If you are praying with me over International Mission Board missionaries this week, we are on day 4 of 7. Previously we have prayed for Paul Yount and Willie Brown who serve in StoryOne camps in Africa, Tim and Annie Tidenberg who server in missions pastoral care in Africa, and for Don and Pam Lynch who operate a Coffee Bike ministry in Belgium. Today we are asked to pray for Eric and Ramona Reese who are serving as church planters in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Eric and Ramona have served in Brazil for 22 years, sometimes in dangerous locations. The following is an excerpt from an amazing story. You can start reading it here. Then, click through to read the rest.
The pastor of a congregation in the slum of Santa Lucas invited me to preach during a special event for his church. Several murders had recently occurred in the community, and the pastor wanted me to encourage his people to not be fearful. He told me the theme of the event: “Men of God who are not fearful.”
Based on the title, I wasn’t sure I was the best choice to speak, but I accepted his invitation anyway. A young seminary student named John accompanied me. His job while I preached was to pray, because I knew we were going into a dangerous community.
I preached on a familiar story—David and Goliath. I had three main points I wanted to make. The first was that men of God who stand for God are not afraid to fight for God. I explained the point. “If someone came to me to say that Jesus is not Lord, I would stand my ground and be willing to say that He is Lord. I would be willing to fight for what is true.”
As soon as I said that, gunshots erupted from out in the community. The only person who hit the deck was the guest-speaking American missionary invited to tell the locals that men of God are men of courage. John laughed out loud. I looked out from my prone position to see smiles across the congregation. I stood up, apologized, and resumed preaching.
My second point was that David carried with him memories of being willing to fight for the right. King Saul told David he was too young to fight Goliath, yet David told Saul how when he was a young shepherd, he killed a lion and a bear that threatened his sheep.
As if on cue, shots rang out again. This time, though, they came from a machine gun. And this time, the bullets hit the church building. One bullet went through the top of a wall and hit a ceiling fan in the sanctuary. Again, I hit the deck. This time, I wasn’t alone… READ MORE . . .
Here are specific ways to pray for Erica and Ramona as they serve in a new church plant in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Specific Ways to Pray for a New Church Plant in Sao Paulo, Brazil
1. Today let’s pray for the protection and the power of the Reeses’ ministry in Brazil!
2. Ask God to bless a sports ministry the Reeses are working with in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
3. Pray for many partnerships forming with Brazilian Baptists.
Save the following image to your computer. Then, print it out and place it in a location that you see often as a reminder to pray for Eric and Ramona Reese and their church plant in Brazil.
Pray for a New Church Plant in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Pin the following image so others can also pray for Eric and Ramona Reese.
We are on day 3 of our 7 days of prayer for IMB Missionaries. We have prayed for Paul Yount and Willie Brown as they minister through StoryOne camps in Africa. Then, we prayed for Tim and Annie Tidenberg as they minister to other other missionaries through their pastoral care ministry. Today, we are praying for Don and Pam Lynch who serve in Flanders, Belgium. Don and Pam minister through a unique ministry they call their Coffee Bike Ministry, so today, we are praying for Coffee Bike Missionaries in Belgium and the people they serve.
Pray for Coffee Bike Missionaries in Belgium
The people in Flanders, Belgium are very private. Building relationships outside their tight communities is challenging for them. Don and Pam Lynch have a "coffee bike" complete with a generator and an espresso machine. While the Lynches grind and prepare coffee, they join in conversations with the people around them. They are enjoying the opportunity to offer free coffee and listening ears to those who hang around to talk with them. They also offer Biblical truths, godly counsel and prayer support.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the people in Flanders, Belgium felt even more isolated from others. Depression is common. Don and Pam are praying for God to provide more opportunities for them to engage in gospel conversations and build long term friendships through their Coffee Bike Ministry.
How to Pray for Coffee Bike Missionaries in Belgium
1. Pray for the Flemish to find hope, meaning, and purpose in Christ—especially those who are struggling with depression and loneliness to find the help and hope they need in Jesus.
