Jesus Freak

Christmas Devotions

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:48:06 -0800

PROPHESY FULLFILLED

Flight to Egypt

Read Matthew 2:1-15

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” Matthew 2:13 NKJV

* * *

Centuries before this, God instructed the family of Jacob (Israel) to settle in Egypt because of a great famine in the land. Now the family of Messiah, descendants of Jacob are forced to flee to Egypt once again. This time just until the death of Herod, but still a significant event in the light of prophesy.

What was to both generations a time of sorrow and testing was actually the moving of the providence of God in bringing about the salvation that is so freely offered to us today. Jesus, the Son of God, was also a descendant of Jacob through his mother Mary, and the fulfillment of a promise made to Jacob. God's perfect plan was being worked out in spite of the acts of wicked sinful men.

* * *

Lord, help us to trust you and your plan for our lives, in spite of the circumstances we face. You are the God of history and You have our future in Your hands. Help us to never forget that as we look with dismay at threatening world events shaping up around us.

* * *

When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Matthew 2:14-15 NKJV

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CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 23:22:50 -0800

RACHAEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN

[6]

Read Matthew 2:1-23; Genesis 35:9-19; Jeremiah 31:15

* * *

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under– Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: Matthew 2:16–17 NIV

* * *

More than 1400 years before Christ was born, the patriarch Jacob buried his beloved wife, Rachel. We read, "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel's tomb." (Genesis 35:19–20) The prophet Jeremiah predicted a future day when children would be slaughtered near Rachel's grave. (Jeremiah 31:15) This was fulfilled when Herod killed all of the male babies under two, trying to destroy the Jewish Messiah.

* * *

We live in a day where it could be said "A voice was heard in America of weeping and mourning for children, because they are no more." The travesty of millions of babies aborted over the past thirty plus years must grieve your heart, Lord. Don't let us become apathetic to the cries of unborn babies, or the grief caused to women in our day.

* * *

"A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." Matthew 2:18 NIV

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CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:41:31 -0800

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM

[6]

THE WISE MEN AND HEROD

Read Matthew 2:1–12 & Micah 5:2

When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: Matthew 2:4–5 NIV

* * *

Long before Jesus was born, the prophets had predicted His coming. The priests and rabbis knew that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem – a prophesy they explained to Herod and the Kings from the East. We know that even the common people were taught this prophesy, since later–when Jesus started His ministry–the people said, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?" (John 7:41b-42)

They must not have realized that He was born in Bethlehem during the census. The Jews of Jesus time really had no excuse for not recognizing their Messiah. Had they truly been looking for Him, they would have known who He was–just as the Wise Men and even Herod did.

* * *

Lord, I praise You for the reliability of Your Word. Help me to be willing to share the message of Your coming with my children, their friends and all who might be seeking for truth. As the Christmas cards say, "Wise men still seek Him."

* * *

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:2 NIV

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Christmas Devotions

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:07:11 -0800

REVEALER OF HEARTS

[5]

SIMEON

Read Luke 2:21-40

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined… to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2:34–35 NIV

* * *

Holding the newborn baby in his arms, Simeon spoke words from God: Mary's life would be filled with both joy and sorrow. Her baby would be at the center of controversy. Her Son would be the revealer of hearts – even her own. She would have to learn to step back, be silent, and continue to ponder things in her heart. Shepherds could praise Him, Pharisees would curse Him and children would adore Him – but Mary could only quietly pray for Him. He was her son, but he was also her Savior. God's plan would proceed as she stood by and watched.

* * *

Lord, I know You have a plan for each of our children. Mary had some very human sons and daughters in addition to her perfect Son, Jesus. Would they ever accept Him as Messiah? No doubt, Mary prayed that her other children would accept Him as their personal Savior. It wasn't until after the resurrection that they truly believed – but in God's perfect time – Mary's prayers were answered.

* * *

And Joseph and His (Jesus’) mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Luke 2:33 NKJV

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CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:36:40 -0800

TIDINGS OF JOY

[4]

THE SHEPHERDS

Read Luke 2:8–20

"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10–11 NKJV

* * *

Exhausted but happy, Joseph wraps his newborn babe in swaddling clothes and lays him at Mary's side. They are alone, in the city of their birth, but not their home. Only the sound of animals disturbs their quiet conversation. What will life be like with this child of God? Soon they will be able to consummate their marriage and build a family together.
Meanwhile, out in the nearby fields, a lowly group of shepherds are in for a big surprise. Suddenly an angel appears in the night sky surrounded by the glory of the Lord. He announces, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "(Luke 2:11 NKJV) Lonely quiet places - this stable - those fields - where all of history would be changed. Even today we date our lives from this event.

