Take nine big bites: The fruit of the Spirit (Love)

Hi,
This weekend, I will be giving you last week’s and this week’s bites of the fruit of the Spirit: Love and joy.
Next week, we’ll return to a normal weekly schedule as we study peace.
If you want to read for yourself the fruit of the Spirit, feel free to look at: Galatians 5:22-23.
For the first installment in this series, I couldn’t think of any better way to explain love than to re-post our Valentine’s Day edition of the Monday Meal. Every time I sat down to write about this piece of the Fruit of the Spirit, I was taken back to the below devotional.
How do you rate on the love scale? I’m not asking you how many gifts you bought for others, or how many times the words “I love you” came from your mouth. I wonder however if we really know what love is?
Some may not have had a good earthly example of love, but we all have the best heavenly example of love through Jesus.
In John 15:13-14, Jesus says: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Then in verse 17 he ’says: “This is my command: Love each other.”
You may be wondering: Will we all sacrifice our lives for love? How are we to love each other?
First, no we will not all die to demonstrate love to one another. However, we may sacrifice in other ways. We may sacrifice our time or our own desires. I’ve heard of many who have sacrificed much to show love to others. Can you think of a time where you have made sacrifices for those you love? Or, was there someone who sacrificed for you?
Second, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 gives us some great guidelines to love by: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails…”
I honestly believe that our road map for loving others couldn’t be more exact than this.
As we examine this passage of Scripture, I ask again: “How do you rate on the love scale?”
Where do you think your strengths and weaknesses lie in light of the apostle paul’s description of love?
I understand that as humans we are by no means perfect. I can see many places where I myself struggle to love as the Scriptures command us to do. One amazing demention of love is grace. We must show grace to one another as we walk through this life together. And we must thank God every day for His unfailing grace as He leads us on! May the Lord give us the grace and love to rate higher on the love scale!
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Is Your Worship Simple enough for a Holy God?

One of our newer worship songs is called, “Holy”. This week on the Monday Meal, I wanted to share the insight behind this song.
If you’ve seen us live, you’ll know that we’re not a band of many high-tech uses. For instance, we don’t have light shows, I don’t fly over the crowd (I’d rather keep my feet firmly planted thank you)… And, Andy’s guitar won’t blind you. Lastly, we don’t have a drummer who spins around upside-down.
Now, don’t get me wrong. We’re not saying that people can’t be ministered to by bands who do these things, but that’s not what we’re about as a band.

As I sat down at my keyboard to practice one day, I started to sing the first verse of this song. At that moment, I was feeling unworthy and inadiquit for the call God has placed on my life. I was playing two chords and thinking, “Most of our songs have the same chords. This is too simple!” And then it hit me! That’s what we’re about. We’re about simple worship. In a culture that is so set on the high-tech advances, it’s been said that artists such as us bring a fresh yet simplistic approach to worship.
And as this revelation sunk in as to the fact that this is the way we should be as Christians, simple yet honest and open with our Holy Lord, I also realized that not only should our worship in song be simple, but our lives should also be acts of simple and true worship.
In the days of the first Christians, they didn’t have the light shows. Why would they need them when Jesus is the light of the world and the bright and morning star?
So, remember as you watch the light shows, the flying singers, and the spinning drummers, Jesus is watching your heart.
May you pray daily for the Lord to make you worthy of Him, and may we all strive to be Holy like Him.
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV)

Song of Love

Do you truly understand how much you are loved? You have family and friends who love you, and you have a Savior who loves you more than anyone on this earth could ever dream of loving you!
I’m sure by now you all know I love to sing. Some may not however know that my favorite song to sing (and write) is a praise and worship song. I love praise and worship! I know that we should always be praising God, but what I love is to be able to lead others to the throneroom of the Lord through intimate praise and worship!
So, while we’re praising Him and loving Him with our songs, and He inhabits the praises of His people, do you know that He sings over us? Wow! That is truly profound! Can you think of a song that Jesus has been singing over you lately?
Maybe it’s a song of comfort telling you that you’ll get through this difficult time. Maybe he’s grieving and weeping over you because you’ve strayed away from Him as your first love.
Or, is He rejoicing over you because you’ve accomplished something?
Whatever it is, know Jesus is singing a song of love.
I’ll close with the Scripture that inspired this devotional:
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with
singing.” (Nephaniah 3:17 NIV)

Who is Jesus to You?

