Friday, December 21, 2012

The Prince of Peace


“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6, NKJV

Have you ever spent time with someone who always seems to be at peace?  I’m not talking about the lazy bum who sits around doing nothing, but the guy or gal who, in the midst of a lot of action, always carries with them a sense a peace. Have you noticed that when you are around them that you tend to chill out a bit yourself? Isn’t that an awesome feeling? I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend my time with people who are full of peace rather than with people who are all stressed out.

That my friend is what having a relationship with Jesus brings to our lives. He is peace, and when we hang out with him His peace gets all over us. In fact, according to today’s text, He is the Prince of Peace. Man I love that about Jesus, He is the Master of Peace, the Peace Ambassador, the essence of peace in the midst of chaos.

When He arrived on the earth and His mom and dad had to turn a stable into a birthing suite the angels cried out in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”  In a few days we’re going to celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Savior, and the one who brought peace to this earth, and peace to our lives.

I love what Jesus told his disciples just before he was to be arrested and ultimately sent to the cross:

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:27, NKJV

He knew that they were going to freak out when He was arrested, beaten and then crucified. He knew that their worlds were going to be turned upside down, and He wanted them to know that in the midst of all that, they could have peace.

If that peace was available to the disciples, then that same peace is available to us. So whether you’re running through the mall looking for last minute gifts-- be at peace. If you’re driving in wild traffic, that feels like you’ve stumbled onto a Nascar track-- be at peace. If you’re at that family gathering that feels more like a cage fight than a Hallmark moment-- be at peace. Because the good news is, the Prince of Peace lives in you. He brings you a peace that the world can’t offer you.  He brings a peace that, according to Philippians 4:7, “...surpasses all understanding.”

So today let’s walk in the peace that only comes through our relationship with Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Enjoy Life, It’s Shorter Than You Think


“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17 KJV

Are you enjoying your life? No really, are you? Or are you just “faking it till you make it”, with the “making it” part always just out of reach? That’s no way to live your life.

Today’s text is a great reminder that God has given us this precious gift called life and He is expecting us to enjoy it. I don’t know what’s happening around you, but it seems like I’ve run into a slew of people lately who are really fighting depression.

I want to give some advice to any of you who are struggling with depression or are just feeling down. Well, it’s time to break that cloak of depression, get happy, and start enjoying your life.

Now, understand that it may be easier said than done. But here’s the deal. It’s just a choice-- and the choice is all about where you put your hope. In this verse God is simply telling all of us to keep our hope in Him and not in things. Things come and go but God is really the only constant that we have in life. So, be happy in Him today.

Be happy that He loves you even though others don’t. Be happy that He will never leave you nor forsake you, even though others have. Be happy that He promises to supply all of your needs according to His riches rather than yours. Be happy that His grace is sufficient for you, when you feel like yours is all dried up. Be happy that He is more than enough, when you don’t feel you have enough. Be happy that you can have the mind of Christ, when yours feels fried. Be happy that His peace can be yours, when your world is in complete chaos. Be happy that He always has a plan for you, when your plans have fallen apart. Be happy that His strength is there, when yours is gone.

How is that possible? Well, it’s quite simple, just place your hope on the ONE who brought hope to this world 2,000 years ago. Jesus Christ. Today, make a decision to place all of your hope and all of your trust in Him, He is the hope of the world. Make the words of this old hymn your confession for the day. Read them slowly and let them minister to your soul:

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand.

When Darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, his covenant, his blood, supports me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.

When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found!
Dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne!

I don’t know about you, but I just got happy! So let’s do it, let’s put our hope in Jesus, enjoy the day, and be happy.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Heart Attack


“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 NKJV

What happens to you when you hear that a close friend has had a heart attack? More than likely, you are concerned and hope that your friend has been spared of any major heart damage. Because, we all know the physical struggles that a person must go through when their heart’s been damaged.

The best way for us to avoid a heart attack, and subsequent heart damage, is by doing our best to keep our hearts healthy through a healthy lifestyle and healthy choices. Today’s text is not speaking of our natural hearts-- but of our spiritual hearts. It speaks of the importance of being intentional to “keep,” or really “guard,” our spiritual hearts the same way that we do our natural ones.

Why is that so important? Well, it tells us right here in the text-- “...for out of it (our hearts) springs the issues of life.” The New Living Translation says it this way, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

I want to share with your three ways to keep your spiritual heart healthy:

(1) Eat Right

Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “...Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (NKJV) In the same way that we can’t eat junk food all the time and expect to stay healthy, we need to always be feeding on the pure and healthy Word of God.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t read other things, but just think of those other things as snacks, or a dessert, but our main course should always be the Bible.

Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.”  Jeremiah 15:16, NKJV

A daily diet of God’s word brings us spiritual strength and helps us to maintain a spiritually healthy heart.

(2) Be Forgiving

Nothing brings on a heart attack and ultimately heart damage faster than unforgiveness. People can mess with us, so we really need to diligently guard our hearts from unforgiveness. While we can’t stop people from saying things or doing things that hurt us, we can protect our hearts from it.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:25,  “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” (NKJV)

So make it a point to be forgiving-- forgive quickly, and forgive often. If someone hurts you or offends you, loose them and let them go. Your heart will be thankful that you did.

(3) Exercise Through Worship

We all know the importance of exercise. Some of us are great at it, others--- and you know who you are-- are not so great at it. But again, just like we need physical exercise, we need to spiritually exercise on a regular basis. One of the best ways to engage our hearts with the Lord is through times of daily worship.

So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows.” Psalm 61:8, NKJV

This is just another reminder that every day is a good day to worship God through song. It’s a great way to keep your heart healthy.

Jesus said in Matthew 22:37, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'” (NKJV)

So let’s make today a heart healthy day, by reading God’s Word, being quick to forgive, and experiencing a bit of worship throughout the day.

Say It: “God I thank You for a strong and healthy heart. Today I will do what it takes to keep my heart in good shape, I will read Your Word, I will be quick forgive when others wrong me, and I will worship You with my whole heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”