* * *

Lord, help me to value the lonely, quiet moments of my life. They are so few and yet so valuable. Speak to my heart this morning with words of peace. Like Mary, I truly desire to understand Your ways and ponder them in my heart.

* * *

"All those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:18-19 NKJV

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CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 07:47:29 -0800

BETHLEHEM

[3]

JOSEPH AND MARY

Read Luke 2:1–7; Micah 5:2

Joseph also went up… to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. Luke 2:4–5 NKJV

* * *

Mary was in the last stages of her pregnancy when something very distressing happened. The Caesar of Rome declared that a census be taken, forcing everyone to go to the city of their birth to register. Hardship or not, they had to comply with this order.

Joseph must have been deeply concerned about his wife during the trip to Bethlehem. He probably did not consider at the time that prophesy was being fulfilled. Over 700 years before, the prophet Micah predicted that the promised Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

* * *

Sometimes life is not convenient or comfortable; sometimes circumstances are overwhelming. Lord, give us peace in those times, knowing that You are a God who cares and watches over us. Help us to remember that all things work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.

* * *

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to me the one to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2 NKJV)

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Tim Keller isn't my pastor, but man can he preach

nobody@vox.com(NotConform) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:41:47 -0800

Tim Keller

The Evangelical Alliance has been pushing the whole 'the internet is great and stuff' recently and in that vein came out with this classic internet header 'Tim Keller is not your pastor'. Nice. Pulls in the Keller haters, who hope to take chunks out of him, while tugging at the heart strings of his fans, who'll come rushing to his support. Maybe 'Geek, get thee to a church' would have been a more accurate and still explosive enough choice, but even Christian celebrities (not that he'd call himself one, mind) can pull in the page impressions.

Tangent alert - I do not qualify as a 'successful' blogger really, but I do wish that Christians would stop using the cheap shockjock tactics in their headers to pull in the punters. Make it openly negative or controversial that'll draw them in. Really? If you have something to say that has value then don't be cheap and, yes, don't conform to the rest of the internet. If your aim is to pull in the numbers quickly then that is the way to do it. But is that really why you're blogging? Shouldn't you be praying that God would use your words to reach someone, not whether your Google Rank will help you get a book deal? Actually, I think my problem will trying to avoid writing controversial entries than headlines...

The issue wasn't really Tim Keller, but the disclaimer on the Redeemer Presbyterian Church's sermons page, where they felt the need to mention that the free preaches are not a "broadcast ministry" to encourage "'virtual' members". So yes, get to your local church!

There was a surprising response to this article. Quite a number of the comments seemed to suggest that the Christian community as a whole don't 'get' the internet and how Christianity needs to encourage virtual Christians to be relevant in our fast moving-blah-ever-blah-complex-blah world.

Setting aside the mind-bogglingly generalisation that the 'Christian community' would agree on much else than 'Jesus, he's great you know', a person emoting *raises his hands* or typing 'ROTFITS' (Thats Rolls On The Floor In The Spirit) in the chat room of CyberChurchInternational-Overflow5 is not the same as standing face to face with someone, seeing the anguish in their eyes, the tears on their face and knowing that you're standing with them to pray for God to breakthrough on an issue that weighs heavily in their life.

Okay, sometimes it's not like that. Sometimes it's just a pat on the shoulder or a smile or a sharing moments with people. But essentially 'going virtual' is about control; deciding when and how you're available or open others. You can't suddenly click 'Offline' or 'Block' when you're part of a local church. You're open and vulnerable to God changing you through other people. Surprisingly, our western individualistic, 'I'm a wild, free spirit' culture doesn't like that.

Note: oops, there is a website called CyberChurchInternational, but I really can't be bothered to change it now.

Sharing life isn't easy, but it's rewarding and it grows you. For example, I live with a couple right now and they've just had a baby this year. I've learnt so much from them about how married Christian couples communicate, how they are both one and a team at the same time. I've learnt how selfish I can be and how much patience God can teach you if you're prepared to learn. I've also learnt that baby poo can just go on and on forever, regardless of how tiny the nipper is. Seriously, King Kong would be proud of some of the deposits... but anyway, hopefully you get the point.