Although I had many great father figures in my life growing up, my biological father was not present. The Bible says that God is the Father to the fatherless. That has given me much comfort over the years as I’ve grown in my faith. I’ve clung to many verses that show how He cares for His children.

So I wonder, who is Jesus to you? Is He your father? Is he your best friend? To some he’s their Savior. To others, their shepherd.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Jesus is all these things to me and more! But, I believe that we each hold something dear to us that Jesus has truly been in our lives.
Please share who Jesus is to you, and if you can, provide us with one verse that you’ve clung to that demonstrates how He has been there for you in that way.

Reflections on Easter

As we’ve recently cellebrated Easter in remembrance of our Lord’s death and ressurection, I just wanted us to reflect on a couple verses from the book of Isaiah.
Isaiah 1:18 says: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
While studying this verse, I was convicted with the question: “What color is your life?” Even if we’ve accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, we should still be considering this question and whether or not we portray the right colors to those around us.

Isaiah 53:5 says: “But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
As I consider this passage of Scripture, I am amazed by the fact that Christ loved us so much to take our sin upon himself. And in doing so, He gave us life and healing!
Although the a-nual cellebration of Easter is behind us, may we stop and thank God for his unfailing love and faithfulness every day.

What are your thoughts on these verses? Do you have a favorite verse about the the death and ressurection of Christ? If so, we’d love to hear about it and be able to share it with others. Please know that any feedback you send us may be featured on a future edition of the InHimCast podcast.
You can call our comment line at: (206) 350-7994.

In the name of…

Last Friday evening we debuted a brand-new song called “In The Name”. This is a great worship song that shows what we have access to through Christ. It’s amazing to think that so much power, freedom, and healing can be found only under one name! And, that name is the wonderful and awesome name of Jesus!
We can’t get this power, freedom, or healing through drugs or alcohol. We can’t get it through any relationship, and we sure can’t get it from our own imperfect human attempt at strength.
Can you think of one thing in particular that you’ve found in the name of Jesus? Maybe it was freedom. Maybe it was healing. Or, maybe it was wholeness when you were broken. Whatever it was, we’d love to hear about it! And, if you’re lookking for something and you don’t know where else you can turn, I encourage you to call on the name of Jesus! Maybe you are calling on His name, but you’d really like some encouragement or someone to stand with you. If so, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Whatever your prayer request is, we’d love to pray for you!

Come look through the eyes of faith

One of our most popular songs is “Faith”. This song speaks about how God knows all, and He can do anything, even the impossible!
At times, it is hard to look at life through the eyes of Faith. However, let’s consider a child. Children have faith in those who care for them. They automaticly believe they will be cared for. If you were to ask most children, “Will your mother feed you dinner tonight?” The child may stare blankly at you, or they may laugh. They’d probably respond by saying, “Yes”. Of course they would! Most parents wouldn’t think twice about feeding their children, and most children wouldn’t think twice about the possibility that their meal will not be there.
In the same way, we should have that kind of Faith in Christ.

What is faith anyways? “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
As I continue to read Hebrews Chapter 11, I am struck with awe of how faithful many in the Bible were.
“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” (Hebrews 11:3)
Wow, could you imagine trying in your own human strength to make something out of things you did not have? This is one example of how God is all-powerful.
If we read verses 5 and 6, they say: “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
This passage of Scripture points out that there is much more to faith than just saying “I believe”. You Must Earnestly seek God. We can earnestly seek him through prayer and the study of His word.

Just as with those commended for their faith in Hebrews 11, we may not always see the things we ask for come to pass. But, take one more look at the meaning of faith in verse 1: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” This verse never states that we should only have faith for those things that we know we will see come to pass. We must have the faith of a child. We also must have the faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the many others in the Bible who did not see their promises come to pass.

There are many things I could say on the subject of faith. If you would like for me to expand on this topic, feel free to say as such!
In the meantime, I encourage you to have true, honest faith in Christ!
If someone was to ask you, “Will God do what you ask him to?” What will your response be? Will you be able to honestly say like the child who is asked about their dinner provisions, “Yes!”?
If you don’t feel you are strong enough to respond with a child-like faith, please feel free to ask us to pray for you. Whatever your need is, God cares about it and so do we!

