Thursday, December 25, 2008
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR THIS CHRISTMAS?
The time came for Mary and Joseph to do what the Law of Moses says a mother is supposed to do after her baby is born. They took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem and presented him to the Lord, 23just as the Law of the Lord says, "Each first-born baby boy belongs to the Lord." 24The Law of the Lord also says that parents have to offer a sacrifice, giving at least a pair of doves or two young pigeons. So that is what Mary and Joseph did. 25At this time a man named Simeon was living in Jerusalem. Simeon was a good man. He loved God and was waiting for God to save the people of Israel. God's Spirit came to him 26and told him that he would not die until he had seen Christ the Lord.
27When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, the Spirit told Simeon to go into the temple. 28Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God,
29"Lord, I am your servant, and now I can die in peace, because you have kept your promise to me. 30With my own eyes I have seen what you have done to save your people, 31and foreign nations will also see this. 32Your mighty power is a light
for all nations, and it will bring honor to your people Israel."
33Jesus' parents were surprised at what Simeon had said. 34Then he blessed them and told Mary, "This child of yours will cause many people in Israel to fall and others to stand. The child will be like a warning sign. Many people will reject him, 35and you, Mary, will suffer as though you had been stabbed by a dagger. But all this will show what people are really thinking."
36The prophet Anna was also there in the temple. In her youth she had been married for seven years, but her husband died. 37And now she was eighty-four years old. Night and day she served God in the temple by praying and often going without eating. 38At that time Anna came in and praised God. She spoke about the child Jesus to everyone who hoped for Jerusalem to be set free.
Luke 2:22-38 (CEV)
1. SIMEON WAS WAITING FOR GOD TO SAVE THE PEOPLE
Simeon was a good man. He loved God and was waiting for God to save the people of Israel. God's Spirit came to him 26and told him that he would not die until he had seen Christ the Lord.
Luke 2: 22-38 (NIV)
2. ANNA WAS WAITING FOR GOD TO SET THE PEOPLE FREE
She spoke about the child Jesus to everyone who hoped for Jerusalem to be set free.
3. BECOME A 3M BELIEVER
BECOME A MARVELER
The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
Luke 2:33 (NIV)
A marveler is to be filled with wonder, astonishment, and surprise.
BECOME A MOVER
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required.
Luke 2:27 (NIV)
When the Holy Spirit prompted them to move, they didn’t sit still.
BECOME A MESSENGER
38At that time Anna came in and praised God. She spoke about the child Jesus to everyone who hoped for Jerusalem to be set free.
Luke 2:38 (CEV)
You don’t have to wait any longer because
JESUS is God’s gift for you!
WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT I COULD POSSIBLY GIVE JESUS?
They were thrilled and excited to see the star. 11When the men went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they knelt down and worshiped him. They took out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and gave them to him. 12Later they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and they went back home by another road. 13After the wise men had gone, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up! Hurry and take the child and his mother to Egypt! Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is looking for the child and wants to kill him." 14That night, Joseph got up and took his wife and the child to Egypt, 15where they stayed until Herod died. So the Lord's promise came true, just as the prophet had said, "I called my son out of Egypt."
Matthew 2:10-15 (CEV)
1. GOD HAS ALREADY PREPARED & SENT MY PROVISIONS
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
2 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)
2. GOD’S PROVISIONING HAND IS UPON ME FOREVER
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed, and in the heat of the day the rest melted.
Exodus 16:21 (NLT)
3. LET JESUS ACCOMPLISH HIS WILL IN ME. (I need to get HEALED and get going with life)
If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
Proverbs 29:18 (TM)
If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we're obviously lying through our teeth—we're not living what we claim.
John 1:16 (TM)
Right now I call the sky and the earth to be witnesses that I am offering you this choice. Will you choose for the LORD to make you prosperous and give you a long life? Or will he put you under a curse and kill you? Choose life! 20Be completely faithful to the LORD your God, love him, and do whatever he tells you. The LORD is the only one who can give life, and he will let you live a long time in the land that he promised to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (CEV)
Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! 19Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.
