The Christmas Story of the Birth of Jesus - Paraphrased from the Bible:
References:
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:1-20.
The Conception of Jesus Foretold
Mary, a virgin, was living in Galilee of Nazareth and was engaged to be married to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter. An angel visited her and explained to her that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. She would carry and give birth to this child and she would name him Jesus.
At first Mary was afraid and troubled by the angel's words. Being a virgin, Mary questioned the angel, "How will this be?" The angel explained that the child would be God's own Son and, therefore, "nothing is impossible with God." Humbled and in awe, Mary believed the angel of the Lord and rejoiced in God her Savior.
Surely Mary reflected with wonder on the words found in Isaiah 7:14 foretelling this event, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (NIV)
Sing “Mary did you know”
The Birth of Jesus:
While Mary was still engaged to Joseph, she miraculously became pregnant through the Holy Spirit, as foretold to her by the angel. When Mary told Joseph she was pregnant, he had every right to feel disgraced. He knew the child was not his own, and Mary's apparent unfaithfulness carried a grave social stigma. Joseph not only had the right to divorce Mary, under Jewish law she could be put to death by stoning.
Although Joseph's initial reaction was to break the engagement, the appropriate thing for a righteous man to do, he treated Mary with extreme kindness. He did not want to cause her further shame, so he decided to act quietly. But God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to verify Mary's story and reassure him that his marriage to her was God's will. The angel explained that the child within Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit, that his name would be Jesus and that he was the Messiah, God with us.
When Joseph woke from his dream, he willingly obeyed God and took Mary home to be his wife, in spite of the public humiliation he would face. Perhaps this noble quality is one of the reasons God chose him to be the Messiah's earthly father.
Joseph too must have wondered in awe as he remembered the words found in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (NIV)
At that time, Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken, and every person in the entire Roman world had to go to his own town to register. Joseph, being of the line of David, was required to go to Bethlehem to register with Mary. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Probably due to the census, the inn was too crowded, and Mary gave birth in a crude stable. She wrapped the baby in cloths and placed him in a manger.
Sing” Away in the manger”
The Shepherd's Worship the Savior:
Out in the fields, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were tending their flocks of sheep by night. The angel announced that the Savior had been born in the town of David. Suddenly a great host of heavenly beings appeared with the angels and began singing praises to God. As the angelic beings departed, the shepherds decided to travel to Bethlehem and see the Christ-child.
There they found Mary, Joseph and the baby, in the stable. After their visit, they began to spread the word about this amazing child and everything the angel had said about him. They went on their way still praising and glorifying God. But Mary kept quiet, treasuring their words and pondering them in her heart. It must have been beyond her ability to grasp, that sleeping in her arms—the tender child she had just borne—was the Savior of the world.
Sing “Go tell it on the mountain”
The Magi Bring Gifts:
After Jesus' birth, Herod was king of Judea. At this time wise men (Magi) from the east saw a star, they came in search, knowing the star signified the birth of the king of the Jews. The wise men came to the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem and asked where the Christ was to be born. The rulers explained, "In Bethlehem in Judea," referring to Micah 5:2. Herod secretly met with the Magi and asked them to report back after they had found the child. Herod told the Magi that he too wanted to go and worship the babe. But secretly Herod was plotting to kill the child.
So the wise men continued to follow the star in search of the new born king and found Jesus with his mother in Bethlehem. (Most likely Jesus was already two years of age by this time.) They bowed and worshipped him, offering treasures of gold, incense and myrrh. When they left, they did not return to Herod. They had been warned in a dream of his plot to destroy the child.
Sing “We three Kings”
You see even from birth Jesus was hated by the world. This holiday season lets show him that we don’t hate him and that we love and adore him. And the way that we do that is by…
Keeping Christ in Christmas:
The number one way to keep Jesus Christ in your Christmas celebrations is to have him present in your daily life. If you're not sure what it means to become a believer in Christ let me tell you, all that means is that you are asking him to forgive you of all your sins and accept him as your personal Lord and Savior.
If you've already accepted Jesus as your Savior and made him the center of your life, keeping Christ in Christmas is more about the way you live your life than the things you say—such as "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays."
