FLEXABILITY

 

FLEXABILITY

Put On the New Self

  Romans [ESV] 12:1-3 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 

  Colossians 3:1-3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 

 

  FACT: Life never stops changing.

  FACT: God’s John 1:12;3:3 children we are to adapt and mature accordingly in ways pleasing to Him.

  In discussing the two facts above with a friend experiencing change in a number of ways, not the least of which in the adverse effects of progressive MS, she  today responded with the following insightful remarks that I identify with: “Snails do great things too. It took me the better part of 3 years to adjust/understand my new body with its limitations I could never imagine. I had never been accustomed to slowing down before to take it easy, sitting down and allowing my body to rest, which often means a nap. There are slow days resulting in tasks not completed.

  Now a big dose of acceptance toward my body must be given each and every day and being okay with it.

  And I don’t forget to thank the Lord for mixing things up in my life so I may continue to mature.”

  Who among us is not traveling this path?

EBB4 & Annamarie

HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS VIEW YOGA?

 

How should a Christian view yoga?

physical exercise and strengthening and improving flexibility of the muscles. However, the philosophy behind yoga is much more than physically improving oneself. It is an ancient practice derived from India, believed to be the path to spiritual growth and enlightenment.
  The word yoga means "union," and the goal is to unite one’s transitory (temporary) self with the infinite Brahman, the Hindu concept of "God." This god is not a literal being, but is an impersonal spiritual substance that is one with nature and the cosmos. This view is called "pantheism," the belief that everything is God and that reality consists only of the universe and nature. Because everything is God, the yoga philosophy makes no distinction between man and God.
   Hatha yoga is the aspect of yoga that focuses on the physical body through special postures, breathing exercises, and concentration or meditation. It is a means to prepare the body for the spiritual exercises, with fewer obstacles, in order to achieve enlightenment. The practice of yoga is based on the belief that man and God are one. It is little more than self-worship disguised as high-level spirituality.
  The question becomes for many Christians in the West who don’t understand the history behind it, yoga is simply a means of is it possible for a Christian to isolate the physical aspects of yoga as simply a method of exercise, without incorporating the spirituality or philosophy behind it? Yoga originated with a blatantly anti-Christian philosophy, and that philosophy has not changed. It teaches one to focus on oneself instead of on the one true God. It encourages its participants to seek the answers to life’s difficult questions within their own consciousness instead of in the Word of God. It also leaves one open to deception from God’s enemy, who searches for victims whom he can turn away from God (1 Peter 5:8).
  Whatever we do should be done for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31), and we would be wise to heed the words of the apostle Paul: "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" (Philippians 4:8, NLT). A Christian should exercise caution and pray for discernment regarding involvement in yoga.

Go0tQuestions.org

A LAMP UNTO MY FEET

 

A LAMP UNTO MY FEET

 

Psalm 119:105-112 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. 

 

  When we lived in the country there were no street lights as there are in town, so on nights there was no moon, it was dark!

  But even when I was up at night tending to the babies or answering the phone, I had no trouble finding my way in the dark because I knew where everything was.

  I find this true of my walk with Christ. Because I have His Word in my heart He lights my life-path so I don’t stumble.

  May I always keep my heart turned to Him, “even unto the end.”

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928 – 3/1/2020)

ENCOURAGEMENT

 

ENCOURAGEMENT

 

Romans [BBE] 12:1-2 For this reason I make request to you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you will give your bodies as a living offering, holy, pleasing to God, which is the worship it is right for you to give him. And let not your behaviour be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God. 

 

For God’s Jn.1:12; 3:3 children, encouragement is helping another person see a difficult situation from a Biblical point of view. (Abridged from various readings.)

 

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, or your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

 

EBB4

REJOICING IN HOPE

 

Question: "How can we be rejoicing in hope (Romans 12:12)?"

 

Answer: In Romans 12, the apostle Paul encourages believers to live together in love, serving one another as members of the body of Christ: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer” (Romans 12:10–12, NASB).

Paul’s charge to be “rejoicing in hope” refers to glad-hearted, celebratory confidence in an expectation being fulfilled. Such was the experience of Abraham: “Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations” (Romans 4:18, NLT). Abraham looked forward with joyful expectancy to the fulfillment of God’s promise. King David also rejoiced in hope, steadfastly anticipating the Lord’s salvation: “I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay” (Psalm 16:8–10).