Matthew 28:18-20 (CEV)
YOU HAVE HAVE A WONDERFUL GIFT TO GIVE GOD BECAUSE
JESUS LOVES YOU!
Matthew 2:10-15 (CEV)
1. GOD HAS ALREADY PREPARED & SENT MY PROVISIONS
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
2 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)
2. GOD’S PROVISIONING HAND IS UPON ME FOREVER
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed, and in the heat of the day the rest melted.
Exodus 16:21 (NLT)
3. LET JESUS ACCOMPLISH HIS WILL IN ME. (I need to get HEALED and get going with life)
If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
Proverbs 29:18 (TM)
If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we're obviously lying through our teeth—we're not living what we claim.
John 1:16 (TM)
Right now I call the sky and the earth to be witnesses that I am offering you this choice. Will you choose for the LORD to make you prosperous and give you a long life? Or will he put you under a curse and kill you? Choose life! 20Be completely faithful to the LORD your God, love him, and do whatever he tells you. The LORD is the only one who can give life, and he will let you live a long time in the land that he promised to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (CEV)
Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! 19Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.
Matthew 28:18-20 (CEV)
YOU HAVE HAVE A WONDERFUL GIFT TO GIVE GOD BECAUSE
JESUS LOVES YOU!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
HOW TO GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS
He said to Simon (Peter), “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
Luke 5:4-7 (NLT)
Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he (Jesus), healed everyone.
Luke 6:19 (NLT)
1. GO OUT WHERE IT IS DEEP, WHERE YOU CAN’T TOUCH BOTTOM (Can’t play it safe anymore)
Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
Galatians 6:7-8 (TM)
“To you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 35Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
Luke 6:27, 28, 35-23 (NLT)
STEP OUT AND START SERIOUSLY LIVING JESUS INSTRUCTIONS
“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48It is
like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”
Luke 6:46-49 (NLT)
3. ASK JESUS TO REVEAL A FAMILY OR PERSON IN YOUR CHURCH THAT YOU CAN TRULY HELP THIS CHRISTMAS
“You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"
Acts 20:35 (TM)
In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
1 Timothy 5:25 (NLT)
God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won't forget the love you have shown his people.
Hebrews 6:10 (CEV)
When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Romans 12:13 (NLT)
If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
Galatians 6:3 (NLT)
Luke 5:4-7 (NLT)
Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he (Jesus), healed everyone.
Luke 6:19 (NLT)
1. GO OUT WHERE IT IS DEEP, WHERE YOU CAN’T TOUCH BOTTOM (Can’t play it safe anymore)
Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
Galatians 6:7-8 (TM)
“To you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 35Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
Luke 6:27, 28, 35-23 (NLT)
STEP OUT AND START SERIOUSLY LIVING JESUS INSTRUCTIONS
“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48It is
like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”
Luke 6:46-49 (NLT)
3. ASK JESUS TO REVEAL A FAMILY OR PERSON IN YOUR CHURCH THAT YOU CAN TRULY HELP THIS CHRISTMAS
“You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"
Acts 20:35 (TM)
In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
1 Timothy 5:25 (NLT)
God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won't forget the love you have shown his people.
Hebrews 6:10 (CEV)
When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Romans 12:13 (NLT)
If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
Galatians 6:3 (NLT)
WHAT TO LEARN FROM THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS
Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.
3Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, (but by every that comes from the mouth of God) -Matthew 4:4’”
5Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. 7I will give it all to you if you will worship me.” 8 Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
9Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! 10 For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you.11And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
12Jesus responded, (get out of here, Satan) -Matthew 4:10,“The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God (and serve only him) -Matthew 4:10.’”
13When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.
Luke 4:1-13 (TLB)
GET GOD’S BEST THIS CHRISTMAS
1. JESUS WAS THINKING OF ME EVEN WHEN HE WAS TEMPTED.
So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Ephesians 2:7-9 (NLT)
2. WE MUST RESPOND TO THE DEVIL AS JESUS DID
The Scriptures say… USE THE WORD OF GOD
God's Word is an indispensable weapon.
