Month: January 2016

The Gift: On the Tree or Under the Tree

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1379Of the many gifts that were given on Christmas day, the greatest was not the one that was under the tree.  It was the One who was born in the manger and would later hang on the tree–the cross of Calvary.

Jesus is the gift who, “came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right (power) to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Notice the groups in the verses above:

  • Those who were naïve about their spiritual needs.
  • Those who would receive Him as Savior.
  • Those who could perceive the source of their right and power to become what God desires them to be.

Which of the three groups above best describe you?  When was the last time you took a spiritual inventory?  Are you claiming your right and power to live the life God has designed for you?

Just Like My Dad

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Like_Father_Like_SonYesterday was the first day of 2016, and it’s the day that many people announce their resolutions for the coming year.  I you read this blog yesterday, you know that I encouraged you to “join me in making at least this one resolution for 2016:  I will be a disciple who glorifies the Father by abiding in Christ.”

I based this resolution on John 15:7-11: “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.  My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples.  I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you].  If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.  I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing.”

When I was studying this Scripture, I read the Amplified version, and it offers some interesting concepts related to our resolution:

  • This first item is the one that caught my attention: Jesus said, “I love you just like My Dad loves Me.”  This is an eternal, never-ending, and unfailing love.
  • The word “remain” is used several times. In many versions of the Bible, it appears as “abide,” and the idea is:  If you abide in Jesus, and His words take up residence in your life, you will attentively observe His teachings and strictly maintain a walk that is in step with Him.
  • An obedient life is a prerequisite to answered prayer.
  • Remaining or abiding is not a Sunday experience, but a lifestyle.

When you think of the 4 points above, I hope you realize that joy, not happiness, is the focus of each of these.  Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing.”

The Bible only uses the word “happy” or “happiness” about 30 times, while “joy” and rejoice” are found around 300 times.  You will never find true contentment in the contents of merchandise that has been neatly packaged and gift wrapped.  It is not the result of the final score in one of the many football games played at this time of the year, and its not found in the empty promises of politicians.

Joy can’t be purchased and it’s not the victim of circumstances; it’s the fruit of a genuine relationship with God that perseveres.

Even though Paul had been arrested and jailed, he had learned to be “content” regardless of his situation, and He said: “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

I hope you use these 4 points throughout 2016, so you can be “disciple who glorifies the Father by abiding in Christ.”

Lion Kings

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cecil-the-lionEven though it paled in comparison to the 897 million searches in November that focused on the terrorist’s attacks in Paris, I still find it interesting that the top story in July was the story of Cecil the lion and the 32 million searches for information regarding the death of this King of the jungle.  While some people saw the circumstances of Cecil’s death as being tragic, the death of another lion has been triumphant.

In the book of the Revelation, Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah.  His death on the cross was not a defeat; it was a triumphant victory, and people began to understand the significance of His death and the magnitude of His power when Jesus rose from the grave. lionj

As you move forward into the new year, I encourage you to:

  • Join ranks with the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and wave His banner high.
  • Keep your life in perspective by measuring the temporary with the eternal (Romans 8:18, 28).
  • Claim the promise that God gives you victory through Jesus (I Corinthians 15:7).
  • Find strength or you journey by walking in step with Jesus (Matthew 11:28).

I encourage you to join me in making at least this one resolution for 2016:  I will be a disciple who glorifies the Father by abiding in Christ (John 15:7-11).