2. Pray for the Lynches as they devote time to building relationships through their coffee cart ministry.
3. Pray for deep gospel conversations and open hearts.
Save the following graphic to your computer. Then, print it out and hang it somewhere so that you will be reminded daily to pray for Don and Pam Lynch's Coffee Bike Ministry.
Pray for Coffee Bike Missionaries in Belgium
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My Christmas Coloring Pages: 20 Christmas Coloring Pages for Kids
Coloring is a timeless activity that has been enjoyed by children and adults alike for centuries. It's not just a fun way to pass the time, but it also offers numerous benefits, especially for kids. Engaging in this activity provides opportunities for children to exercise their small motor skills, which are crucial in their development.
The Significance of Coloring in a Child's Development
Coloring is a simple yet powerful tool that aids in a child's development. It's an activity that is fun and engaging for kids of all ages and at various levels of ability. When a child holds a colored pencil or a crayon, he learns to grasp and control it. This process helps in the development of his small motor skills.
Furthermore, coloring requires focus. This not only helps kids to concentrate but also aids in their cognitive development. It trains them to pay attention to details, which is a crucial skill that will be helpful in their future learning experiences.
My Christmas Coloring Pages:
20 Christmas Coloring Pages for Kids
With the Christmas season approaching, I want to share with you a fun and festive activity for your kids, 20 Christmas coloring pages. This collection of coloring pages features various Christmas-themed illustrations that your kids will surely love.
Each page features a range of designs from Christmas trees, Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, to ornaments. Your kids can bring these drawings to life with their imagination and creativity. It's an excellent way to keep them engaged during the Christmas season while also encouraging them to explore their artistic skills.
Why Christmas Coloring Pages?
My Christmas Coloring Pages is not just a collection of coloring pages, but also a tool for learning. Each illustration is designed to spark the creativity of children and inspire them to explore their artistic side.
Moreover, this collection of Christmas coloring pages is a digital product, which means you can print it out immediately and you can print as many copies as you need for your personal children, your homeschool, or your classroom if you teach in a private or public school. This feature allows multiple children to color the same page, or a child to try coloring the same page multiple times, experimenting with different colors each time.
In conclusion, My Christmas Coloring Pages is a perfect blend of fun and learning. It's a great way to keep your kids engaged during the holiday season while also aiding in their development. So, why wait? Grab your copy today and let your kids dive into the world of colors this Christmas!
My Christmas Coloring Pages is available in our Etsy shop for only $2.50, but you can get them for free by subscribing to our blog here!
My Christmas Coloring Pages: 20 Christmas Coloring Pages for Kids
Pray for International Mission Board Pastoral Care in West Africa
This is day 2 of 7 days of prayer for International Mission Board missionaries. Yesterday, we prayed for Paul Yount and Willie Brown as they continue in their StoryOne ministry in Africa. Today, we are praying for Tim and Annie Tidenberg. Both Tim and Annie were missionary kids who decided to continue the work of their parents in Africa. They began as church planters in East Africa. After several years, they moved to the United States where they led a church for five years. After that, Tim and Annie felt called to West Africa where they currently serve as pastoral care missionaries with International Mission Board Pastoral Care.
As pastoral care missionaries, Tim and Annie provide pastoral care and counseling to support and equip missionaries, contributing to their spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. Tim says, “We spend time with them, encourage them if they’re in a crisis situation, we pray with them and we try to get them some resources to work through what they’re dealing with.”
Pray for International Mission Board Pastoral Care in West Africa
Here are specific ways to pray for Tim and Annie Tidenberg:
1. Pray that the Lord would give them wisdom and discernment as they care for and mentor missionaries.
2. Pray that they would have insight into the unique needs and challenges that these missionaries face and that they would be able to offer practical advice and support.
3. Pray they would be strengthened and encouraged in their own faith as they pour into the lives of others.
4. Pray that the Lord would refresh and renew their spirits and give them the strength and energy they need to serve with excellence.