When the driver’s door is open, who’s seat are you in?

This is our third devotional in our series on ministry.
There are times when your ministry begins to expand. It’s easy as humans to take control and want to run things our way. We seem to forget who got us to the expansion point in the first place, and we want to go our own way.
One of my favorite bible verses is: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

As I examine this verse, not only am I comforted, but I am convicted.
I am comforted to know that God cares for each and every one of us so much that He knows the plans He has for us. He knows the number of hairs on our head. He knows what we think, what we say, what we do, and even what we pray before we do!
But, I am convicted because I’m just as guilty as anyone else of trying to take the Lord’s plans and do with them what I want.
This not only applies to ministry, but life in general.
We need to remember that God knows what’s best for us. He is the one who divinely
created us, and he is the all-knowing, all-powerfull, loving planner of our lives!
We need to let God take the wheel and be our driver for life!

Can you think of a time when you tried to take control of a situation? What happened in the end?
What have you learned from that experience?
Is there a situation that you know you need to leave to the Lord, but you’re having a hard time letting him be in control of it? Is there any way we could pray for you?
Please send your feedback via our toll-free comment line at: (877) 712-1451.

How do you rate on the love scale?

On Thursday many will celebrate Valentine’s day. This holiday is mainly thought of as a romantic day, but I can think of many other ways we can show love to one another. How do you rate on the love scale? I’m not asking you how many gifts you bought for others, or how many times the words “I love you” came from your mouth. I wonder however if we really know what love is?
Some may not have had a good earthly example of love, but we all have the best heavenly example of love through Jesus.

In John 15:13-14, Jesus says: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Then in verse 17 he ’says: “This is my command: Love each other.”
You may be wondering: Will we all sacrifice our lives for love? How are we to love each other?

First, no we will not all die to demonstrate love to one another. However, we may sacrifice in other ways. We may sacrifice our time or our own desires. I’ve heard of many who have sacrificed much to show love to others. Can you think of a time where you have made sacrifices for those you love? Or, was there someone who sacrificed for you?
Second, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 gives us some great guidelines to love by: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails…”
I honestly believe that our road map for loving others couldn’t be more exact than this.
As we examine this passage of Scripture, I ask again: “How do you rate on the love scale?”
Where do you think your strengths and weaknesses lie in light of the apostle paul’s description of love?

I understand that as humans we are by no means perfect. I can see many places where I myself struggle to love as the Scriptures command us to do. One amazing demention of love is grace. We must show grace to one another as we walk through this life together. And we must thank God every day for His unfailing grace as He leads us on! May the Lord give us the grace and love to rate higher on the love scale!
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Is there any way we could pray for you? Do you long to rate higher on the love scale? Can you think of places where you struggle to love as Jesus loves? Please feel free to share your prayer requests or other feedback by calling our InHimCast comment line at: (206) 984-4842.

Where do you search for God?

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

I find it interesting how many people search on the internet for topics relating to the Lord. From loving him and others, to knowing His will for our lives.
Now don’t get me wrong, I believe there are many great resources online that aid in edifying the body of Christ. But it is still important to do as our Scripture from Isaiah points out. Not only should we “seek the Lord while He may be found”, but we should seek the Lord where He may be found. The question is: Where can we find Him?

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

One way we can know the will of God is through prayer. Prayer is having a conversation with God. It’s talking to Him and listening to what He has to say.
There are many Scriptures that discuss the importance of prayer, and there are many great men and women of the Bible who prayed for many reasons. Why do you think it is important to seek the Lord in prayer? What are some prayer requests the Lord has answered on behalf of you or someone you know?

Another way to find the will of God is through His Word. Although it can be difficult, and many distractions can get in our way, it is important to study the Bible on a daily basis. I’ll admit that this is one area that I too struggle with. If you are reading this devotional, then like me you long to seek the Lord and know Him and His will even more.
Let’s look at a few Scriptures that show the importance of God’s Word.
In Matthew 4:4, while Jesus was being tempted, He told satan this: “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
So, just as it is important to feed our flesh with nutritious food, it is also important to feed our minds on the Word of God. Why is this important?
Because as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Now that we’ve examined why Scripture is important, let’s look at why it can be trusted.

