WEDNESDAY'S WORD - INTERNECINE - 02/27/19 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

I imagine MMA fighters Tyler Bryan and Shaun Parker both thought they would emerge victorious from their professional debut at the Legends of Fighting event in Indianapolis in 2017. I'm certain they did not envision becoming one of few examples of fighters who simultaneously knock each other out, but that's exactly what happened. They dressed the same, shaved their heads the same and threw the same right hook...I know, unbelievable! It was an INTERNECINE fight - meaning destructive to both sides in a conflict. The word comes from the Latin internecinus fought to the death, or mutually destructive. Prior to the 20th century this word was  associated with wars, most famously in America the Civil War where tragic losses came on both sides. Then internecine came to also refer to political battles, corporate discord, and inter-personal struggles.       In a contest of wills, sometimes everyone emerges defeated. You can also win and lose at the same time - a very valuable lesson. For the Christian, the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5 discusses the warring that goes on between our spirits and our carnal natures. He admonishes us to be led by and walk in the Spirit, so that we will not fulfill our sinful desires (vs. 16-18):   19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.      Which side we choose to indulge has ramifications not only to us, but to others. Paul warns if we use our freedom to indulge our flesh we will violate the command to "Love your neighbor as yourself." (13-14) To satisfy our lower nature, we may find ourselves in an INTERNECINE combat that will end with detrimental consequences for all involved. "If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." (15) We don't often reflect on the fact that our words, actions, or inaction have the power to tear down, damage, ruin, or put an end to someone - (their trust, reputation, career, etc). This is a sobering reality. The MMA fight's INTERNECINE clash led to a no contest decision - which means - nobody won. Where do your conflicts lead?

Join us! Services Sunday at 10:00 AM with the Church of the Living God 434 Forest Ave. Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORDS- AVENGE, REVENGE & VENGEANCE - 02/20/19 Sadell Bradley New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?"  - Eleanor Roosevelt  

 

Almost everybody on the planet knows The Avengers: mortal and immortal heroes endued with supernatural powers who have been charged with bringing justice and protection to the world. It seems Stan Lee and the other Marvel Comic creators wanted us to acknowledge that there is always warfare going on around us. Forces are fighting on our behalf, and that more than often than not - they win the battle. AVENGE means to inflict harm for an injury done on behalf of oneself or someone else; to vindicate (clear someone of blame or suspicion, to show or prove to be right, reasonable or justified). Have you ever been a victim of injustice, falsely accused or deceived? The importunate woman in Luke 18:3 cried out to an unjust judge, "Avenge me of my adversary!" The premise of this parable about persistent prayer, is that God, our just Judge, will speedily avenge those of us who cry out to Him day and night for justice...if He finds that kind of faith on the earth." (vs.7-8)  

 

What makes REVENGE different from AVENGE is WHO is inflicting the 'payback' hurt. Generally with revenge, YOU are inflicting retribution yourself as opposed to allowing an outside party to execute VENGEANCE - punishment for the wrong. The Apostle Paul in Romans 12 wanted us to understand the difference between these words and their corresponding actions. He desired that we both comprehend and implement Jesus' standard, which is definitely not easy to do. (Romans 12:14-21)   

 

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay," says the Lord. 20On the contrary "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.

   

Don't you just want God to strike them down with a lightning bolt? Just expose them one good time. Let what they touch crumble.  God says, "Let Me handle it. "You just live at peace with them, bless them and overcome their evil with good. I'll admit, sometimes none of that is my first...or even second response. I liked the 'heap burning coals on his head" part
at first, until I understood it  meant atonement for sin like what Jesus did on the Cross. Your adversary's remorse and change will come via your demonstration of kindness and forgiveness. "It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance." (Romans 2:4) So, instead of revenge...let God AVENGE you as you do good.     

 

 

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434 Forest Ave.

Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - PLATFORM - 02/13/19 Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"The further you go in life, the more you realize what you're going to leave this Earth. It's not going to be, 'It was a great platform. It was great to win the Super Bowl,' but really and truly what you're going to leave on this Earth is the influence on others."  - Coach Joe Gibbs 

PLATFORM has many meanings. If you're a tech person, it's a standard for the hardware of a computer that determines what type of software can be run. If you're a politician, it's a policy or point of view you share with potential voters or constituents. If you're in the arts, entertainment or ministry...a PLATFORM is both a raised stage used so you can be seen by your audience, and the influence or reach the figurative 'stage' provides. These days, many are seeking platforms to get their gifts and concepts out to the public. This blog is a small platform - thousands have read these words, hopefully with positive impact.   

