Symbols of Christmas Coloring and Story Book
Thursday, December 13th, 2007I have attached a .pdf coloring/story book that discusses the symbols of Christmas. It reminds us that Christmas is above all about Christ. And, while I am on my little diatribe…remember that X-mas crosses Christ out of Christmas.
Psalm 40, Proverb 2 , Matthew 3
Friday, November 30th, 2007Psalm 40 is a prayer of thanks to God and awareness of what He wants.
1I patiently waited, LORD, for you to hear my prayer.
You listened 2and pulled me
from a lonely pit
full of mud and mire.
You let me stand on a rock
with my feet firm,
3and you gave me a new song,
a song of praise to you.
Then it continues
6Sacrifices and offerings are not what please you;
gifts and payment for sin
are not what you demand.
But you made me willing
to listen and obey.
This passage, which can be easily overlooked is vitally important. Unlike a supervisor I once had who said it is better to ask for forgiveness than for permission, this passage clearly indicates that God does not want apologies, He wants us to listen, obey and get it right the first time. As humans we, by our very nature are sinners, but through the creation of Satan, God has set it up so we have a choice. We can make the right one if we choose, but do not try to bribe Him in to forgiving, especially if you are committing the same sin over and over and over again. Then your apologies really mean nothing.
Proverbs 2 also addresses this issue of intentional living. It reminds us that we must think before we act. God will provide us with the answers and the guidance we need.
Wisdom and Bad Friends
1My child, you must follow and treasure
my teachings
and my instructions.
2Keep in tune with wisdom
and think what it means
to have common sense.
3Beg as loud as you can
for good common sense.
4Search for wisdom
as you would search for silver
or hidden treasure.
5Then you will understand
what it means to respect
and to know the LORD God.
6All wisdom comes from the LORD,
and so do common sense
and understanding.
7God gives helpful advice [a] to everyone who obeys him
and protects all of those
who live as they should.
In Matthew 3, we learn of John the Baptist. He was an honest man who believed in Jesus without proof or total understanding. When Jesus approached him to be baptized, he protested. Jesus insisted that John baptize him. Why? Well, Jesus was the human incarnation of God. As all humans He was expected to be baptized and cleansed.