Keeping Christ in Christmas means daily revealing the character, love and spirit of Christ that dwells in you, by allowing these traits to shine through your actions. I would like to share with you a simple way to keep Christ the central focus of your life this Christmas season.
1) Give God one very special gift just from you to him:
Let this gift be something personal that no one else needs to know about, and let it be a sacrifice. David said in 2 Samuel 24 that he would not offer a sacrifice to God that cost him nothing.
Maybe your gift to God will be to forgive someone you've needed to forgive for a long time. You may discover that you've given a gift back to yourself.
Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian who survived extreme brutality in a German concentration camp after rescuing many Jews from certain death during the Nazi Holocaust, was later able to say, "Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you."
Perhaps your gift will be to commit to spending time with God daily. Or maybe there is something God has asked you to give up. Make this your most important gift of the season.
There is an old saying that says it is far better to give than to receive. The amazing thing with Jesus is that whenever you give something to Him you will always receive something far greater in return.
Rather it is simple forgiveness for our sins, peace that passes all understanding, unconditional love, joy unspeakable, a special healing, or an answer to prayer. We can never out give God.
He has given us the greatest give of all Jesus Christ. John 3:16 say it with me.
16 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.
Lets us never forget the gift that was born to us that one O Holy night and what an impact that child has made on each and ever one of us.
Sing “O Holy night”
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A simple way to save the world
Ever one today is talking about going green and trying to save the world.
Google has unveiled a $4 trillion plan detailing how it thinks the US should transition to a low carbon economy.
The wide-reaching strategy sets out a series of proposals designed to wean the US's energy network off coal and oil by 2030 and cut cars' use of fossil fuels by 40 per cent by the same date.
Under the strategy Google proposes the implementation of stricter building codes, a commitment to expand wind and solar tax credits, and the development of a US carbon cap-and-trade system, built around carefully allocated emission permits and a stable carbon price.
The new policy document is the latest in a series of initiatives from the search giant designed to help tackle climate change.
Sounds like a lot of planning going forth to try to save the world we currently live in. Not to mention a lot of money.
Gods plan to save the world was so much simpler.
John 3:16 says “ for God so loved the world that he sent His one and only son that who whoever believes in him shall not perish but have ever lasting life. For God did not send his son to judge the world but to save it.
God used just a simple man of trade. With all the rulers in the world he choice (Joseph).
God also used just an ordinary girl (Mary).
Who see he didn’t need some fancy facility to be born in, he had a simple bed of hay.
He didn’t need the most elite to come and celebrate his birth when he used simple lonely shepherds.
Even though God is all knowing and powerful his plan for each and every one of us is a simple one.
All he wants is that we love him and accept his gift of salvation that he willing gives us.
This Christmas I can almost bet every single one of us will receive at least one gift and how silly it would be not to mention how offended the giver would be if we refused it.
Choice today to accept Gods simple plan for your life and receive his gift of his son.
Google has unveiled a $4 trillion plan detailing how it thinks the US should transition to a low carbon economy.
The wide-reaching strategy sets out a series of proposals designed to wean the US's energy network off coal and oil by 2030 and cut cars' use of fossil fuels by 40 per cent by the same date.
Under the strategy Google proposes the implementation of stricter building codes, a commitment to expand wind and solar tax credits, and the development of a US carbon cap-and-trade system, built around carefully allocated emission permits and a stable carbon price.
The new policy document is the latest in a series of initiatives from the search giant designed to help tackle climate change.
Sounds like a lot of planning going forth to try to save the world we currently live in. Not to mention a lot of money.
Gods plan to save the world was so much simpler.
John 3:16 says “ for God so loved the world that he sent His one and only son that who whoever believes in him shall not perish but have ever lasting life. For God did not send his son to judge the world but to save it.
God used just a simple man of trade. With all the rulers in the world he choice (Joseph).
God also used just an ordinary girl (Mary).
Who see he didn’t need some fancy facility to be born in, he had a simple bed of hay.
He didn’t need the most elite to come and celebrate his birth when he used simple lonely shepherds.