In 1 Peter 1:24-25 it reads: “For, “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.”
In Matthew 24:35, Jesus reminds us that “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
So as you can see by these passages of Scripture, many things will not last forever. But, the Word of the Lord will stand the test of time.
Can you think of a time in your life when you sought the Lord and a certain passage of Scripture stood the test of time?

Today we have briefly examined the importance of using Scripture and prayer to search for God. While many things including the internet will pass away, God, His word, and the power of prayer will always remain.

We would love to hear from you. If God has shown himself real through prayer or His Word, we’d love to hear about it! Would you like for us to expand on any of these topics: Prayer, God’s Word, or seeking the Lord?
Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
You can send us your feedback by calling the InHimCast comment line at: (206) 984-4842.

God isn’t in the fast-food business

Are you served or serving?
This is the second devotional in our series on ministry. The first in this series was entitled, “What is your ministry worth to you?” This devotional can be viewed via the Monday Meal link on our website.

A while back before our official website was launched, we were referring people to our blog which can now be found via the journal link of our website. I had one worship pastor get quite angry with me, as he felt we were not making things “easy enough” or “fast enough” for our blog visitors. In order to listen to any of our music, one needed to go to the “friends” heading and click on any of the sites listed under that heading. This worship pastor told me that he was “a very busy man” and asked me if I wanted him to listen to music or read a blog.
Keep in mind that at the time our ministry was on a very tight budget, and we couldn’t even afford the web hosting plan we needed. We were utilizing the resources God had so graciously blessed us with.
After I discussed the situation with Andy we determined two things:
1. We needed to switch to a new web hosting plan and get our website launched.
2. God isn’t in the fast food business.

I find it very troubling how our world has become so fast-paced. We prefer e-mail and instant messaging rather than snail mail, and we want many things in an instant. Many of us (myself included) have a hard time with patience.
If we want to minister as Jesus did, we need to serve as Jesus did.
Mark 9:35 says: “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Part of serving in any ministry includes the need for us to exemplify patience and humility. We must put the needs of others before our own desires.
Philippians 2:3-4 says: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Our ministry has expanded, we’ve since launched an easy-to-navigate website, and we’ve been reminded yet again that God isn’t in the fast-food business; and it is better to serve than be served!
We must remember that we may be the only tangible form of Jesus that some will see.

Is there any way we could pray for you? Do you (like me) have a hard time with serving with patience and humility? Do you just need encouragement in your walk with the Lord or the ministry He has divinely called you to? Whatever your prayer requests, we would be honoured to pray for you!

When is it all right to cross the lines?

Recently as I called churches to see if any were interested in having In Him minister to their congregation, I came across a Pastor who really made me think. This gentleman felt it was his duty to tell me that because we do not accept other artists here at Eternity Records, we should not technically be called a record company. He felt it would cause too much confusion among Christian artists. He also felt that if we were to do Christian music, that we shouldn’t deceive people into thinking we’re something we’re not.
So, after hearing what he had to say I kindly explained to him the reasons why we operate our business as we do. Unfortunately, I am of the opinion that this Pastor overstepped his boundaries and crossed some lines.

In saying all of this, and showing you this illustration, I am not here to point fingers. Nore am I here to start a debate on the business practices of Eternity Records or any other business for that matter.
I do find it interesting however, that as Christians some feel that they know all there is to know about God and the Christian faith. For instance, it’s as if because someone is of a different denomination than you, they’re wrong even though they are Christians and they truly follow Christ. I’ll admit, I am just as guilty of this as anyone else. I just pray that we could have unity and not division in the body of Christ. I honestly believe that we are in the last days, and Christ is coming soon! If we plan to reach those who are not saved, we must stand and reach together. We can not do this alone. We need each other to support, uplift, encourage, and pray together.
So, may we unite together, for one cause, and under one name!
May we cross the lines and break down the man-made walls that so easily separate us!

Do you truly appreciate those around you?

We have a guest writer here on the Monday Meal. You know him as the guitarist for In Him. He needs no further introduction, so here to present his thoughts on appreciating others is my Dear husband Andy.