5. Pray that their impact would be multiplied as missionaries are equipped to share the gospel around the world.
6. Pray that the Lord would use Tim and Annie’s mentorship to raise up a new generation of passionate and effective missionaries who will take the gospel to Africa and beyond.
Save the following graphic to your electronic device. Print it out and place it somewhere to remind yourself to pray for Tim and Annie. Keep praying for Paul and Willie too.
Pray for Tim and Annie Tidenberg, International Mission Board Pastoral Care Missionaries in West Africa
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Pray for International Mission Board Pastoral Care in West Africa
Yesterday, I shared with you an opportunity to join me in prayer for International Mission Board missionaries. I signed up here to receive an email every day for seven days. In each email, I'll receive information about a specific missionary so I can pray specific prayers for them. I'll be sharing each request here on the blog so you can join me in prayer each day for these missionaries who have answered the call to GO. Today, we are praying for Paul Yount and Willie Brown. Paul and Willie are asking us to pray for StoryOne camps in Africa.
Pray for StoryOne Camps in Africa
Through StoryOne camps, Paul and Willie minister to the deaf in Africa. Access to Scripture is limited in Africa. It is also common that the deaf in Africa do not read or write. This presents even greater challenges for them. The deaf in Africa communicate with sign languages specific to their respective countries, their heart language. They don't understand the written Word and the truths it communicates.
Quoting directly from the email I received from Emily Hall:
"They learned how to tell these stories in an accurate yet compelling way in sign language, as well as how to illustrate some of these stories and larger Bible concepts graphically with pen and paper. The eight Bible stories this camp focused on are designed to teach Deaf nationals doctrinal statements on the identity of Jesus, functions of the church, and how to conduct missions work. These stories are also accompanied by mnemonic hand movements that assist Deaf nationals in recalling them for evangelizing and discipling."
Speaking of one man's new love for Jesus, Paul Yount said, “He needed to see stories from the Bible translated into his heart language to understand, appreciate, love, and be transformed by God.”
Here are three specific prayer requests for today:
1. Pray for Paul, Willie, and other IMB missionaries who are dedicated to reaching the Deaf of Africa.
2. Pray for the continued success of StoryOne camps in relaying the truths of Scripture to the Deaf.
3. Pray that IMB and our partners would continue to find unique and effective ways to present the gospel of Jesus Christ in the heart language of those we serve.
Save the following image to your electronic device. Print it out and place it somewhere in your home where you will be reminded daily to pray these specific prayers over Paul, Willie, and StoryOne in Africa.
International Mission Board Prayer Requests - Day 1
An Opportunity to Pray for International Mission Board Missionaries
Missionaries face many obstacles as they serve in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar customs. Sometimes foreign cultures and languages present challenges most of us might not realize. Even though missionaries spend a lot of time studying the cultures where they will serve and learning new languages, they still face challenges. If you ask missionaries what they need most, they will most likely tell you they need prayer above all else. When we pray for missionaries, we also pray for the people they serve. I was recently presented with an opportunity to pray for International Mission Board missionaries. I'm passing this opportunity on to you.
An Opportunity to Pray for International Mission Board Missionaries
Recently, Emily Hall, a prayer content specialist with the IMB prayer office sent out a message asking other believers to join in prayer for specific missionaries for seven days. Now that I'm signed up, I'll receive information about a specific missionary every day for the next seven days. I'll be able to pray specific prayers for specific missionaries, their families, and the people they serve.
If you would like to join me in praying for IMB missionaries for the next seven days, go here to sign up. After you sign up, you'll be led to a page where you can give financially if you would like to or if you feel led to give, but giving financially is not required to receive information and prayer requests concerning the missionaries.
I hope you'll take this opportunity to pray for International Board Missionaries. The world is in a very fragile state right now. The world needs prayer and the world needs Jesus. I'm reminded of an old song I used to love. Many years ago, when I served for several months in Alaska, we used to sing the song People Need the Lord. Alaska isn't a foreign county with unfamiliar customs, but the message of that song was just as true then and there as it is true in every place and every culture around the world today . . . people need the Lord.
