No this isn’t my last column. At least I don’t think so.
However, since it’s the end of the year, this seems like a good time to reflect and ponder life.
Do you ever think about how short your life is? How every year seems to go by a little faster than the last one? Try to really THINK about it. Not just notice it and comment about it.
It’s good to pause and think about life’s brevity. To consider life’s end once in a while. It helps us see life as it really is and to make needed changes in our lives.
I enjoy talking with people about spiritual things. Often I’ll ask them a question such as, “When you die, what do you think you’ll find on the other side? What’s the final reality?”
It surprises me to hear some say, “I haven’t given it much thought.” Really? How could you not think about the most certain experience in the world?
“Now hold it just a minute,” I can hear someone say. “Isn’t all this talk a little morbid?”
Only if you think ignorance is bliss.
Take a minute and do the math. A man born in America today will live on average to age 75. A woman to age 80. Then what happens? They die and go somewhere forever.
So if we subtract 75 or 80 years from forever it equals—forever! And as they say, “Forever is a long, long time.”
People spend their lives planning and preparing for retirement. And how long does it last? Fifteen to twenty years? Or maybe thirty--if they’re blessed with good health and long life?
And remember--there’s no guarantee they’ll even make it to retirement!
But everyone is guaranteed to die. Last time I checked, no one exits planet earth alive.
Because of this fact of life, the Bible’s advice to us is, “Prepare to meet your God.”
Now the Bible doesn’t tell us that to frighten or scare us. The point is to encourage us to push the “Pause” button on our busy lives and think about what happens when life’s movie ends.
Listen to the wisdom of God’s Word: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”
According to the Bible there is no reincarnation, no purgatory, and no second chances. Jesus clearly taught that eternity holds just two options: a place of delight and adventure the Bible calls heaven and a place of eternal punishment Jesus called hell.
To be sure we don’t miss this fact the Bible says, “Man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment.” That’s the facts straight up. No sugar coating.
The good news is that God made it possible to spend forever with him. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God offers forgiveness and peace to all who come to him through faith in Christ.
Jesus came to bring new life now and eternal life later to everyone. God’s offer is not just for Jews or Christians. It’s for everyone regardless of his or her religion.
The angel who announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds said, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL THE PEOPLE. Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.”
A New Year’s resolution can help change a habit. But Jesus Christ offers a better life—both now and forever. Faith in him brings us peace with God and can help us be at peace with others.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Because Jesus came we can follow him to our eternal home. And that’s final.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Gift Exchange
Do you exchange gifts for Christmas? Many families do.
In a gift exchange you give a present to someone else and they give one to you. Some groups do a “White Elephant” gift exchange with funny or unusual gifts.
As the Christmas season rushes to a close, many people will feel pressured to “keep the Christmas Spirit” and buy gifts. Too often they buy unwanted gifts for people they don’t like.
Well hold on just a minute! Before getting all stressed out, stop and ponder the true meaning of the first Christmas more than 2000 years ago.
That year there was just one gift. There was no Christmas tree, no lights and no candy. Santa Claus and his reindeer hadn’t even been thought of yet.
For the first Christmas, God gave and man received. It was the best gift God could possibly give. There was no pretty wrapping paper or colorful ribbon. Instead God’s gift was wrapped in a blanket and placed in a feeding trough—a manger.
The first Christmas gift was a baby named Jesus.
Strange as it may seem, the gift became even more valuable after he died and rose again. Why? Because the gift was not just a baby. It was someone who became the Savior of the world.
When Jesus died on the cross, the Bible says he paid the full penalty for our sin. As a result, our sins can be forgiven and we can become children of God. Forgiveness is God’s gift to us.
To receive God’s gift we must welcome Jesus Christ into our lives. Through him we can have peace with God and eternal life. When we receive him by faith as our Savior and follow him as our Lord we get the only gift that really keeps on giving. Forever.
That’s why we celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Year after year people exchange gifts in memory of that first Christmas gift.
Sadly, many leave God’s gift to them untouched and unopened. How can that be? Have we overlooked Jesus at his own birthday celebration?
There is someone else we often forget when we give gifts: God. And he was the one who started the tradition by giving the first gift!
Even though we try to remember gifts for everyone, have we forgotten God?
I urge you to make this year the Christmas you complete the gift exchange with God. First give him yourself. All he wants is for you to become his child.
