking ..... All the flash bulbs popping....One man sitting near by told me ... "she's not my grand kid...but it was worth the wait to see her!"

Think what those shepherds in the field that first Christmas night must have thought ...as they heard the angels proclaim "A King is born" ....wow .... think what they must have thought when they first saw that baby "wrapped in swaddling clothes"..... God in the flesh! Wow! This child was God Himself ....The greatest event of history ...a baby in a manger ....the Savior of the world as a child!

I wonder if you have really realized the truth that Christmas really is about children ... the Christ-child. Have you invited this baby to become the King of your life? Have you let the 'reason for the season' become your Savior? You can today. You can right now! "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son ....that you might have everlasting life"

Merry Christmas to you all! May the Christ of Christmas be the Lord of your life everyday in the New Year!

Begin Again in 2010

In just a few days now, 2009 will be history. What a year! I'm thankful for all that God has done for me this year -- but frankly, I'm glad this year is near completion. I'm ready for a new year - a new beginning - a new slate - a new day. This has not been an easy year for me. Many of the things I hoped for, just did not come to pass. I've had many disappointments this year --- many supposed friends have walked away.

The economy has really hurt us all this year. With record unemployment in America, many families just cannot see how they can go on. The cost of living only continues to escalate, with no end in sight. Our national leaders continue to talk about 'hope' out of one side of their mouth, but plunge us further into debt. Even our new President who rode a wave of "hope" into the White House -- now is mired so deep in Washington politics that the American people are losing hope in him.

Where is real hope anyway? The 'old-timers' (me included) used to sing a song, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." The refrain of that song says, "On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand!".

That's the hope! That's the way out! That's the way to true happiness -- Christ the Solid Rock. Not much else in this life has any "stick-a-bility" - when jobs leave - when money leaves - when friends leave - when hope leaves -- there is ONE who will never leave. HE is solid! He's my Rock.

So goodbye 2009 -- take your grief with you. I want to "Begin Again in 2010"! A New day is coming ... a new year is coming... I know who will be standing in the doorway of 2010 when I get there -- Jesus the Solid Rock!

Christmas for the World

We are now in the middle of the Christmas "rush". We've survived 'Black Friday' -- where thousands spent more than they should on stuff that hopefully their family and friends will love. Now it's time to settle down and ask ourselves the question -- "What's the rush all about?" To many this is a season of depression -- remembering lost dreams -- lost jobs -- lost friendships -- lost sense of importance and appreciation. It's not all "joy" to the world to many! Fact is, we just heard that a large number of our Marines will be leaving home to spend Christmas in a country around the world - somewhat hostile and dangerous to their well-being, in the defense of democracy and freedom worldwide. What's it all about? The first-century apostle, named John, said it so well, "God so loved the world, that He gave His Son...." Think about it. God is so madly in love with this world of people that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to the world to redeem us (to buy us back from the arch-enemy of God himself - Satan). What a price to pay -- His Son for me! His Son for you! So you're thinking what I'm thinking -- ME? I don't deserve that love! Neither do you! That's the surprise of Christmas -- God loves you, no matter what you've done or not done -- just like you are. Of course HE loves you too much to leave you the way He finds you -- HE came to change us -- to restore us -- to make us better than we are now. God is so inclusive -- HE loves the whole world! The believing world - the unbelieving world - the atheist world - the Muslim world - the Hindu world - the world of people -- whoever and wherever. The invitation has gone out -- Come -- Receive --Accept! What are you going to do with this special Gift this year? I hope you'll receive, accept, and open the package and enjoy new life! Need help in understand how to receive this gift? Need prayer? Email me.

To Hell and Back

As I wrote in my last blog, Darla and I had the opportunity to go on a cruise with her family to Grand Cayman Island. I was shocked to find out that during our taxi tour of the island that we were going to stop in HELL. That's right folks, there is really a town (if you can call it that) called HELL on Grand Cayman Island. People on the bus made jokes about "going to hell" -- got me to thinking. You know it really was terribly hot that day .... well, I can truthfully say that I have been to hell, and come back to tell about it. They even have a post office in "hell". Wow! Some of the fellow travelers wanted to mail post cards to their friends - postmarked "hell". It was sort of creepy. Got me to thinking....Thank God, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, I do not have to worry about spending an eternity without God in a place called "hell". Because I believed the Gospel, and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, I will never ever step one foot in HELL -- the real hell. So, a few weeks ago, I went to Hell -- Grand Cayman hell -- and came back to tell you all that Jesus Christ is still Lord, and trusting in HIM gurantees you a home in HEAVEN, not HELL. Have you trusted HIM as Lord of your life?? Do it now! Hell is too hot for me!