Ephesians 6:17 (TM)
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
We live in this world, but we don't act like its people 4or fight our battles with the weapons of this world. Instead, we use God's power that can destroy fortresses. We destroy arguments 5and every bit of pride that keeps anyone from knowing God. We capture people's thoughts and make them obey Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (CEV)
3. JESUS USES THE DEVIL TO BRING US BLESSINGS
You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done.
Genesis 50:20 (NLT)
And we know that God causes everything (does that include the devil?) to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
3Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, (but by every that comes from the mouth of God) -Matthew 4:4’”
5Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. 7I will give it all to you if you will worship me.” 8 Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
9Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! 10 For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you.11And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
12Jesus responded, (get out of here, Satan) -Matthew 4:10,“The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God (and serve only him) -Matthew 4:10.’”
13When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.
Luke 4:1-13 (TLB)
GET GOD’S BEST THIS CHRISTMAS
1. JESUS WAS THINKING OF ME EVEN WHEN HE WAS TEMPTED.
So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Ephesians 2:7-9 (NLT)
2. WE MUST RESPOND TO THE DEVIL AS JESUS DID
The Scriptures say… USE THE WORD OF GOD
God's Word is an indispensable weapon.
Ephesians 6:17 (TM)
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
We live in this world, but we don't act like its people 4or fight our battles with the weapons of this world. Instead, we use God's power that can destroy fortresses. We destroy arguments 5and every bit of pride that keeps anyone from knowing God. We capture people's thoughts and make them obey Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (CEV)
3. JESUS USES THE DEVIL TO BRING US BLESSINGS
You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done.
Genesis 50:20 (NLT)
And we know that God causes everything (does that include the devil?) to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
HOW TO OPERATE IN THE MIRACULOUS
God gives you his Spirit and works miracles in you. But does he do this because you obey the Law of Moses or because you have heard about Christ and have faith in him?
Galatians 3:5 (CEV)
I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
Mark 11:24 (NLT)
GET GOD’S BEST THIS CHRISTMAS
1. YOU MUST BELIEVE JESUS IS GOD.
The Lord says, "You are my witnesses and the servant I chose. I chose you so you would know and believe me, so you would understand that I am the true God. There was no God before me, and there will be no God after me.11I myself am the Lord; I am the only Savior.
Isaiah 43:9-11 (NCV)
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
“Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me.
John 11:39-41 (NLT)
2. OUR UNBELIEF LIMITS THE MIRACULOUS
He (Jesus) returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” 55Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. 56All his sisters live right here
among us. Where did he learn all these things?” 57And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.
Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” 58And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
Matthew 13:54-58 (NLT)
3. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE, AND TO WIN PAHOA FOR JESUS
John (the Baptist) announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.
Mark 1:7 (NLT) Humility
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
John 14:12 (NLT)
18-20 My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. 21-24 And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God! We're able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we're doing what he said, doing what pleases him. Again, this is God's command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. As we keep his commands, we live deeply and surely in him, and he lives in us. And this is how we experience his deep and abiding presence in us: by the Spirit he gave us.
1 John 3:18-21 (TM)
Galatians 3:5 (CEV)
I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
Mark 11:24 (NLT)
GET GOD’S BEST THIS CHRISTMAS
1. YOU MUST BELIEVE JESUS IS GOD.
The Lord says, "You are my witnesses and the servant I chose. I chose you so you would know and believe me, so you would understand that I am the true God. There was no God before me, and there will be no God after me.11I myself am the Lord; I am the only Savior.
Isaiah 43:9-11 (NCV)
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
“Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me.
John 11:39-41 (NLT)
2. OUR UNBELIEF LIMITS THE MIRACULOUS
He (Jesus) returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” 55Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. 56All his sisters live right here
among us. Where did he learn all these things?” 57And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.
Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” 58And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
Matthew 13:54-58 (NLT)
3. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE, AND TO WIN PAHOA FOR JESUS
John (the Baptist) announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.
Mark 1:7 (NLT) Humility
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
John 14:12 (NLT)
18-20 My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. 21-24 And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God! We're able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we're doing what he said, doing what pleases him. Again, this is God's command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. As we keep his commands, we live deeply and surely in him, and he lives in us. And this is how we experience his deep and abiding presence in us: by the Spirit he gave us.
1 John 3:18-21 (TM)
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