After Jesus sent out seventy-two of His disciples to minister to the lost, they returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” But Jesus told them not to “rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17–20). As Christians, our joy and hope must not be anchored in our accomplishments and victories here on earth but in the future expectation of heaven. Only then will we have the power to persevere through difficult circumstances, persecution, and afflictions in this present life.

Paul informs us that we can be rejoicing in hope even as we endure suffering, looking forward with confidence and joy to the Lord’s return and the glory to follow (Romans 5:1–5). The nature of our hope is joyful and sure because it rests on the character of Christ, the One in whom we place our hope. In Christ, we can trust that we will receive everything He has promised, even though we must wait for it. For now, we stand by faith in His grace, delighting in the knowledge that one day His glory will be revealed in us.

In Romans 8:16–17, Paul explains that the Spirit of God now dwelling in us reassures us we are God’s children and thus destined to receive an inheritance that includes participating in God’s glory. We may be suffering now, but we can be rejoicing in hope because “what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are” (Romans 8:18–19, NLT). By His Spirit, “we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope” (Galatians 5:5).

Paul likens the experience of rejoicing in hope to “groaning as in the pains of childbirth” (Romans 8:22, NLT). An expectant mother endures the agonies of labor, but not without the joyous expectation that, after her travail, she will hold her precious baby in her arms. We “groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently)” (Romans 8:23–25, NLT).

We can be rejoicing in hope as we read Scriptures, which “give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled” (Romans 15:4, NLT). We can look forward “with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed” (Titus 2:13, NLT).

The Bible tells us to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; 2 Corinthians 13:11), even as we wait for the promise of His glorious salvation: “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8–9, NLT). Like Peter, we can be rejoicing every day in the living hope of eternal life: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3)  www.GotQuestions.org

HOPE< OR "HOPE SO"

 

HOPE, OR “HOPE SO”

 

Marks of the True Christian

Rom 12:9  Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 

Rom 12:10  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 

Rom 12:11  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 

Rom 12:12  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 

Rom 12:13  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 

Rom 12:14  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 

Rom 12:15  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 

Rom 12:16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 

Rom 12:17  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 

Rom 12:18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 

Rom 12:19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 

Rom 12:20  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 

Rom 12:21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

 

  What is your hope when it comes tom salvation?

  Some professing Christians tell me they hope so; “I’ll find out when I die.”

  I and others trusting Christ have peace in His promised hope, blessed assurance.

  Are you a ”hope so” Christian? I encourage you to do a know-so study in First, Second, and Third John.

  God in His Word provides blessed assurance.

EBB4

A JOURNEYMAN

 

A JOURNEYMAN

Sunday, January 8, 2023

  Last evening family and friends gathered at my home for a surprise dinner party celebrating my completion of my 87^th year.

  As is said, “Today is the first day of the rest of my life!” (Year 88.) which I pray I will face with Pauline maturity in trusting my Lord. (Phil.4:12)

EBB4

 

Resurrection

There are two aspects of resurrection.

What are the, two?

 Socially one is primarily considered, with very few considering the presently active aspect (Philippians 3:10) of resurrection. WHY?

Colossians [GW]2:13-14  You were once dead because of your failures and your uncircumcised corrupt nature. [Rom.2:29] But God made you alive with Christ when he forgave all our failures. He did this by erasing the charges that were brought against us by the written laws God had established. He took the charges away by nailing them to the cross. 

 

  When a person by faith is born-again they are resurrected now. (John 3:1-21)

  Presently born-again resurrected individuals this side of physical demise simply then move beyond death to completing their eternal resurrection.

  If a person is not born-again they are neither resurrected now or forever! (Jn.3:18)

EBB4

AMBASSADORSHIP

 

AMBASSADORSHIP

 

2Corinthians [GW] 5:14-21  Clearly, Christ's love guides us. We are convinced of the fact that one man has died for all people. Therefore, all people have died. He died for all people so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for the man who died and was brought back to life for them. So from now on we don't think of anyone from a human point of view. If we did think of Christ from a human point of view, we don't anymore. Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn't hold people's faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships [KJV etc. “ambassadors”] to tell others. Therefore, we are Christ's representatives, and through us God is calling you. We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God. God had Christ, who was sinless, take our sin so that we might receive God's approval through him. 

 

  Want to know what the life of an ambassador for Christ can be like? Take a look at Paul, a man the Author, God, chose as one of His penman.