Cruising the High Seas

A few weeks ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to join her family for a cruise from Tampa, FL to Grand Cayman Island and Cozemel, Mexico. Believe me it was HOT in the Caribbean!
As we were sailing through the sea, I began to think about how life is like a cruise. NO, I don't mean that everything about life is as nice as sailing on a ship, with all the food you can eat ... and servants everywhere to wait on you. Life is like sailing the seas, with God as our Captain, and we are the trusting passengers. It takes faith to get on one of those big boats (ships). I don't know my way from port to port ...but I trust the Captain and his crew to get us there safely. Several times during the cruise, I would turn on the TV in the room, and look at a special channel, which told me the location of the ship (lattitude and longitude) - the direction (from the compass) - the speed - and the estimated time of arrival. They even told me the direction of the wind and it's speed. God's Word is like that channel. As we read and study the Word, we get God's direction for our lives. The Word tells us where we are IN HIM -- and what to expect. Amazingly we were always on time -- whenever they said we would dock at such a time, it happened. I know that we could have encountered rough seas (God spares us that), but I know that no matter what the seas would bring, we were safe. Afterall, the first thing we did on the first day -- was the famous lifejacket/lifeboat drill. EVERYBODY had to go to your "station" and receive instructions. Thank God we had no emergency in actuality, but, it's comforting to know that the crew knew what to do....and after the drill, so did we. God has a lifejacket/lifeboat drill too .... it's His Holy Spirit that indwells us. What an assurance to know that no matter what happens in life ...we are "covered" by His Spirit! Oh well, the week on the cruise was great. While there with Darla's parents and her brother and his wife, we celebrated Mom's 80th birthday. She's been sailing through life for a long time. How about you? Do you trust HIM to get you to the port called heaven? If not, you should talk to the Captain right now!

Change

We're are nearing the FALL season here in Chicago. The temperatures are already cooler - and the trees are already beginning to change. This brings to my mind the subject of "Change". I don't know a lot of people who get excited when the word 'change' comes up in conversation. The old joke says, 'the only people who love change are babies.' But, one thing is for sure, we are in a season of change in America. Perhaps you are in a season of change personally. I know I am. The question is, "How do you DEAL with change?" One of the common reactions is to DENY the change. So many spend so much of their time denying to themselves that anything around them is changing. I think they believe that if they do not admit it, it isn't so. If they don't admit their marriage is falling apart, then it must not be. If they don't admit that things are changing at work, then it isn't so. If they don't admit that they are getting older, then they aren't. If they don't admit things are changing at church, then everything will remain the same. But, it doesn't. So the first step in dealing with change, is to stop denying it. As sure as summer leads to fall - change is coming to your life. The second step is to EXPECT it. That's healthy. Yes, expect your job to change, and change with it. Expect your relationships to change, and make adjustments. Expect things at church will be constantly changing and embrace as many as you can. The third step is ACCEPT it. Even the 12 step programs teach people to "accept what they cannot change, and change what they can". Acceptance isn't approval, it's reality. Life is changing - accept it. Jobs change - accept it. Churches change - accept it. Relationships change - accept it. With God's grace, you can accept what comes in the spirit of faith, and look forward to each day. The fourth step is to LOVE it -- yes, love change. Change can be exciting - opening new doors of opportunity for you. Learn to love what God allows to come into your life -- because you know that "all things work together for your good" because you love God and are His child. How do you deal with change? DENY or EXPECT, ACCEPT, and LOVE it. That's the D.E.A.L. ! Think about it!

Breath of God

Tonight, I'm really stirred in my spirit. I hope you will be too, when you read what I will try to say. I've been made aware -- I've come to realize just how much I desperately need the breath of God in my life. The more I know, the more I realize I don't know. The longer I live, the more I'm aware of how totally inadequate I am. When I was much younger, I used to believe that I could do anything - conquer anything - accomplish anything I put my mind too. Before you go off on me, and quote all the pop-psychology textbooks back to me....I've read them all (well a lot of them). I know the power of positive thinking and all that. What I'm trying to say, I've come to realize that apart from the power of the Holy Spirit in my life, I am nothing -- absolutely nothing! I just finished a three-part sermon series this morning entitled, "It's Time for a Check-up". The first part dealt with Head issues -- your heritage, the command and control of your life, and the way you think. The second part dealt with Heart issues - where your priorities are, and the power of the blood of Jesus to truly transform and protect us. Today I dealt with the Lungs -- the breathing process. God gave us the breath of life - appreciate it. Jesus gave us the breath of regeneration - enjoy it. The Holy Spirit has and is still "breathing" on those who will ask Him -- to enable, to equip, and to empower. In my life, I desperately am crying out - "Breathe on me - Holy Spirit". The "church" desperately needs the breath of the Spirit to enable us - to equip us - and to empower us. We just cannot make it without the breath of the Spirit. I need the Holy Spirit now in my life, more than I have ever needed Him before. I'm helpless without Him. Remember the Holy Spirit is a person. I choose to invite Him into my life and to breathe His life in and through me today. How about you? Check and see - how well are you really doing after all, apart from the breath of the Spirit in your life? If you want or need more of Him - pray now - "Breathe on me Holy Spirit"! HE will!

Overcome

I'm thinking of the word "overcome" today...especially as it relates to the Kingdom of God. All around us we see turbulence - unrest, discontent, distress - economic, political, social, and even religious unrest. People just don't seem to be very happy today. Oh yes, there is that facade of a smile, but you can sense there is something brewing beneath the surface. I had the privilege to attend The Leadership Summit at Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, IL this week for two days. The opening meeting, Pastor Bill Hybels spoke of "rogue waves" - using terms known to sailors -- when sudden and unexpected waves can overcome the largest sailing vessel. I heard the term "Perfect Storm"several times during the two-day event, to refer to the upheaval that we are experiencing worldwide. It has affected the church world. Every church is feeling the upheaval, and yet I am awe-struck at what God is doing in the midst of the storm. He hasn't yet stopped the storm, although with one word HE can do it. But, He is giving His people peace and direction in the midst of the storm to overcome. Three years ago, I was able to attend the Summit when Bill Hybels first interviewed rock-star Bono. At that time, Bono was quite upset at the church for not doing anything or little to stem the tide of poverty and AIDS. Well on Friday, Willow Creek aired another interview with Bono --this time he was utterly amazed at the church's response to this crisis now. Somehow the message got through, and now in the midst of the "storm" - God is causing His church to overcome. We (the church) are making a dent in the problem, and fantastic things are happening. Is there more to do? Yes. Are we going to make it? Yes. You may be reading this article right now, and the storms of life are about to sink your boat. Remember the words of our Lord - "In the world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer - I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD" Don't give up or give in! When Jesus Christ is at the helm - you WILL make it safely through the storm! Hold on, let's overcome!

Are you a Subject?

When you think of the Kingdom, you think of the King -- and all Kings have "subjects". That's what you call the people who live under the rule of the King. In this context, your mind pictures harshness, or subjection and words like submission and authority come to mind. Today, I want you go back to your English lessons in school, and remember what the word "subject" really means. For instance, 'what is the subject of a sentence?' The subject is the "main point". Who are the "subjects" of God's Kingdom on earth --right--the "main point". Why did Jesus come to restore the Kingdom? What's the main point? YOU AND ME. We are the main point of redemption. We are the "subject" of His Kingdom. Earth was made for us to inhabit. In HIS divine love, God "so loved" us, that HE gave.... Yes, we are to voluntarily "submit" to His Lordship - we are to subject ourselves to His authority - we are to 'serve' Him and His purposes with our lives.....but, today, please remember that YOU are the reason Jesus died on the cross. You are the "subject" of His affection. You are LOVED today by the Father. Love Him back! Give Him the "right" to be leader over everything in your life, by surrendering ALL to Him. What a wealth of blessing and purpose you will open up today. Are you a "subject" today? You ARE the "subject" of His affection!

Who Votes?

We who have been raised up in a "democratic" type environment, seldom if ever, think about the question I want to pose today: "Who votes in the Kingdom of God?" We are so used to government "by the people, of the people, and for the people." The word "kingdom" implies the "government of God" - or "the way God wants things done". So, let me ask..."Who votes in the Kingdom?" The answer ought to be obvious - NO ONE. Whatever the King wants, the King gets. Kings are not voted in or out. Their WILL must be done. So, if the church of Jesus Christ is truly His Kingdom on earth - then it's high time that we stop trying to have our own way. What I think really doesn't matter at all. Only what the King thinks is important. If I get my way or not, isn't important any longer. If the preacher preaches what I want to hear --- if the worship leader sings my favorite song or not -- really doesn't matter at all. It's all about HIM, and nothing about ME. Ouch! By the way, it's not up to me either where I go to church. The Scriptures teach that HE plants people in local churches. I cannot leave unless HE says leave, and HE says that fewer times than you or I like. So, who votes? Not me!

Kingdom vs. Religion

I'm often intrigued by the lack of understanding in the "church world" when I bring up the term "kingdom". It's hard for Americans, especially, to grasp a concept that is foreign to our upbringing. We are "independent" Americans, and we have no King -- a President, a Governor, a mayor -- but no King. Monarchy is a strange style for us to understand. But, when you study the Bible, you see something so clear -- God's original plan was for man to function under HIS sovereign will and government. Due to man's rebellion, Adam and Eve, lost their 'dominion' authority, and became slaves to sin. We today are born into that slavery (to sin). Jesus Christ came into the world to "redeem" humanity -- from that slavery - back to God's original plan - a monarchy - where God is King, and we are his regents on the earth. Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on the earth, just like it is in heaven." Oh, for the day, when that prayer becomes a reality on planet earth. When that happens, and it will happen -- there will be no more war and strife - there will be no more sickness and pain. We all long for that day. Let's work toward making that day be today!