Imagine your next birthday party. Ribbons, boxes and bows. Decorations are hung everywhere. Then you are lead over to a corner and sat on a small chair. You watch as everyone begins to hand each other birthday cards and gifts. They open them with surprise and excitement. It’s joyous. Periodically, someone looks over your way, waves, and says “Happy Birthday!”
The prophet Isaiah prophesied that a child would be born (9:6). Then, as if to call attention to the monumental importance of this child, he went on to say that a son would be given. Why? “For this is how God loved the world, that He gave His only son…”John 3:16 Jesus, God’s only son, born of a virgin, simply in an effort to show the world how much God loved them. And this was no haphazard birth. It was no accident. The Apostle Paul proclaims in Galatians 4 that “…when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His son… so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (vs 4 &5 ESV) God’s only son, given so that we too might be called sons and daughters of God. Amazing.
And yet, perhaps the saddest verse in all of the Bible is John 1:11 “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” (KJV) Jesus was born in the shadow of the cross.
And so we celebrate Christmas. The birth of Christ. God’s “unspeakable” gift. Given freely, at exactly the right time. And we too often leave Him out.
This year, keep Christ in your Christmas,be sure to read Matthew’s and Luke’s account of His birth. Sing Noel. Stand up when you hear the Hallelujah Chorus…Make His story…THE story…
Merry Christmas!!
Source: AACC
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Carrying the Holiday Load
Santa may get the credit, but guess who’s handling most of the work and worry during the Christmas season? The children’s stories all tell of Santa’s workshop full of happy, toy building elves. But back to real life, the true superstars at Christmas are not elves, but women. Wives, mothers, daughters. Tireless workers who selflessly keep going hour after hour. They shoulder most of the holiday load. An enormous undertaking that is stacked on top of the normal everyday strain,kids,housework,jobs, caregiving.
While the holidays always bring an intensified focus on family demands and money, this added stress is felt more by women. Recently, an American Psychological Association (APA) survey found that women are more likely than men to report heightened stress levels during the holiday season. They’re also less likely to take time to relax or manage that stress in healthy ways. I guess you could say there simply aren’t enough hours in her day to get it all done.
Hey, rest of the family,Let’s give her a hand (and I’m not talking about applause). Maybe shopping, or wrapping gifts isn’t your thing (mine either), but you could help around the house. Make a bed. Wash the dishes. Walk the dog. Look for things to do that will say to her, “You are appreciated and valued…” the Apostle Paul reminds all of us to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7 NASV). That starts with the Christ of Christmas. Celebrate God’s unspeakable gift. And let’s also remember that the women in our lives certainly deserve honor. Give her room and space to do what she does best!
Who knows,it might just help turn this Christmas around.
Source:AACC,APA
While the holidays always bring an intensified focus on family demands and money, this added stress is felt more by women. Recently, an American Psychological Association (APA) survey found that women are more likely than men to report heightened stress levels during the holiday season. They’re also less likely to take time to relax or manage that stress in healthy ways. I guess you could say there simply aren’t enough hours in her day to get it all done.
Hey, rest of the family,Let’s give her a hand (and I’m not talking about applause). Maybe shopping, or wrapping gifts isn’t your thing (mine either), but you could help around the house. Make a bed. Wash the dishes. Walk the dog. Look for things to do that will say to her, “You are appreciated and valued…” the Apostle Paul reminds all of us to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7 NASV). That starts with the Christ of Christmas. Celebrate God’s unspeakable gift. And let’s also remember that the women in our lives certainly deserve honor. Give her room and space to do what she does best!
Who knows,it might just help turn this Christmas around.
Source:AACC,APA
Monday, December 13, 2010
FIRST LOVE
“The magic of first love is our ignorance that it will never end…”
That’s from the early 1800’s writer Benjamin Disraeli. His “love for life” story is interesting. At 35, kind of old for his generation, he married a very wealthy widow. Years later, Disraeli remarked that he indeed married for money. And his wife replied, “Ugh, but if you had to do it again, you would do it for love.”