  Though I’ve never encountered the level of Paul’s experiences, I have faced acceptance and rejection as I’ve shared the Word of God.

  From the moment I trusted Lord Jesus Christ personally (Jn.3:3) I took the privilege and responsibility of God’s ambassador seriously. My very first morning as a born-again believer I immediately went and shared the good news with my years long next-door best friend. He immediately became irate, ushered me out, and did not speak to me for 40+ years. As I exited his home he said that I had presumptuously insulted God. He was not, nor will be, the last to react thusly.

  And there are the wonderful stories of those trusting Jesus and living hereafter in blessed assurance and the service of the King.

  Let us not grow weary in ambassadorship’s privilege and responsibility.

EBB4

JHON 3:16

 

JOHN 3:16

 

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

 

  Is John 3:16 the most familiar and quoted and claimed verse from God’s Word (the Bible)? I suspect so.

  But exactly what does the critical hinge-point word “believe” mean?

  Looking at the Greek we learn: Strong’s G4100 πιστεύω; pisteuō; pist-yoo'-o

From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.  Total KJV occurrences: 248

  To give further insight I share from my life:

·      I believe Jimmy Hoffa was a real person. I met him and refused to shake his hand because I did not believe in Jimmy Hoffa.

·      I believe Joe Biden is our president. I do not have faith in, upon, or with respect to, that is, credit; by implication to entrust my well being in him.

·      In the Fall of my 27^th year I believed, put my faith in, upon, or with respect to, that is, credit; and thereafter entrusted my life here and eternally. Prior to that moment I believed in God, but did not trust him personally. I was born-again (Jn.3:3) and from that moment began to think and act differently (Rom.12:1-3; 2Cor.5:14-21; Col.3:1-17) following the John 1:1 Word/word.

·      Now I live in blessed assurance, something Jimmy Hoffa could never provide and something Joe Biden will never provide.

  And in whom or what do you believe for the blessed assurance of everlasting life?

EBB4

HAPPY NEW YOU!

 

HAPPY NEW YOU! Kevin Stone, Crosspoint Bible Church, Sunday, January 1, 2023

 

2Corinthians [ESV] 5:17-18  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 

 

Two lists for the new you:

  Describing the new you (2Cor.5:14-21)

 

1.The new you lives not for yourself, but for God.

2. The new you doesn’t judge anyone, including yourself, by the flesh. [Your old personal standards.]

3.The new you embraces the death of the old you.

4.The new you has been completely reconciled to God – with no sine counted against you.

5.The new you is an ambassador for Christ, and is becoming the righteousness of God.

 

Out new you resolutions. (Col.3:1-17)

 

1.Seek the things of God, not of this world.

2.Die to the old you and his/her sinful passions.

3.Give up anger, gossip, filthy language, and lying.

4.Give up pride, envy, and a sense of privilege.

5.Be kind, compassionate, humble, patient, and forgiving.

6.Be loving, at peace within and with others, be caring, gracious and thankful.

7.Speakm of and sing Christ to one another, teaching, exemplifying, admonishing and encouraging.

8.Do everything in the name of Jesus, glorifying God with gratitude always.

 

Remember that since your past sins no longer defines who you are, you are free to fully pursue God now!

 

THEC SIE$VE OF EDEUCATION

 

THE SIEVE OF EDUCATION

  I am all for continual education, and for those so inclined I endorse and encourage it. However, it is quite easy to do so apart from salvation or godly purpose (To further serve Him.). Far above any degree God “would have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” And yet there will be multitudes forever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth. (1Tim.2:4; 2Tim.3:7)

  Beware allowing education being your ungodly hole!

EBB4

COUNT THE COST

 

COUNT THE COST

 

Luke 14:25-33 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. 

 

  I’m behind in my writing! When I first started this book (From My Heart, Daily Devotions) I was in Mt. Vernon and had time on my hands. Now I’ve moved, made lots of new friends and am more active in my church and in everyday activities.

  I have left my devotional writing take a back seat. Now I’m refiguring the cost of time to invest here at my table praying and writing.

  Starting today, I will invest my time and effort in what is important.

