Wishing You JOY All Year, 2019!

When the clock strikes 12 mid-night on December 31, 2018, the world will officially usher in New Year, 2019!

The start of a new year is for many a jumping off point for drastic life-changes – known as new year resolutions.

But for the child of GOD a calendar date should not be our trigger for a life-style change. Our radical life-style change happened when we met and fell in love with JESUS.

We now live every day to serve the One who never changes; nor does His WORD.

So, come January 1, 2019 we simply go on living as those who are the chosen and beloved of GOD (1 Thessalonians 1:4.)  

What we do on any given day is fixed firmly on this foundation by which we:

Obey GOD’s WORD totally

“…grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.” 2 Peter 3:18

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Believe GOD’s promises to and about us

 “All of GOD’s promises have been fulfilled in CHRIST with a resounding "Yes!" And through CHRIST, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to GOD for His glory.” 2 Corinthians 20

“Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” John 13:10

“If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for he cannot deny who He is.” 2 Timothy 2:13

The family of GOD must not be distracted by the world’s desire to start “new” – turning over a new leaf for the new year, as it were.  

Our faith stands on the divinely “new” which remains fixed – that which our Heavenly Father has already prepared for and deeded to us, His children – 

All for our everlasting JOY, and His glory:

• A new commandment on sincere love John 13:34.
• A new life in CHRIST 2 Corinthians 5:17.
• A new home to enjoy for all eternity Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:2,5
• A new spirit and heart for our GOD and Father Ezekiel 11:19
• A new covenant and family bought by the blood of CHRIST Ephesians 2:15; Hebrews 8:6-13

We can praise and thank GOD with the confidence that as He is today an AWESOME GOD for us so will He be again tomorrow, and every other day to follow!!

You crown the year with your bounty, your ways overflow with plenty. Psalm 65:11

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Almighty GOD and Father, we thank you for YOUR goodness and mercy that follows us ALL the days of our lives. We lack no good thing and we thank YOU for providing all that we need for abundant life and godliness, here and now and for all eternity. Thank you for making all things new through JESUS in whose Name we pray and ask all things. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Let’s Talk About Angels – Part 1

Angels are a symbol of Christmas. One can hardly think about Christmas without thinking of angels. We see them everywhere at Christmas time – on Christmas trees, greeting cards, postage stamps, holiday wreaths, clothing. They hover over nativity scenes and compete for space with Santa Claus and his reindeer on front lawns and in shopping malls.

Angels are depicted as gentle-looking, plump and child-like, winged figures with halos around their blond heads. They carry harps or horns and wear flowing, gossamer-type white or light color robes.

But are these images a true depiction of the Biblical creatures they represent?

Angels in the Bible

Angels do exist and it’s appropriate that they be a part of Christmas since they have key roles in the Christmas story.

It was an angel, Gabriel, that visited the virgin Mary with news that she would carry JESUS, the Christ Child, and angels announced His birth to the world.

The Bible tells of many other instances in both the Old and New Testaments Scriptures where angels have significant roles. 

Who are angels and what do they do?

Angels are spirit creatures created by GOD. 

The Bible does not give any general description of angels but shows them in a variety of roles.

Angels in the New Testament (NT):

The word angel is translated from the Greek word aggelos (or angelos), which means “messenger” and this is exactly the role they take in NT Biblical references – delivering messages.

• The angel Gabriel delivered news of the birth of John the Baptist to his father and about JESUS to His mother – While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Luke 1: 5:19; God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. Luke 1:26-38
• A group of angels brought news of JESUS’ birth to a group of shepherds – “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem…” Luke 2:8-16
• An angel delivered news of JESUS’ resurrection to two women who came to the tomb to recover His body for embalming. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen…” Matthew 28:1-10

In every instance shown, fear was the reaction to the angels’ visitations –  even with the Roman guards who had a reputation for being extremely fierce. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Matthew 28:4  

The words “fear not” or “do not be afraid” were spoken before every announcement.

