What Christmas Really Means

What Christmas Really Means 

Well it's that wonderful time of year again.  Time for love and time for joy.  Time for cheer and time for peace.  Christmas is a very special time in which we gather together with friends and family to celebrate something absolutely amazing.  Sadly, many people push the real reason for Christmas off to the side and commercialize and make it about themselves.  People rush around to and fro, frantically preparing for Christmas, but before they know it Christmas has come and gone without them even really thinking about what Christmas truly is about.  Kids are raised believing in Santa Claus and all the presents they will get for being good, but how many of them really know what Christmas is.  Christmas cannot be purchased, wrapped, or eaten.   Christmas is so much more than that.   So my friends, lets take a look at what Christmas really means.

The True Christmas Story

"This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins'.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means "God with us").

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son.  And he gave him the name Jesus.

(Matthew 1:18-25)

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to their own town to register.

 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.   But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.   This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

   Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

    “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

   So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.   When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,  and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.   But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

  On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived."

(Luke 2:1-20)

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us".

(Matthew 1:23)

Christmas is something to celebrate and be joyful about, but not because of Santa Clause and all the things we can get or all the yummy food.  Rather it is because Jesus was born and died for us, we have a hope and a future.  If we accept Christ into our hearts and turn from our sins, we are forgiven and can look forward to spending an eternity in heaven with God.  I can think of nothing more amazing than this.  Jesus is the true gift of Christmas.  His gift of life is not one that can be bought, wrapped, or earned; but rather it is one that He freely gives to all mankind who will accept Him as their Savior.  It does not matter who you are or what you have done in the past.  God loves you so much and desires nothing more than for you to spend eternity with Him.

So let me ask you this.  God has given us the greatest gift of all!  Will you accept the free gift of life that He is holding out to you?

The Armor of God: The Belt of Truth

The Armor Of God:

The Belt of Truth

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance  and supplication for all the saints."

~Ephesians 6:10-18~

The first piece of armor that is mentioned by Paul in Ephesians is the "Belt of Truth".  What was the importance of this piece of armor to the Romans and how does it help us today? 

It is interesting to me that this is the first piece of armor instead of something like the sword or shield.  So that makes me wonder-why is this?  

Question 1: What was the importance to the Romans?

To the Romans the belt was know as a balteus or cingulum and was very important to the soldiers.  The cingulum carried the scabbard in which laid the sword.  So without the belt there was no place to carry their weapon. 

The military belt or cingulum as the Romans call it, is not only an essential accessory to carry sword and dagger, but it is  so much more.  It is also used to evenly distribute the weight of the mail shirt on the hips.  Without it, the weight on the shoulders would be too heavy and wearing it would be quite painful for the soldier and slow them down.   So in wearing the belt, they can pull out some of the chain mail shirt and let it hang slightly over the belt to distribute it in a way that is not painful for the soldier.   The belt is also worn very close and tight to the soldier's  body.  The belt was also worn whether the soldier was on or off duty and anyone could identify who they were.  Also, they hung strips of leather in front to protect the lower part of their body. One more very important thing to note was the fact that the cingulum held the rest of the armor together and kept it in place.  

So now after studying the purpose of the Roman cingulum (belt) we can now take a look at it from a Biblical viewpoint.     We need the Belt of Truth to carry our Sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God).  This means that we need to acknowledge, believe, and carry God's Word as absolute Truth, not bending or changing His word to fit the world's standards or beliefs to fit people's desires of what they want.  Therefore, truth allows us to carry the sword of the Spirit and use it  more efficiently.  And just like the belt being in close proximity to the soldier, we must keep God's truth as close as possible and let it surround and fill us.  We should also be wearing truth at all times just as the soldier did whether we think we are in a battle or not.   God's Truth holds everything together and  if you try to live life without it,  you will find your life in shambles and fall for all of Satan's lies and deceptions.   

Question 2: What is Truth?