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928 – 3/1/2020)

SALVATION, THE GREATER GIFT

 

NO GREATER GIFT; SAVATION

 

Joh_4:10  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Rom_5:15  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

Rom_5:16  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

Rom_5:17  For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Rom_5:18  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Rom_6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2Co_9:15  Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Eph_2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

THEV BUSINESS OF CHRISTMAS

 

CONSIDERING THE ‘BUSINESS’ OF CHRISTMAS SEASON

By Jim Eckman, Omaha NE church advisor and teaching pastor for Steadfast Bible Fellowship Church.

 

  In Charles Dickens’ “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”, the dialogue between the ghost of Jacob Marley and Ebenezer Scrooge is worth pondering. As Scrooge protests Marley’s intrusion, he declares that Marley “was always a good man of business,” to which Marley responds: “Business! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business: charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence were all my business.” The feverish materialism of Christmas mirrors Scrooge’s perspective, not Marley’s redeemed perspective on “business”. But what exactly is the “business” of Christmas?

  In November my wife and I saw the movie “A beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Arguably one of the best movies of 2019, it stars Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers, the host of the popular PBS program “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood,” which aired from 1968 through 2001. “Would you be mine, could you be mine, please would you be my neighbor?” That threefold question was the recurring theme song Fred Rogers sang as he entered the front door.

  Incredibly gracious and compassionate, Rogers’ passion was serving children. Since play is the language of childhood, he used puppets and make-believe to help children work through conflicts and resolve fears. He loved to tell stories. Fred Rogers once said: “I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favorite story. The pleasure is in the familiar ways the story begins, with anticipation of the familiar turns it takes, the familiar moments of suspense and the familiar climax and ending.” Since it is so familiar, let’s review the Christmas story. The scene is the backwater town of Bethlehem. The innkeeper., Herod and other political leaders all missed the magnitude of what was occurring. But the shepherds and the Magi didn’t.

  The shepherds were tending their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem, keeping watch against thieves and predatory animals. In all likelihood, those very sheep would be offered as sacrifices on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, less than 5 miles away. Shepherds were despised and distrusted and were not even permitted to give testimony in a court of law. They were poor and most likely uneducated, perhaps even unable to read the Hebrew Scriptures. On that first Christmas night, Luke 2:8-20 reminds us, an angel, joined by a host of angels singing praises to God, announced Christ’s birth. The shepherds immediately went to Bethlehem, but, because they were poor, they offered no gifts to the Child; instead they gave themselves. [I believe that in abandoning their flocks they did so at some risk. EBB4]

  The magi (Mt.2:1-12) were likely from Persia and members of a religious caste devoted to astrology and divination. Therefore they quickly discerned the importance of the star, which guided them to the Christ child. Their journey was over 800 miles and would have taken about 40 days. Arriving at Bethlehem, they worshipped the child and gave him the most extravagant, valuable and marketable gifts imaginable in the ancient world – gold, frankincense and myrrh. Perhaps that is how Mary and Joseph financed their sojourn in Egypt These potentates from the East were rich, powerful men of leisure who could afford a long, expensive journey. What a contrast with the lowly shepherds.

  However, the shepherds and the magi were united in their joy, exhilaration and worship – a Savior had come. They knew the same truth that historic, Biblical Christianity has always embraced: This child was Immanuel, the world’s Savior, the Messiah and coming king of kings and lord of lords. That is why we sing the carols and give our gifts – all in remembrance of God’s gift in Jesus. Unmerited. Undeserved. We simply trust in His completed work that began with the cradle and led to the cross. That is the “business” of Christmas.

FEAR NOT!

 

FEAR NOT!

“In 1965, Charles Schulz, a devout Christian and creator of the Peanuts comic strip, was asked to create a Christmas special for CBS featuring the Peanuts Characters.

He agreed, with one requirement, that they allow him to include the story of the birth of Jesus.

Although the stations executives were hesitant and tried to convince him otherwise, Schulz was insistent.

As a result, for the past 50 plus years, millions of people have watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and heard the story of Jesus and “what Christmas is all about.”

It wasn’t until a few years back that I realized a “hidden message” in the film.

Linus, who is a child who seems to have some insecurities as he carries a security blanket with him at all times.

In fact, Linus NEVER drops his blanket, except once....

While sharing the message of “what Christmas is all about,” Linus drops his blanket at the exact moment he says the words, “fear not!”

In this seemingly innocent moment, Linus delivers a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

We are to “fear not”, for Jesus is born.

We needn’t rely on material things for security, we have God with us, “Immanuel”, (Matthew 1:23) Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior - the true meaning of Christmas.