Even though God is all knowing and powerful his plan for each and every one of us is a simple one.
All he wants is that we love him and accept his gift of salvation that he willing gives us.
This Christmas I can almost bet every single one of us will receive at least one gift and how silly it would be not to mention how offended the giver would be if we refused it.
Choice today to accept Gods simple plan for your life and receive his gift of his son.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Hope
Christmas is a holiday full of hopes - hopes of family reconciliations, hopes of picture-perfect celebrations, hopes of getting certain presents. Some of our hopes are fulfilled; others are not. But hoping in God is always a sure bet; people will let us down, but He never will. Let's look at what the word of God has to say about hope.
Today's message is facing dead hopes.
There are a lot of people who struggle this time of year. This is a time of incredible hope, incredible joy, promises, and yet, at a time like this, we are kind of reminded in a fresh and painful way at the many things that aren't moving in our lives, things in our personal lives, things in families, families that are separated because of war or because of tensions within the family, problems with our job.
In a time like that we have to think about what does it mean to hope in God when we are facing these struggles and difficulties?
And so today, we are going to be looking at Zechariah and Elizabeth. I want to read to you just one little small verse about them. It says in Chapter 1 (the angel is talking to Zechariah).
"But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John."
Zechariah was the father of John the Baptist, and husband of Elizabeth. He was a priest belonging to the order of Abijah. While he was offering incense in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, and told him that his wife Elizabeth who had been barren for many years would give birth to a son, and the son's name would be John. Zechariah, who was an old man, did not believe the angel, and because of his disbelief, was struck dumb unable to speak, until the prophecy was fulfilled.
With the events leading up to Jesus birth can be summarized by the words “God can do anything”.
Hope is not what you expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch- me- I’m dreaming ending.
Hope is not a granted wish or favor performed: no it is far greater than that.
Sometimes we feel there is no hope. But with God there is always hope. Remember, He has unlimited resources. He can see what we can't. With Him truly nothing is impossible.
God Understands
Matt 26:38 Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." (NASB)
Did you ever feel like your world had just ended. I know I have. And if you haven't, well you just haven't lived long enough yet.
Jesus was facing the most terrible moment in history. He was approaching the time when, as He bore the sin of the world, the Father would turn His back on Jesus.
From before the beginning of time the Son and the Father had been in perfect fellowship - never apart - and that was about to change.
If you have ever lost a close relative or friend, if you have ever been punished for something you had not done, then Jesus has walked that path and understands. Jesus suffered the loss of his friend Lazerus.
He went without food and drink and was tempted beyond our understanding. His authority was questioned by those who had authority in name only. And, He took the punishment for each of our debt of sin.
There are many who are dealing with very difficult circumstances. If you are one of them and feel that no one can possibly understand your pain, then know three things.
First, there is no situation that God is not in control. He may indeed have you where you are for a reason.
Second, He loves you. The Lord will not forsake you.
Third, He knows exactly where you are and how you feel because He has suffered the same trials and temptations you are dealing with today.
Heb 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (NASB)
This is an amazing truth for all of us to take to heart. The Creator of the Universe somehow put on our humanity and frailty to win us back from eternal punishment.
And, in the process, walked the same paths we walk every day and experienced all the joys and sorrows we experience. We can bring everything from a skinned knee to a crushed and broken heart to Him and He understands.
Romans 15:13 (New Living Translation)
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
What are your greatest dreams? Remember, God can do anything, and he loves to fulfill dreams. Ask God to show you what he wants you to do, and then ask him for the power and courage to do it.
Luke 1:30-38 (New Century Version)
30 The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary; God has shown you his grace.31 Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of King David, his ancestor.33 He will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end."
34 Mary said to the angel, "How will this happen since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel said to Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you. For this reason the baby will be holy and will be called the Son of God.36 Now Elizabeth, your relative, is also pregnant with a son though she is very old. Everyone thought she could not have a baby, but she has been pregnant for six months.37 God can do anything!"
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me as you say!" Then the angel went away.
When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God.”
Today's message is facing dead hopes.
