A LAND OF MILK AND HONEY?

"The LORD will surely comfort Zion
and will look with compassion on all her ruins;
he will make her deserts like Eden,
her wastelands like the garden of the LORD.
Joy and gladness will be found in her,
thanksgiving and the sound of singing." —Isaiah 51:3

From the time God sent Moses to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites had been looking forward to the day they would arrive in the Promised Land, a land they had been told would be "flowing with milk and honey."

After leaving Egypt, the people of Israel wandered for 40 years throughout the barren, arid desert. For 40 years, they held tight to God's promise of this beautiful, fruitful land. And when they finally arrived and entered the Promised Land, what did they find? More arid, barren lands!

Can you imagine what they thought? Can you imagine their disappointment? This is the Promised Land?

But God had made a promise: If His people settled the land and if they worked it, then the land would be transformed from barrenness and wilderness into gardens of Eden. But without the presence of His people, the land would refuse to bear fruit. And so it was — for nearly 2,000 years! But with the refounding of the modern state of Israel, the land has come to life again. It is, indeed, a land flowing with fruits and vegetables. It is a place of great beauty. God's promise to "make her deserts like Eden" has been fulfilled.

So what does that mean for us? Perhaps you are in the desert right now. You are holding on to God's promise for His peace and restoration, but to be honest, you just don't see it. Each day looks and feels just like the ones preceding it. Where is God in the midst of this spiritual wilderness?

Hope can be found in the land of milk and honey. Just as God was faithful to turn Israel's "wastelands into gardens of the Lord," He will be faithful to His promises to you. Just as God surely comforted Zion, He will comfort you, and He will lead you to a place where "joy and gladness" can be found, "thanksgiving and the sound of singing" can be heard.

All we need to do is faithfully follow where He leads.

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

DO THE ONE THING

Acts 5:20-21a

"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life." At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

Peter and John had been thrown in jail by the high priest and his associates, but an angel of the Lord had rescued them and said, "Go stand in the temple courts and tell people the full message of this new life." When we are given a God directive He is constantly at work with us and ahead of us cutting a path through the wilderness of the task He has given us. So much so, all we have to do is stay on that path for things to work out perfectly. Unfortunately, we have a tendency to get distracted and stray off course. Sometimes that's in the form of doing things our own way versus God's way, other times it's allowing other people or problems to distract us, and sometimes it's fear. The Apostles have given us a clear example of how to avoid straying off course -- do as you are told.

Verse 21 tells us how the apostles followed God's direction, "At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people." They didn't swing by Starbucks, drop off the dry cleaning on the way, or get the car washed. Instead "at daybreak" -- first thing in the morning -- they did what they were told. It was their number one priority and the only task on their "to do" list. Single minded focus. When was the last time you had single minded focus?

Our modern society has become scatter brained. It seems the goal is multi-tasking versus accomplishing any one thing. When was the last time you started the day with only one thing to do and the commitment to accomplish that one thing? We've forgotten the value of order and the meaning of obedience. Our God is an orderly God. I'll bet you collapse in bed every night like the rest of us, not at peace with what you've accomplished, but instead restless and unsettled because of all the half finished, uncompleted, or new things needing attention on your list that just have to get done no later than tomorrow. It's frustrating, tiring and completely unnecessary.

Stress is the sum total of a bunch of unresolved tasks. So the key to stress free living is completing tasks. The problem is differentiating between what is important and unimportant. The best place to start is with the Lord. Take time to read your Bible and pray. Ask the Lord, "What is the most important thing you want me to do today?" When you get your answer, don't get distracted, Every day -- Do the One Thing. Your life will change dramatically.

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LIKE LITTLE CHILDREN

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth! — Psalm 8:1

One of the true joys of being a parent is experiencing the world again through the eyes of your children. Everything they come across — whether it's a rock, a feather, a flower, a tiny bug skittering across the sidewalk — captures their attention and is an object of fascination. Their world truly is an amazing place, full of wonderful surprises and awesome discoveries.

It's no wonder that the psalm writer says, "From the lips of children and infants, you have ordained praise" (v. 2). Children have an incredible capacity to trust God and to thoroughly enjoy His Creation. They don't come with the same baggage of doubts, past hurts, and reservations that often taint our relationship with God and our ability to praise Him.

This psalm, written in a spirit of praise, begins and ends with the declaration: "O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" In verses 1 and 9, the psalmist, King David, uses the personal name of God that He gave to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3 — that is, Yahweh, the God of Israel's covenant. So, despite His majesty and sovereignty over all mankind and all He created, God is personal in His interaction with us.

Through various word pictures, the psalmist invites us to consider God's majesty and glory as expressed in the "moon and stars," the "flocks and the herds," the "birds and the fish," — indeed, all the "work of [His] fingers." We are reminded that in all creation, we are God's finest work — He has crowned us with "glory and honor." He has made us "rulers" over all His work. And to honor Him, we should have a childlike sense of awe and wonder when it comes to all that God has done — and continues to do — for us.

This reminds me of the words of Jesus in the book of Matthew: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (18:3). That doesn't mean we are to be childish, but rather childlike, coming to God in a spirit of humbleness and dependence, and yes, awe.

Consider the world around you today. Then praise Him for His majesty, His greatness, and His love for you — His child.

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President

PASTORS: DEALING WITH PERIL IN THE PEW

By Joy Allmond


Being a pastor or part of a pastor’s family is not an easy road. Rebecca Nichols Alonzo has firsthand knowledge.

In 1969, her father, Robert Nichols, moved to Sellerstown, N.C. with his wife, Ramona, who was expecting Alonzo, to pastor a small town church. They were warmly welcomed by this community and their congregation. In less than one year, the church grew from 11 to 100 members.

The town was happy about the new addition, except for one man who sat in “pew number seven” every Sunday – Mr. Watts. He was a wealthy county commissioner who controlled the community for years. He began a string of terror on the Nichols family that lasted for over five years. The harassment included threatening letters, drive-by shootings and explosions around the parsonage in which they lived.

Several years after this terror began, an armed man entered the Nichols home, and things were never the same.

Lessons on Forgiveness

While Alonzo’s story is an extreme example of the difficulties of pastoral life, forgiveness is an issue many clergy families must face.

“As a child, my mother and I used to pray consistently for Mr. Watts,” Alonzo remembers. “The Bible is very black and white about forgiveness. It doesn’t matter whether the offender ‘deserves’ it or whether you ‘feel’ like forgiving. Romans 12:14 clearly tells us to bless those who persecute us. The Word of God is full of instruction on how to deal with disgruntled church members or with those who usurp authority. It tells us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us.

“Jesus is our greatest example of forgiveness, as He hung on the cross and asked God to forgive those who crucified Him. This principle should apply to us today as we go through hard times in churches. When there is a problem in a church, the power of God can come in and take care of that problem His way. We are blessed when we obey Him and forgive others. However, this doesn’t mean He is going to take the people out of your church who have caused the problems.”

The Power of a Loving Congregation

While Alonzo’s family suffered under the mistreatment of this man, that experience did not interfere with her spiritual growth or her connection with the church. She testifies to the power of a strong, supportive, loving congregation.