Angels in the Old Testament (OT):

Angels were much more active during the OT than in the NT. The book of Job indicates that angels were actually present at creation – “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth….and all the angels[a] shouted for joy? Job 38:4-7

References to angels begin in Genesis with Abraham and his family and continue through to the Prophets:

• Abraham’s wife mistreated her servant, Hagar because she conceived Abraham’s child, Hagar ran away. But an angel of the LORD found Hagar, sent her back home and gave her good news about her son’s future. “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. Genesis 16
• Hagar and her child were sent away eventually and again angels came to her aid. Genesis 21:8-20
• In Genesis 18 three angels in the form of men visited Abraham with news that he and Sarah would be parents. Later in Genesis 19, two of those angels rescue Abraham’s nephew from Sodom before destroying the entire city.
• Abraham’s grandson Jacob had a variety of experiences with angels – that famous stairway dream being one episode. (Genesis 28:10-12; 31:11-13; 32:1-2)
• Exodus 12 recounts the events of the first Passover and GOD’s rescue of His people out of Egypt. It was an angel of death that killed every firstborn of those families who did not have blood over the door post.
• When King David acted against GOD’s wishes and conducted a census of the Nation of Israel, GOD’s judgement came through the angel of the LORD. 2 Samuel 24:16-17.

In addition, we read about the angel of the LORD giving warnings against disobedience and idolatry; calling down curses on Nations; killing thousands of soldiers in one night; and saving Daniel from being eaten by lions.

The impact of angels on people in both Old and New Testament accounts indicate to us that these are creatures that both radiate and perform with great power.

Angels are definitely not the cute and cuddly-type images we love to include in our Christmas decor.

Just a few places in the Bible talk about angels' apparel; one is the recounting of the angel who appeared to the women at JESUS’ tomb.

All accounts of angels show them doing GOD’s will....whatever the task. They are GOD’s helpers. 

However, there is a group of angels that are definitely not working for their Creator.

To be continued…

Prayer and Thanksgiving:  Holy Father, YOUR WORD says that YOU made us a little lower than the angels but it also says that YOU use angels to protect us and deliver us from harm. Thank you for showing us again through YOUR WORD that YOU are truly the only wise GOD and the Creator of everything for our joy and YOUR glory. Help us to rejoice in YOU always! We pray and ask all in JESUS NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Why A Child?

Handel’s Messiah 12 – For Unto Us A Child is a favorite at Christmas. It certainly is one of mine.

Taken straight out of Book of Isaiah this is a beautiful rendition of the Isaiah’s prophecy about GOD sending us the Christ CHILD – His SON. Isaiah 9: 6

Why did GOD send us a Child?

Galatians 4:4-5 tells us that when the time was right GOD sent His Son to buy our freedom from sin so He could adopt us as His own.

Only the Sovereign GOD is privy to such wisdom and knowledge of the time having come and so GOD put His plan into motion.

JESUS was here as promised – born of a virgin and He would save us from our sins.

From the outset we could see that this was no ordinary Child.

While JESUS’ birth took place in the least desirable of places, in a stable among animals, all of Heaven was ablaze and abuzz at this event. Stars were exploding and angels were serenading.

A child enters the world in the humblest of circumstances and all of heaven is bursting with excitement. (Luke 2:1-20)

What’s this all about?

The heavenly hosts, GOD’s army were acknowledging and worshiping the GOD of the universe Himself.

CHRIST may have come to us as a baby but He existed before His birth here on earth, the incarnation.  He is the eternal WORD and the I AM. He was with GOD and was GOD (John 1:1; Colossians 2:9; Matthew 1:23; 2 Peter 1:1.) He was GOD who left His home in heaven and came to earth to save those who love Him.

Why did GOD choose to start CHRIST’s mission on earth as a Child and not a full-grown adult is one of those mysteries, and again GOD’s Sovereign right to make that choice.