Awhile back, someone informed me, indignantly so, that Linus picks up his blanket at the end of the speech so my interpretation must be wrong.

Well, he was right, Linus does pick up his blanket at the end of his speech. However, he “drops” it again later...

Amid big, bright, colorful, shiny artificial trees, Charlie Brown chose the least of these, a little, wooden tree with just a few branches. Shortly thereafter, Linus uses his blanket to wrap about the base of the tree and says, “Maybe it just needs a little love”.

In that moment, the tree “awakens”, stands tall and firm.

A reminder that no matter who we are, how many mistakes we’ve made, a “little love” can make all the difference.

Let’s strive to “fear not” (Luke 2:10) and “love one another” (John 13:34), not just at Christmastime, but the whole year through.”

~ Charlene M. Speer, Christian Life Ministry

SPARGANOO

 

SPARGANOO

  Luke 2:1-12 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 

  “Sparganoo” is the Greek text word for swaddling. “Swaddling” being a foreign word in our USA culture; seldom used in common conversation, and lacking in contemporary physical practice. It describes the Oriental Middle Eastern practice of using strips of cloth (sparganon) to bundle a baby.

  Friends introduced Ann and I to both the word and practice.

  Years ago they rejoiced in the birth of their now adult precious daughter. With great joy they arrived home with her from the hospital, soon finding her a very noisy little lady. All night noisy!

  As all we such experienced parents know, rested or not, you still must go to work the next day(s).

  Finally, in desperation they phoned their pediatrician. The good doctor not being one to jump for his prescription pad, he explained how the frazzled parents and child could enjoy improved sleep. “Wrap the baby snugly in cloth.” They all slept like a baby!

  So it was in practice when Jesus began His life, swaddled in cloth, confined in the body of man. He whom formed and maintains all that was, is, and ever will be; bound and limited. To this He agreed.

  So it was that Jesus ended His life; confined, nailed to a cross with all its limitations. To this He agreed.

  So it was that he was entombed; confined, tightly swaddled in grave clothes in a tomb sealed, secured and guarded by Roman soldiers around the clock. To this He agreed.

  And yet He was, as ever, truly free; glorious example and model for our living free while temporarily swaddled this side of heaven. (Please note I said “heaven”, not “eternity”, for truly individuals always live life or death everlasting.)

  Life’s sparganoo is present, but can in no way restrict our God given freedom (Jn.8:36), unless of course we reject, allow, or even embrace otherwise.  

EBB4

ONLYN 364 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

 

ONLY 364 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

 

  One regular year is 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 47 seconds. Because this is rather unfunctional, a normal year has been given 365 days and a leap year 366 days. On Dogpatch leap years February 29th is added.

  With this info in mind, just think, there’s only 364 days until Christmas!

  Do I hear a relieved sigh “It’s over until next year!” from some of you while others think “I wish it were this nice all year.”?

  Though Christmas preparation, anxious or not, has today moved far down the list, it has been replaced with Returns (Estimated $100+ million this year.), Customer Service, bills to be paid, reassembling with this time reading the instructions, and possibly day-after decompression, sadness, or even depression. Then when such business is taken care of, there’s the still with us the nasty national and world scene.

  It’s a good time to remind ourselves of Romans 12:1-3 God-pleasing thinking and action is for every day application:

·         Be careful in our relationship to others. (Mt.7:12; 1Thes.5:11)

·         Do not forget the less fortunate, those suffering adversity. (Mt.7:12; 25:34-46)

·         Marriage is holy and should be treated thusly.

·         We are to be Philippians 4:11 Christians.

·         Life is not about cash and carry. (1Tim.6:10)

·         Fear not. (62 times in Scripture.)

·         God will never leave nor abandon His children. (Deut.32:6; Jos.1:5; 1Chr.28:20; Heb.13:5)

·         His John 1:12 family can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" (Ps.54:4; Heb.13:6)

·         Remember those who have spoken God's word. Think about their lives. Imitate their faith. (2Tim.2:2, 14)

·         Jesus Christ, The Word, is the same yesterday and today-and forever! (Jn.1:1; Heb.13:8)

·         Know His Word and stand fast upon it. We are not to live willy-nilly silly as though God’s Truth is foreign to us or as a spare tire. (Ps.119; 2Tim.2:14-19)

·         As His John 1:12 children we are different; yet in this world but not to be of this world; accept this and live accordingly. (Phil.3:20)