If you had to marry all over again, would you? I know that first love often gets covered up with the daily grind, the pace, pain and pressure of modern day life, all of the things that subtlety take precedence over one another.
The Church at Ephesus, busy doing good works, had lost something precious their “first love” for Christ. “I know your works…I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake…But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love that you had at first.” (Rev. 2:2-4 ESV)
Jesus firmly demanded that they come back to that love. “Remember…repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Rev 2:5 ESV)
In fact when asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus basically said, “LOVE”. His answer was to love God with your whole heart…“You shall love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matt. 22:37 ESV)
And even more, to love those around you…as much as you love yourself. “And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (vs 39ESV)
Is there distance in your “love” for God, or with others? What happened? Who moved? What came between you?
Find that love again. You can!! No, you NEED to. Why? Because “real love” connects us at the heart and changes everything.
Source:AACC
That’s from the early 1800’s writer Benjamin Disraeli. His “love for life” story is interesting. At 35, kind of old for his generation, he married a very wealthy widow. Years later, Disraeli remarked that he indeed married for money. And his wife replied, “Ugh, but if you had to do it again, you would do it for love.”
If you had to marry all over again, would you? I know that first love often gets covered up with the daily grind, the pace, pain and pressure of modern day life, all of the things that subtlety take precedence over one another.
The Church at Ephesus, busy doing good works, had lost something precious their “first love” for Christ. “I know your works…I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake…But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love that you had at first.” (Rev. 2:2-4 ESV)
Jesus firmly demanded that they come back to that love. “Remember…repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Rev 2:5 ESV)
In fact when asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus basically said, “LOVE”. His answer was to love God with your whole heart…“You shall love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matt. 22:37 ESV)
And even more, to love those around you…as much as you love yourself. “And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (vs 39ESV)
Is there distance in your “love” for God, or with others? What happened? Who moved? What came between you?
Find that love again. You can!! No, you NEED to. Why? Because “real love” connects us at the heart and changes everything.
Source:AACC
Friday, December 10, 2010
From The Horse's Mouth
Ever get a word straight from the horses mouth? A horse survives on three basics…water…food…and a finely tuned fear response. However, the fear factor could be disastrous on a trail ride. Say a snake suddenly appears right in the middle of the trail. A thousand pounds of crazy horse instinctively wants to ignite. Expert trainers teach trail horses to “startle in place”. Ears forward,nostrils flared, eyes wide open,every muscle tensed. But for an instant the horse reacts to fear by standing still. That gives the rider enough time to cue the horse as to exactly what course to take. The rider, not the horse is in control. Fear is a natural instinct. Reacting correctly in the midst of fear, takes discipline and training.
Has something suddenly appeared in your life that has produced intense fear? Do you feel like you don’t know what to do, or where to turn? Do you just want to run away?
Jesus’ disciples once encountered this kind of paralyzing fear. He had just disclosed to them that He was going away. The One who had loved them and walked with them for three years was leaving them behind. Sensing their panic and despondency, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV) Jesus knew fear was natural. He was simply forewarning them to “startle in place”. To be disciplined in their fear response. To allow Him to supply Peace…His Peace.
When the circumstances arise in your life that will incite fear, respond,don’t react. “Startle in place”. Develop a healthy fear response that will allow you to follow His course. Trust in Him with all of your heart. Peace will come.
Source:AACC
Has something suddenly appeared in your life that has produced intense fear? Do you feel like you don’t know what to do, or where to turn? Do you just want to run away?
Jesus’ disciples once encountered this kind of paralyzing fear. He had just disclosed to them that He was going away. The One who had loved them and walked with them for three years was leaving them behind. Sensing their panic and despondency, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV) Jesus knew fear was natural. He was simply forewarning them to “startle in place”. To be disciplined in their fear response. To allow Him to supply Peace…His Peace.
When the circumstances arise in your life that will incite fear, respond,don’t react. “Startle in place”. Develop a healthy fear response that will allow you to follow His course. Trust in Him with all of your heart. Peace will come.