“It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.” (Phillipians 1:7-8)

In the above passage of scripture, Paul tells the church in Philipi that he cares for them regardless of their situation. He also knows that they care for him just the same. Just like Paul, we are to tell those around us that we care for and appreciate them. Appreciating everyone we know helps build a bond that with God’s love, protection, and power can not be broken. It helps spread the good news about Jesus and what he did for us on the cross.
Another reason we should tell others we appreciate them is because every member of the body of Christ is important. As it shows in 1 Corinthians 12:21-26, the body of Christ cannot function without each of its members.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”
22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty,
24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it,
25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

I know it’s not easy to tell somebody what you think or feel about them, but we need to step up and do it. We would normally think it would be harder telling someone something negative, or something constructive that they might not want to hear. Actually, it’s the other way around. It is probably harder to tell them something you feel or think is good about them. The main reason for this is the Devil is trying to go against you wanting to build bonds with others. He wants to break down anything and everything he can get a hold of. Here is something we can all do to be involved in appreciating the people we know and love. Ultimately, we need to tell people we care about them and appreciate them as soon as we can, after it comes to mind. Ask God to help and guide you in this. Remember, don’t let the Devil steal your care and appreciation for others. Pray that God would help you in this truth, and pray that others would be able to do the same.

I encourage you to take some time this week, and let someone know you appreciate them. It could be through a note, a phone call, or face-to-face. Whatever it is, try to find one or maybe even a few things that you could focus on that you appreciate about that person.
Is there any way we could pray for you? Is there someone you have a hard time expressing your appreciation for? Is there someone you have a hard time appreciating? Do you maybe take those around you for granted?
Please feel free to let us know how we could pray for you!
Leave your prayer requests and/or feedback by calling our comment line at: (206) 984-4842.

Andy – In Him

A little goes a long way

This is a post taken from my personal blog. It was originally posted on April 12, 2007.
As I recently browsed through past entries, I was struck by how true this still applies in my life.
So may you be blessed as I have been, and don’t forget to leave your feedback!

A Little Goes a Long Way

I wanted to bring to you the latest challenge the Lord has given me:
We’ve all heard it said: “A little goes a long way”. Well, I’m going to show you one way that’s applied to me in recent days.
You know the Bible story of the five loaves and two fish?
Jesus had taken that food, and he miraculously fed 5,000 people!
How does that apply to us today?
Have you ever seen someone do something so great?
Although we may not see someone feed 5,000 people with 5 loaves and two fish, I can tell you that we still serve a great and miraculous God! I feel like that servant boy so plain and ordinary… And yet he can still use me?
Yes he can, and I’m glad he does!

My husband Andy and I sponsor a little girl from Mexico by the name of Ana, through Compassion International.
We just recently received a letter from her, and one of the things she mentioned in that letter was what she and her family were able to do with our Christmas gift.
We sent her $15.00, and with that money her family was able to purchase beans, rice, sugar, fruit, vegetables, etc.
You may be thinking that’s not a big deal, but when you consider that food such as this is basically a necessity, that brings this in to a whole different light.
With that $15.00, we could probably feed the two of us for a couple days or so, while her family could feed the 5 of them for much longer!
I knew our money was making a difference, but it’s great that through her letter, God is reminding me yet again of how great He really is, and that a little does go a long way!

So, as you go throughout your week, pray that God would show you how a little can go a long way in your life today.
And remember:
God takes the ordinary, so He can do the extraordinary!

Tell me your story.
Can you think of a time in your life where God has taken the ordinary to do the extraordinary?
Or, can you think of a time where God showed you how great He is?
Has He ever shown you that a little has gone a long way in your life?

Leave feedback by calling our comment line at: (206) 984-4842. Your story could be featured on a future edition of the InHimCast!

What does the new year mean to you?

Hello, and Happy New Year!
As we embark on a new year, we wanted to do something a little different for this week’s Monday Meal.
I wonder what the new year means to you? Does it mean a fresh start? Is it a clean slate or page on which to write the next chapter of your life? Are you
like me reminded that God’s mercy is new every morning?
Do you have any goals you’d like to acomplish in the coming year?
If you’d be willing to share your thoughts either on 2007 or 2008, we’d love to hear from you!
Maybe you have creative ways you’ve brought in the new year in the past? 