There are a lot of people who struggle this time of year. This is a time of incredible hope, incredible joy, promises, and yet, at a time like this, we are kind of reminded in a fresh and painful way at the many things that aren't moving in our lives, things in our personal lives, things in families, families that are separated because of war or because of tensions within the family, problems with our job.
In a time like that we have to think about what does it mean to hope in God when we are facing these struggles and difficulties?
And so today, we are going to be looking at Zechariah and Elizabeth. I want to read to you just one little small verse about them. It says in Chapter 1 (the angel is talking to Zechariah).
"But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John."
Zechariah was the father of John the Baptist, and husband of Elizabeth. He was a priest belonging to the order of Abijah. While he was offering incense in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, and told him that his wife Elizabeth who had been barren for many years would give birth to a son, and the son's name would be John. Zechariah, who was an old man, did not believe the angel, and because of his disbelief, was struck dumb unable to speak, until the prophecy was fulfilled.
With the events leading up to Jesus birth can be summarized by the words “God can do anything”.
Hope is not what you expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch- me- I’m dreaming ending.
Hope is not a granted wish or favor performed: no it is far greater than that.
Sometimes we feel there is no hope. But with God there is always hope. Remember, He has unlimited resources. He can see what we can't. With Him truly nothing is impossible.
God Understands
Matt 26:38 Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." (NASB)
Did you ever feel like your world had just ended. I know I have. And if you haven't, well you just haven't lived long enough yet.
Jesus was facing the most terrible moment in history. He was approaching the time when, as He bore the sin of the world, the Father would turn His back on Jesus.
From before the beginning of time the Son and the Father had been in perfect fellowship - never apart - and that was about to change.
If you have ever lost a close relative or friend, if you have ever been punished for something you had not done, then Jesus has walked that path and understands. Jesus suffered the loss of his friend Lazerus.
He went without food and drink and was tempted beyond our understanding. His authority was questioned by those who had authority in name only. And, He took the punishment for each of our debt of sin.
There are many who are dealing with very difficult circumstances. If you are one of them and feel that no one can possibly understand your pain, then know three things.
First, there is no situation that God is not in control. He may indeed have you where you are for a reason.
Second, He loves you. The Lord will not forsake you.
Third, He knows exactly where you are and how you feel because He has suffered the same trials and temptations you are dealing with today.
Heb 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (NASB)
This is an amazing truth for all of us to take to heart. The Creator of the Universe somehow put on our humanity and frailty to win us back from eternal punishment.
And, in the process, walked the same paths we walk every day and experienced all the joys and sorrows we experience. We can bring everything from a skinned knee to a crushed and broken heart to Him and He understands.
Romans 15:13 (New Living Translation)
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
What are your greatest dreams? Remember, God can do anything, and he loves to fulfill dreams. Ask God to show you what he wants you to do, and then ask him for the power and courage to do it.
Luke 1:30-38 (New Century Version)
30 The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary; God has shown you his grace.31 Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of King David, his ancestor.33 He will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end."
34 Mary said to the angel, "How will this happen since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel said to Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you. For this reason the baby will be holy and will be called the Son of God.36 Now Elizabeth, your relative, is also pregnant with a son though she is very old. Everyone thought she could not have a baby, but she has been pregnant for six months.37 God can do anything!"
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me as you say!" Then the angel went away.
When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God.”
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Trust God's plan
THE TABLECLOTH
The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October excited about their opportunities.
When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve. They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc. and on Dec 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished. On Dec 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm - hit the area and lasted for two days. On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.
On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church. By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry.
The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area. Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria. The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. She was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again. The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church.
The pastor insisted on driving her home that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job. What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone
at the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood, continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn’t leaving. The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike. He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety, and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35
years in between. The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman’s apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (New International Version, ©2010)
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Does everything about life make sense to you? Are you comfortable with everything you see taking place?
Because we often do not think like Him, and because we do not have His perfect perspective, we often do not exactly know what God is doing. Only in hindsight do we understand what is occurring in our personal life, to the church, or in the world in the outworking of prophecy. So we must trust Him, and in the meantime weigh what is happening and its possible outcome.