Source:AACC
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Unwanted Holiday Guests
Watch out for these unwanted holiday guests… Stress and Anxiety…
You don’t invite them but they show up, seemingly out of nowhere. Often however, their arrival is a result of these three “R’s”:
Relationships. Conflict between family members can happen anytime. But the holidays seem to heighten our tension levels, or at least our awareness of it. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (ESV) That’s a pretty tough assignment when the “Griswolds” are coming to visit. Do what you can to get along but remember, you are not responsible for the actions and attitudes of anyone but yourself. Smile, and be nice. Laugh, and be nice. Here’s a thought… make amends. Maybe even give forgiveness a try…
Resources. Making ends meet is always a challenge, and especially in today’s economy. Trying to make everybody on your “gift” list happy can be a real “joy”, and send you down the drain… financially and emotionally. Ask yourself these two questions: “Whose birthday is it?” and “What are we really celebrating?” 1 John 4:9-11, “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only son into the world, so that we might live through Him… Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (ESV) Your greatest gift is love, His love. So be careful in your attitude and words.
Routine. Extra demands on your time, dietary free-fall, and a lack of rest will jerk the jingle out of you!! 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 reminds us, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?…For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” Take care of yourself. Rest. Eat right. Exercise. And don’t let the “busyness” rob you of time with your Heavenly Father. Keep your routine. Don’t get off track.
Remember the Christmas miracle? It’s in your heart. Make it all about Jesus this season. When you focus on Him, every “unwanted guest” fades into Peace and Joy.
Source:AACC
You don’t invite them but they show up, seemingly out of nowhere. Often however, their arrival is a result of these three “R’s”:
Relationships. Conflict between family members can happen anytime. But the holidays seem to heighten our tension levels, or at least our awareness of it. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (ESV) That’s a pretty tough assignment when the “Griswolds” are coming to visit. Do what you can to get along but remember, you are not responsible for the actions and attitudes of anyone but yourself. Smile, and be nice. Laugh, and be nice. Here’s a thought… make amends. Maybe even give forgiveness a try…
Resources. Making ends meet is always a challenge, and especially in today’s economy. Trying to make everybody on your “gift” list happy can be a real “joy”, and send you down the drain… financially and emotionally. Ask yourself these two questions: “Whose birthday is it?” and “What are we really celebrating?” 1 John 4:9-11, “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only son into the world, so that we might live through Him… Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (ESV) Your greatest gift is love, His love. So be careful in your attitude and words.
Routine. Extra demands on your time, dietary free-fall, and a lack of rest will jerk the jingle out of you!! 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 reminds us, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?…For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” Take care of yourself. Rest. Eat right. Exercise. And don’t let the “busyness” rob you of time with your Heavenly Father. Keep your routine. Don’t get off track.
Remember the Christmas miracle? It’s in your heart. Make it all about Jesus this season. When you focus on Him, every “unwanted guest” fades into Peace and Joy.
Source:AACC
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Love For Life
“What’s love got to do with it?” Sounds like an old Tina Turner song.
If you asked anyone today, “What makes a great marriage?” most would reply “love”. The problem, however, lies in the fact that very few of us agree on what love really is…
Most marriage experts speak of three core components of love. Passion. That’s the romance, sensual, physical side of love. Intimacy. The side of love that describes that “soul mate”, best friend, emotional love. And then, you really have to have a big dose of Commitment. That’s the willful, “I’m here for you no matter what”, and “I love you because you are you” kind of love. All three are critical for love to grow and flourish.
In that sense, love is a lot like money, you’ve got to make deposits every day in order to be able to make withdrawals from that “love” account. You’re only going to get out of it what you put into it.
In 1 Corinthians 13 the Apostle Paul lists some of the best qualities of love. Qualities worth investing in your “love bank”. Patience…kindness…unselfish actions…humility. The larger your investment, the greater the return.