I invite you to listen to the song here. Then, don't forget to go here to sign up to pray for a missionary every day for the next seven days.
Have a wonderful and very blessed Thanksgiving week everyone!
Living Abundantly in Him
Tina
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An Opportunity to Pray for International Mission Board Missionaries
Journey to Bethlehem - where do I start? I love inspirational movies, especially faith films that are Scripturally based. I love sharing about great movies that inspire movie watchers to dig more into the Christian faith. We usually buy the overpriced movie tickets, and then we buy the DVD versions when they are released. We can show Hollywood that we want more faith based films by supporting the films financially. Sadly, Journey to Bethlehem was disappointing. Before I tell you what I didn't like about the movie, I'll tell you the three things I did like.
For those of you who are not familiar with Journey to Bethlehem, here is the official movie trailer.
Journey to Bethlehem - What I Liked About the Movie
1. The movie creators did stick to Scripture when it came to identifying who Jesus is. He is Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior. They did not deviate from this truth.
2. I liked two songs.
Mother to a Savior and King
The Nativity Song
Mary's part at the end of The Nativity Song is beautiful so listen all the way to the end.
3. I like the message of trusting God with our future, especially when things don't go as we planned. God's plans for our lives are much greater than our own. The blessings in store for us are much sweeter than we can think or imagine. We just need to trust God.
That's about all I liked about the movie.
What I Did Not Like About Journey to Bethlehem
1. The film is a musical comedy. I don't particularly enjoy musicals, but that wasn't the problem. My problem is the misplaced comedy. I love a good comedy when it's appropriate, but the comedy in Journey to Bethlehem was not appropriate for this kind of movie. The wise men who followed the star to find Jesus were scholars. They were some of the most intelligent scientists of their day. They were not ridiculous goofs. To be fair, we don't know much about their personalities. Maybe they all had a good sense of humor, but in this film, they were portrayed as big ole goofs.
2. The Angel Gabriel was also portrayed as a bit of a goof. When Gabriel descended into Mary room, he was portrayed as insecure. The film creators had him pacing back and forth, reciting his sentences as if he wasn't sure what he should say. Then, he clumsily bumps his head on a rafter beam. The Angel Gabriel is an archangel, a messenger of God. He isn't an insecure goof who doesn't know what he is supposed to say. This moment was a holy moment in history. This scene should have remained true to Scripture.
3. The film makers omitted Mary's response from Luke 1:38 when she tells Gabriel, "I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled." Her obedient response speaks to her mature character as we know her in the Bible. Before Gabriel leaves Mary, he tells her to cower to no one. That is not in the Bible. Why put it in the movie?
4. Biblical Jospeh was a carpenter. Journey to Bethlehem Joseph was an inventor. Why change this?
5. I believe Mary's and Joseph's personalities might have been misrepresented in the movie. The Bible teaches us that Mary was highly favored by God. Although we don't know much about Mary or Joseph before Gabriel appeared to Mary, I doubt they were the typical rebellious type teens of today. Back then, there was no extension of childhood. There was no "teenager." You were a child, and then you were an adult and expected to act like one. Based on what we know about human development today, particularly development of the brain, I'm sure they had youthful personalities, but probably not like what is portrayed in Journey to Bethlehem. They were not perfect and Mary is not to be worshiped, but they were highly favored for a reason. I know God used people of "colorful" character throughout the old testament and Mary and Joseph certainly were not perfect young people, but they are set apart because they were chosen to parent God's Son on Earth. This was not just a half-calling, but an extremely important one that would require maturity. This point is based on my personal opinion. I know many will not necessarily agree with me and everyone is free to form their own opinions. I just feel like they got this part wrong.