We would also like to know what you’d like to see for the Monday Meal in 2008. Is there a topic you’d like us to expand on? Would you like us to cover something
we haven’t touched on yet?
We would really appreciate your feedback, and we encourage you to share the Monday Meal with others as well!
Thank you for sharing this time with us each week. We really enjoy this devotional time together, and the feedback we’ve received thus far has been a great
encouragement.

Keep that feedback coming, and we’ll see you in 2008! 

Do you see God’s Salvation?

Hello and Merry Christmas!This week we wrap up our series on the five Christmas songs of the Bible by examining Simion’s song.

The account of this song is found in Luke 2:25-32:

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon

him.

26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 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,

28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you now dismiss your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel.”

As you reflect on Christ’s birth, what do you see? Do you see just the birth of a child? Do you see the manger sceen and think, “Awe, how sad that He had to be born in such poor conditions”? Or, do you see what Simion saw? Do you see God’s salvation?

I encourage you to look past the manger. May we be reminded of the reason Jesus was born. He was born so that He could die to take away the sins of the world. May we see the cross. Notice the empty toomb. Look at the King of Kings upon His throne.

When you see God’s salvation, do you have peace as Simion did? As we saw in today’s passage of Scripture, Simion was told through the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he saw Christ. In having faith in this revelation, when Simion saw Christ in the temple, he knew and had peace about leaving this world.

We too can experience that peace, but only if we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and allow Him to live in our hearts.

If you do not have peace as you see Jesus as He really is, I encourage you to pray. Ask Him to forgive you for your sins, and come and live in your heart. Tell Him that you believe He came to die for your sins. Praise Him and thank Him for coming to this world as a baby, and humbling himself even to death on the cross.

If you have questions about salvation, I’d be more than happy to help you!

If while reading this you’ve prayed the prayer of salvation, please feel free to share that as well. We’d love to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice in your new birth in Christ!

Are you already a Christian? If you have a Christmas song you’d like to share then please do! Do you want to praise God for being our salvation? If you’d like, I am willing to share your Christmas song at the beginning of our devotional time next week.

I’d like to close today by again wishing each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas! May you have a joyous celebration with your famly and friends, and may you remember the greatest gift of all, the gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Do you need peace?

As we continue in our study of the five Christmas songs of the Bible, we take a look at the song the angels sang to the shepherds that blessed Christmas
so many years ago.
The account of this beautiful song is found in Luke 2:8-14:
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the
glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that
will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will
find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

First, I find it interesting that each time an angel comes to bring a message to people, the angel usually says, “Do not be afraid”. That should be an encouragement
to us as Christians, as we should not fear the word or “message” from the Lord. When the heavenly hosts accompanied the first angel, they started praising
God. They glorified God, and pronounced peace to men on whom His favor rests. Again, this refers to Christians (those who believe in and follow Christ).
God longs to give us His favor, and He also wants to give us His peace. I also find it interesting how the first angel who spoke told the shepherds not
to be afraid, and then God’s peace was mentioned.
When you are afraid, do you run to the safety of Jesus and ask Him for His peace? Or, do you seek comfort and peace elsewhere? Maybe in material possessions?
Maybe you seek your comfort and peace in another human being. Or, maybe you try to bring peace upon yourself.

Also keep in mind that when Jesus was born, the world was anything but peaceful. People were in their hometowns for the census, and I’m sure many towns
were crowded and busy. There was no time to stop and think that the Savior of the world was to be born right in their midst! Oh, how I wish we would’ve
known…
Does this non-peaceful environment sound like your town? Is everyone in such a hurry that they miss the real meaning of Christmas? May they too miss the
gift of peace, just as many did all those years ago?
Maybe it sounds like your life. Or, maybe it just sounds like your heart. Maybe your life has been shattered with tragedy. Maybe you’re just stressed,
and you’re trying to figure out life on your own. I want to encourage all of us to stop…
Ask God for His peace that passes all understanding. Ask Him to make Christmas, and every day real and new to us again.