“Because everyone else in the church was so loving and thankful that my parents were there, it didn’t taint my view of the church or the community. I looked to my mom’s strength and love for people and saw that my dad was faithful to the call God placed on his life,” Alonzo explains. “Because Mr. Watts came to church every Sunday, their hope was that the Word of God would penetrate his heart, he would receive Jesus, and as a result, those seeds of anger and bitterness would melt away.”

Alonzo encourages people to pray for their pastors. “Please pray for a hedge of protection around pastors, their families, their minds and their finances,” said Alonzo. As for pastoral families, she urges them to trust in God’s protection. “Just know that He will be there with you during anything you go through.”

Learn more of Alonzo’s story; visit her Web site.

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE

By Dr. David C. Cooper


In his book, "To See the World in a Grain of Sand," C.L. James tells the fable of a wise old cat that notices a kitten chasing its tail. "Why are you chasing your tail so?" asked the wise old cat. The kitten replied, "I have learned that the best thing for a cat is happiness, and happiness is my tail. Therefore, I am chasing it; and when I catch it, I shall have happiness."

The wise old cat said, "My son, I too have paid attention to the problems of the universe. I too have judged that happiness is in my tail. But, I noticed that whenever I chase after it, it keeps running away from me, and when I go about my business, it just seems to come after me wherever I go."

Jesus promised us real happiness and true joy. "I have spoken these things to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:11).

Happiness results from positive emotions such as joy, gratitude and hope. Negative attitudes are toxic to the mind and body. Research shows that negative emotions narrow thought. We can't dream or envision new possibilities when we are filled with negative emotions such as fear, resentment and pessimism. Positive emotions make thinking more creative and resourceful. Everyday is a celebration of life. Begin every day with this affirmation of faith: "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Ps 118:24).

First, today is the day the Lord has made so receive it with joy and gratitude. "In everything give thanks" (1 Thes 5:18).

Second, God only gives you today, not tomorrow, so focus on today. Don't get distracted by the failures of yesterday or the worries of tomorrow.

Third, He has made this day especially for you. Today is not an accident; not just another 24 hours.

Fourth, everything in each day is made for you -- the ups and the downs, the joys and the sorrows. God is involved in every aspect of your today. So, "give thanks for everything" (Eph 5:20).

Finally, expect something good to happen today. Then go out and make something good happen. You've got to make something happen in order to be happy.

Scripture Of The Day: "I have spoken these things to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" - John 15:11

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

It’s All About Him

By Greg Laurie

I heard a story about a little girl who noticed that her mom was getting really stressed out around Christmas. Everything was bothering her mom, and she was very irritable. Evening came and the mom bathed the little girl, got her ready for bed, put her under the covers, and had her say her prayers. She would usually pray the Lord's Prayer. But on this particular evening, she amended it a little bit. Her petition went something like this: "Father, forgive us our Christmases, as we forgive those who Christmas against us."

That is what happens when we lose focus of the real meaning of Christmas, isn't it? We get so caught up in the busyness of the season that sometimes we forget the wonder of it all: that deity took on humanity, that God became a man. Scripture sums it up well in 2 Corinthians 8:9, which says: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" (NKJV). Jesus literally went from the throne of Heaven to a simple little cave or stable.

Can you imagine what must have gone through Mary's mind that day when the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her she would be the mother of the Messiah? Her head must have been swimming. "What about Joseph? What are people going to say?" But God had it all put together, because the time was just right in every way.

But there was one small detail: The Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, as Scripture prophesied (see Micah 5:2). So the Lord touched the mind of a little man who was big in his own mind. His name was Caesar and, at this particular time in history, he was the most powerful man on Earth. One day, Caesar gave a decree that all of the world should be taxed. In reality, he was nothing more than a pawn in the hand of God. The Lord needed Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, so He moved events.

So Mary and Joseph had to make the difficult journey to Bethlehem, which was especially perilous for a woman who was as far along in her pregnancy as Mary was. But they did make it, and there the miraculous birth of Christ took place, just as Scripture said it would.

This little baby grew up quickly and, although we would love to know more about his boyhood, the Bible offers only a few details. But one day in the synagogue in Nazareth, as the custom was, the time had come for Jesus to read. He walked to the front of the synagogue, opened up the scroll, and began to read from Isaiah:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18–19 NLT)

When He had finished, He sat down and said, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (verse 21). He had declared himself the Messiah. His public ministry had begun.

This One who was sent from God was always in perfect sync with the Father. While He spoke with the learned spiritual leaders, He always had time for the outcasts of society—people like the woman at the well and the tax collector, Zacchaeus. People like you. People like me.

His ministry on Earth was only a few years, and then He was crucified. You can be sure that as He hung there on the cross, where all of the sin of humanity was placed upon Him, this was God's most painful moment. But then it was finished. Jesus rose again from the dead and, after a time, ascended back into Heaven, promising to come back to this earth. And we eagerly await that day.

This Jesus who was born in a manger, who walked this earth, who was crucified, and who rose again, is not some mere historical figure, although He was that. He is alive, and He is still in the business of changing lives.

That is the reason He came: to put us in touch with God, to forgive us of all of our sins, and to give our lives purpose and meaning.

Scripture Of The Day: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" - 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV).

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SATURDAY EDITORIAL

The Paradoxes Of Christmas
By Dr. Michael Youssef


A paradox is an apparent contradiction which conceals a profound truth--and the Bible is filled with paradoxes: We triumph by first surrendering to God; We find rest under a yoke; We see the unseen through faith;
We find freedom in becoming Christ's bondservants; We are made great by becoming little; We gain through giving; We become wise by becoming fools for Christ's sake; We can only truly live if we die to self.

Yet the greatest paradox in the entire Bible is found in the birth of Jesus Christ. During the time of Jesus' birth, Caesar Augustus was the greatest ruler of the world. He possessed absolute power and incredible wealth. Yet even with all of his earthly authority and riches, Caesar was just a man. When God Himself came to earth, He was not the leader of the largest empire. He was born as a poor and obscure child in Bethlehem. The pagan man, Caesar, was at the height of power; the God-infant, Jesus, was in the depths of helplessness. Caesar was the wealthiest man on earth; Jesus was one of the poorest. Caesar slept in a Roman palace on a golden bed covered with fine linens; Jesus slept in a manger, bundled in swaddling clothes.

But none of the wealth or power that Caesar possessed compared to the glory and splendor that Jesus had left in heaven. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Jesus endured a human, earthly birth so that everyone who follows Him can undergo a spiritual, heavenly birth. Jesus found no room at the inn, yet He said, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2). Jesus became a member of a human family so that those who love Him can become members of His heavenly family.

The infant Jesus was pursued by the ruthless and evil King Herod who killed the baby boys in the Bethlehem area, hoping to end the threat of the One "born king of the Jews" (see Matthew 2:1-18). Yet Jesus was born for the very purpose of pursuing and destroying the root of all evil, Satan.