6. King Herod tells his son to kill all pregnant women, but his son talks Herod out of that order. If you are familiar with Scripture, you know that King Herod ordered all babies aged 2 and younger to be killed and that order was carried out. It's horrific, but it happened. This is an example of a Biblical historic account being completely changed. Why change it? They didn't have to show it, but to change it completely is in direct violation of Scripture itself. The Bible tells us:
Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you. Deuteronomy 4:2 (NIV)
7. In Journey to Bethlehem, King Herod's son leads a search to find the unwed pregnant mother. His father, King Herod, wanted her dead. This is not what we are told in the Bible. The Biblical account of this historical event tells us that King Herod ordered the wise men to find the baby and then report back to him so that he could worship Him too. We know that Herod's plan was ultimately to kill baby Jesus. In Journey to Bethlehem, King Herod's son conducts a search for Mary. He and his army find them in the barn just after Jesus is born. This is not an accurate account of this holy night. Why put this in the movie? Then, when Mary, Joseph, and the wise men who were also there think King Herod's son is going to kill them all, Joseph, although he begs the king's son not to hurt them, is portrayed as weak, in my opinion. Mary, who remembers Gabriel telling her to cower to no one stands up to King Herod's son. Again, this scene is not true to Scripture. In the scene, there were four men in the barn with Mary and baby Jesus. Yet it was Mary who had just given birth who stood up to King Herod's son. In those days, it would have been Joseph who stood up like a man to protect his wife and baby. However, this particular event did not really happen anyway. Why change it? This was completely unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
I am thankful that the Christian movie industry has picked up in popularity in recent years. I am happy that more and more people are going to theaters to see Christian films that will point them in the direction of the Bible and Jesus. I know that film makers take certain creative licenses in order to fill in gaps and to make a story complete. In some cases, these creative licenses make the move more entertaining. That is all fine and good as long as said creative licenses do not change the original author's story. For example, let's say a film is covering the part of the Bible where Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. They made this journey every year. When Jesus was 12 years old, his family left to return home with their family and friends as they did every year after the feast was over. They did not realize until they had traveled an entire day that Jesus was not with them. Joseph and Mary looked for Jesus among their relatives and friends, but they couldn't find him. They found Jesus three days later in the temple. We don't know what Joseph and Mary did or how they felt from the time they realized Jesus was missing to the moment they found him in the temple three days later. A film maker might take certain creative licenses to fill in that three day gap. This is acceptable as long as Joseph's and Mary's characters are not compromised and the creative licenses do not change the story at all.
In the case of Journey to Bethlehem, the creative licenses added to and took away from the historical account as recorded in Scripture which was written by men but inspired by God. There is no need to change the story.
When a movie is kept true to Scripture and it leads people to read the Bible or visit a church, they aren't going to question the accuracy of the historical accounts as recorded in the Bible because the movie and the church teachings are the same. However, when a film deviates from Scripture as much as Journey to Bethlehem did, people might question the accuracy of the Bible once they realize the movie is very different from what is taught in the Bible and in churches. What will they believe, especially if they are totally unfamiliar with Scripture or the Christian faith? Deviating from Scripture creates confusion in the minds of those who are not familiar with Scripture. We don't want to confuse people. We want to lead them in the direction of truth, always TRUTH. We never want anyone to think that parts of Scripture might not be true. We never want to lead anyone to question the authority of the Bible.
A lot of people will enjoy the film which is more like a broadway production than a drama based on Scripture. It isn't the worst movie in the world, but personally, this is not a movie I particularly enjoyed or one that I would recommend. I like humor. I love comic relief in a film when it is done correctly. I detest dumb humor no matter the movie, but I especially hated it in Journey to Bethlehem. What bothers me more than anything is so many Scriptural inaccuracies. Way too much of this story was changed and that is not OK.
I saw the film with a group of people. There were things about the movie we all agreed was not great, but I probably disliked the movie more than everybody else. If you really want to go see it, then go see it and form your own opinion so you can decide whether or not you want your kids to see it, but I do not recommend this film due to way too many "creative licenses" that are not accurate.
Journey to Bethlehem is entertaining, but if you want to take your family to a movie about the birth of Jesus that stays true to Scripture, Journey to Bethlehem is not that movie.