The Hebrew word for truth is Emet.  "It is is spelled from right to left with the letters Aleph-Mem-Tav.  Aleph is the first letter of the Alephbet and represents the breath of God or our awareness of Him.  Truth then begins with the awareness of God.  The middle letter, Mem in Hebrew was originally the symbol for water and is also understood to represent the Messiah.  From this letter under the Hebrew way of earth is the center of truth.  Mem is the middle letter of the Alephbet while the final letter of EMET is Tav which is the last letter of the Alephbet.  Tav is seen as the expression of simple faith to the Hebrew.  This letter corresponds to the kingdom as given to us in Scripture.

One of the things we can notice right away is that the baseline of this word is stable and represents the stability we find in life with a life that is submitted to God and His wisdom.  It begins with an awareness that He is the king of the universe.  All things were made in and through Him and therefore He alone represents or determines what Truth is. 

We cannot separate truth from God because He is Truth!  

In the world today there is a growing darkness and acceptance of the devil's lies, so it is vital as believers that we are secure in the Word and the Truth of God.  If we do not hold fast to the truth, how can we expect to stand against the devil in the battles we face daily?

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me."

~ John 14:6 ~

It is not what I think but what He thinks then that becomes TRUTH!  

God is the source of all Truth! 

Thus when we are faced with something that we are unsure of whether it is true or not, we should take it to the Lord in prayer and search His Word to see if it lines up with the scriptures.  If the word goes against what His word says, then we can determine that is indeed an untruth.  

"What we must then do is study what God has said or done so that we can better understand how we should live our lives in His wisdom."

~Havdalah Drasha~

What does truth have to do with a belt?

"Test all things; hold fast to what is good."

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:21~

So for Christians, we are to test all things and hold on only to the things that are truth and disregard the untruth.   This is where the Holy Spirit comes into play and helps us to perceive that which is truth and that which is lies and deception.   

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."

John 16:13

"Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.  But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.  None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucifies the Lord of glory.  But as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him' - these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.  For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.  For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him?  So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.  And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.  The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God,  for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.  The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.  For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

~1 Corinthians 2:6-16~

"Let not mercy and truth forsake you: Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man."

~ Proverbs 3:3-4 ~

As a belt surrounds our waist so should truth surround us at all times.  As the Proverbs scripture notes, truth must be bound around us and written on our hearts.  

Is it dangerous to not wear the Belt of Truth?

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

~ Romans 12:2 ~

In the world we live in, truth is considered relative and has no absolutes.  But the Bible speaks much differently of truth.  The good and the bad are defined by God and there are eternal and permanent absolutes and are not influenced by other people's opinions.  

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

~ 2 Timothy 2:15 ~

"...If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

~ John 8:31-32 ~

:If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth."

~ 1 John 1:6 ~

"Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.  Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now may antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.  They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.  But you have and anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.  I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.  Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?  He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.  Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.  Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning.  If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.  And this is the promise that He has promised us--eternal life.  These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.  But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."

~ 1 John 2:15-27 ~

In the world today there is so much deceit it would be extremely dangerous if you were not wearing the truth.  If you were to turn on the television you would not have to watch long before you would see so much deception that is portrayed and even glorified by the world.   Everywhere you turn there seems to be more and more people falling for all of the lies and deception that Satan has spread.   Satan is attacking people's identity and making them believe that they are something that they are not.  This is another reason to hold truth close, so that when Satan attempts to creep in and tries to convince you that you are something else, you can respond with the truth of who we are in Christ and who God has created us to be.    

Our trust in God and His Word must be solid, without break, or else we will quickly find ourselves without a weapon.  No matter how effective the rest of our armor is, we are useless without a sword.  We need to rightly be dividing the truth--knowing what we believe, and why.  

So... how secure is your belt? 

The Truth About You

The Truth About You

I wanted to share a short encouragement that was given to me by my boss a few days ago.  It is a list taken from Louie Giglio's "Christ In You" series.