We can learn from the paradoxes of Christmas: We should not judge things by appearance, because God hid His greatest gift in a humble package. We should not judge an end by its beginning, because the babe in the manger will one day return in full glory. We should make room in our hearts for others, so that we can find room for Jesus. By reaching out and witnessing to those who need to hear about Jesus, we can experience Christ even more fully.

In celebration of His birth, thank Jesus for giving up the riches and splendor of heaven to be born a poor and humble infant. Thank Him for dying on the cross, even though He Himself was sinless, so that we may find forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father.

Scripture Of The Day: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." - Philippians 2:6, 7

MY BIRTHDAY

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is
a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be
repeated.

During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many
radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone
is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think
of me.

As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago.

At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for
them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the
celebration.

Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know
the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many
beautifully wrapped gifts.

But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited.

I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.

The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they
closed the door in my face .. and I wanted to be with them and share their table.

In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close
their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner.

They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and
laughing at everything. They were having a grand time.

To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white
beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the
sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" as
if the party were in his honor!

At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms
waiting for someone to hug me and do you know no-one hugged me.

Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with
great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe,
there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody
shared gifts and you did not get one?

I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to
eat and drink, and nobody remembers me.

I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.

I would like that you recognize the fact that more than two thousand years ago
I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you.

Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.

I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party,
I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements.

Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you.
I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you
and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book.

Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party.

Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because
when all is ready you will be part of my great party.

See you soon. I Love you!

Jesus

Author unknown

A SEASON OF MIRACLES

Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. — Psalm 77:13–14

This is a season of miracles and celebrations. My Christian friends celebrate the miracle of a birth at Christmas, and my Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate the miracle of a spiritual and military victory during the celebration of Hanukkah. And at the center of both these celebrations is our God of miracles.

As the psalm writer noted, "What god is as great as our God?" It's certainly a theme echoed throughout the Scriptures. After the miraculous escape from Egypt and the daring dash across the Red Sea, Moses and the people of Israel erupt in song and praise God: "Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You stretch out your right hand, and the earth swallows your enemies (Exodus 15:1112)." In Psalm 86:8, David writes "Among the gods there is none like you, LORD; no deeds can compare with yours."

Christmas and Hanukkah are a time to remember that we worship and serve a God who is totally unique. He alone is able to perform mighty deeds for those who love Him. He alone is powerful and worthy of our love and adoration. God alone is able to intervene in human history and work miracles on behalf of His people.

Remembering God's miracles and faithfulness sustained the people of Israel through their many difficulties and enabled them to act when all avenues seemed closed to them. Hanukkah reminds us of the importance of bitachon, or "trust in God." It was the Jews' trust in a loving and caring God that prompted them, the few and weak, to rise up against the many and mighty. It was their faith in the God of miracles to light the temple menorah with the last remaining flask of pure oil. They acted because they knew that God was capable and trustworthy.

When we are faced with obstacles and overwhelming difficulties, we need to remember how God has acted on our behalf in the past and how good He has been to us. Then, we can step out and act in faith, knowing He will care for us.

During this season, in addition to our traditional greetings of "Merry Christmas," or "Happy Hanukkah," we should add this greeting as well: "May the God of Miracles bless you and keep you this season and throughout the year."

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

ARE YOU LIVING FREE OR ARE YOU IN JAIL?

Acts 5:17-19

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.

In our passage today, the high priest and his associates were jealous, so they used their political power to have the apostles thrown in jail. But the Lord had a different plan, He sent His angel to open the doors of the jail and "brought them out." This is a really interesting choice of words, because the angel of the Lord didn't just hold the door open for them and ask if they would like to leave. He actually brought them out. In other words, they didn't choose to come out of captivity -- the Lord delivered them!

Throughout the Bible we read story after story of God's faithfulness in the face of adversity, despite the faithlessness of His people. Paul says in Romans 8:24, "Hope that is seen is no hope at all. For who hopes for what he already has?" What kind of faith would it have taken by Peter and John if they already knew the outcome?

I recently had a difficult situation arise at work. As I reviewed all the issues and what seemed to be the hopelessness of the situation, I thought about our passage today. Peter and John were sitting in jail despite doing the Lord's will -- isn't that how I felt? Regardless of the fact that I had done what I thought was the right thing, here I was in "jail" -- not from a legal perspective, but without any reasonable way out of my problem. I thought about the Israelites from Exodus 14: 13-14, and what Moses told them: "don't be afraid", "stand firm", and "you need only to be still". That is such great advice for any crisis situation. So that's what I did. I got control over my fear (or concern), I stood my ground (I didn't second guess my original decision and play the "could of" or "should of" game), and I rested (or stood still) in the fact that God was in control and if I followed these steps then (from verse 14) -- "you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today". I really like that promise, especially the "today" and "deliverance" parts.

Sure enough, everything worked out. How? I don't know, but once I was freed from the negative emotions of fear, doubt and panic, I could recognize that God had delivered me from my crisis, and the path toward resolution was clearly marked before me. I had taken an intellectual understanding of scripture and successfully applied it to a real life situation.

Let me be clear about one thing: God did not deliver me from this problem in the way I imagined, envisioned or even preferred. But I was delivered nonetheless, just as the apostles were delivered, although not in the exact way they probably expected.

What real life jam are you in right now? The one where you feel like you are in jail and there is no way out? Will you rely on God's promises? Will you trust in His deliverance?

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WHERE DO YOU KEEP JESUS?

Acts 7:45-50

"Having received the tabernacle, our fathers under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built the house for him. However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me?' says the Lord. 'Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?'"

Stephen previously explained, through the example of God's appearance to Abraham that God does not live in a place. He now goes on (verses 49-50), using the familiar scriptural references from Isaiah 66:1-2, to make his point that neither does God live in a building. The Jews went from taking God with them every where they went, to building a house for Him, and visiting Him when it was convenient. Do you see yourself in this story?

I've seen it and experienced it hundreds of times. A person is saved and is on fire for the Lord; a Bible is always on hand; Jesus dominates all their conversations; and there are never enough church services or bible studies to attend. Then over time the fire rages less -- there is room for other points of view and other activities. Compartmentalization begins: work is for work, play is for play, and church is for church. Activities and Jesus are separated -- religion isn't let into the office or onto the basketball court. (One of the key symptoms is when people are surprised to learn you are a Christian.)

At this point we need an attitude adjustment, and that is why the Lord puts things in the proper perspective for us when we are confused: "Heaven is my throne, the earth is my footstool." That kind of tells you who is in charge, and where God is. God goes on to ask you a question: "Has not my hand made all these things?" God made your career and He made the basketball court, so why do you keep Him in church?

In what area of your life have you compartmentalized Jesus? Does He go with you wherever you go? Under what circumstances would you be tempted to leave Him at church? What behavior or attitude needs to change?

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THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

By Dr. Frederick K.C. Price

Christmas is one of the most important days among Christians. This day commemorates and celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is the remembrance of the fact that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.


Jesus' birthday--Christmas--is about God's love. It is about God's love for you and me. It is God expressing His great love for mankind, through the giving of the greatest gift, the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves us not because of what we are, but He loves us because of what He knows we can become, if we'll allow Him to get involved in our lives.

