Born to Die

It's hard to believe, but Christmas is only 28 days away. By now most of us have started decorating our houses and have put up the Christmas tree.

In our house we like to decorate early.  We usually put the tree up and decorate the inside of the house the Saturday after Halloween, but with being sick and then trying to get ready for family coming we never got around to it until last night.

As we got out the big box that holds our tree, the girls started separating the branches by size so that we could put the tree together. As my middle daughter would pick up a branch to bring it to me she would wave it in the air and say, "Hosanna, Hosanna". She did this with every single branch.

Now of course we recognize waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna" as part of the Palm Sunday/Easter Celebration. But as I thought about what she was doing I had this thought:

The reason for Christmas is irrevocably linked to the redemption of our sins. Bethlehem’s baby only makes sense in light of Calvary’s crucified Savior. 

The Apostle Paul captured the essence of the Incarnation when he wrote in 1 Timothy 1:15: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst.”

So as you enjoy this Christmas season with all the lights and decorations. Remember that the birth we celebrate is the birth of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

He was born to die!

God Is Still God

Well, we have elected a president and here are some of the things I have been reading on FaceBook today.

"I am sick today..I am so disappointed that we do not have a new President"

"It's a sad day for America"

"We will mourn for America tonight"

"So sad and disappointing"

In light of all this I would like to consider the following verse:

Psalms 42:11 - Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Here is what I know to be true and will always be true regardless of your political views.

1. God will still be on His throne

Psalms 47:8 - God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.

  

2. The Bible will still have all the answers to every problem.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Peter 1:3 - His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

  

3. Prayer will still make a difference and God will still answer prayer.

1 John 5:14-15 - This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

4. The cross, not the government, will still be our salvation.

Psalms 62:1-2 - My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Psalms 62:5-11 - My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie; In the balances they go up; They are together lighter than breath. Do not trust in oppression And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.

  

5. God will still be with us always - He will never leave us or forsake us.

Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Hebrews 13:5-6 - Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you," so that we confidently say, "the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?"

Again I remind you of Psalms 20:7 - Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Where do you place your trust, in government or in God?

You think about that.