Submit to God’s sovereignty
A. Sovereign: Above or superior to all others/Supreme in power, rank or authority.
B. God works in His own time and way, (Isaiah 55:8-9).
C. God’s sovereignty is expressed in our life in the form of His will.
D. However God is not irresponsible. He always works all things towards a goal.
E. Do you know God is sovereign in your present situation? (Sickness, Financial issues etc.)
F. Do you know that God is working through your problem to work towards the Goal He has set for your life?
. Conclusion
The very situation that you are facing right now could be a trial of endurance and change. God makes His children to walk through such times because it’s the only way to prepare you to meet God’s plan for your life. To take away what is unnecessary, and shape up your character and attitudes.
But God never forsakes or leaves behind His children at these times of correction. He is with you because He wants to renew your strength at the end of the trial period.
Isaiah 40:28-31 (New International Version, ©2010)
28 Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah describes God’s power to create, his provision to sustain, and his presence to help.
God is almighty and all powerful: but even so, he cares for each of us personally.
We describe God as best we can with our limited knowledge and language, but we only limit our understanding of him and his power when we compare him to what we experience on earth.
Don’t limit his work in your life by underestimating him.
Even the strongest people get tired at times, but Gods power and strength never dimish . He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen.
His strength is our source of strength. When you feel all of life’s crushing you and you cannot go another step, remember that you can call upon God to renew your strength.
Trusting in the Lord is the patient expectation that God will fulfill his promises in his word and strengthen us to raise above life’s difficulties.
Do you believe God loves you and wants the best for you?
Can you relax, confident that his purposes are right?
Are you convinced that he has the power to control all of life- and your life as well?
Though your faith may be struggling or weak, accept his provisions and care for you.
The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October excited about their opportunities.
When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve. They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc. and on Dec 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished. On Dec 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm - hit the area and lasted for two days. On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.
On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church. By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry.
The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area. Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria. The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. She was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again. The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church.
The pastor insisted on driving her home that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job. What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone
at the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood, continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn’t leaving. The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike. He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety, and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35
years in between. The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman’s apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (New International Version, ©2010)
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Does everything about life make sense to you? Are you comfortable with everything you see taking place?
Because we often do not think like Him, and because we do not have His perfect perspective, we often do not exactly know what God is doing. Only in hindsight do we understand what is occurring in our personal life, to the church, or in the world in the outworking of prophecy. So we must trust Him, and in the meantime weigh what is happening and its possible outcome.
Submit to God’s sovereignty
A. Sovereign: Above or superior to all others/Supreme in power, rank or authority.
B. God works in His own time and way, (Isaiah 55:8-9).
C. God’s sovereignty is expressed in our life in the form of His will.
D. However God is not irresponsible. He always works all things towards a goal.
E. Do you know God is sovereign in your present situation? (Sickness, Financial issues etc.)
F. Do you know that God is working through your problem to work towards the Goal He has set for your life?
. Conclusion
The very situation that you are facing right now could be a trial of endurance and change. God makes His children to walk through such times because it’s the only way to prepare you to meet God’s plan for your life. To take away what is unnecessary, and shape up your character and attitudes.
But God never forsakes or leaves behind His children at these times of correction. He is with you because He wants to renew your strength at the end of the trial period.
Isaiah 40:28-31 (New International Version, ©2010)
28 Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah describes God’s power to create, his provision to sustain, and his presence to help.
God is almighty and all powerful: but even so, he cares for each of us personally.
We describe God as best we can with our limited knowledge and language, but we only limit our understanding of him and his power when we compare him to what we experience on earth.
Don’t limit his work in your life by underestimating him.
Even the strongest people get tired at times, but Gods power and strength never dimish . He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen.
His strength is our source of strength. When you feel all of life’s crushing you and you cannot go another step, remember that you can call upon God to renew your strength.
Trusting in the Lord is the patient expectation that God will fulfill his promises in his word and strengthen us to raise above life’s difficulties.
Do you believe God loves you and wants the best for you?
Can you relax, confident that his purposes are right?
Are you convinced that he has the power to control all of life- and your life as well?
Though your faith may be struggling or weak, accept his provisions and care for you.
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