John 1:1-3, 14:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

This passage from the Book of John tells us what Christmas is all about. It is about Jesus coming into the world. It is about the Word of God, the Living Word; Jesus is called the Logos, or the Word of God, and it says, "In the beginning was the Word."

Notice that verse 1 says "the Word was with God". This verse shows Jesus' separate and distinct personality. Then it says "the Word was God."

Now, I can't explain this to you. I can't explain it in a rational way so that you can understand it intellectually, but that's what the Bible says, it says that the Word was with God and then it says that the Word was God. Praise God that He doesn't require us to understand it mentally in order to gain the benefits from it; all we have to do is simply believe it.

Romans 8:1-3:

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,

This is the purpose of Jesus' coming. His purpose was to come and take away our sin. To come and pay the penalty that all of us should have rightfully paid as a result of Adam's sin in the garden of Eden. Jesus came to do it for us; that's what this season is all about. That's the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus came to do what the flesh could not do and that is to bring us back into fellowship and communion with the Heavenly Father.

Hebrews 2:10-15:

10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."
13 And again: "I will put My trust in Him." And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Jesus came to set us free from the ravages of death. Praise the Lord! The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ: crucified, dead, risen, ascended, and coming again!

Scripture Of The Day: "For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh" - Romans 8:3 (ESV)

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

Joy to the World
by Randy Robison

God wants you to be happy. That is a big part of the reason he sent his Son. How do I know this? Because when the angels announced his birth, both to his mother, Mary, and to the shepherds that came to worship him, they said so.

In Luke 1:30, the angel said to Jesus' mother, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God." In Luke 2:10, the angel says to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people."

The Greek words used for "favor" and "joy" are charis and chara, two nouns of the same derivative. One of the definitions of charis is "that which afford to joy, pleasure, delight." It also implies goodwill, grace, blessing and the translated word used here: favor. Chara is generally translated as "joy" or "gladness." The verb form of the word is chairo: "to be glad" or "to rejoice."

This is how the birth of the Messiah was announced. The same Messiah whose birth led to Herod's orders to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under. The same Messiah who was brutally beaten and wrongfully executed. The same Messiah whose disciples were chased, imprisoned, tortured, and killed. So how could the angels promise blessings of joy that would cause us to be happy?

Christmas time can be very difficult. Those who have lost loved ones to distance or death suffer loneliness. Others dread the tension that comes with family gatherings. Many feel the financial pressure that comes with giving material gifts. We may sing "Joy to the World," but there is little happiness. And yet, we are told, this is a time of joy. How is this so?

Consider other scriptures where the same Greek words are used:

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced [chairo] exceedingly with great joy [chara]." (Matthew 2:10)

"And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy [chara] and ran to report it to His disciples." (Matthew 28:8)

"Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. Be glad [chairo] in that day..." (Luke 6:22-23a)

"But we had to celebrate and rejoice [chairo], for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found." (The prodigal son's father in Luke 15:32)

"Rejoice [chairo] with those who rejoice [chairo], and weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15)

"I am overflowing with joy [chara] in all our affliction." (2 Corinthians 7:4)

"You will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice [chairo]; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy [chara]." (John 16:20)

Our problem in understanding happiness lies somewhat in the parts of speech. In other words, we view happiness as an adjective – a temporary feeling. "I'm happy my team won" or "They have a happy marriage." But scripturally, this concept is largely a noun or a verb – something we possess or express, not something we feel. Affliction and persecution will never feel good, but when we possess or express true happiness, it cannot be taken away, despite the pain. When we choose to demonstrate our joy in any circumstance, it cannot be denied.

The angels could promise true joy, not because the suffering of this life would disappear, but because the blessing of eternal life had appeared. This is the joy expressed in the Hebrew word samach, which the Israelites used to celebrate the old covenant (2 Chronicles 15:15). It is the same word used when King David wrote, "Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad [samach] in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, 'Let God be magnified.'" It is the countenence of a "cheerful look" (NLT) or "bright eyes" (NAS) that "gladden [samach] the heart," according to Proverbs 15:30.

It is the joy of salvation.

Happiness ceases to be a temporary condition when we fully understand the gift of salvation. It becomes a permanent part of our character because God has given it and nothing on earth can take it away. The light of this new life cannot be dimmed by the darkness of our old nature. The purpose of Jesus Christ becomes our purpose. And in that, there is great joy.

"These things I have spoken to you," Jesus said, "so that My joy [chara] may be in you, and that your joy [chara] may be made full." (John 15:11)

This Christmas, as we celebrate the joy of Jesus Christ that came into the world, let us also possess the full happiness He has given us and express it to everyone around us. This year, let us be joy to the world.

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

Remove The Stone
by Tony Evans

Have you ever been in a situation where things fell apart after you went to Jesus? Have you ever experienced a death? Not just a physical death, because death is essentially a loss. Have you ever experienced a deep loss of any kind? Stuff started to get sick, and then it just died. You have this plan for your life. You had a hope. You thought that things were going to fall right into place. But not only did they not fall into place, they died.

If you have ever been in a situation like that, then you know exactly what Martha and Mary were experiencing when they got caught between a rock and a hard place in John 11. Lazarus was sick. Martha and Mary reach out to Jesus for help. Jesus sends back hope. Lazarus dies.

Martha had told Jesus that she believed He was the resurrection and the life (v. 27). She had then run to tell Mary that Jesus had come.

Now Mary, seeing Jesus, falls at His feet and says, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (v. 32). John reports that when Jesus “saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, and said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, come and see’” (vv. 33-34).

Then, John writes, “Jesus wept” (11:35).

The next part of the passage contains potentially the most revolutionary spiritual truth you could ever learn for your daily living. It can sustain you when you’re caught between a rock and a hard place. We read: “So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, ‘Remove the stone.’ Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, ‘Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days’” (vv. 38-39).

Jesus makes a simple request, “Remove the stone.” Martha interrupts to let Jesus know that what He is asking isn’t practical. She lets Jesus know that what He is asking isn’t logical. It makes no biological sense.

When God puts you or me between a rock and a hard place, He will often make a request that makes absolutely no sense. His request to the mourners is not logical. Lazarus is literally between a rock and a hard place. Lazarus is literally behind a stone. Jesus asks the mourners to remove the stone without giving them any more information.

Here’s the spiritual truth you can apply to your daily life: When God is getting ready to do something significant in your life that involves a deliverance from a situation gone bad, or a resurrection of a situation that has died, it will often include an illogical request. And I want to encourage you, when that happens, don’t go logical on God. What we often do with God in situations like that is debate the instruction. Just like Martha did. Jesus’ instruction to her was pretty simple, “Remove the stone.”

With God it’s not about logic. It’s about doing what He says to do in faith. Once you add human logic to the Word of God, you ignore the power of the Word of God in your situation.

Jesus doesn’t want to have a discussion about the stone He has told us to remove. He doesn’t want to know how big the stone is. He doesn’t want to know how long the stone has been there. He doesn’t even want to know how dead the dead is behind the stone. All Jesus wants you to do is remove the stone.