Next, give your best to others in need. When we do that we follow God’s example, the first giver of the first Christmas Gift.
Then, find and attend a church where you are welcome. Make sure it’s a place where the Bible, God’s Word is clearly taught. Look for a church where you feel God’s presence.
When Christians join together to serve God and others we become better people. And the world becomes a better place. Together we can help others receive God’s gift also.
The true Christmas spirit comes from our love for God and his love for others through us.
So when you exchange gifts this year, remember the first Giver and his first Christmas gift.
The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he GAVE his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
In a gift exchange you give a present to someone else and they give one to you. Some groups do a “White Elephant” gift exchange with funny or unusual gifts.
As the Christmas season rushes to a close, many people will feel pressured to “keep the Christmas Spirit” and buy gifts. Too often they buy unwanted gifts for people they don’t like.
Well hold on just a minute! Before getting all stressed out, stop and ponder the true meaning of the first Christmas more than 2000 years ago.
That year there was just one gift. There was no Christmas tree, no lights and no candy. Santa Claus and his reindeer hadn’t even been thought of yet.
For the first Christmas, God gave and man received. It was the best gift God could possibly give. There was no pretty wrapping paper or colorful ribbon. Instead God’s gift was wrapped in a blanket and placed in a feeding trough—a manger.
The first Christmas gift was a baby named Jesus.
Strange as it may seem, the gift became even more valuable after he died and rose again. Why? Because the gift was not just a baby. It was someone who became the Savior of the world.
When Jesus died on the cross, the Bible says he paid the full penalty for our sin. As a result, our sins can be forgiven and we can become children of God. Forgiveness is God’s gift to us.
To receive God’s gift we must welcome Jesus Christ into our lives. Through him we can have peace with God and eternal life. When we receive him by faith as our Savior and follow him as our Lord we get the only gift that really keeps on giving. Forever.
That’s why we celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Year after year people exchange gifts in memory of that first Christmas gift.
Sadly, many leave God’s gift to them untouched and unopened. How can that be? Have we overlooked Jesus at his own birthday celebration?
There is someone else we often forget when we give gifts: God. And he was the one who started the tradition by giving the first gift!
Even though we try to remember gifts for everyone, have we forgotten God?
I urge you to make this year the Christmas you complete the gift exchange with God. First give him yourself. All he wants is for you to become his child.
Next, give your best to others in need. When we do that we follow God’s example, the first giver of the first Christmas Gift.
Then, find and attend a church where you are welcome. Make sure it’s a place where the Bible, God’s Word is clearly taught. Look for a church where you feel God’s presence.
When Christians join together to serve God and others we become better people. And the world becomes a better place. Together we can help others receive God’s gift also.
The true Christmas spirit comes from our love for God and his love for others through us.
So when you exchange gifts this year, remember the first Giver and his first Christmas gift.
The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he GAVE his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Perfect Gift
If only our lives were as simple as Santa’s.
Ask a child how Santa knows where to go and he or she will tell you. Santa has Rudolph.
You know—as in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. In his famous song Santa asks, “Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” The rest, as they say, is history—uh, make-believe history.
While that works in the fantasy world, what about in real life? How can you find your way?
For the real world, a GPS gadget is just the ticket. GPS stands for “Global Positioning System.” It relies on a system of satellites to pinpoint where you are and show you where to go.
We used one on our Thanksgiving trip. It was amazing--our own personal guidance system.
To get to places we’d never been before, it was invaluable. Instead of straining to see tiny print on a map and missing exits due to heavy traffic, we listened to the calm GPS voice. It told us when to turn and where to go. It even knew locations of gas stations and restaurants.
For familiar places we still followed the GPS directions. As a result we found new routes with less traffic and shorter travel times.
It was a little scary because we had to trust an electronic gadget. But it never let us down.
If only there was a GPS for navigating through our personal lives! Wouldn’t that be great?
Well hold on for just a minute—there is one. It’s called the Bible.
Someone said B-I-B-L-E stands for “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” I like that.
The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
Even when life gets scary, God is the Shepherd who guides us. He will never let you down.
Israel’s King David wrote in Psalm 23, “He leads me.” He said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me.”
Later the Psalmist adds, “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Then, “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”
In the New Testament Gospel of John, Jesus tells us he is the Good Shepherd who leads his sheep. But here’s the key: you must trust him enough to follow him.