·         Be thankful in word and deed. (Eph.5:20; Phil.4:6; 1Thes.5:18)

·         As His redeemed people, deciding to follow Him will not always result in pleasant experience this side of heaven. (Heb.11)

·         Christmas as holiday is past. Christ-mas should be every day. (Ps.118:24)

·         His gift is not without serious responsibility. We’re to communicate it in step and speak. (2Tim.2:2)

·         We must think as God’s children, Biblically eternal-wise. (Jn.1:12; 3:3; Rom.12:1-3; 1Cor.2:16)

  “Now may the God of peace, who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good to do his will, accomplishing in us what pleases him through Jesus Christ. To him be glory forever and ever! Amen.” (ISV Heb.13:20-21)

 EBB4

CHRISTMAS DRUTHERS

 

CHRISTMAS DRUTHERS

 

1Thessalonians 5:18-19 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Do not quench the Spirit.

 

  Being from a different country, Maryland, and cultural era, the GI Generation, folks don’t always understand my parlance. Consequently, after arriving in Nebraska I soon stopped using certain expressions lest I be thought to have webs between my toes.

  One such turn of phrase is “Now if I had my druthers …” meaning “If I had my preference …” (And it isn’t just some Southern idiom. It’s a real word. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/druthers )

  Bogged down in The Christmas Druthers Syndrome some folks will swamp 1Thessalonians gratitude.

  My Dad and Mom were hard workers. Married, starting a family and purchasing a home during the Great Depression era was no easy feat. Dad worked fulltime, and on the side drove cab, cut meat (self-taught) for local Jewish family corner grocery stores, delivered daily newspapers, ran a side business, and was on call to *pickup the deceased for a mortician. Mom worked on military plane radios at Bendix until WWII ended, waitressed banquets and painted and wallpapered (very popular then) then and after, and kept house.

  We lived carefully. Brother Jim and I each had a single pair of shoes at a time, sometimes worn with cereal box inner soles to cover a hole in leather sole and keep our socks from wearing out. (Worked fine except when it rained.)

  According to present day government agency standards we’d be considered living in poverty.

  We were not poor. Not because we were too dumb to know the difference or that many around lived just like us, but because we had everything that mattered, knew so, and were thankful for it!

  Did I have druthers then? Sure did. I would have liked second pair of shoes, hi-top sneakers like a very few of the other kids wore. I wished I did not to have to wear durable-wearing itchy wool trousers. But there were no druthers that overrode gratitude for extended family love and security.

  I’m thankful we were impressed in that long ago time to live gratefully instead of with attitude that throws a wet blanket on one’s spirit.

  I’m thankful that such Proverbs 22:6 childhood training prepared me for later financial times. (When Ann and I married we had neither electricity, plumbing, or central heat or AC.)

  Didn’t know the difference at the time, but oh my what a wonderful Christmas gift!

  Which would you druther have, the latest consumer items or a thankful heart?

EBB4

LOVE WINS

 

A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE !!!

In 1944, Fritz Vincken was a 12-year-old German boy who lived with his mother Elisabeth in a small cottage in the Ardennes Forest. On the evening of December 24, 1944 (during the Battle of the Bulge), three American soldiers were separated from their unit and found their way to this isolated cottage. They were frozen and exhausted, so Fritz' mother decided to let them in. Not long after welcoming the Americans, four German soldiers knocked at the door. They had lost their unit and needed a place to stay. Elisabeth agreed to let them in but firmly told everyone to put their weapons aside. Seeing that an American soldier was wounded, one of the German soldiers took out his first aid kit and treated him. That night, in the middle of a deadly battle, these seven soldiers had a peaceful and friendly Christmas dinner together. At one moment, Elisabeth stood up, picked up her Bible, and prayed for the war to end, and for all of them to survive. The next morning, the Germans gave the Americans a compass and directions to find their unit. The seven men then said goodbye to each other and headed back to their lines. In 1995, Fritz (who was living in Hawaii and had become an American citizen) found one of the American soldiers. His name was Sgt Ralph Blank, and for years, he had been telling his Christmas story to everyone. Following their reunion, Fritz said: "When he told me: 'Your mother saved my life', it was the high point of my life. Now, I can die in peace. My mother's courage won't be forgotten and it shows what good will do". Ralph passed away in 1999 in Maryland, and Fritz died in 2001 in Oregon.