To experience the living Christ in your dead situation, belief must precede sight, because without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith precedes sight. One of the great verses in the Bible describes this situation. It says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (11:1). In other words, belief requires no empirical evidence to validate what you are doing. There is nothing to taste, smell, touch, hear, or see in order for you to believe. There is nothing that the five senses can grab because if there is, then that is no longer faith. You don’t have to see something to know that it’s real. But what you do have to do is act in faith.

God says the righteous “shall live by faith” (10:38). So how do you know when you have faith? You only know that you have faith when you remove the stone – when you do the thing that God has asked you to do. If you’re not doing the thing that He told you to do, then you’re not having faith. If you’re discussing it, you’re not at the point of faith yet; you’re at the point of discussion. If you’re thinking about it, you’re not at the point of faith yet; you’re at the point of thought.

You’re not at the point of faith until God sees that stone move.

What can you expect to happen when you remove the stone? Jesus told Martha that if she will believe, she will see the “glory of God.” The glory of God is seeing God manifest Himself in your situation.

God wants to make some dead scenarios come forth. He wants to make dead careers come alive once more. He wants to resurrect dead marriages.

Martha and Mary didn’t make life come forth. All they did was remove the stone at His word. Then He created a miracle.

Someone reading this needs a miracle. Something in your life has died, and you need God to call it back to life. Someone is trapped in an addiction. You’ve tried everything that you know to get out of it but it doesn’t seem to work. What you need is a resurrection.

God can take your dead and dying scenario and call forth a resurrection. He can take what looks like a rotting situation and give it new life. He’s just waiting for you to remove the stone. When we do what God says to do in faith, God is free to bring forth life.


(God can heal you from the dead. John Carter,my 8 year old grandson)

WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING?

Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you. — Psalm 73:25

"That's not fair!" What parent hasn't heard that phrase — or some variation of it — uttered by a child who wasn't picked for the team or who didn't get the last cookie? Actually, if we're totally truthful, we all have said that at one time or another. We long for justice, and we cry foul when we see someone who has cheated and lied succeed at our expense.

The psalm writers, too, struggled with this same issue. Why do evil people prosper? Why do they seemingly succeed? Why does life appear so unfair at times? The answer for Jews and Christians alike depends on where we're looking.

We see this plainly in Psalm 73. At first, the psalmist is perplexed at what he sees: the arrogant and wicked had no struggles; they were healthy, prosperous, and free from the burdens most people carry. Based on what he saw, the psalm writer wondered why he bothered keeping his heart pure and trying to do the right thing in God's eyes. He wrote, "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me" (v. 16). Does that sound familiar?

Then the psalm writer entered God's sanctuary. While spending time in worship and focusing on God and His word, the psalm writer finally realized that God, indeed, does see all and know all. God knew all about the wicked and would deal with them accordingly. "Surely," the psalmist wrote, "you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin" (v. 18).

In the end, what sustained the psalmist from despairing over the wicked and life's unfairness was focusing on God. In doing so, he discovered that his knowledge of God was all he really needed. Indeed, he wrote, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." With that knowledge, the psalmist was able to confidently conclude, "God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (v. 26).

When we are confronted with life's injustices — whether big or small — we need to remember, like the psalm writer, that our God in Heaven is totally in control and will bring about His justice in His time. We have all we need in Him — the One who is our strength and our portion.

Where are you looking?

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President

WHAT DOES YOUR SHADOW REPRESENT?

Acts 5:14-16

Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

In the Disney movie of Peter Pan, Peter has lost his shadow and is chasing it around in the bedroom of the children Wendy, Michael and Christopher. Eventually, he catches his shadow and Wendy reattaches it, by sewing it back to his feet. My daughter Amanda (with whom I watch these movies), asked me if it was possible to lose your shadow. She looks around and because there is little light in the room she can't find her shadow, therefore it must be lost -- right? We talk further to discuss how shadows don't occur without light, are not magical, and are simply the image of an object that is blocking a light source.

Peter the Apostle (not Peter Pan) is the object in our passage whose shadow has developed the ability to heal. The subtle warning for us in this is to make sure we focus on the source (Jesus) not just the image. Our tendency can be to give power or find meaning in the wrong thing, in this case Peter's shadow. The people had mistakenly transformed Peter's words ("In the name of Jesus") into faith in his shadow. As a Christian we must always be cautious to humbly point to Jesus, so our works in His Name do not become "our" works alone.

As I read our passage today, I couldn't help think about what my shadow represents to others. Is it non-existent because (as I explained to Amanda) there is no light source? Or do people see Jesus in my shadow?

Are you illuminated by Jesus? What do people see reflected in your shadow?

pocketpower.org

DARE TO BELONG

Acts 5:12-13

The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.

I read a story once about Christianity in the Cold War era Soviet Union. Believers were forced to hide and worship in secret, as punishment involved disappearance into the prison system, perhaps forever. As the story goes, one evening a small group of Christians were quietly meeting in a home, when through the door burst two soviet policemen with weapons drawn.

They immediately yelled, "Anyone who is not a Christian -- get out of here, now!" as they threatened each person with their guns. Everyone was stunned, filled with fear, and on the edge of panic. Two of the people jumped up, grabbed their coats and ran out the door. One of the policemen went to the door, closed, locked and double bolted it. Then both turned and began to take off their coats, hats and gloves. They put down their guns and said, "We apologize for the intrusion, but we had to be sure everyone was a committed believer before we asked if we could join you."

That is the image I have of the first century church expressed in verse 13 of our story, "No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people." The church met in public each day (at Solomon's Colonnade), yet no one dared join them. Sometimes it takes pressure to define our faith and who we are as believers. How committed are you?

If there was the threat of imprisonment or death if you attended church on Sunday, would you go or stay home? Would you truly trust God and dare to belong to the family of believers?

pocketpower.org

POUR OUT YOUR HEART

"I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears…" — Psalm 6:6

Sometimes when we are at our lowest moments, in our deepest despair, we tend to withdraw from others. When asked, "How are you doing?" we stoically answer, "Just fine." We don't want to admit to others, even those who care most about us, that we're struggling, whether it's with despair, loneliness, or depression. So we put on a brave front and do our best to carry on.

During those periods in our life when we are reluctant to share our struggles, we need to remember that there is Someone with whom we can be completely honest — God. We can bring to him our anger, our despair, our doubts, our disappointments, and our weaknesses, without fear of rejection or judgment.

David models this for us in Psalm 6. As he comes before God, David pours out his heart. He is weary from groaning; his bed is drenched in tears; his vision is blurred from his grief; he is wasting away from the strain. In anguish, David cries out, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak" (v.2, NKJV)

David is completely honest with God. He tells God exactly what he is feeling, and in doing so, David is able to turn his inward grief toward God. He concludes this short prayer for deliverance by stating in verses 8-9, "the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer." David had complete trust that God would take care of him in this situation.

We, too, can be honest with God even when we're filled with anger or despair, because God knows us thoroughly and desires the very best for us. He knows our situation and He alone can guide us through those valleys. As we pour out our hearts to God, we will also find ourselves, as David did, turning from a focus on ourselves to a focus on our all-powerful, all-loving, merciful Father.

And isn't that a better place to be looking?