If you have accepted Jesus Christ and follow him, this is who you are.  There is no room in this list for the opinions of others or how you feel about yourself-this is God's truth.  In Christ:

I am loved by God and I am in the beloved

I have the life of Christ in me

I am a holy one-a saint

I am completely forgiven

I am alive

I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing

I have been chosen by God

I have been made the righteousness of God

I've been adopted into God's family

I've been raised up and seated with Christ in heaven

I have been made complete

I am a new creation

I have been sealed eternally by the Holy Spirit

I have the mind of Christ

I am God's handiwork, created for good works

I am free from sin's power

I have been delivered from darkness into light

I have peace with God

I have the power of Christ

That is good news.  Believe it... it is true!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

If you have not accepted Christ in your heart there is hope for you.  God sent His son Jesus to earth to suffer and die for your sins so that you could be free. 

 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds be exposed.  But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

(John 3:16-21)

  

God vs. Science

Thought this was pretty amazing.  For those of you out their that believe in evolution please read this all the way through and really think about what schools are teaching you without any proof!


God vs. Science
     "Let me explain the problem science has with religion."

     The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.

     'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'

     'Yes sir,' the student says.

     'So you believe in God?'

     "Absolutely'

     'Is God good?'

     'Sure! God is good.'

     'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'

     'Yes'

     'Are you good or evil?'

     'The Bible says I'm evil.'

     The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible! He considers for a moment. 'Here's one for you.  Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him.  You can do it.  Would you help him?  Would you try?'

     'Yes sir, I would.'

     'So you're good....!'

     'I wouldn't say that.'

     'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most us would if we could.  But God doesn't.'

     The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he?  My brother was a good Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him.  How is this Jesus good?  Can you answer that one?'

     The student remains silent.  'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says.  He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.  'Let's start again, young fella.  Is God good?'

     'Er..yes,' the student says.

     'Is Satan good?'

     The student doesn't hesitate on this one.. 'No.'

     'Then where does Satan come from?'

     The student falters. 'From God'

     'That's right.  God made Satan, didn't he?  Tell me, son.  Is there evil in this world?'

     'Yes, sir.'

     'Evil's everywhere, isn't it?  And God did make everything, correct?'

     'Yes'

     'So who created evil?'  The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'

     Again, the student has no answer.  'Is there sickness? Immorality?  Hatred?  Ugliness?  All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'

     The student squirms on his feet. 'Yes.'

     'So who created them?'  

     The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats the question. 'Who created them?'  There is still no answer.  Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom.  The class is mesmerized.  'Tell me,' he continues onto another student.

     'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'

     The student's voice betrays him and cracks, 'Yes, professor, I do.'

     The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you.  Have you ever seen Jesus?'

     'No sir. I've never seen Him.'

     'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'

     'No, sir, I have not.'

     'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus?  Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'

     'No sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'

   
     'Yet you still believe in him?'

     'Yes'

     'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist... What do you say to that, son?'

     'Nothing,' the student replies.. 'I only have my faith.'


     'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats.  'And that is the problem science has with God.  There is no evidence, only faith.'

     The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own. 'Professor, is there such a thing as heat?'

     'Yes.'


     'And is there such a thing as cold?'

     'Yes, son, there's cold too.'

     'No sir, there isn't.'

     The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested.  The room suddenly becomes very quiet.  The student begins to explain.  'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'.  We can hit down to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further than that.  There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees.  Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy..

     Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat.  You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat.  We cannot measure cold.. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy.  Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'

      Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.

     'What about darkness, professor.  Is there such a thing as darkness?'

     'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation.  'What is night if there isn't darkness?'  
   
     'You're wrong again, sir.  Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something.  You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it?  That's the meaning we use to define the word.  In reality, darkness isn't.  If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'

     The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him.  This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'

     'Yes, professor.  My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'

     The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time.  'Flawed? Can you explain how?'

     'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains.. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God.  You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure.  Sir, science can't even explain a thought.' 'It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never been seen, much less fully understood either one.  To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing.  Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.' 'Now tell me, professor.  Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'

     'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.'

     'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'

     The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going.  A very good semester, indeed.
   
     'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir?  Are you know not a scientist, but a preacher?'

     The class is in an uproar.  The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided. 'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.'  The student looks around the room.  'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?'  The class breaks out in laughter.  'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain?  No one appears to have done so.. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir.'  'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'

Now the room is silent.  The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.  Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers... 'I guess you'll have to take them in faith.'

     'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?  Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is.  We see it everyday.  It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man.  It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world... These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'

     To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself.  Evil is simply the absence of God.  God did not create evil.  Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart.  It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'

     The professor sat down.

P.S. The student was Albert Einstein who wrote a book titled 'God vs. Science' in 1921!

The Importance of Love

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,

but have not love,  

I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy,

and understand all mysteries and all knowledge,

 and though I have all faith,

so that I could remove mountains,

but have not love,

I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,

and though I give my body to be burned,

but have not love,

it profits me nothing.

Love suffers long and is kind;

love does not envy;

love does not parade itself, 

is not puffed up;

does not behave rudely;

does not seek its own,

is not provoked, 

thinks no evil;

does not rejoice in iniquity,

but rejoices in the truth;

bears all things,  

believes all things,

hopes all things,  

endures all things.

Love never fails.

But whether there are prophecies,

they will fail;

whether there are tongues,

they will cease;

whether there is knowledge,

it will vanish away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part.

But when that which is perfect has come,

then that which is in part will be done away.

When I was a child,

I spoke as a child,

I understood as a child,

I thought as a child;

but when I became a man,

I put away childish things.

For now we see in a mirror,

dimly, but then face to face.

Now I now in part,

but then I shall know just as I also am known.

And know abide faith, hope, love, 

these three;

but the greatest of these is love.

~ 1 Corinthians 13 ~

This chapter never ceases to amaze me because it shows me that love is very important, and is much different then how the world today thinks about love.   I would like to go through this chapter and break it down so that you can better understand just how vital true love is, and how God sees it.

          The first couple of verses are fairly easy to understand because they are saying that even if you can speak in tongues, prophecy, are wise, have faith, give away everything you own, and sacrifice; but you do not love as you are supposed to love, then those things would be for nothing.  Love is so much more than we think it is, and is far more important.  Of course, being a Christian involves these things too, but without love the rest would be all for nought.

             Well first I want to say that the Hebrew word used throughout this chapter for love is agape, not phileo. 

 "Phileo defines a love among friends that is conditional.   Agape, however, is the love that God sheds abroad in the heart of His children.  It is the same love that Jesus gives freely to us.  It is unconditional.  It is not based on performance or whether or not it is returned.  It is a love that gives even when it is rejected." -John Bevere

              "Love suffers long and is kind;". What does it mean to suffer long? That is one verse that has alway puzzled me because it sounded physically painful but knew there had to be more to the meaning.  I found out that is not what it always means!  To understand it better let us look at the meaning of the word makrothymeō, which is the Hebrew word for suffering long.  It means to not lose heart;  to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles; to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others; to be slow in avenging;  to be slow to anger; and finally, slow to punish.  So, no matter what people say or do to you, do not think of ways to get back at them, rather think of ways to show God's love to them.    

     "Love does not envy".  Most people would say that to envy means being jealous of something that someone else has.  Now that is true, but there is actually more here to envy then one would normally think.  Let's see how the Hebrew word zeloo describes envy.  To be heated or to boil with anger or hatred and to exert oneself in the pursuit of another.  It is not just being jealous, but also getting angry at the other person for having something we want or pursuing what we cannot have.   

     "Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up".   We are not to boast about ourselves nor be prideful about oneself.   In other words, we should not go around being like, "Look at me. I did all this stuff and I am so amazing!"  Rather we need to remember that love is humble and not prideful. We should not think of ourselves as being better than others.  So when we say to ourselves that we are better than so and so, watch out because that is a heart of pride, and pride leads to destruction.  "When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2)  "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)

    "...does not behave rudely, does not seek it's own."  The first is basically saying that we should not act unbecomingly or unseemly.  Also we should not strive to control our lives, but rather we should let God write our life story for us.  We need to have the attitude of a servant, and be selfless.  