The only way to find out where Jesus will lead you is to follow him. It’s like when we used the GPS. When we followed it, it worked. If we didn’t trust it, we would have been lost.
Skeptical? That’s OK. Try getting to know Jesus first. Read about him in the Gospel of John. Talk to others who have followed him for a while. You’ll find he never lets you down.
Jesus invitation is simple: “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” The choice is yours.
But you must find Jesus for yourself. For that you need the Bible. It’s God’s GPS to lead you to the babe in the manger who became the Savior on the cross.
God planned the first Christmas so we wouldn’t miss his Son. God announced through the prophets that Jesus’ birth would be in Bethlehem. That way we’d know where to look. All the prophecies are like flashing arrows pointing to Jesus.
Just as God led the wise men to Bethlehem and Jesus, he is trying to lead us to Jesus. The point of the Christmas story is not the gifts of the wise men but the gift of God.
The Bible says, “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.” It’s the perfect gift that keeps on giving. And it’s for you and everyone who will call on Jesus’ name.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Ask a child how Santa knows where to go and he or she will tell you. Santa has Rudolph.
You know—as in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. In his famous song Santa asks, “Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” The rest, as they say, is history—uh, make-believe history.
While that works in the fantasy world, what about in real life? How can you find your way?
For the real world, a GPS gadget is just the ticket. GPS stands for “Global Positioning System.” It relies on a system of satellites to pinpoint where you are and show you where to go.
We used one on our Thanksgiving trip. It was amazing--our own personal guidance system.
To get to places we’d never been before, it was invaluable. Instead of straining to see tiny print on a map and missing exits due to heavy traffic, we listened to the calm GPS voice. It told us when to turn and where to go. It even knew locations of gas stations and restaurants.
For familiar places we still followed the GPS directions. As a result we found new routes with less traffic and shorter travel times.
It was a little scary because we had to trust an electronic gadget. But it never let us down.
If only there was a GPS for navigating through our personal lives! Wouldn’t that be great?
Well hold on for just a minute—there is one. It’s called the Bible.
Someone said B-I-B-L-E stands for “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” I like that.
The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
Even when life gets scary, God is the Shepherd who guides us. He will never let you down.
Israel’s King David wrote in Psalm 23, “He leads me.” He said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me.”
Later the Psalmist adds, “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Then, “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”
In the New Testament Gospel of John, Jesus tells us he is the Good Shepherd who leads his sheep. But here’s the key: you must trust him enough to follow him.
The only way to find out where Jesus will lead you is to follow him. It’s like when we used the GPS. When we followed it, it worked. If we didn’t trust it, we would have been lost.
Skeptical? That’s OK. Try getting to know Jesus first. Read about him in the Gospel of John. Talk to others who have followed him for a while. You’ll find he never lets you down.
Jesus invitation is simple: “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” The choice is yours.
But you must find Jesus for yourself. For that you need the Bible. It’s God’s GPS to lead you to the babe in the manger who became the Savior on the cross.
God planned the first Christmas so we wouldn’t miss his Son. God announced through the prophets that Jesus’ birth would be in Bethlehem. That way we’d know where to look. All the prophecies are like flashing arrows pointing to Jesus.
Just as God led the wise men to Bethlehem and Jesus, he is trying to lead us to Jesus. The point of the Christmas story is not the gifts of the wise men but the gift of God.
The Bible says, “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.” It’s the perfect gift that keeps on giving. And it’s for you and everyone who will call on Jesus’ name.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, December 8, 2008
No Pokies
Children have a way of getting right to the point.
Last week I spoke to my granddaughter on the phone. She will soon be five years old. I told her I loved her and can’t wait to hug her and kiss her. Normal grandpa stuff.
Her response? “I love you too, Grandpa. You can come soon and hug me and kiss me. But no pokies.”
What she meant by “No pokies” was a mystery. Then my daughter got on the phone and explained that her husband shaves once a week. My granddaughter wanted to be sure my beard wasn’t prickly. That way there’d be no “pokies.”
Well, needless to say, I had a good chuckle. I thought, “How precious!” Then I told my wife we need to go visit them soon so I can hold my granddaughter and get those hugs and kisses.
There’s something about the honesty and innocence of children that inspires us. And they can teach us much if we will pay attention.
Well, hold on just a minute. Aren’t we supposed to teach children?
Yes, but there is much we can learn from them. Especially when it comes to faith.