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

Acts 5:1-11

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God." When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price." Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also." At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

This is one of the most chilling examples of how God deals with hypocrisy and sin within the body of believers. We are shocked by the story as both Ananias and Sapphira are struck dead despite what appears to be a rather high level of giving. It brings to mind the question, "How much is enough?"

I think the key is in verse 4 when Peter poses the question to Ananias, "Didn't it belong to you before it was sold?" The implication is, if the intention is to give -- then whatever you give is sufficient. However, if your intent is not generosity but rather selfish pride or recognition by others -- then the consequences can be rather severe, regardless of the amount of the gift. In other words, don't lie about your generosity. There is nothing wrong with holding back certain amounts from the sale of property -- that was not the sin. Their sin was in the lie or misrepresentation of the sales price.

Throughout the Old Testament are numerous accounts of how God deals with faithlessness, sin, pride, hypocrisy, etc. God is patient but He knows our hearts, and as a loving Father He also knows that discipline -- even severe discipline is sometimes needed. The result of this discipline is summarized in verse 11, "Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events."

Sometimes a new believer doesn't fully understand his responsibility when he accepts Christ and is welcomed into the family of believers. As in an earthly family, we assume and accept a new level of accountability and leadership from the head of our family -- Jesus. This is not a commitment we should take lightly or expect God to take lightly. Thankfully, God only makes such dramatic demonstrations against sin in the body of believers at certain times in church history. If you or I were struck dead the next time we spoke or did something hypocritical, I doubt we would survive the day. Think about Ananias and Sapphira on Sunday when you sing "All to Jesus, I surrender, all to Him, I freely give….." Boom! Down we'd go. The body of believers would be thinned our really fast.

Hypocrisy like many sins, begins with a lie. It ends as all sin does in death. Maybe not actual death like Ananias and Sapphira, but it kills your witness (does do as I say not as I do work for you?); it kills your joy (in order to justify your own hypocrisy you judge others to make yourself feel better); it kills your peace (if you're living in hypocrisy you must always keep your guard up, constantly fearing someone will discover the real you).

The land of hypocrisy in not the home any of us would choose to live in (or even visit). Is there any inconsistency in your words versus your life? Are you struggling with your witness, joy or peace? What needs to change?

pocketpower.org

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

It's Your Choice

The LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish. — Psalm 1:6

Psalm 1 is a fitting introduction to the entire Psalter. It presents us with two distinct paths we can choose in life: either the wise, godly path or that of the wicked and ungodly. Clearly, only one of these paths leads us into the delight of learning and obeying God's Law and enjoying His blessing on our lives. The other leads to death and destruction.

When it's put that way, it doesn't seem like much of a choice, does it? Of course, we want God's blessing on our lives. Yet, how often do we drift from the right path and fall into the "counsel of the wicked" or "stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers" (v.1). How can we keep ourselves on the wise, godly path?

The key is found in verse 2. The godly person's delight is "in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." Let's pause for a moment on the word delight. Sometimes, this can be a difficult concept to comprehend. We might not always associate obedience and learning with delight, but this is a strong theme in Jewish teaching. While some may find the commands of the Torah a burden, being obedient to God's Word is truly a delight for the pious Jew and the believing Christian alike. And the reward that God offers mankind as a result of that obedience and learning is a fruitful, prosperous life, as opposed to a life that has no substance, a life like "chaff that the wind blows away."

As we read further, we see that the person who delights in God's Word and obeys it is like a tree that draws its life from the water by which it is planted. This principle is also found in Jeremiah 17:7-8, which tells us that the person who puts his faith in God is "like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream." Such a person is deeply rooted, unlikely to be swayed by the opinion or actions of those around him or her.

As we draw wisdom from God's Word and stay connected to Him, we will "never fail to bear fruit," and in the words of the psalmist, prosper in whatever we do.

The choice is ours.

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President
devotional@holylandmoments.org

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

What Your Speech Says About You

By Bishop E. Earl Jenkins

You can try to disguise your identity by changing your looks, your social circle and your address -- but how you speak will give you away every time.

It happened to Peter. When a servant girl saw him warming himself by the fire, she said, "'You...were with Jesus of Nazareth.' But he denied it...And the...girl saw him again and began to say to those who stood by, 'This is one of them.' But he denied it again...later those who stood by said to Peter again...'you are one of them...your speech shows it'" (Mk 14:67-70 NKJV). So in order to convince his accusers that he wasn't a friend of Jesus, Peter "began to curse and swear, 'I do not know this Man of whom you speak'" (Mk 14:71 NKJV).

It worked! After that nobody else accused him of knowing Jesus. Isn't it interesting how public profanity, in any language, has a way of making others question the quality of your relationship with Christ?

Paul says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up...that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph 4:29 NIV). If you want to win people to Jesus, start with how you talk. Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace...that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Col 4:6 NKJV).

Words are powerful things. They either build up or tear down, add to or take from.

It's not important that people can tell from your accent where you're from, but when they can't tell by the way you talk that you're Christ's disciple, something's seriously wrong.

Scripture Of The Day: "Let your speech always be with grace...that you may know how you ought to answer each one." - Col 4:6 (NKJV)

streamingfaith.com

AS WE SEE IT

It is the time of year that we are preparing for the holiday of Christmas. Many people celebrate in different ways, and some not at all. The thing that stands out to us at this time is that as individuals we need to be careful of what we say. This applies especially to those that have children. Whatever our beliefs, discussing them in front of children who might have been taught differently is a big no-no.

Parents have the right to teach and instruct their children the way they choose, even if we do not agree with what they are being taught or in fact the way they are being taught.

That said we would like to mention here that the Old Testament does speak of graven idols and when looked up the Hebrew terms for idolatry include avoid zarah (foreign worship) and avodat kochavim umazalot (worship of planets and constellations). Our understanding is we are not to bow down, or stand in front of [whatever] and worship anything. Neither of us do that or allow it to be done in our homes. We have trees, we decorate, and we celebrate the day that our Christ was born. If it was not for His birth, He could not have died for us so that we could be saved. Amen.

rECj/LJG

GIVING: WHAT IF THE BLESSING ISN'T WHAT I WANT

Acts 4:36-37

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet

The Lord placed on my heart the need to address this issue of giving from another perspective from yesterday's devotion. When I was growing up I had a cousin Larry who was my same age. Larry and I were the best of friends despite the fact he lived in Tennessee and I lived in California. As Christmas approached the year we were both 12 years old, we decided we were going to be rock stars and therefore needed guitars. We agreed we would both ask for guitars for Christmas, then when we saw each other during summer vacation we would write some songs and play together. As Christmas approached my Mom and Dad asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I explained the plan that Larry and I had made, therefore the only thing I wanted for Christmas was a guitar.

Christmas morning arrived and I was shocked to see a number of presents under the tree with my name on them (wow I thought, my parents were really generous this year). I quickly passed over all of them until I found the one shaped just the right way -- could this be it? I tore off the wrapping as my heart raced. You can imagine my disappointment when I discovered a toy guitar, with plastic strings "for ages 5 and up." I never even unpackaged the gift.