As Christmas etches closer and closer, the retail outlets get busier and busier. It is November 12th and already the stores are all decked out in Christmas decorations. The Christmas music is playing and the Christmas shopping frenzy is quickly advancing into full swing. I love all things Christmas but it can become overwhelming if we don't stay focused. How do we stay focused with all the lights, advertisements, parties, shopping, music, movies, and so on? What do we stay focused on, exactly? We stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. When we stay focused on Jesus, the whir of the world quiets down and the rush hushes. Let's turn our focus on ways to keep Christ in Christmas. First, we should make sure we all understand the true meaning of Christmas.
The True Meaning of Christmas
Christmas trees, shopping for gifts, packages, bows, Santa Claus, elves, Christmas concerts, Christmas plays - all things Christmas - those things are fun! Participating in all the Christmas things is OK as long as they don't turn our focus to the commercialism of this holy holiday. Christmas is about Jesus, nothing else. All other stuff is just fancy fluff. Fancy fluff is a bonus. It's all the stuff we are free to enjoy, including family gatherings, but even family shouldn't be the focal point of our celebration of Christmas. Our focus should stay lasered in on the arrival of a long-promised King Jesus. All the other Christmas things are extra blessings we are free to enjoy, but Jesus really is the reason for the season. If you are new to Biblical teachings, I want to point you to our family's favorite Christmas passage which tells us the story of Jesus' birth. Then, we'll touch on ways to keep Christ in Christmas.
Let's read from the book of Luke, Chapter 2:
The Birth of Jesus
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.). And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord," and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas
The historical account we just read from the book of Luke, chapter 2 records Jesus' birth and a little bit about His first 12 years. It is the birth of Jesus that we celebrate on Christmas Day. He is the reason for this holy holiday. The commercialism of Christmas is difficult, if not impossible, to avoid. To be honest, I love the Christmas season. I love the shopping, the people, the fun, family, and food - so much food! However, in our family, the birth of Jesus is always the focal point of the season. It is possible, even in the midst of fancy fluff, to keep Jesus the focal point of our celebrations. Here are several ways we can keep Christ in Christmas.
1. Read the recorded historical account of Jesus' birth in the book of Luke, chapter 2. Read it at every Christmas gathering. If your children hear it 100 times every year, that is OK. In fact, the more they hear it, the more they will cherish it. The more they cherish it, the more likely they are to make Jesus the focal point of their Christmas celebrations when they reach adulthood.
2. Have a birthday party for Jesus, especially if you have younger children. Kids love birthday parties. Let them help you plan and decorate for the party. In Matthew's account of Jesus' birth, he writes of wise men who followed a star to find Jesus. When they arrived at the place where Jesus was, they gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. If you would like to add gift-giving to your birthday party for Jesus, take the kids to buy gifts for a family in need. This creates memories for kids that will last a lifetime.
3. Use this Nativity advent calendar to countdown to Christmas. Every day, your family can move Joseph and Mary closer to Bethlehem.
5. Watch scripturally accurate movies about the birth of Jesus. When you watch movies about the birth of Jesus with your kids, be sure to discuss the events in the film with them. Call out anything that is not scriptural. Get the kids involved in the discussion and lead them to compare the events in the film with the recorded historical accounts in the Bible.
6. Take your family to church. Families should be in church together all year long. Church is a great place for families to learn more about the origins of Christmas. Church is a place where families will be immersed in all things Biblical when it comes to Christmas. You'll hear accurate teachings and sing Christmas songs, old and new. Kids will participate in crafts and activities they will never forget. Church is a place to build relationships and be part of a community with a common worldview. Church is a place where lifelong friendships and lifelong memories are made. Take your family to church.
7. Keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year long. There are many things to learn about the true meaning of Christmas - the accurate account of Jesus' birth, who Jesus is, how He died for our sins in our place, how He rose again from the gave, how He ascended into Heaven, how He is coming back someday, how we can have a relationship with Him today, how we can tell others about the Good News of Jesus. Remember all these things all year long. Jesus' life wasn't meant for us to celebrate only in December. Jesus is meant to be celebrated and shared all year long.