     "...is not provoked, thinks no evil."  I know this is a tough one to follow, but with God's strength we can do it.  We should have self-control and learn to turn the other cheek when people are trying to make us angry or annoying us.    It also says that we should not think evil thoughts, which I think is best summed up in a Bible verse.  

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,

whatever things are noble,

whatever things are just,

whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely,

whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue and if there is any praiseworthy-

meditate on these things"

Philippians 4:8

     "... does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth."  "Adikia" is the Hebrew word for iniquity, which means, unrighteousness of heart and life; or a deed violating law and justice.  We are to rejoice in the truth at all times, and not deceive. We should not thrive in other people's mistakes and sins, but rather feel sorrow for them and pray that the truth would be revealed to them.  Love does not use other people's mistakes for their own advantage; instead, love helps them and cares for them.  
 
     "... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."  When hardships and trials come are way, we are to know God does not give us more then we can handle.  Do we really know what it means to bear all things?  We often think that bearing a burden is the right Christian thing to do, and it is.  But truth be told, it is probably one of the most difficult things to do, because it requires us to put aside our emotions and feelings; to care for someone else.  Love is being there for them when they are going through trials and staying by their side no matter what.  Bearing all things means staying with them and encouraging them even if you are frustrated with them.  It is doing what is right, even when we do not feel like it, because you love them and want to honor God.  The same concept applies with the rest of this verse as well.

       "Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away."  Love will always win over evil and hate.  This means that real love has no limits and no end; it is forever-now and for eternity.  Thus, we do not have to base our self image on faulty things or what people say and think, because we can place that focus on our unfailing God who will always love and accept us when we are His Child.  Because God loves us so much, He will always hold us and enfold us-even when we hit the end of our rope or see no hope,  He will bear us and cover our hurts and fears. We can take hold of his grace and really believe and trust that God loves us.  We no longer need to fear rejection or hopelessness because Christ's work of reconciliation, His true love for us.  We are, as individuals, accepted and deeply loved and this love will never leave or forsake us.  Real love will never give up or give in; it's staying power is unmatched. This is the love we need when we have lost our way and this is the love we can and must give to others  who see no hope, because God does not give up on us.

        "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."  ~John 15:12-13~

                         

                                            

Thanksgiving!

"... in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus for you."

~ 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 ~

1. God commands us to be thankful.  

         "Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High." (Psalm 50:14)

         "Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.  

                                                         (Psalm 97:12)

         "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him,      

          and bless His name."   (Psalm 100:4)

         "Praise the Lord!  Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures    

          forever."   (Psalm 106:1)

          "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  For his mercy endures forever.  Oh, give 

           thanks to the God of gods! For his mercy endures forever.  Oh, give thanks to the Lord of 

          lords!  For His mercy endures forever..."   (Psalm 136:1-3)

          "... giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the 

          saints in the light."  (Colossians 1:12)

          "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in 

          Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." 

          (Colossians 2:6-7)

           Read these scriptures for more on this. (Colossians 3:16-17) (Colossians 4:2) (1 Timothy 2:1)

              

          (A.) Every gospel depicts Jesus, who is our example, giving God thanks.

                  "At that time Jesus answered and said, 'I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that 

                  You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes."

                   (Matthew 11:25)

                          Matthew 15:36 ...and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks...
                          Mark 14:23 And when he had taken a cup, and given thanks...
                          Luke 22:17, 19
                          John 6:11, 23; 11:41

      B.  Daniel was obedient to be thankful even when forbidden by the authorities.

                          Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the document was
                          signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had
                          windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling
                          on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks
                          before his God, as he had been doing previously.

      C.  It is "good" for us.

                           Psalms 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord ...