You might think I was ungrateful. Maybe, but I will admit I was incredibly disappointed. Have you ever felt that way before? I think my experience and reaction to it, is one of the core issues in our relationship with God on the subject of giving: We don't trust Him to give us what we want. In Malachi 3:10, the Lord tells us "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Tithing is the only Biblical circumstance in which the Lord tells us He wants us to test Him. If we step out in faith He will "pour out so much blessing that we won't have room for it". My earthly parents had a budget and 3 other children to buy for as well. They had limited resources. God does not. So what is the key to receiving "so much blessing that you won't have room for it"? The answer: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse…"

We so often tithe superficially -- giving whatever is leftover after everything else is paid (what amounts to loose change). That's the opposite of what the Lord instructs. Everything belongs to the Lord; He has given us everything we have -- therefore we need to tithe first ("bring the whole tithe") and spend what's left. If you are not experiencing "so much blessing you don't have room for it" -- the solution to your problem is the amount of your tithe, not the annual return on your retirement account. it is the condition of your heart, not the balance of your credit card bill.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" It comes down to this: Do we believe God will just meet our needs for survival, or He will fill us to the point that we have room for no more? When you believe in that promise, you can tithe in faith -- which is the point. How can you begin to tithe by faith? Do you need to talk with your spouse or family about this? What is your first step?

pocketpower.org

WHO DOES IT BELONG TOO?

Acts 4:36-37

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Too often when we think about giving, we start with the idea that something must happen for us first before we can consider helping out someone else: after we get the promotion and raise, after we buy a larger home, remodel the kitchen, get a new sofa, replace the old car, etc. There always seems to be a never ending list of things to do or acquire before the giving begins. This is the exact opposite idea of instruction from the Bible and how things are to work in God's family.

I am sure you are aware that the tithe required by the Old Testament would be the equivalent of 10% of your income (see Leviticus 27, Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 12 and 14). I am also sure that for some of us tithing like that would seem to border on the impossible. It represents too much of a financial burden. Take a moment and figure out how much 10% of your income is -- then make a list of what you would have to give up to tithe appropriately. Now you have honestly answered the question: Why is it so hard to give? The answer: It requires more sacrifice or compromise of our lifestyle than we are willing.

How did we get this attitude about tithing? How did our finances get so tight that we live paycheck to paycheck? There are lots of answers, but I think it all revolves around one central theme and that is: We think it all belongs to us. In other words, "It's mine, I earned it and I alone decide how to spend it." This is true for the financial liberal as well as the conservative. The only difference is how it's spent: either on consumer purchases or investment and retirement accounts. The bottom line is this -- the liberal and conservative are both in error in God's sight.

In Matthew 19:16-24, Jesus was approached by a rich young man who asked what he must do to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus answered, "sell all that you have, give it to the poor and follow me." Jesus wasn't asking for 10%, He was asking for everything. You see, Jesus saw this young man's problem wasn't following the Law, it was allowing his possessions to possess him. Jesus goes on to say in verse 24, "it is easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

History tells us that in Jerusalem all commerce would stop at sunset or on the Sabbath because the gates allowing camels and caravans to enter the city were closed. One gate was left open for foot traffic to enter the city and that was the "Needle Gate" (which was actually a gate within the main entrance gate). A camel could fit through this gate if it was first unpacked (it's burden removed), and it crawled through on it's knees. This is a great picture for me. It tells me that if I am not careful, I can let my financial burdens (house, car, college tuition, etc) rob me of experiencing the joy of giving. So how do we free ourselves? We give what we have to God -- we follow Joseph's (Barnabas') example -- we take what we have and we put it at the foot of the cross for Jesus to do with it what He wills.

Those of us living in the United States are rich by the world's standard, so whether you live in an apartment or a mansion, drive a 10 year old car or a new top-of-the-line model -- You are the "rich young man" Jesus was speaking to and about. Ask yourself: who owns your television, health club membership, Starbucks card, or paycheck? What or who is the Lord of your life? Is it your possessions, or Jesus? God is the creator of the universe; if He wants to do something He doesn't need our money to do it. What He's after is our hearts. If we truly trust Jesus -- give Him our paychecks -- and let Him decide how to spend it. What is your next step in giving? Is it to see everything you have as God's? Is it to begin giving regularly? It is to trust God with the first 10%, and learn to live on the rest? What is it for you?

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ARE WE GIVING FROM EXCESS OR FIRST FRUITS

Acts 4:32-37

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

A pastor from the Bay Area of California recently led a mission trip to Africa. As the bus approached the village, their guide gave them some last minute instruction, "Now whatever you do don't pity these people or approach them as if they are poor. Everyone in the world is poor by American standards but you will find these people to be some of the happiest people on earth."

The pastor found this last statement a little hard to believe as the villagers lived on the African plain with no running water or bathrooms. Their homes were made of cow dung and had dirt floors. While they were there it started to rain, so you can imagine the smell and the mud. Despite all of this, the guide was right -- these people were truly happy.

As the Pastor walked around the village he noticed a man wearing a coat identical to one worn by a young men in his party. When he saw the young man without it, he said "Hey, what happened to your coat?" The young man answered, "I gave it to that guy over there." The pastor replied, "But if it rains again, you'll need it!" "So will he," replied the young man.

By the time the young man got on the bus to return to their hotel, he was dressed like a villager because he had traded every article of his clothing for something worn by a villager. His shirt was tattered; his pants were too short; and his shoes were worn out and two sizes too big.

All too often as we read our text about the first century church, or hear a sermon on giving, we look down the aisle at the guy with the Rolex or the woman with the big diamond ring, and we think, "Yes Pastor, they should be giving more." But what about you? Are you giving clothes to the Goodwill that you don't want and you'll never use or are you giving the clothes off your back? Are you giving out of first fruits as the Bible instructs, or out of excess?

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WILL WE BE LIKE PA?

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.

It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible.

After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.

Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what..

Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him.

The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high side boards on.

After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?"

"You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what?

Yeah," I said, "Why?"

"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. Shoes, they're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."

We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern.

We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt, could we come in for a bit?"

Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.

"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children - sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.

"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as mu ch as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak.

My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before, filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.

I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."

In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.

Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.

Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.

At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away.

Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, May the Lord bless you, I know for certain that He will."

Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand."

I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children.

For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

Don't be too busy today.

God bless you!

Sent to me by my dear friend, Diane Nabi. Thank you

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

The Bottom Line: God Wins

By Alan Riley


When I was a boy, the movie "The Exorcist" first came out. I was a very young believer and was naturally curious about the devil and demonic activity. Plus, all my friends were going to see it. So despite the fact I was too young to be admitted into the theater (the film was rated R), I went to see it. Bad idea. Although by today's standards the movie's special effects are primitive and almost laughable, that movie scared me silly. I didn't sleep with the lights off for weeks!

The truly sad part was that for a period of time after seeing the movie, I gave the devil way too much credit. I worried that he was just waiting for some sin in my life, some rebellion against God, any crack in the dam of my faith and he would charge in and exploit that — maybe even possess me just like he did little Regan in the film. The devil's mission is to steal, kill and destroy, and I let him steal from me my peace, kill my joy, and destroy my effectiveness for Christ for a time.