   

Everyone has a platform. Each of us already has an
audience we influence sometimes daily or weekly. You may not be the main teacher or preacher, but each week you prepare a lesson for a class, or even for your children. You aren't a recording artist, but you are dedicated to offering worship before the LORD each week. You may not be Dr. Phil or Iyanla Vanzant, but you've given counsel and prayed for friends and family members in distress. Because you've lived 20, 30, 50 years or more, you've had the chance to be an example, to inspire, to sway, to guide and encourage others in significant ways.  

TD Jakes said, God allows and sometimes designs our trials to be a platform.  What you're going through, and how people observe you handling difficulties is an influential stage. That's why Christians refer to the lives of Job, Esther and Joseph. That's also why the cross of Christ holds such power. Jesus used His platform to display His passion - His willingness to love, suffer and die to save His enemies. Christ warned His disciples that persecution would be the Gospel's platform: 

"Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation-just because you believe in me. Don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they've done you-and me-a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words. (Matthew 10:17-20, MSG)  

Harry Belafonte is an actor and pioneer in the Civil Rights movement. He said, "My activism has always existed. My art gave me the platform to do something about the activism." This perspective begs the question, "Why has God allowed you to be in the situation you're in? Why do you burn for the cause that's in your heart? How can God get glory through you there? Who will be positively or negatively affected by the way you handle your platform?" You have one.

Join us! Services Sunday at 10:00 AM with the Church of the Living God 434 Forest Ave. Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - VICTORY - 02/06/19 Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"If there be no enemy, there's no fight. If no fight, no victory, and if no victory there is no crown."  - Thomas Carlyle 

 

"Victory is mine! Victory is mine! Victory today is mine! I told Satan, get thee behind, Victory TODAY is mine! That's an old chorus. I love that it makes a declaration that I have VICTORY, gives the timing of the win (TODAY) and puts the enemy in his place. VICTORY is the act of defeating an opponent in a battle, game or other competition. As Christ followers, we don't fight for victory, we fight FROM victory. Our ultimate warfare surrounds the issue of sin and death - everything else we face in this life are battles and skirmishes. Jesus won the greatest victory over the last enemy (death) at the Cross of Calvary and with His resurrection. Paul said it this way:    

 

"54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: " Death has been swallowed up in victory." 55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:54-57)  

 

While on earth, we are challenged to view life's situations from a Heavenly perspective. As Kingdom citizens who are strangers and pilgrims in the earth, (Hebrews 11:13) we see things through the lens of faith. We are called to pray that the will of God be done in earth as it is in Heaven, (Matthew 6:10) to set our hearts and minds on things above and not on the earth, (Col. 3:2) and to store up treasure in Heaven and not on earth. (Matthew 19:20) It is easier to do if we realize that when God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He seated us with Him in Heavenly realms. (Ephesians 2:6)  When our perspective rises to a Heavenly vantage point, we see things differently and can say like Elisha did to his servant, "Fear not, for those that be with us are more than they that be with them." (2 Kings 6:16)   

 

The time to celebrate the victory is NOW because it's already been won.  Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not yet see. (Heb. 11:1) The Apostle John labels us overcomers. To OVERCOME means to succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty; to defeat an opponent; to prevail. Part of being a victorious Christian is to seize the victory before you see the victory. "For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith."  (1 John 5:4)

 

 

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Services Sunday at 10:00 AM

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434 Forest Ave.

Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - CONFIDENCE - 01/30/19 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence you have won before you have started."  - Marcus Garvey  

 

At work today, we were asked, "If you were stranded on an island, what one movie would you have with you?" My answer was The Sound of Music, a favorite for many reasons, not the least of which is the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Classics like My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, and Climb Every Mountain, evoke all kinds of emotions and introspection. I've been humming "I Have Confidence," which chronicles the lead character Maria's (Julie Andrews) journey moving from her calling as a nun to that of a nanny of the Von Trapp Children. As she walks the road to her new destiny she has mixed feelings of energy, excitement, fear and doubt. Maria's voice crescendos as she sings and dances with bravado into the chorus, "All I trust I leave my heart to, All I trust becomes my own! I have confidence in confidence alone! Besides which you see, I have confidence in me!"