            1.  It is a mighty tool in ushering us into the Presence of God.

                            2 Chronicles 5:12, 13
                            Psalms 95:2 Let us come before his presence with
                                thanksgiving...
                            Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and
                                into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and
                                bless his name.
                            Psalms 140:1 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto
                                thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

            2.  It causes us to abound in the faith.

                            Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished
                                in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein
                                with thanksgiving.

            3.  It yields the peace of God in our hearts and minds.

                            Philippians 4:6, 7

      D.  It honors and magnifies God.

                            Psalms 50:23
                            Psalms 69:30

      E.  It is God's will.

                            1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is
                                 the will of God...

      F.  It is a good spiritual indicator of our spiritual condition.

           1.  The wicked are ungrateful: "For ... they did not honor him as God,
                or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and
                their foolish heart was darkened" (Romans 1:21)

           2.  But "the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name." (Psalms 140:1)

III.  How should we give thanks?

      A.  Audibly: with our voice, not just in our thoughts.

                  Psalms 34:1 (cp. Psalms 71:8; 109:30) ...in my mouth...
                  Psalms 35:28 ... with my tongue...
                  Hebrews 13:15 (cp. Isaiah 5:3; Jeremiah 30:19) ... let us offer
                       ... the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

            1.  In verbal testimony.

                       1 Chronicles 16:8 (cp. Psalms 105:1) Give thanks unto
                            the Lord, ... make known his deeds among the people
                        Psalms 9:1 ... I will give thanks to the Lord with all my
                            heart; I will tell of all thy wonders.
                        Psalms 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of
                           thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
                        Psalms 105:1, 2 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon
                            his name: make known his deeds among the people ...
                           talk ye of all his wondrous works.
                        Psalms 107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of
                           thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing
                        Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks
                           likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all ...
                        Luke 17:12-18

            2.  In music.

                        1 Chronicles 16:7
                        2 Chronicles 5:12, 13

                  a.  With song.

                            2 Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks unto
                                 thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing
                                 praises unto thy name.
                            Nehemiah 12:8, 27 And the Levites...in charge of the
                                 songs of thanksgiving ... with hymns of thanksgiving
                                 and with songs ...
                            Nehemiah 12:46 ...in ancient times, there were leaders
                                 of the singers, songs of praise and hymns of
                                 thanksgiving to God.
                            Psalms 28:7 (cp. Psalms 7:17; 138:1) ...with my song
                                 I shall thank Him.
                            Psalms 95:2 Let us come before his presence with
                                 thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with
                                 psalms
                            Isaiah 51:3 ...joy and gladness shall be found therein,
                                 thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

                  b.  With musical instruments.

                            Nehemiah 12:27 Now at the dedication of the wall of
                                  Jerusalem they sought out the Levites ... so that they
                                  might celebrate the dedication with gladness, with
                                  hymns of thanksgiving and with songs to the
                                  accompaniment of cymbals, harps, and lyres
                            Psalms 33:2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre...
                            Psalms 147:7 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing
                                  praise upon the harp....

            3.  With prayer.

                            Nehemiah 11:17 ...the leader in beginning the
                                   thanksgiving at prayer...
                            Ephesians 1:16 ...giving thanks for you, while making
                                   mention of you in my prayers
                            Philippians 4:6 Be careful (anxious; worried) for nothing;
                                   but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
                                   thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto
                                   God.
                            Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God, ... praying
                                   always for you
                            Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the
                                   same with thanksgiving.
                            1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for
                                   all of you, making mention of you in our prayers.
                            1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all,
                                   supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
                                   thanks, be made for all men.
                            2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God... as I constantly remember
                                   you in my prayers night and day
                            Philemon 1:4 I thank my God always, making mention
                                   of you in my prayers

                  4.  With shouts of joy.

                            Psalms 100:1 (cp. Jeremiah 30:19)

      B.   Publicly.

                            Hebrews 12:28 ...let us show gratitude...

            1.  Among the nations (heathen).

                        Psalms 57:9 (cp. Psalms 18:49; 108:3) I will give thanks
                             to Thee, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing
                            praises to Thee among the nations.

