God with Who?

In a remarkable act of love, God wanted to be with us so much, He came to planet earth. And so they called the baby Immanuel, meaning God with us. Now every December we gladly celebrate the coming of the Christ Child. 

The American Christmas with hot chocolate, caroling, tinseled tree, presents, and banquet is a lovely tradition for the fortunate; but, for some Christmas will not be merry and bright. 

And yet, if we read our Bibles carefully, we conclude God loves the prisoner, the hospitalized, those who have to work during the holidays, those who serve overseas, those in nursing homes, those who have lost loved ones, the lonely, the poor, the orphan, and the broken-hearted. 

This Christmastime will you extend the love of God to the less fortunate with a kind word, prayer, gift, or act of kindness? 

Remember: God wants to be with all of us, not just some of us.

Can People Tell You Have Been with Jesus?

Even their critics realized Peter and John had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). But do our neighbors and acquaintances know we've been with the Lord? Is there enough evidence in our lives to convict us as Christians?

Peter and John spent three years with the Lord. Additionally, after healing the lame man at the temple, they spent an entire night in jail no doubt praying and communing with the Lord. The next morning when they stood before the officials everyone knew, Peter and John had been with the Lord.

Here are two characteristics of people who spend time with Jesus.

1. BOLDNESS - See verses 13, 29, 31, and 33. Those who stand before the KIng of Kings and the Lord of Lords are empowered to face every challenge. Life no longer intimidates them. "The righteous are bold as a lion" (Provergs 28:1). 
2. FRUITFULNESS - See verses 4, 14, and 22. As the old preacher said, "God is still in the life changing business." People who spend time with the Lord become conduits for the flow of God. The Lord working through them touches and improves the lives of others. 

God wants to work in us (boldness) and through us (fruitfulness). 

Use these two characteristics for self-evaluation. "Is my life marked by boldness and fruitfulness?" If not, spend more time with the Lord.

Today's Challenge: Retreat from the busyness of the day and bask in the presence of the Lord. 

The Tragedy of a Man-Made King

The people of Israel made a huge mistake when they wanted to be like the other nations and have their own king. Notice the striking differences between Saul, their man-made king and Jesus Christ, our God-given King.

1. Saul was tall and handsome (1 Samuel 9:2). Jesus lacked external beauty (Isaiah 53:2).
2. Saul unsuccessfully tried to defeat the Philistines. Jesus successfully defeated Satan, sin, death, and hell. 
3. Saul was self-absorbed, Jesus was a servant of all.
4. Saul was disobedient (1 Samuel 13:13-14), Jesus was fully obedient, even to the point of death on the cross.
5. Saul practiced necromancy (consulting with the dead), Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit. 
6. Saul took his own life (1 Samuel 31:4) , Jesus gave His life.
7. Saul's kingdom only lasted for a few years. Christ's kingdom is everlasting.

Are you looking for someone to follow? Don't make the same mistake the Israelites made, instead humbly yield to King Jesus. He is gentle, loving, and undefeated. You will never be disappointed by following Jesus (Romans 10:11).

Dealing with Religious Liars

Today I need to go visit a church, but I'm sort of nervous. There is a person associated with this congregation who has said some hateful and dishonest things about me.

The Lord graciously showed me this morning how Jesus dealt with dishonest people. Following Jesus's example, I must do the following:

1. I must be loving. This is how Jesus responded to the rich young ruler, who may have been a ruler of a synagogue or member of the Sanhedrin. This man falsely claimed to have kept all the commandments. Despite his bogus claim, Jesus looked on him with love (Mark 10:20-21).
2. I will try to find some agreement. This is how Jesus dealt with two of His disciples who thought they could keep up with Jesus. He knew the sons of Zebedee could never endure the cross, but they would be martyred. James would be beheaded and John would be exiled to the Island of Patmos. Following our Lord's example I will seek agreement not argument (Mark 10:38-40).
3. I have to guard my integrity. When the chief priests, scribes, and elders claimed ignorance about John's baptism, Jesus did not respond in kind. It would have been easy for Jesus to say, "Well I don't either." We must not stoop to their level. In spite of how others act, I want to do my best to behave with character and honor (Mark 11:33).
4. I will never speak of their false accusations. This is what Jesus did when false witnesses accused Him before the high priest and the Sanhedrin. Mark 14:61 says, "[Jesus] kept silent and said nothing."

We are not surprised to see falsehoods in business or politics, but it is sad to see it in the church. Jesus dealt with dishonest religious people, we will too. But by God's grace, let us respond with love, harmony, and integrity. 

After Faith Has Come

Four results of faith in Christ, based on Galatians 3:24-27:

1. We are free from the law (Gal. 3:24-25). The function of the law is to show us our sin and need for a Savior. Once a person comes to Christ through faith, the law is no longer necessary.
2. We are adopted into God's family (Gal. 3:26). Christians are sons, not slaves, and thus have a sense of belonging and access to all of God's incredible riches (Gal. 4:6-7).
3. We identify wtih Christ (Gal. 3:27). The believer is placed into Christ and enjoys the benefits of Christ's accomplishments and privileges.
4. We are made righteousness (Gal. 3:24). The repentant sinner who places their faith in Christ is justified. This means being declared legally righteous in the eyes of God.