        

I wish I had more CONFIDENCE - the feeling or belief that you can rely on someone or something; a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities. I want to have full trust in God and my abilities, yet I find myself too often in self-doubt. It's an internal struggle with - Am I good enough? Do I measure up? Having confidence in the LORD is one thing. Scripture says, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose confidence is in the LORD." (Jer. 17:7) Having confidence in yourself is quite another. Joshua and Caleb made a confident statement as they shared with fearful Israel about the promised land, "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it." (Numbers 13:30)

 

The things God wants to do in the earth require human participation. If we are insecure and lack confidence, we'll never even attempt what God is asking for. We'll be like the other 10 spies who looked at a good land but were too chicken to go and conquer it. Your very first battlefield is in your own mind. It's your negative self-perception, and comparisons to others that God wants to heal. The folks Israel feared were terrified of them! Caleb and Joshua weren't being prideful, they were confident and courageous. The presence and power of the LORD was with them, so they were not weak or limited. The enemy wants you to think you're going it alone. He wants you to believe that everyone else is better and you don't belong in the greatness to which the LORD has called you. I'm glad that the accuser is NOT the decision maker. Let's say like Paul, "Now all glory to God, who is able through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20) Intimidated? Say, I choose today have CONFIDENCE in God and in me.    

Join us! Services Sunday at 10:00 AM with the Church of the Living God 434 Forest Ave. Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - OVERWHELM - 1/23/19 -Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"Too many choices can overwhelm us and cause us not to choose at all. For businesses, this means that if they offer us too many choices, we may not buy anything."  - Sheena Iyengar - American Educator     Guided-selling.org named 2018 The Year of the Overwhelmed Customer. They reported that information overload was the cause of the problem, and suggested that simplicity was the remedy. Businesses should devise marketing methods that make 'yes decisions' easier. I don't think I've associated having too much information and multiple choices as a source of OVERWHELM. I've tended to think of overwhelm as the result of trying circumstances or not enough time to finish tasks. All of these sources are also real, but sometimes overwhelm doesn't have a negative root. I just have many choices and don't know which to take, or I want to do them simultaneously. I felt this overwhelm on Monday, a rare day off, while attempting to accomplish everything in a day. OVERWHELM means to bury or drown beneath a huge mass; to give too much of a thing to someone; to have a strong emotional effect on; to overpower. Customers are overwhelmed by the number of potential purchasing options. My attempt to tackle my entire to-do list all at once overwhelmed me. Maybe we need simplicity to overcome our overwhelm, settle our emotions, regain our confidence, and make uncomplicated 'yes' decisions.      I'm sure there have been moments, days or seasons that you've felt overwhelmed. We experience pressure from all sides: work, home, church, extended family relationships, finances, and internal stressors like worry over impending decisions. Sometimes it feels like everyone is pulling on us to have all the answers. King David felt this angst and poured out his soul to God:       Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. 4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah 5 For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. 6 You will prolong the king's life, His years as many generations. 7 He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him! 8 So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows. (Psalm 61, NKJV)    David wasn't just overwhelmed in the moment,   he was concerned about his lifespan and ultimately his legacy. Though I'm certainly no king David, I've shared similar concerns. How much time do I have left? I haven't completed all God wants me to, but I want to finish it all. David had to sing this psalm to reassure himself that God, his Rock, had historically ensured every step of his life. God held David's times in his hands (Psalm 31:15), so the king declares that God will prolong his life and safeguard his legacy. What a bold statement! David also asked for mercy and truth to preserve him. He committed to worship the LORD and to DAILY perform his vows. Each day he would do what the LORD was calling him to and allow God to determine his lifespan, his efficacy, and his legacy. We'd be wise to let go of our overwhelm and do the same.