What the Scripture does tell us is that JESUS had to take on our human nature so He could die in our stead. He couldn’t die for us as GOD. Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die…Hebrews 2:14

At Christmas we celebrate JESUS’ birth but the real reason Christians celebrate happens on Good Friday.

Good Friday is the reason for Christmas. This is when the true joy of Christmas becomes a reality for believers.

GOD gave us a Christmas gift to last for all eternity; a treasure that He gift-wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

His name is JESUS, and He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

"He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth....” Luke 1:14

Prayer and Thanksgiving:  Holy Father and our GOD, thank YOU for YOUR priceless Christmas gift that will last for all eternity to those who love YOU and are called according to YOUR purpose. Remind us this season of the real reason we celebrate – JESUS, who is GOD the SON come to earth to die with all authority and power to save His own. Thank you, LORD JESUS for all that YOU are; our Emmanuel, Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and our Prince of Peace. We rejoice in YOU and ask all things in the NAME above all names. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

The Gift of JESUS Unwrapped

The month of December has only just begun and already we are bombarded with the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas.

Beautifully decorated Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, and creches are on display in every shopping mall. Before the last Thanksgiving turkey sandwich was eaten, local radio stations were playing Christmas songs and carols. Two of my personal favorites are Silent Night and Little Drummer Boy.

It wouldn’t be very long now before we will be unwrapping gifts and enjoying spiced cider, eggnog, minced pies, rich fruit cake and other Christmas menu favorites.

Truly, ‘tis the season to be jolly!!

But, wait! In the midst of all the pre-planning excitement and anticipation of that DAY, are we forgetting something, or Someone? 

Are we giving any thought to the One who is the reason for our “good cheer”?

Aside from the plastic baby JESUS lying motionless in the creche on our front lawns, will our friends, co-workers and loved ones who don’t really know Him get to meet the real JESUS this season?

Christians know that the doll infant in our creches represent not just a baby but a life-altering, divine power. How about making an extra effort this season to reveal to others what we know?

Unwrapping the gift of JESUS that’s you

Why did JESUS come to earth?

Christmas is the Christian celebration of the coming of JESUS CHRIST.

GOD sent His Son JESUS to earth in the form of a man to live among His people for a period of time (John 1:14) with a mission to fulfill the Father’s plan for saving the lost (Luke 19:10.)

JESUS completed His mission and returned to His Father in heaven. But, He left us, believers, with a mission of our own – make disciples and become His witnesses.

JESUS today continues to save the lost but He does it through us, His ambassadors here on earth.

An ambassador in a foreign country reflects his or her Nation’s character and image, exactly to the host country. An ambassador represents everything his or her country stands for, or against. 

Similarly, the world around us can come to know who JESUS is by observing us – what we say and do.

What better time to show off the character of our Savior than during the celebration of His birth on earth?

To perform His mission, JESUS had to do what all babies do eventually. He had to grow up. So, the JESUS you must put on display cannot be the helpless baby in a manger. Only the acts and words of the Man, JESUS will have a meaningful impact on your world.

It is up to us to unveil the grown-up JESUS by imitating His character wherever we have influence.

What qualities of the Man, JESUS can you show to your world?

Be a witness. See, I made him a witness to the peoples… Isaiah 55:4.

Christian witnessing is about sharing the gospel. Telling the unsaved about JESUS’ death, burial and resurrection is crucial to being a true witness.

However, to the people in your world, the truth of the gospel is validated in you – how you live your life is confirmation of what you say you believe. The quote, People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, is a truism for every Christian.

JESUS was His own best witness for drawing people to Himself because He lived what He taught. He treated everyone with grace, showed great patience, kindness and a sincere love – even those who wronged Him. (Mark 10:1, Ephesians 5:2, Matthew 9:22)

Live like the JESUS you preach.