I'm afraid that many of us do the same thing — we give the devil too much credit. And we're old enough to know better! When Jesus Christ is Lord of your life, the devil's power over you is limited. His schemes are only as effective as you allow them to be.

A gifted Bible teacher once told me he could sum up the book of Revelation in two words: God wins. I like that, because I know that because He lives, I will live; because He reigns, I, too will reign; because He wins, I win.

This week, we've been exploring the subject of Spiritual Warfare in our Daily Devotionals. We've been reminded to walk in our authority as a child of the King, that we are well equipped for the fight, and that the Angels of God get involved with us to take back what the devil has stolen.

Here's the bottom line: God wins. Through Him I can be more than a conqueror. In His strength, I can resist the devil and he will flee from me. And I can rest in the assurance that greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

Walk in victory in Jesus' name!

Scripture Of The Day: "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 (ESV)

Streamingfaith.com

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

Empower Your Tongue with the Word of God
By Pastor Paula White



There are literally hundreds of Bible verses dealing with “the tongue” …about what we should or shouldn’t say or speak…and the power of words over our lives.


One of the bluntest statements on this topic is found in Proverbs 18:21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue…

God’s Word encourages us to give expression to our noblest and highest thoughts. Thoughts give rise to spoken words. When we “speak life” we are thinking and expressing out of our faith in God’s Word, in obedience to His will, and in appreciation of His blessing over our lives.

Proverbs 21:23: Whosoever keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

To empower our tongue to speak blessing over our lives and the lives of others, one of the best things we can do is learn to speak God’s Word spontaneously in response to life situations. Speaking God’s Word is also how we encourage and motivate ourselves. It’s how we activate our faith.

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

At some point in our past, perhaps words were spoken to us, at us, or over us that didn’t match up with what God intends for our lives. Rather than replaying “old tapes” in your head -- of the “negative talk” that’s been said to you or about you -- it’s important to start making new tapes. Fill your mind -- and your mouth! -- with positive statements that you can speak and affirm over your life…that match up with what God has decreed for you.

Psalm 40:3: And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God…

Remind yourself of God’s desire to bless you. Speak words of truth to yourself about His plans for you! Just as you speak and write affirmations to yourself, admonish yourself, too. To admonish is to advise – and sometimes, insist! Think of admonition as “preaching to yourself.” When you admonish yourself, you are preaching what you know you need to hear! Speak to yourself what you know to be the truth of God’s Word, and His commandments given to bless your life.

Here are some possible suggestions:

“God wants me to have good health – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”

“God wants me to have good relationships – with family and friends who will love and value me.”

“God wants me to have peace in my heart – calm assurance that He will always protect me and provide for me in personal and eternal ways.”

Speaking words like these, and repeating Bible verses that inspire you throughout the day, will strengthen your faith, draw you closer to God in intimate and abiding relationship, and empower you to lead a life of victory through Christ.

So watch your mouth, and empower your tongue -- with the Word of God!

Scripture Of The Day: "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" - Psalm 141:3 (ESV)

StreamingFaith.com

MANAGING FEAR

Acts 4:23-31

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.' Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Peter and John had just returned from their confrontation with the Sanhedrin. I'm sure they were feeling not a small amount of fear. Sometimes when we read the Bible we forget these were real men with human emotion. I've often thought that had I just experienced a great and dramatic miracle (as the Lord had performed by healing the cripple), I would not be fearful anymore. My life would change and I would not see things in the same way.

Peter and John had experienced many miracles in their lives (walking on water, feeding five thousand, blind with sight restored, etc.) -- and were changed men because of it. Yet they were still justifiably concerned about the threats made by the chief priests and elders. I'm like this as well. I see God perform miracles in my life, yet I am still concerned about some other perceived threat. So, how did Peter and John deal with this "real" threat against their lives? Let's look at their practical example:

1. As soon as they were released by the chief priests and elders they went back to their people. They didn't go to non-believers or isolate themselves. The place to be is with your people -- other believers.

2. They reported all they had experienced. They didn't hold anything back, they didn't exaggerate the threat or minimize it -- they shared it.

3. Their shared concern drove them to "raise their voices together in prayer." This didn't just affect Peter and John, all believers were being threatened.

4. They reminded themselves of who God is (which puts things in the proper perspective -- He is in control). They realized that Herod and Pilate "did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen."

5. They asked for deliverance from the threat: "Now, Lord, consider their threat." Having just acknowledged the sovereign nature of God, they're really saying, "You are the great and mighty Lord, and these guys are messing with us -- your servants -- who are just trying to do what you told us to do. Please consider this situation."

6. They ask to be enabled. Their focus becomes not on what they want God to do to others, but on what they want God to do through them ("speak your word with great boldness"), and around them ("heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus").

What happens next? God answers their prayer in dramatic fashion: "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." The sequence is important -- after they prayed -- then all were filled with the Holy Spirit and all spoke the word of God boldly. Everyone. Not just Peter and John, but everyone. The value of following Peter and John's example extends to everyone as well.

pocketpower.org

Do you know the words "Fear not" is mentioned 365 times in the Bible?

GOD'S PURPOSES

The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps. — Proverbs 16:9 NRSV

I want a reason to get up in the morning. When I ask God for a sense of personal destiny, and then listen carefully, I get a sense of direction. Not always, and not always immediately, but I rely on God’s promise to consistently guide me toward fulfilling the purpose for which he created me.

I know that nothing any of us experiences is pointless or useless. The good, the bad, the ugly, even the things we think will kill us—God uses it all, and he devises our destiny out of the stuff in our trash. He sifts it out, shows us the value, and then uses us to help others because of it.

When we look at the desires of our hearts in light of reality, we know none of them is achievable all the time. They’re changeable, like the weather. Some days we’re content; others we’re not. There are places in the world we feel completely at home, others less so. There are even days when we wonder if we have a purpose at all, and the uncertainty lingers for a while. But our desires give shape and substance to our unique essences. And when we pray out of the depth of those desires, our faith is strengthened and our fellowship with the Lord is sweeter

— Luci Swindoll

http://blogs.womenoffaith.com/blog/2010/10/gods-purposes/

WHO IS GOD?

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. — Psalm 145:8 NIV

This is just a sample of what the Bible has to say about God:

God was before everything everywhere. “Before the mountains were created, before you made the earth and the world, you are God, without beginning or end.” (Psalm 90:2).
God is the Creator of all things. “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth” (Psalm 33:6 NIV). “It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it” (Isaiah 45:12 NIV).

God’s nature is love. “The Lord is loving toward all he has made” (Psalm 145:13 NIV). “The Lord is good and his love endures forever.” (Psalm 100:5 NIV).

If we choose to believe that God has always been, that he is the Creator of all that is, and that his nature is love, we can stop making up our own versions of God. But we can’t stop here in our formulations because there is more we need to know about him. It is astounding to realize that two thousand years ago, in accordance with the divine master plan, God sent his son Jesus to this earth! This world-altering event changed the assumptions and images of God forever.

— Marilyn Meberg

http://blogs.womenoffaith.com/blog/2010/09/who-is-god/