Join us! Services Sunday at 10:00 AM with the Church of the Living God 434 Forest Ave. Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - OVERBOARD - 01/16/19 Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"You are overboard in deep open water without a PFD (personal flotation device), or at least that is what your instructor is yelling. Sink or swim, plebe."  - David Robinson - Former American Athlete & Naval Officer     OVERBOARD - means from a ship into the water; figuratively it is to be very enthusiastic; or to react in an immoderate way. To throw something or someone overboard means to abandon or discard it or them. All of us have had situations where our response was overboard due to anxiety, disappointment or some other emotion. I was listening to this powerful message MERCY OVER JUDGMENT by Pastor William McDowell. In it, he referenced the familiar story of Jonah, an Israeli prophet whom God instructed to go to a city called Nineveh, which was at that time wicked and he believed should be God-forsaken. Jonah's emotional response was overboard. He did not want to preach repentance to Nineveh because he knew that God would forgive and bless them if they turned from their wickedness. He wanted God to judge them. So instead of going toward his assignment to preach salvation, he went the other way, "Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me." 3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord..." (Jonah 1:1-3a) Pastor William asked, "Do we choose to withhold the Gospel from people because we want God to judge them while God wants to show them His goodness and mercy?"        Jonah didn't realize that in disobeying God's command, he was not only running away from the Ninevites, but from the LORD's presence as well. He gets on this boat and a storm so powerful arises that the ship and it's passengers are in grave danger. Jonah is asleep in the bottom of the ship. The captain wakes him up saying ""What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish." (vs. 6) The passengers cast lots to see who is the cause of the trouble. They hear that Jonah has been fleeing from the presence of the LORD. He tells them, "Throw me overboard. Then the sea will become calm. I know that I'm responsible for this violent storm."  (vs. 12, GWT) Is it possible that you're on the ship of life with someone whose disobedience has you almost shipwrecked? Is YOUR disobedience  causing trouble or delay in the lives of others? Most of us know that God mercifully provided a way to make Jonah repent - three days in the belly of a great fish. Once the fish spit him out...he was ready to go to Nineveh. What's it going to take for you to obey? Even the fish threw Jonah overboard! Lol!     Unfortunately, Jonah end up reluctantly preaching to Nineveh's citizens. He was still mad at God for offering them His mercy and making him the vehicle. Jonah really wanted the LORD to give them the smack down. He didn't desire the same second chance he was receiving to be extended to them...they were obviously more wicked than he. God had to take Jonah through some more dealings. I'm glad that sometimes God let's us be thrown overboard to save US when we didn't even know we needed to be saved.

Join us! Services Sunday at 10:00 AM with the Church of the Living God 434 Forest Ave. Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - CONSECRATE - 01/09/19 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"It does not take great men to do great things; it only takes consecrated men."  - Phillips Brooks - American Clergyman    The lyrics of the Hymn, "I Am Thine, O Lord" are ringing in my Spirit today:   "I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice  and it taught Thy love to me,   But I long to rise in the arms of faith and be closer drawn to Thee.      Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord to the Cross where Thou hast died.   Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side.  Consecrate me now to Thy service, LORD  By the power of grace divine Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope And my will be lost in Thine   CONSECRATE means to make something sacred; to dedicate formally for a Divine purpose. Churches set aside times of consecration - services with prayer, fasting and worship. Some people retreat for a time apart to commune with God in silence and solitude. With so many distractions, our inward ambitions, and cravings for entertainment; it can be a challenge to consecrate ourselves to the LORD. Consecration, the separation of our lives to God for His purposes, was not ever intended to be a segmented period of time, but a way of being. The LORD commanded the Levites, "Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 20:7) Consecration was not just for the clergy. Before entering the land of promise, "Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.'" (Joshua 3:5)    Perhaps Fanny J. Crosby, the writer of "I Am Thine, O Lord," was able to connect more closely to God because she was blinded at 6 weeks of age. Crosby became a teacher, an important advocate for the blind, and a friend of several presidents. The power of God's grace did indeed help her to flourish. Her consecration caused her to bear much fruit, writing over 8,500 gospel songs from age 6 to her death. She and her collaborator, William Doane, talked about the nearness of God in their lives. Stanza three exclaims, "When I kneel in prayer, and with thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend!"     The Scriptural reference for "I Am Thine, O Lord" is found in Hebrews 10:    "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God...Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."  (Hebrews 10:19-23)    How would your life look different if it was consecrated to the LORD? What would you do more of, or not do at all? What would you focus on, or not watch at all? How would your thoughts, attitudes and speech differ? How would you treat your body? or your decisions? How would you treat others? A consecrated life is a gift to God, a response to His loving gift of Jesus.

