…. the Lord has told you what is good,
 and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.  (Micah 6:8 NLT)

• Do what is right

 Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so all will go well with you. … (Deuteronomy 6:18 NLT)

 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 NLT)

 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. (James 4:17 NLT)

•  Love mercy

 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. (Matthew 6:14 NLT)

•  Walk humbly with God

 “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45 NLT)

As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6 NLT)

Do what is right

Love mercy

Walk humbly with God 

 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. (James 4:10 NLT)

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Epiphany: A moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way (merriam-webster.com)

Epiphany: A manifestation of a divine or supernatural being. (google.com)

Do you truly understand who Jesus is?  Have you experienced the ultimate epiphany?

If Jesus is your Lord and Savior you have a great deal to be thankful for. Christians around the world celebrate Epiphany (sometimes called The Twelfth Day of Christmas) on January 6. This celebration commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity was manifested.

The first event was when the three wise men visited the baby Jesus.

Visitors from the East

2 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ² “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”   …. the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! ¹¹ They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Matthew 2:1-11 (NLT)

 The second event was the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan.

The Baptism of Jesus

13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John….. 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”  Matthew 3:13-17 (NLT)

The deity of Jesus has been revealed.  You can experience and celebrate a personal relationship with Jesus that will last through all of eternity.

This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people.  (Colossians 1:26 NLT)

If you have never experienced Jesus in a real, life changing way ask for an epiphany.  Ask God to reveal Himself to you in a very clear way.

For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me…  (John 6:44 NLT)

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
    Let the whole world know what he has done. 
(Psalm 105:1 NLT)

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I believe that it is important for all of us to set goals for ourselves.  Without goals, we have nothing to shoot for.

Scripture gives us some good starting points for setting personal goals.  In scripture we read, ^“Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.” (Luke 2:52 NLT)

Scripture tells us that Jesus grew intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.

• I believe that it is important for all of us, regardless of our age, to continue to grow intellectually and to increase in wisdom.

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. (Philippians 1:9 NLT)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5 ESV)

• I believe that it is important for all of us, to the best of our ability, to work at keeping our bodies healthy.

 …do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?   (1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV)

• I believe that the number one priority for all of us should be continued growth in our relationship with God.

 Scripture tells us to “… love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind …” (Luke 10:27 ESV)

• I believe that it is extremely important for all of us to love “our neighbors”.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV)

 We should all have the desire to increase in wisdom
and in stature
and in favor with God
and man.

 As we think about goals for 2016 we need to:

• Set goals that will help us grow in our relationship with God.
• Set goals that will help us grow in our relationships with others.
• Set goals that will help us grow intellectually.
• Set goals that will help us stay healthy physically (as much as possible).

Without goals, you have nothing to shoot for.

 Happy New Year’s Day

 Best wishes as you reflect on your personal goals for the New Year.

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Happy Birthday Jesus

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And going into the house they (the wise men) saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11 ESV)

I don’t know why the wise men chose to give these gifts to Jesus.  The Bible does not tell us why the wise men gave Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh.

These gifts were certainly fit for a king.  Frequently, in Bible times, kings or persons of distinction were given similar types of gifts.

The wise men had traveled a long distance to worship and honor Jesus.  Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were valuable. When the wise men presented these gifts to Jesus they were being very generous.

This group of Gentile wise men gave gifts to Jesus because they recognized Him as “the king of the Jews”.

Gold and frankincense and myrrh can be viewed as gifts with significant symbolic meanings.

Gold

Gold was the usual gift given to kings by their subjects or by those wanting to pay their respect.  Great achievements are often rewarded with gold.  Gold is often associated with wisdom.  A large amount of gold was used in the construction of the temple.

• When you think about the wise men giving Jesus gold, be reminded that
  Jesus is “King of kings and Lord of lords”.

Frankincense

When burned, frankincense produces a pleasing aroma.  Incense was used in worship, where it was burned as an offering to God.  Burning incense symbolized prayers rising to the heavens.

… and when Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn it, a regular incense offering before the LORD throughout your generations. (Exodus 30:8 ESV)

Now while he (Zechariah) was serving as priest before God …, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense (on the altar of incense). And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. (Luke 1:8-10 ESV)

• When you think about the wise men giving Jesus frankincense, be reminded that
  Jesus deserves our worship.

Myrrh

In Bible times myrrh was used in embalming the dead

Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.  So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. (John 19:39-40 ESV)

Myrrh was also used during crucifixions. Myrrh was mixed with wine and offered to Jesus when he was dying on the cross.

And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. (Mark 15:23 ESV)

• When you think about the wise men giving Jesus myrrh, be reminded that
  Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
What gifts are you giving to Jesus this Christmas?

Merry Christmas

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Who was seen in a manger, in Bethlehem, on Christmas Day, a little more than 2000 years ago?

We can learn a great deal about someone from their name.

• The baby who was born in the manger was to have the name Jesus. Jesus means “Savior”.

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (Luke 1:30-31 ESV)

• This baby was Christ the Lord. This baby was the Messiah, the promised deliverer.  One day He will exercise absolute dominion over all of creation.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11 ESV)

• This baby would be called the Son of the Most High (The Son of God).

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. (Luke 1:32 ESV)

• This baby was to be named Immanuel (which means, God with us). Christ, being the second person of the Trinity, is God.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14 ESV)

• The baby in the manger would be called the Lamb of God. He would become the ultimate sacrifice, by dying on a cross, to atone for the sins of the world.