Jesus knew that some of the purest faith in the world belongs to children. The average adult of his day viewed children as unimportant and something of a bother. Even Jesus’ disciples.
One day when parents wanted Jesus to pray for their children, the disciples rebuked them. So Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Another time Jesus added, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
His point? The openness, faith and receptivity of children are an example to us.
The kingdom of God must be received as a gift. It is available to all who are humble and know they are helpless. Human effort is of no avail.
And that’s really the point of Christmas.
Christmas is about God offering us a gift. We did nothing to deserve it. He offers us a Savior who can forgive our sin and give us eternal life—a life of joy and purpose.
It cost God a lot. He gave us his very best. But it’s a free gift to all who receive it with the simple faith and trust of a child. Will you open your heart and accept it by faith?
As adults it’s too easy for us to lose Jesus in the Christmas rush. Don’t let it happen to you.
So when you gather with your family this year, watch the little children. Not only are they cute, they’re special to God. Their faith can point our hearts in the right direction.
And guys, if you want hugs and kisses—be sure you don’t have any “pokies”!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Last week I spoke to my granddaughter on the phone. She will soon be five years old. I told her I loved her and can’t wait to hug her and kiss her. Normal grandpa stuff.
Her response? “I love you too, Grandpa. You can come soon and hug me and kiss me. But no pokies.”
What she meant by “No pokies” was a mystery. Then my daughter got on the phone and explained that her husband shaves once a week. My granddaughter wanted to be sure my beard wasn’t prickly. That way there’d be no “pokies.”
Well, needless to say, I had a good chuckle. I thought, “How precious!” Then I told my wife we need to go visit them soon so I can hold my granddaughter and get those hugs and kisses.
There’s something about the honesty and innocence of children that inspires us. And they can teach us much if we will pay attention.
Well, hold on just a minute. Aren’t we supposed to teach children?
Yes, but there is much we can learn from them. Especially when it comes to faith.
Jesus knew that some of the purest faith in the world belongs to children. The average adult of his day viewed children as unimportant and something of a bother. Even Jesus’ disciples.
One day when parents wanted Jesus to pray for their children, the disciples rebuked them. So Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Another time Jesus added, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
His point? The openness, faith and receptivity of children are an example to us.
The kingdom of God must be received as a gift. It is available to all who are humble and know they are helpless. Human effort is of no avail.
And that’s really the point of Christmas.
Christmas is about God offering us a gift. We did nothing to deserve it. He offers us a Savior who can forgive our sin and give us eternal life—a life of joy and purpose.
It cost God a lot. He gave us his very best. But it’s a free gift to all who receive it with the simple faith and trust of a child. Will you open your heart and accept it by faith?
As adults it’s too easy for us to lose Jesus in the Christmas rush. Don’t let it happen to you.
So when you gather with your family this year, watch the little children. Not only are they cute, they’re special to God. Their faith can point our hearts in the right direction.
And guys, if you want hugs and kisses—be sure you don’t have any “pokies”!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Redefining Christmas
Do modern Christmas celebrations bother you at all? Do you even think about it?
As a Christian (and having worked in retail), to say I’m a little irritated over what’s happened to the celebration of Jesus’ birth would be an understatement. It bothers me a lot!
Often I find myself wondering, “What does Jesus think about all the hoopla and spending on HIS birthday?” After all it is his birthday. We should care what he thinks—right?
A week or so ago I began hearing radio ads suggesting we redefine Christmas. I thought, “What’s up with that?” The ad listed a web site, so I did a little digging.
It turns out the radio ad is part of a $2 million national ad campaign sponsored by Connecticut billionaire, Ray Dalio. His goal? For Americans to give to others in need at Christmas.
Dalio’s idea is simple. He suggests giving to charities in the name of people on your gift list.
Matt Dalio, spokesman for Dalio’s charitable foundation, observed, “The amount of money spent in the holiday season on chocolate alone is greater than the annual budgets of Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association combined!”
So if we would give just a fraction of the money that’s spent on chocolates, charitable work could increase significantly. That’s mind-boggling.
Last Friday I went to Wal-Mart. The crowds were overwhelming. People pushed and shoved to get what they wanted. They argued over who was next in line for a cashier.
To say the least, Christmas spirit was in short supply.
In Valley Stream, New York, a Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death as a crowd broke down the doors and stampeded for the bargains.
Hold on just a minute! What have we done to Christmas?