JESUS was GOD in human flesh, holy and righteous but He was often accused of being a “friend of sinners.” (Matthew 5:46, Matthew 9:13)

Be a friend to sinners. For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Matthew 9:13

JESUS is still a “friend to sinners.” He came to save the lost. In order to save lost people, JESUS had to associate with them, not so He could be like them but that they would become like Him.

While the Pharisees treated “sinners” like outcasts, JESUS ate with them so He could teach them by word and example and give them the opportunity to choose new lives.

Reach out and invite a sinner into your world this season – it doesn’t have to be a huge deal. Include them in whatever plans you have, alone or as a family.

You were lost and a sinner and JESUS found you through someone who reached out to you. Now you have JESUS’ righteousness and His peace. (Isaiah 32:17)

Be an instrument of peace. He is our peace…. Ephesians 2:14; “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you….” John 14:27

You know the Christmas story...

When the LORD’S angels announced the birth of the CHRIST CHILD to the shepherds, a multitude of the heavenly host burst into praise, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2: 14

JESUS is the Prince of Peace who left us with the gift of peace. Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We are told to seek peace and make every effort to live in peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 3:11.)

There are dozens of commands in Scripture to believers about being peacemakers.

The season of “goodwill” can also come with plenty of openings for conflict; in the workplace, at home and in places of business.

Give the gift of peace and yield the right to be right. It’s hard to fight with someone who’s putting your interest ahead of theirs.

Choose the path JESUS took – put others’ needs first.

JESUS, the Creator of the universe, chose to give up His deity to serve you. (Philippians 2:6-7)

Be a servant – give of yourself. “Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased.” Isaiah 42:1 & Matthew 12:18

JESUS exemplified servanthood – throughout His years of ministry on earth and up to His death on a cross. “….the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Serving others is central to being a Christian. You are most like JESUS when you’re serving generously and with love.

This may be the season of “joy to the world” but it’s also the time of year when many have nothing resembling joy.

Some are financially desperate due to chronic joblessness, illness, etc. Others are suffering emotionally – feeling unloved, lonely and unappreciated.

Depression is a common malady around Christmas.

Opportunities for you to make a difference are endless. You can serve by giving sacrificially of your resources and your time. Needs are greatest at homeless shelters and soup kitchens, and food pantries need more generous supplies now than the rest of the year.

Toys-for-tots and angel tree programs are a way to serve our most vulnerable – minor children.

Consider also the not-so-obvious needs – where you show up in person to let someone know that they matter, both to you and to their Creator. There are many lonely and forgotten in nursing homes, assisted living housing, veterans’ homes and hospitals.  Often clients in these institutions have no one to visit with them at any time of year.

Be someone’s Christmas angel. Take a Christmas-wrapped token along with the good news that will cause great joy for all the people – that a Savior has been born, their Messiah and LORD.

Remind someone that John 3:16 is as much for the lonely as for those in families and that GOD promises to be a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows (Psalm 68:5-6)

Conclusion

Being a Nation’s ambassador is a huge responsibility so ambassadors have a support team that works alongside them.

As an ambassador for JESUS, you also have a support team. JESUS calls Him your "Helper" or “Advocate.” He’s the Holy Spirit sent by the Father to empower you with His truth and guide you in how to use it with grace. (John 14:26.)

Grace and truth are characteristics the Father gifted to JESUS and He in turn gifted them to you. (John 1:14, 17)

So, this season, be the grace and truth that will change a life for all eternity.

Unwrap the gift of the real JESUS to your world!

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, we worship and adore you. As we prepare to celebrate this Christmas, we give honor to the ONE, the Word who became flesh, the only SON of the Father who came to save full of grace and truth. Help us to serve this weary and hurting world as JESUS does for us, in peace, sincere love, grace, and truth. Because of JESUS’ love we can bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things. Glory to GOD in the highest, HALLELUJAH! We pray in the name of JESUS. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile