Merry Christmas Everybody!!

10 Days of Christmas Devotional - Jesus is Radically Divisive

Matthew 2:3 says, When Herod the king heard this he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.


Herod heard the news of the birth of a "king" and shook in his boots.  So did the religious establishment.  We tend to want to put Jesus in a box, to control Him, to make Him nice, and safe, and passive.  This is the guy who dumped tables over in the Temple and who said in Matthew 10:34, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword."  Jesus knew the Gospel would divide this world. It is as true today as it has always been. If you know Christ that is passive and safe and exists primarily to meet your needs and make you comfortable, you don't know the real Jesus.

10 Days of Christmas Devotional - God Places Tremendous Value On the Lowly and the Lost

Luke 2:8-9 says, And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.


Who were the first to hear publicly about the Christ child's birth? The Roman ruler? The religious establishment? Nope! Dudes keeping sheep. God loves the outcasts and the low. We all struggle at times with feelings of low self worth.  We look at the world around us and feel at the bottom of the pile.  But fear not!!  You are in the right place to have God reach down and use you for a powerful purpose!  That's His way.

10 Days of Christmas Devotional - When God Does Awesome Stuff For Us, The Proper Response is Praise

Luke 1:46-48 says, And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant."


Mary knew God had touched her life. Her response? Unabashed, heartfelt praise. Plain and simple. When God does good for us the most perfect response is pure, honest thankfulness and praise acknowledging His favor over us.

10 Days of Christmas Devotional - The Gospel is Not a Secret

Luke 2:17-18, And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.


The shepherds saw the Baby and took to shoutin' in the streets! (well... maybe, but you never know!) The Gospel is by nature contagious. We are called to be people who openly speak to the saving grace of Christ in an individual's life. Let's get equipped to do this: read and study the Scriptures, be a part of an active discipleship community (Sunday School or small group), learn to tell your story, etc.  Always be prepared to share the hope you have - with energy!

10 Days of Christmas Devotional - We Should Approach Jesus With Reverance and Honor

Luke 1:31-33 says, And behold, you will concerive in your womd and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of JAcob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.


Many Christ-followers are guilty of downplaying Jesus' majesty. While we see Jesus as our personal Savior, He is also King of Kings, the Son of the Most High, the Holy Ruler who sits enthroned as Lord over all nations. As we pray, as we sing, as we teach let's be reminded Who it is we are serving. Jesus does not exist to answer to us. It's, in fact quite the opposite.

10 Days of Christmas Devotional - Responding to God in Obediance Allows Us to be Used to Our Fullest Intended Purpose

Luke 1:38, And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her.


When you feel God leading you to do something, or take some sort of action, the right response is obedience.  When you obey God, He can actually use you.  If you will not obey God's leading, they deprive yourself of being vital tools in His hands.  God is on mission... whether or not we choose to join Him is on us.

10 Days of Christmas Devotional - The Bible is a Record of God Working to Achieve His Purpose

Luke 2:4-5 says, And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.


God promised David that someone from his lineage would always be on the throne. This happened, oh, roughly half a millennia before Christ was born! Fulfilled prophecy is an incredible teaching tool to help give your students confidence in God’s powerful providence. God is at work, in history and in the lives of your students. And that is really cool.

10 Days of Christmas Devotional - The Harder the Situation the Greater the Faith

Matthew 1:24-25 (ESV) says, When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.


Joseph may be my favorite (human) character of the Christmas Narrative. What incredible faith! Everything in him said to divorce Mary (and do it quietly to protect her life . . . what love!). But Joseph showed immense faith in the Lord’s plan. You can benefit immensely from Joseph’s example here.

10 Days of Christmas Devotional - You're Never Too Young to Be Used by God

Luke 1:26-27 says, In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.

Mary was pretty young. Scholars' opinions range anywhere from 13 or 14 years old to 18 or 19.  The point is this: God used Mary in a miraculous way.  That's God's M.O.  He used Mary when she was just a teenager.  We could also mention her cousin Elizabeth who gave birth at an older age.  It doesn't matter your age, position in life or your circumstances (do a study on the town of Nazareth), God can and will use you today as vital parts of His plan to redeem humankind.

10 Days of Christmas Devotional - The Incarnation is Awesome

Luke 2:6-7, And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no room in the inn.


It seems this generation places a high value on authenticity. There is nothing more authentic than the God of the Universe taking in human form in order to perfectly save his creation from themselves. We can know and worship and relate to God because He became one of us.

The True Night Before Christmas

To learn more about "The True Night Before Christmas" and to order the book visit Cane Creek Publishers

Where's the Line to See Jesus

Choosing the Right Artificial Tree

For as long as I can remember, my family always had a real tree at Christmas. My folks would load us up in the van and go to the tree sellers and pick out the best one we could find. This was always special for me because we did that on my birthday.

Today, since trees are somewhat expensive, artificial trees are on the list of things to get this season. My family inherited an artificial tree that we have used the last three years and have saved quite a bit of money.