There once was a gift,
wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Some saw Him as a babe,
Herod saw Him as a threat to the throne.
But He was Christ, the King of Kings, the chosen one.
Some saw Him as He really was, the Savior of the world.
Many missed this gift and so I beg you please,
do not miss this gift, the perfect prince of peace.

Why do we question God, even when His plan is bigger than our thoughts?

What are your motives when you question God?This week as we continue our series on the five Christmas songs of the Bible, we will study the song of Zechariah.

Before we get into this song however, I want to show you some interesting points found in a few verses surrounding Zechariah’s song.

Let’s start when the angel appeared to Zechariah and told him that his wife Elizabeth was to bare a son.

This passage is found in Luke 1:11-20:

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.”

In verse 18, you’ll notice that Zechariah questioned the validity of what Gabriel was foretelling. Mary also questioned what the angel had told her about the birth of Christ; but her questions were spoken in wonder and amazement, while Zechariah’s questions were spoken out of disbelief. In response to Zechariah’s questioning, Gabriel took Zechariah’s speech away from him until John’s birth. That was a whole 9 months of silence!

Again I ask, what are your motives for questioning the Lord?

As imperfect humans, we question the plans of a perfect God. Even when we can not see the bigger picture. After Zechariah was sentenced to 9 months of imposed silence was when he sang his song. This song is recorded in Luke 1:68-80: 68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us 72 to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

I imagine that as Zechariah spoke, he was thinking only of the political freedom for Israel from the Romans. What a wonderful picture of prophecy God had so beautifully painted through Zechariah’s words. A prophecy of salvation not just for Israel, but all of mankind! And to think that Zechariah had questioned the very vital role his family was to play in this prophetic picture of love.

As you think on these passages this week, I encourage you to examine how and why you question what God is telling you to do. Do you question out of awe, wonder, and amazement as Mary had done? Or do you question out of doubt and disbelief like Zechariah? Ask God to help you trust His perfect will and plan for your life, even when you can’t see the tapistry of love the master painter is crafting for you.

When God uses you, who gets the glory?

Last week we started a series on the five songs of Christmas in the Bible. We looked at Elizabeth’s song, and I asked you if you were honored to be used by God.

This week, we’ll be looking at Mary’s song.

This song is also refered to as the Magnificat. In response to her cousin Elizabeth telling her how honored and blessed she was to be used by God, Mary then magnified the Lord. This passage of scripture is found in Luke 1:46-55:

46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers.”

As we read this passage, we see that God uses the humble but scatters the proud. At times when we are used by the Lord in any way, it may be hard to give the glory back to Him. We must remember that we are meer vesels used by the Lord to further His khingdom.

So this week, I encourage you to glorify the Lord in and through your service to Him. And, thank Him for Mary and her humble obedience in bringing Jesus into this world to die for our sins.

Do you feel honored and blessed to be used by God?

Over the next five weeks, we will be studying the five Christmas songs of the Bible. Many people may not realize that Christmas songs were actually created so long ago. As a matter of fact, Christmas songs were even created before the birth of Christ.

This week, let’s look at Elizabeth’s song.

I’d like to study Luke 1:39-42, 45.

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,

40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth

heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among

women, and blessed is the child you will bear!

45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

Keep in mind that God was performing miracles in both women’s lives. Elizabeth was past the child-bearing age by many years, and Mary was still a virgin. How could they then give birth to two men who would become vital in the will and plan of God? Only by His miraculous hand!

Also note that both women were in places of disgrace by the standards of their culture and world. But God gave them places of honor in His kingdom.

How about you? Do you feel honored and blessed to be used by God? Do you feel your calling is not a place of honor, or that you have been called to a low status in the Kingdom of God?

Are you looked down upon by others for what God has called you to do? Do people tell you you’re too young? Or maybe you have a disability, and by the world’s standards you shouldn’t do what you’ve been called to do.

On the other hand, is there someone who has encouraged you as Elizabeth encouraged her cousin Mary?

If not, I would like to encourage you right now.

If you’ve truly been called by God to do something, no matter how big or small the task, you are honored and blessed by God. No matter what the world tells you, you are unique and you bring that uniqueness into whatever you do.

Just as Elizabeth and Mary’s places of honor in the kingdom should never be overlooked, nor should the place of anyone called by God. Remember, as Christians we are sons and daughters of the most high. We are children of the King!