            2.  In the company of God's people.

                        1 Chronicles 16:4, 7; 23:30
                        2 Chronicles 31:2 ...to minister and to give thanks and to
                             praise in the gates of the camp of the Lord.
                        Psalms 11:1; 22:22, 25
                        Psalms 35:18  I will give Thee thanks in the great congregation...
                        Psalms 42:4 These things I remember...I used to go
                             along with the throng and lead them... with the voice
                             of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival
                        Psalms 52:9 I will give Thee thanks forever ... in the
                             presence of thy godly ones.
                        Psalms 109:30 (cp. Psalms 105:1, 2) With my mouth I will
                             give thanks abundantly to the Lord; and in the midst of
                             many I will praise Him.
                        Psalms 111:1 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart,
                             in the company of the upright and in the assembly
                        Acts 27:35 And having said this, he took bread and gave
                             thanks to God in the presence of all...
                        1 Corinthians 14:14-17 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit
                             only, how [they] say the Amen at your giving of thanks...?
                             For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other man
                             is not edified.

      C. Privately, at home.

                   Daniel 2:23; 6:10

IV.   When should we give thanks?

      A.  In every circumstance.

                    Ephesians 5:20 (cp. Ephesians 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:2)
                          Giving thanks always for all things unto God...
                    Philippians 4:6 ... in everything ...
                    Philippians 4:11 ... for I have learned, in whatsoever state
                          I am, therewith to be content.
                    1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is
                         the will of God ...
                    2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:13

      B.  While entering his presence.

                    Psalms 100:4 (cp. Psalms 95:2) Enter into his gates
                         with thanksgiving ... be thankful unto him...

      C.  Continually; habitually.

                    Ephesians 1:16; 5:20 "always"
                    Philemon 1:4 "always"
                    1 Thessalonians 1:2 "always"
                    2 Timothy 1:3 "constantly ... night and day"
                    Hebrews 13:15 "continually"
                    Psalms 34:1; 35:28 (cp. 71:8) "...at all times... continually
                         ...all the day long..."

            1.  Even in the middle of the night.

                         Psalms 119:62 At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to Thee ...

            2.  Three times a day.

                          Daniel 6:10 ... kneeling on his knees three times a day,
                               praying and giving thanks ...

            3.  Every morning and every evening.

                          1 Chronicles 23:30 And they are to stand every morning
                                to thank and to praise the Lord, and likewise at evening.

V.   For what should we give thanks?

      A.  For victory.

                    Psalms 18:47-49 It is God that avengeth me ... He delivereth
                         me from mine enemies ... Therefore will I give thanks....
                    1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us
                         the victory...
                    2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always
                         causeth us to triumph in Christ ...

            1.  Over sin.

                         Romans 7:23-25

            2.  Over death and the grave.

                         1 Corinthians 15:57

      B.   For his goodness and mercy (forgiveness).

                         1 Chronicles 16:34-35 O give thanks to the Lord, for He
                              is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.
                         1 Chronicles 16:41 ... give thanks to the Lord because
                              his lovingkindness is everlasting.
                         Ezra 3:11 And they sang, praising and giving thanks to the
                              Lord, saying, For He is good...
                         Psalms 54:6 ...I will give thanks to Thy name, O Lord, for
                              it is good.
                         Psalms 100:4, 5; 106:1; 107:1, 8, 15, 21, 31
                         Psalms 136:1-3 (cp. Psalms 106:1; 107:1, 8, 15, 31;
                              118:1, 28, 29) O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is
                               good: for his mercy endureth forever...
                         Isaiah 12:1 I will give thanks to thee, O Lord; For although
                               thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away,
                               and thou dost comfort me.
                         Jeremiah 33:11

      C.  For his protection.

                    2 Samuel 22:49 And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies:
                         thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up
                         against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

      D.  For his holiness and faithfulness.

                    Psalms 30:4 (cp. Psa 97:12) ... give thanks at the
                           remembrance of his holiness.
                    Isaiah 25:1 I will exalt thee, I will give thanks to thy name;
                         for thou hast worked wonders, plans formed long ago,
                         with perfect faithfulness.