How’s your love life? Cold? Distant? Neglected? Close? What kind of deposit did you make today? Whatever you “did’ or “didn’t do” sent a message! 1 John 3:18 admonishes us “let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”(ESV)
When relationships tend to go south, someone usually feels like all they do is give, and all the other one does is take. Are you tired of giving? Frustrated because you don’t feel like you are being loved in return? Paul added in the same “love chapter” that love “bears all things…believes all things…hopes all things…and endures all things” (Vs 7 NAS). Difficult? Yes! But a love soaked in grace, and the oil of deep forgiveness, is essential for a “Love for Life”.
Source:AACC
If you asked anyone today, “What makes a great marriage?” most would reply “love”. The problem, however, lies in the fact that very few of us agree on what love really is…
Most marriage experts speak of three core components of love. Passion. That’s the romance, sensual, physical side of love. Intimacy. The side of love that describes that “soul mate”, best friend, emotional love. And then, you really have to have a big dose of Commitment. That’s the willful, “I’m here for you no matter what”, and “I love you because you are you” kind of love. All three are critical for love to grow and flourish.
In that sense, love is a lot like money, you’ve got to make deposits every day in order to be able to make withdrawals from that “love” account. You’re only going to get out of it what you put into it.
In 1 Corinthians 13 the Apostle Paul lists some of the best qualities of love. Qualities worth investing in your “love bank”. Patience…kindness…unselfish actions…humility. The larger your investment, the greater the return.
How’s your love life? Cold? Distant? Neglected? Close? What kind of deposit did you make today? Whatever you “did’ or “didn’t do” sent a message! 1 John 3:18 admonishes us “let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”(ESV)
When relationships tend to go south, someone usually feels like all they do is give, and all the other one does is take. Are you tired of giving? Frustrated because you don’t feel like you are being loved in return? Paul added in the same “love chapter” that love “bears all things…believes all things…hopes all things…and endures all things” (Vs 7 NAS). Difficult? Yes! But a love soaked in grace, and the oil of deep forgiveness, is essential for a “Love for Life”.
Source:AACC
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Count your Blessings
Turkey and dressing. All the trimmings. Pumpkin pie. Too many desserts. Did you have a great feast? If you partook of a traditional Thanksgiving, you took in between 3000 and 3500 calories. Not to mention breakfast and those midnight munchies. You spent all year counting your calories...and now what? Walk it off? Smile. That is a lot of walking! And now it is time to start counting calories again just to prepare for all of those Christmas parties coming up.
While we are counting, let’s consider counting something else...Blessings. Proverbs 28:20 “A faithful man will abound with Blessings...” (ESV) Sure, the news is depressing. It seems that trouble and trials are around every corner. But could this not be partly from our perception? Our focus often runs to the hard things. The struggles. What if we turned our attention to all of the ways we are blessed?
Do this. Get a notebook and just start writing down your personal blessings. If you are reading this, then you are blessed with eye sight. Write it down. Next? The ability to write. See how this works? As you begin to “count” your blessings, you will be amazed. And you will realize that your life actually abounds with blessings.
In the Old Testament, God told His children to make “memorials”. Often it was a simple pile of stones designed to call to memory all of the good things that the Lord had blessed them with. He knew how easy it would be to forget…and to focus on the negative. Your list can become your “memorial”.
Source: AACC
While we are counting, let’s consider counting something else...Blessings. Proverbs 28:20 “A faithful man will abound with Blessings...” (ESV) Sure, the news is depressing. It seems that trouble and trials are around every corner. But could this not be partly from our perception? Our focus often runs to the hard things. The struggles. What if we turned our attention to all of the ways we are blessed?
Do this. Get a notebook and just start writing down your personal blessings. If you are reading this, then you are blessed with eye sight. Write it down. Next? The ability to write. See how this works? As you begin to “count” your blessings, you will be amazed. And you will realize that your life actually abounds with blessings.
In the Old Testament, God told His children to make “memorials”. Often it was a simple pile of stones designed to call to memory all of the good things that the Lord had blessed them with. He knew how easy it would be to forget…and to focus on the negative. Your list can become your “memorial”.
Source: AACC
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