The internet is great, but it isn't a substitute for being involved in your local church. What it should be is an extension of church and not a replacement of it. That isn't an opinion that comes out of ignorance of the power of the web, or just my opinion, but rather a desire to listen to what God was encouraging us to do through Paul in passages like Hebrews 10:24 - 25:

"24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

If you're a new Christian, take a deep breath and step into a local church. Ask God to teach you about grace and what it means to be under his grace and be able to express that grace to your fellow Christians. The fruit of the Spirit are love, joy, peace and patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. You are highly unlikely to grow in those locked away in your room staring at your computer screen.

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CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:55:46 -0800

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD

[2]

MARY AND ELIZABETH

Read Luke 1:26-80

"Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:36–37 NIV

* * *

Six months after the angel Gabriel visited Zechariah, leaving him unable to speak because of unbelief, he made another announcement to a young virgin named Mary, telling her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."

* * *

Mary's response after hearing all that Gabriel said was, "I am the Lord's servant, May it be to me as you have said." (1:35, 38) She traveled hurriedly from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea to see Elizabeth, now great with child–and Zechariah who was still mute, because he had not believed.

* * *

Elizabeth said, "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (1:45) Perhaps Mary's youth made her less skeptical, but the miracle of a virgin birth was far more unusual than the birth of a child in old age. Lord, help me to believe the promises in Your Word, even when it seems impossible – because with God all things are possible.

* * *

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed… " Luke 1:46–48 NIV

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Children's Hunger Fund Christmas Toy Wrap

nobody@vox.com(Sunshine) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:04:25 -0800

Canvas Group

Love These Girls

Two thousand people showed up to help wrap 100,000 toys for under privileged children today. What an amazing site that was to see. Thousands of people coming together to serve others all in the name of Christ! This was Daniel, Sienna, and I's fourth year attending this wonderful event. The first year we went Sienna was only three months old, and now she is able to wrap presents on her own. We went with our youth group, and had a group of over twenty people. For all but one of the teens, this was their first time attending such an event. It was so neat to see their excitement over serving and making a difference. We have a great group of kids, with big hearts. They really made a differnce this morning, and I am so proud to be apart of such an awesome group!

TOYS!

Christ is the Perfect Gift

The morning was a blur of toys and wrapping paper. But it was fun, the time flew by so fast and then all of a sudden all the toys were wrapped. God is so amazing! This is such a great event for the family. Daniel and I truly believe in serving the Lord and others as a family. We want our children to be involved in what we are doing. You are never to young to help others and serve the Lord. Sienna had a great time and is really learning the true meaning of Christmas. Last year was a little harder for her, not understanding why she didn't get to keep one of the toys. However this year she really understood, that these toys were for children who weren't going to get anything else for Christmas. And she even told me that Jesus is her present for Christmas, so she doesn't need a toy. Wow! She's three and she gets it. Doing this project every December is our family tradition for kicking off the Christmas season. I look forward to many many years of taking our children to help wrap presents for the Children's Hunger Fund. What are you doing this Christmas to show glory to Jesus Christ and help others in the process? Christmas isn't about the tree, cookies or even presents. It's about the Son of God being born, so He could die for your sins. Make sure you take time this Christmas to make Christ the center of your Christmas. Because in the end that's all the matters.

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Sarah Palin & Carrie Prejean: The Future of the Republican Party?

nobody@vox.com(Carrie) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:31:14 -0800

JESUS' GENERAL: Sarah Palin & Carrie Prejean: The Future of the Republican Party?

How many Republicans do you suppose are looking forward to the possibility of Sarah Palin getting in bed with Carrie Prejean for the 2012 presidential race?

Two conservative women explore forbidden political pleasures from top to bottom...

A Republican Affair by Rich Lowry

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Jesus Freak

Christmas Devotions

PROPHESY FULLFILLED

CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

RACHAEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN

CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM

[6]

THE WISE MEN AND HERODRead Matthew 2:1–12 & Micah 5:2When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: Matthew 2:4–5 NIV

* * *

Christmas Devotions

REVEALER OF HEARTS

CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

TIDINGS OF JOY

CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

BETHLEHEM

Tim Keller isn't my pastor, but man can he preach

CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD

Children's Hunger Fund Christmas Toy Wrap

Sarah Palin & Carrie Prejean: The Future of the Republican Party?

THE WISE MEN AND HEROD

Read Matthew 2:1–12 & Micah 5:2

When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: Matthew 2:4–5 NIV