      E.  For the wonders of creation and life.

                    Psalms 139:14 I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully
                         and wonderfully made; wonderful are thy works...

      F.  For his truth, his righteous ordinances and judgments.

                    Psalms 119:7, 62; 138:1, 2

      G.  For food, drink and other provisions.

                    Matthew 15:36 ...and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks...
                    Mark 14:23 And when he had taken a cup, and given thanks...
                    Luke 22:17, 19 (cp. 1 Cor 11:24)
                    John 6:23 (cp. John 6:11) ...the place where they ate the bread
                        after the Lord had given thanks.
                    Acts 27:35   ...he took bread and gave thanks to God in the
                        presence of all...
                    Romans 14:6   ... he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he
                        gives thanks to God...
                    1 Corinthians 10:30 If I partake with thankfulness....
                    1 Timothy 4:3, 4 ... [Some advocate] abstaining from foods,
                        which God has created to be gratefully shared.... For
                        everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be
                        rejected, if it is received with gratitude
                    2 Corinthians 9:11, 12 you will be enriched in everything for
                        all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to
                        God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully
                        supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing
                        through many thanksgivings to God.

      H.  For healing.

                    Luke 17:12-18 and he fell on his face at his feet, giving thanks
                        to Him...

      I.  For the evidence of God at work in the lives of God's people.

                    Psalms 109:30, 31
                    1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf for
                        the grace of God which is given you...
                    1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all
                        of you, making mention of you in our prayers.
                    1 Thessalonians 1:3
                    2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we should always give thanks to
                        God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because
                        God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation
                        through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
                    Ephesians 1:16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while
                        making mention of you in my prayers
                    Philippians 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you
                    Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God, the Father ... praying
                        always for you
                    1 Timothy 1:3 I thank God... as I constantly remember you
                        in my prayers night and day
                    Philemon 1:4 I thank my God always, making mention of
                        you in my prayers

            1.  For their zeal.

                        2 Corinthians 8:16

            2.  For their love and growing faith.

                        2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to
                            God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your
                            faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of
                            you toward one another grows ever greater

            3.  For their generosity in donating toward the work of God.

                        1 Chronicles 29:6-14

            4.  For their acceptance of truth and obedience to the teaching.

                        1 Thessalonians 2:13 ...we also constantly thank God
                            that when you received from us the word of God's
                            message, you accepted it...
                        Romans 6:17 But thanks be to God that ... you became
                            obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to
                            which you were committed

            5.  For the proclamation of their faith into all the world.

                        Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ
                            for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed
                            throughout the whole world.

      J.   For spiritual gifts (i.e., speaking in tongues) and ministry.

                   1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more
                        than you all.
                   1 Timothy 1:12

      K.  For salvation and conversion of the unsaved.

                   1 Corinthians 9:15
                    Romans 6:17
                    2 Thessalonians 2:13

      L.  For wisdom and power.

                    Daniel 2:23 ...I give thanks and praise, for thou hast given
                         me wisdom and power...

      M.  For answered prayer.

                    John 11:41

      N.  For everything.

                    2 Corinthians 9:11
                    Ephesians 5:20

      O.  For all men.

                    1 Timothy 2:1

      P.  For the preciousness of God's presence.

                    Psalms 75:1

VI.  The secret of maintaining a grateful heart is contentment.

      A.   Thank him daily.

                    Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us
                        with benefits...

      B.  Thank him no matter what happens.

                    Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I
                        have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
                    1 Timothy 6:6, 8 But godliness with contentment is great
                        gain.... And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
                    Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without
                        covetousness; and be content with such things as ye
                        have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee...

VII. This is what we will be doing "forever" in eternity (Psalms 30:12; 44:8; 45:17; 52:9; 79:13) – even as the angels and 420 elders in heaven at the reign of God (Revelation 4:9; 7:11, 12; 11:16, 17).