The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29 ESV)

• Other names for this baby are Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)      (Refer to Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace)

• This baby will be called the King of kings and Lord of lords. Someday He reign supreme over all the earth.

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:16 ESV)

Who was seen in a manger, in Bethlehem, on Christmas Day, a little more than 2000 years ago?

Jesus

Christ the Lord

Son of the Most High

Immanuel

Lamb of God

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace.

King of kings and Lord of lords

This is just a partial list of the names, or titles, for the baby born in a manger, in Bethlehem, on Christmas Day.

And being found in human form, he (Christ Jesus) humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,  so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11 ESV)

Happy Birthday Jesus

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Why do we need Christmas?

A better question is, “Why do we need Jesus?”

Our need for Jesus becomes evident to us in the first book of the Bible.  The story begins in Genesis, chapter 3.

   The serpent was clever, more clever than any wild animal God had made. He spoke to the Woman: “Do I understand that God told you not to eat from any tree in the garden?”
   The Woman said to the serpent, “Not at all. We can eat from the trees in the garden. It’s only about the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, ‘Don’t eat from it; don’t even touch it or you’ll die.’”
   The serpent told the Woman, “You won’t die. God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, you’ll see what’s really going on. You’ll be just like God, knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil.”
   When the Woman saw that the tree looked like good eating and realized what she would get out of it—she’d know everything!—she took and ate the fruit and then gave some to her husband, and he ate.
   Immediately the two of them did “see what’s really going on”—saw themselves naked! They sewed fig leaves together as makeshift clothes for themselves.
   When they heard the sound of God strolling in the garden in the evening breeze, the Man and his Wife hid in the trees of the garden, hid from God.
   God called to the Man: “Where are you?”
   He said, “I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid.”
   God said, “Who told you you were naked? Did you eat from that tree I told you not to eat from?”
   The Man said, “The Woman you gave me as a companion, she gave me fruit from the tree, and, yes, I ate it.”
   God said to the Woman, “What is this that you’ve done?”
   “The serpent seduced me,” she said, “and I ate.” (The Message)

 Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God.  This sin destroyed the perfect relationship that had existed between them and God.

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— (Romans 5:12 ESV)

The consequence for Adam’s sin, death, was passed on to all men (us).

… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23 ESV)   the wages of sin is death… . (Romans 6:23 ESV)

Death means separation from God, or to put it plainly, death means spending eternity in hell.

 And that is why we need Christmas (Jesus).

Thankfully, God had a plan.

For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:21-22 ESV)

God loved the world.

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.    (John 3:16)

I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 ESV)

 This is what Christmas is all about.

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:10-11)

… because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:8-10 ESV)

Merry Christmas 

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At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Throughout the year we should recognize and worship the Jesus who was introduced to us by Isaiah.  Isaiah describes Jesus as a wonderful counselor, a mighty God, an everlasting father, and the Prince of Peace.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.   (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)

Reflect on the follow titles:

• Wonderful Counselor

Jesus gives counsel to men with supernatural wisdom that is far beyond human capabilities.

(Jesus) Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3 ESV)

• Mighty God

Christ, being the second person of the Trinity, is God.

 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:23 ESV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 ESV)

Christ is the creator.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:16 ESV)

Christ is the Savior of the world.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11 ESV)

• Everlasting Father

Christ has always existed, and will exist for all of eternity.

I (Christ) am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22:13 ESV)

In the beginning was the Word, … (John 1:1)

Christ is the giver of eternal life.

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:28 ESV)

• Prince of Peace

Because of the work of Christ it is possible for man to be reconciled with God.  A broken relationship can be restored. We can be at peace with God.

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; (2 Corinthians 5:18 ESV)

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.  More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:10-11 ESV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)

JESUS

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36 NLT)

Merry Christmas

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Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year.  I enjoy the break from “work”; I enjoy Christmas parties; I enjoy gift exchanges;  I enjoy the food; I enjoy the special events at church;  I enjoy the TV specials;  I enjoy setting up our nativity set in the front yard.  My list of favorite Christmas activities goes on and on.

Far more important than the above list is the fact that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11 ESV)

 Christmas is the celebration of the time when God gave the world a special and unique gift.

  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17 ESV)

What an awesome gift!  This is a gift we all need.

… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23 ESV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 ESV)

This may be far more serious than some people think.  We will all face a day of judgment.  Consider the following scripture verses.

 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, (Hebrews 9:27 ESV)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV)

At the end of our time here on earth we will spend eternity in heaven or we will spend eternity in hell.  There are no other options.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 25:34 ESV)

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41 ESV)

It’s not difficult to determine your destination.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:18 ESV)

I hope you understand.  Christmas is a special and unique holiday. For everyone who has received the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, Christmas is a special time of the year.

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 ESV)

Merry Christmas

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Have you decided what gifts you will be giving this year for Christmas?

Christmas is a time when many people give gifts to family and friends.  Most likely you are a person who will be giving gifts to others.

Have you thought about giving a gift to God this Christmas?

What would be an appropriate gift for you to give to God?  What does God want from us?

Here are some things you may want to consider giving to God this Christmas (and all year long).

• Your worship

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! (Psalm 95:6 ESV)

• Your love

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV)

• Your praise

I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. (Psalm 146:2 ESV)

• Your thanksgiving

Give Thanks to the Lord, for He Is Good Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 106:1 ESV)

• Your service

Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24 ESV)

“… as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15 ESV)

• Your obedience

 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15 ESV)

Things you may want to consider giving to God this Christmas (and all year long).

Your worship

Your love

Your praise

Your thanksgiving

Your service

Your obedience

Merry Christmas

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