Are you thankful for the future as well as the present and past?

Here in America we will soon be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday this coming Thursday.

Today, i want to touch on something not many people think about. This last Sunday our pastor pointed out that as Christians we should be thankful not only for things in the past and present, but also what God is going to do for us in the future. Is there something you’re believing God for that you know is in His will? Now, I’m not talking about things like: “Well I know it’s in God’s will for me to win a million dollars in the lottery”. I’m talking about things like: “I know it’s in God’s will that this person is saved”. Or, “I know it’s in God’s will that I serve Him in some aspect of ministry after I complete my training”.

So, instead of me sharing a devotional with you, I want you to share your storries with me.

Here’s what I want you to do: Send me one thing your thankful for that’s happened in the past, one thing that God has done for you that you’re thankful for that happened in 2007, and one thing that you’re thanking Him for and believing Him for for the future.

I need you to tell me if I’m allowed to share these storries or not. I will select some storries that you’ve told me I can share that really touched me on Thursday.

Until next week, send in those storries and may God bless you as you thank Him!

Not only Thursday, not only this week, but every day!

Do you poke ears or perk them?

Recently while talking to a friend, I expressed some frustrations I was experiencing with someone else. This person with whom I was frustrated with had
attempted to give constructive critisism, but did not do it in a very gentle manner.
My friend had jokingly asked me if I had poked this person with a stick, and in the flesh I thought, “No, but I am sure I could’ve poked them with some
words”… I then thought about what I was thinking. How often do we speak out of anger or frustration and poke someone’s ears with our words? The bible likens
our tongues unto the rudder of a ship. Although the rudder is small, it is what steers the ship. Although are tongue is a very small part of our bodies,
it can steer our lives in so many ways. Words can make or break someone.
(Read James 3:1-12).

Proverbs 15:1 reads: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” We can either poke someone’s ears and hurt them by what we say,
or we can perk their ears and build them up. When someone hears something that tares their confidence down, they are not likely to listen to what we have
to say in the future. On the other hand, if we say something in a gentle manner, their ears will perk up, and we will be more likely to be heard.
Here are just a couple more of the many scriptures that instruct us to use wisely the power of our words:
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit
those who listen.”
James 1:19
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”

This week, may we all be challenged to be careful with what we say. Let’s take the time to think before we speak. Find someone who needs an encouraging
word. Maybe a friend is hurting and discouraged. Maybe you’ve recently hurt someone with a harsh word, and they need an appology. Maybe someone just needs
a hug, a smile, a shoulder to cry on, or a listening ear. Whatever it is, I pray that God will show each and everyone of us at least one person who could
use a gentle word today.
Let’s not poke ears, but let’s perk them!

What is your ministry worth to you?

As Christians we are called to minister at some point in time, and in some way or another. The question is: How far would you go to fulfill that calling?
Whether you minister to your family, (saved or unsaved), through your job, (any job can be considered a ministry), or to people you don’t even know, you are called to minister.
For instance, Andy and I are called to minister through music.
Even Jesus was called to minister. He ministered through His miracles, teachings, and healings. He also ministered through His death and resurrection.

There are times in ministry when we’ve reached a valley. We may get discouraged, angry, or frustrated.
These are the times when I try to think about how Jesus must have felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew the perfect Will of His father was for Him to die to save the world from their sins. And yet, He still felt agony and despair.
In Mark 14:34, Jesus tells some of His disciples: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death…” And then in verse 36 it reads: “Abba, Father,” he said, “Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Notice in the second part of this verse, even in His agony Jesus acknowledged His father’s perfect will for His life. He was willing to submit, even unto death.

Now, I’m not saying that we will all die for our faith, but again I ask you, “What is your ministry worth to you?”
Will you accept the calling God has placed on your life, whatever it may be?

I pray that in reading this, you have been encouraged to know that God truly understands our struggles. He is with us in our ministry. Even in those valleys, when you’re discouraged, angry or frustrated.
Is there any way I could encourage you in your ministry? Is there anything I could take before the Lord in prayer? Would you like me to expand on this topic? Would you be interested in more devotional posts’?
Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

May God continue to richly bless you, and may you stand firm in the calling of the Lord!