WOW...We had an awesome Family Celebration at "The Plant" yesterday. Truly, the highlight for me was the STANDING OVATION we offered to our great God during both services. King David's prayer is so appropriate: "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given only what comes from you hand."
Now, the morning after, my hearts is flooded with these thoughts...
-Our 'official' blood type: B Positive!
-Attitude is Everything.
-We should be occupied with "gladness of heart." (Ecclesiastes 5:20)
Thanks be to God for His indescribable GIFT!
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Christmas is a wonderful season. Busy-YES! However, much of the additional activity this month will involve PEOPLE you love and who love you...people who are God's GIFTS to you. I am thankful we have several Christmas Celebrations with TeamRibera. Christmas at Mom's this year is on New Years Day! Who woulda thunk?
Ultimately, ALL of us should join with the Apostle Paul in his expression of gratitude in II Corinthians 9:15 "Thanks be to God for His indescribable GIFT." This GIFT was announced by the angel of God that very first Christmas: "...I bring you GOOD NEWS of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
Before you buy gifts, take some time to inventory ALL the wonderful GIFTS God has given you. Then thank Him for the Ultimate GIFT-Jesus Christ His Son!!
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How much of your life do you spend trying, toiling, working to make it better for the next generation-our kids, grandkids, etc.? It reminds me of the theme song from Lion King "The Circle of Life." There are certain laws of nature that bring things "full circle." A good question for consideration: What are YOU doing with your life that will create the possibility for a better life for those coming after you?
There is a disturbing story in the Bible about a king who didn't finish well. His name is Hezekiah. Short story: He became ill to the point of death. He cried and prayed to the Lord to give him fifteen more years of living. The Lord granted him his request. He did some stupid stuff. So the Lord sent the prophet Isaiah to tell Hezekiah this distressing news, "Everything in your palace will be carried off to Babylon...your own flesh and blood will be taken away." What terrible news! Hezekiah's reply, "The word of the Lord you have spoken is GOOD, there will be peace and security in my lifetime."
The purpose-driven life begins with this understanding: It's NOT about YOU! Takeaway...GIVE YOUR LIFE AWAY EVERY DAY...IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO TRULY LIVE!
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For the last three weeks, we have been "experiencing" the emotional impact of the Parable of the Lost Son. Jesus is a master storyteller. This particular family drama pushes lots of emotional buttons. We live in a world that waxes eloquently about functional, healthy families. But the question is: Who has ONE?
The truth be known, most of us have been a wandering prodigal son or daughter at some point in our lives-or even now! Life has a way of presenting us with crucible moments where a decision is required. This moment came to the Prodigal Son when "he began to be in need." His decision-making moment is described this way: "he CAME TO HIS SENSES." In that moment, the Prodigal decides to return HOME.
I am reminded that true LOVE offers you and me the FREEDOM to keep wandering or come home. Father God is eager for YOU to come home! Isn't it time to COME HOME?
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This past week I have spent a considerable amount of 'think time' wrestling with FAITH. Perhaps you wouldn't think that a minister-man of the cloth would ever wrestle with such a basic fundamental of Christianity. However, life keeps happening...babies get sick, tragic accidents happen, loved ones get diagnosed with life-threatening diseases, healthy people die unexpectedly...leaving me to really come to terms with where God is in all this and what how much I REALLY BELIEVE in HIM!
Two thoughts:
-"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." (Hebrews 11:1-2)
-Isaiah words to King Ahaz: "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." (Isaiah 7:9)
Faith is both a childlike trust and a hardiness, determined, experienced conviction that GOD, who is sovereignly in control of ALL things, will in fact bring his purpose to fruition in everything!
BELIEVE, TRUST and go forward with confidence today! With God all things are POSSIBLE!
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