Gratitude is a virtue that brings peace and contentment in life. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 provides a beautiful lesson on giving thanks in all circumstances. This inspiring passage from the Bible is a reminder of our obligation to be thankful, regardless of our current situation.
Giving Thanks in All Circumstances
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is a verse that reminds us to remain joyful always, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus. The verse is a profound reminder that gratitude should not be conditional; it should be a constant state of our hearts, irrespective of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
How to Give Thanks In All Circumstances
Being thankful in all circumstances does not mean that we have to be happy about difficult situations. Instead, it means acknowledging and appreciating the presence and power of God in our lives, even during challenging times. It means believing that God has a plan for us and that every situation, good or bad can be used for His glory.
It's vital to differentiate between being thankful for all circumstances and being thankful in all circumstances. We might not be grateful for adverse situations, but we can be thankful in them, knowing that God is with us, guiding us, and using these situations to grow us spiritually.
To cultivate a habit of giving thanks in all circumstances, we can start by acknowledging God's presence in our lives daily. We can pray regularly and express our gratitude to God for His love and blessings. We can also keep a gratitude journal to document the things we are thankful for each day. This practice can help us develop a positive mindset and a thankful heart.
In summary, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 offers a valuable lesson on the power and importance of gratitude. It reminds us that God's will for us is to remain joyful, prayerful, and thankful, regardless of our circumstances. By cultivating a heart of gratitude in all situations, we can live abundantly in God's will and experience peace and contentment in our lives. So, let us strive each day to live out this divine principle of gratitude and see the positive transformations it can bring about in our lives.
The Lord's Comfort for the Broken-Hearted. Psalm 34:18
There are so many teachings and verses from the Bible that guide us through life's toughest challenges. Today, let's dive into a powerful verse from Psalm 34:18, which states, "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This verse is a testament to God's unwavering love and compassion, offering comfort to those who are burdened with grief and sorrow.
The Lord's Comfort for the Broken-Hearted
Understanding Psalm 34:18
Psalm 34:18 is a beacon of hope in times of brokenness. It assures us that even when we are at our lowest, we are not alone. The Lord is always near, offering His comfort and protection to those who are broken-hearted. But what does it really mean to be "broken-hearted" or "crushed in spirit"?
In life, we experience a myriad of emotions. Heartbreak often comes from profound disappointment, loss, or pain. It's a universal experience that can sometimes feel isolating. Being "crushed in spirit" refers to a state of despair or extreme sorrow. The Psalmist is assuring us that in these moments of deep anguish, the Lord is closest to us. He is our refuge in times of trouble, our strength when we feel weak.
God's Unending Love and Compassion
The beauty of Psalm 34:18 lies in its promise of God's unending love and compassion. It assures us that our tears do not go unnoticed by God. He sees our pain, our struggles, and our heartbreak. And more than seeing, He is actively involved in our healing process. The Lord doesn't distance Himself from our pain; instead, He draws near, offering His comfort and healing.
This verse serves as a reminder that God's love is not conditional or limited. He doesn't only show up in our moments of joy and triumph. The Lord is also present in our darkest hours, providing us with the strength to persevere and the hope of better days ahead.
Finding Comfort in God's Presence
Psalm 34:18 offers us the comfort of knowing that in our moments of despair, we are not alone. The Lord is there, close to the broken-hearted, saving those who are crushed in spirit. His presence is a sanctuary, a place of renewal and healing. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
In conclusion, the journey through heartbreak and despair is never easy, but it is comforting to know that we are not alone. God is always there, offering His love, compassion, and strength. Psalm 34:18 is a testament to this promise of His constant presence in our lives.
Remember, no matter how crushing your sorrow or how deep your despair, the Lord is close to you. He is there to save you, to lift you up, and to provide you with the strength you need to overcome. So, hold on, have faith, and let the Lord's unwavering love guide you through your trials.
Express Your Sentiments
Do you know someone who is heart-broken? Maybe someone you know has lost a loved one or perhaps someone you love is struggling through other hard things. Remind them that the Lord is close to them with a sympathy card from Abundant Family Living.
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