Join us! Services Sunday at 10:00 AM with the Church of the Living God 434 Forest Ave. Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - SHEPHERD - 01/02/2019 -Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"When we are fearful and worried all the time, we are living as if we don't believe that we have a strong and able Shepherd who is tenderhearted toward us, who only leads us to good places, who protects us and lovingly watches over us. "  - Joseph Prince 

 

"The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake." (Psalm 23:1-4) Almost every Christian has memorized this entire Psalm.  A SHEPHERD is a person who tends and rears sheep. This word is also used to describe a member of the clergy who provides spiritual care and guidance for a congregation. Jesus described Himself in John 10 as "The Good Shepherd." He describes His characteristics:

• His sheep listen to Him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. He goes ahead of them and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice. They will never follow the voice of a stranger, because they don't recognize a stranger's voice (vs. 4-5)
• He will lay down His life for His sheep. He cares for the sheep and will not abandon them in trouble.
• His sheep know Him, just as the Father knows His Son, Jesus. 

I am struck by where the LORD as Shepherd leads His flock and what He makes us do. David said, "He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters." Phillip Kellers seminal book, "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" reveals:

   

"The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very makeup it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met. 1) Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear. 2) Because of the social behavior within a flock, sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind. 3) If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax. 4) Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger. It is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations, and hunger.  

 

The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties. It all depends upon the diligence of the owner whether or not his flock is free of disturbing influences. It is actually he who makes it possible for them to lie down, to rest, to relax, to be content and quiet and flourishing. A flock that is restless, discontented, always agitated and disturbed never does well. And the same is true of people."  Selah...

   

In 20 9, as one of the LORD's sheep and as an under-shepherd, I'm glad to know that I can apply this Scripture to better trust God's care and discern His guidance.  As I make decisions the LORD reminds me of the reputation of His name, Jehovah Rohi - God my Shepherd. I look forward to a great New Year!    

 

Join us!

Services Sunday at 10:00 AM

with the Church of the Living God

434 Forest Ave.

Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - INCARNATION - Sadell Bradley - 12/25/18 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"The Incarnation is the medicine of the soul, undoing the Fall and bringing man to the Tree of Life, and the office of a priest is to administer this medicine in the sacraments. "  - Arthur Middleton 

 

INCARNATION  means a person who embodies in the flesh a deity, spirit, or abstract quality; it is also one of a series of forms which a person reflects on earth.  In Christian theology, The Incarnation is the embodiment of God the Son in human flesh as Jesus Christ. Though December was probably not Jesus' birthday (scholars believe it was actually Spring), the Incarnation is what many celebrate today. As we gleefully open gifts and share experiences with family and friends, let's not forget that God's PRESENCE is His PRESENT to us. When the angels approached Joseph and Mary, their salutations were the fulfillment of prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."  Immanuel means God with us. Jesus Christ was not just an historical figure whose life we can read about. He was not just another baby being born into humble circumstances.  He was and is the King of all other kings and Lord of all other lords. He is the glorious Ruler of the universe. Paul said, "For in him dwells the fullness of the Godhead (the Father, Son & Holy Spirit) in bodily form. (Col. 2:9)  

 

As in the quote above...Jesus, whose name means Savior, the Christ - the One who is anointed or empowered, came to rescue us from the eternal penalty and consequences of sin and the Fall. He came to restore us to a right relationship with God the Father and to offer us the free gift of an eternal quality of life as we identify with Him. Joseph was encouraged to maintain the engagement to his mysteriously pregnant future wife because, "the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, (Yahweh is salvation)  because He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20b-21) This same Jewish baby boy who was born in a manger would one day be crucified, die, be buried, and resurrect from the dead. He will one day soon return as Lord and King of His Heavenly Kingdom. 

 

Many people experience sadness and loneliness during this season. They wonder if they are really loved. Somehow the Christmas songs, trees, gifts, and even the presence of other people leaves us wanting. It's supposed to. We have a God-sized hole inside that only Jesus Christ can fill.  So, I want to reassure you today of God's love for you. Whether you are rich or poor, young or old, no matter your ethnicity, culture or background...it doesn't even matter what you've done...the Bible says that the Incarnation both proves and demonstrates God's love for us.  "9God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."(1 John 4:9) This is a gift you won't want to return. The gift of God's presence is one that will not break, rust, fade, tear or wear out.  It's a gift that all the money in the world can't buy. It's a gift that we can never work for nor repay. As you celebrate today, I pray you will take a moment to thank the LORD for His indescribable gift. Merry Christmas!