We’ve taken a great idea and changed it into something completely unrecognizable.
The real Saint Nicholas is remembered for his secret charitable giving. That’s right—it was anonymous. He didn’t want the recipients to know he was the one who helped them!
Now don’t get me wrong. Exchanging Christmas gifts is a fun thing to do. But to go deep in debt, be stressed out over it and ignore Jesus sort of misses the whole point--doesn’t it?
I’ve actually had people get mad at me and tell me I was ruining Christmas by talking like that. But I didn’t ruin Christmas. It’s already been done. We are all guilty.
What’s the solution? Take a lesson from Jesus.
When he came to earth for that first Christmas, the Bible says that he “emptied himself.” In other words, he gave up his rights and became a servant. His goal was to help others. He came to die for our sin so we could receive God’s gift of eternal life and become children of God.
And when a rich man asked Jesus what he should do, Jesus said to sell what he had, give to the poor and then follow him. The man’s focus had been on himself instead of God and others.
If we would follow Jesus’ example and his advice, it would do more than redefine Christmas. It would TRANSFORM Christmas! Just imagine the people who’d be helped if we gave ten, twenty or thirty percent of our Christmas budget to charity. Or just what we spend on chocolate.
Now I’m not trying to tell you what to do. I’m just thinking out loud a little bit.
Remember, the Bible says, “It is better to give than to receive.” Think of that next time you walk by the red kettle and the bell ringer. Or drive by the local food bank.
Folks, when it comes to Christmas, I think we could do better. I’m just sayin’ …
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
As a Christian (and having worked in retail), to say I’m a little irritated over what’s happened to the celebration of Jesus’ birth would be an understatement. It bothers me a lot!
Often I find myself wondering, “What does Jesus think about all the hoopla and spending on HIS birthday?” After all it is his birthday. We should care what he thinks—right?
A week or so ago I began hearing radio ads suggesting we redefine Christmas. I thought, “What’s up with that?” The ad listed a web site, so I did a little digging.
It turns out the radio ad is part of a $2 million national ad campaign sponsored by Connecticut billionaire, Ray Dalio. His goal? For Americans to give to others in need at Christmas.
Dalio’s idea is simple. He suggests giving to charities in the name of people on your gift list.
Matt Dalio, spokesman for Dalio’s charitable foundation, observed, “The amount of money spent in the holiday season on chocolate alone is greater than the annual budgets of Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association combined!”
So if we would give just a fraction of the money that’s spent on chocolates, charitable work could increase significantly. That’s mind-boggling.
Last Friday I went to Wal-Mart. The crowds were overwhelming. People pushed and shoved to get what they wanted. They argued over who was next in line for a cashier.
To say the least, Christmas spirit was in short supply.
In Valley Stream, New York, a Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death as a crowd broke down the doors and stampeded for the bargains.
Hold on just a minute! What have we done to Christmas?
We’ve taken a great idea and changed it into something completely unrecognizable.
The real Saint Nicholas is remembered for his secret charitable giving. That’s right—it was anonymous. He didn’t want the recipients to know he was the one who helped them!
Now don’t get me wrong. Exchanging Christmas gifts is a fun thing to do. But to go deep in debt, be stressed out over it and ignore Jesus sort of misses the whole point--doesn’t it?
I’ve actually had people get mad at me and tell me I was ruining Christmas by talking like that. But I didn’t ruin Christmas. It’s already been done. We are all guilty.
What’s the solution? Take a lesson from Jesus.
When he came to earth for that first Christmas, the Bible says that he “emptied himself.” In other words, he gave up his rights and became a servant. His goal was to help others. He came to die for our sin so we could receive God’s gift of eternal life and become children of God.
And when a rich man asked Jesus what he should do, Jesus said to sell what he had, give to the poor and then follow him. The man’s focus had been on himself instead of God and others.
If we would follow Jesus’ example and his advice, it would do more than redefine Christmas. It would TRANSFORM Christmas! Just imagine the people who’d be helped if we gave ten, twenty or thirty percent of our Christmas budget to charity. Or just what we spend on chocolate.
Now I’m not trying to tell you what to do. I’m just thinking out loud a little bit.
Remember, the Bible says, “It is better to give than to receive.” Think of that next time you walk by the red kettle and the bell ringer. Or drive by the local food bank.
Folks, when it comes to Christmas, I think we could do better. I’m just sayin’ …
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
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