So, now that you have decided to buy an artificial tree, how do you choose one. Here as some points to consider that I found in the November 2010 issue of Lake Living magazine:

1. Artificial trees come in many colors. You need to keep in mind your particular style. Christmas ornaments will really stand out on a color other than evergreen
2. Some trees come in one piece and are able to collapse for storage. Others, however, have individual branches that need to be inserted. Gauge your level of patience.
3. The needles on artificial trees come in a variety of ways. Some are flat and soft while others resemble real needles.
4. Some artificial trees come pre-lit. That's a big thing for me, but there are some concerns. What happens when a bulb goes out? What about LED lights? Should the lights be colored or just white?
5. Size is something to think about. Make sure the tree fits your home and the place it will be standing for Christmas.
   
6. Since size is something to consider also add to the fact storage - where will it go once Christmas is over.

For more tips on buying an artificial tree check out this site. Just some things to think about when hunting for the perfect artificial tree. Once you have found your tree and have it decorated, send me a picture!

Christmas!

It's Christmas morning and I'm the only one up. Kathy spent most of the evening into the early hours wrapping gifts and getting the house ready. The kids are both sound asleep but I can imagine they are dreaming of a wonderful Christmas.

As I've been sitting here, I've been thinking about this Christmas season and all that it has given us: many people out of work but not too bad to not help others (as WRAF's "My Christmas Wish" showed), some battles over "CHRIST-mas" or "Happy Holidays", and other things that I think drew us AWAY from the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

A dear friend of mine sent me an email not too long ago that addresses this very sentiment I have, and I would like to share it with you:

A Letter from Jesus

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking my name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If I want you to celebrate my birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE EACH OTHER.

Now, having said that, let me go on. If it bothers you that town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting my birth, then just get rid of a few snowmen and Santas and put a small Nativity scene in your own front lawn. If all my followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene in the town square because there would be many of them all over town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling it a "Holiday" tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all the trees anyway. You can remember me any time you see a tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of your tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1-8.

If you want to give me a present, here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters, write letters of love to a soldier away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home - they just need to know someone still cares.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording in his Christmas cards, write to him letting him know that you are praying for him and his family. Then follow up - it will be nice to hear from you again.
4. Instead of giving you kids a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need - spend more time with them. Hold them and let them know of my love for them.
5. Pick someone who had hurt you in the past and forgive them.
6. Did you know that someone in your town may try to take their life during this time of year - since you may not know who that person is, try to give everyone you might a warm smile.
7. Instead of knit picking what the retailer calls this time of year be patient with them. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" doesn't stop you from wishing them one.
   
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary!
9. There are families in your town that not only do not have a Christmas tree but they don't have presents to give or receive; buy some food and gifts for them. If you don't know them buy them for the Salvation Army and they will make the delivery for you.
10. If you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to me, then behave like a Christian! Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in my presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget, I am God and I can take care of myself. Just love me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Pick one from the list above and get to work. Time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is in your court. And do have the most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember.

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

Leaership of the Nativity - Joseph

John Hull, president of Equip, and I will be discussing the leadership qualities of those in the Nativity. This week we looked at Joseph. To listen, click here or scroll down. In the coming weeks we'll take a look at Mary, the Shepherds, the Wise Men and Herod. Be sure to come back to take advantage of this unique study.

Christmas and Good Movies

I love Christmas!! I love everything about it! From the music, the stories, the food, family, celebrating the birth of Christ - EVERYTHING!!

One of the things I most look forward to are the movies that will run throughout the Christmas season. Movies like: It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, and most of all A Christmas Carol.

There are so many versions of this holiday favorite, and my favorite so far is the version featuring Patrick Stewart as Scrooge (though I really like Bill Murray's Scrooged). However, I think Stewart's version may be dethroned with the release of Disney's A Christmas Carol with the voice talent of Jim Carrey. My whole family has been waiting on pins and needles to see this on the iMAX screen.

I love everything about the story of Scrooge: redemption, making wise decisions, and that you are never too old to make positive changes in your life. Plugged In Online has a pretty decent review of the movie.

Take some time this Christmas season to see some good movies and maybe we'll bump into each other at the theater.

The Gift of a Bible and a Kind Word

In Phil Cooke's latest blog article he shares a story of the power of a small gift and a kind word. Penn of the magic/comedy act Penn and Teller was given a Gideon Bible by one of the members of the audience. Penn is an atheist but this short interaction definitely made an impact on his life. Take a look

Let's remember that we have been given the greatest gift and during this Christmas season let's not forget to "give" this gift as well.

Morning Show Christmas Top 10

Morning Show Christmas Top 10

1. NATALIE GRANT - Our Hope Endures
2. AARON SHUST - God Has Come To Earth
3. FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI - You're Here
4. FERNANDO ORTEGA - Angels We Have Heard On High
5. GINGER MILLERMON - Have Yourself A Blessed LIttle Christmas
6. 33MILES - Christmas Medley
7. CASTING CROWNS - I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day
8. SARA GROVES - O Holy Night
9. CHRIS SLIGH - What Child Is This
10. ANNIE MOSES BAND - O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Merry Christmas - What's Wrong With That?

On today's morning show, I had Jody Hice on the air with me and we discussed the issue of stores not using "Christmas" in their marketing and advertising. Jody gave a brief list of those who were for "Christmas" and those who were not. Some of the stores mentioned gave a few in the audience a little shock. Some even called some of the individual stores to confirm what was reported by Jody.

Here's a list compiled the American Family Association of Naughty and Nice businesses. If you find your favorite store on the list, give them a call and let them know your feelings. You never know but you might be the catalyst for change.