Well, it's happened again.
A young student, with much of life to live, walked into his own High School and shot several fellow students, killing 3, wounding at least 2 more.
We're still finding out 'why', but the theories are coming out: He spent some time in "Goth" mode, being anti-social. He was bullied and teased by other students. One of the victims may have been a current boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend. Eventually, I'm sure we'll know the exact reason that he 'went off', but there are lessons to learn, no matter what.
Certainly there are lessons about unsecured guns, bullies, and so on.
...but I want to focus on the shooter--not only this one, but so many others.
What is the one thing they have in common?
Many of them have had hard lives...but not all. Many have been picked on...but not all. Many are 'social outcasts'...but not all. Some have intense, violent video game obsessions...but not all.
I would say there is one thing that each of them have in common, though--and it's something we all tend toward doing.
They let other peoples' opinions of them determine what they think of themselves. They let other people's behaviors determine thier own behavior--even to the point of killing. They fear others' rejection of them so much that they give in to their rudeness. (Proverbs 29:25)
I don't know about you, but I was bullied at times as a kid; I had some very negative things go on in my life; I was teased at times, and at times, a 'social outcast'. There were many times I was hurt by others' words and actions--cut to the core.
...and that's the problem.
We all let other people 'define' us--whether we're 'good' or not, 'cool' or not, 'good looking' or not, 'popular' or not and 'secure' or not.
We let them determine what we think inside our own brains about ourselves!
Why do we give them that kind of power?
There is ONE who's opinions you should care about--and ONLY One!
Your God--your Creator, Lord, and Keeper--is the One who has the absolutely accurate opinion of you...(and, by the way, He loves you like crazy!)
He loved you enough, He sacrificed His 'pride and joy'--His one and only Son--so that you can live! (John 3:16-17)
He knows you--your insecurities, your fears, and He loves you anyway. (Psalm 139:1-4, 13-16)
He knows what you've been through--your hurts, your painful memories, your embarassments, and He loves you anyway. (Psalm 56)
He knows your deepest, darkest secrets--your sins, your addictions, your frequent failures...and He loves you anyway. (Romans 7:18-25)
In fact, there's NOTHING you can do to stop Him from loving you. You didn't earn His love, so you can't 'un-earn' it. His love is secure, keeping you secure when the storms of life are raging around you. (Romans 8:31-39)
He's got plans--BIG plans--for you. He will lead you into blessing, if you let Him lead, and if you follow Him. (Jeremiah 29:11)
In the meantime, there will be others who will try to convince you that you're nothing; that the world would be better without you; that you are--and always will be--a failure. "Epic fail" they mutter when you pass. They'll point out every imperfection you have. That acne, that lisp, that eyebrow. They'll make fun of your height (or the lack thereof), your weight, and your personality.
They'll try to ruin your own opinion of you.
And they can be brutal.
..but don't let them.
Instead of letting them define you, get your definition from the One who made you and loves you...and remember: He's the One who made them too, and He loves them.
Don't lash out. Don't give in to the anger and hate. (Romans 12:14-21)
Instead, lean on God's love for you. Pray for them. Rise above their smallness, and be one of the 'vessels' God uses to turn things around.
Don't let them sidetrack you from the blessings He has for you.
Commit yourself to the Lord. Let Him define you. Let Him love you.
...the future will continue to be bright!
God loves you, and so do I.
Pastor Dave
Ps: If this was helpful to you, PLEASE go back and look up the Scripture references. Don't have a Bible? Go here: www.biblegateway.com
...and WATCH THIS VIDEO!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Good Gifts
I love being a dad.
One of the reasons is that being a dad has helped me to understand the love of God in a better, deeper way.
Here's what I mean:
Before I was a dad, I thought of God as stern, hard to please, and critical.
He was just waiting for me to make a mistake, or to be imerfect in some way, and then BAM! He'd get me!
I always felt this suspicion that I was displeasing to Him, and that I could not measure up.
I walked around defeated, believing that this was the best I could hope for.
...and let me be clear: This was AFTER I had come to Jesus as my Savior and Lord! I understood the theology behind grace and the fact that "Jesus paid it all", but I guess it didn't really sink in.
Then I had kids.
As they began to grow, I began to realize how much I loved them--more than I ever thought possible! I wanted what was best for them, I wanted to encourage them, to help them be secure in my love, and to KNOW, beyond and doubt, that I was their dad, and they belonged with me. They did NOT have to be insecure, they did NOT have to 'earn' my love, and they could not lose it!
I realized that God wanted me to know the same things!
I began to realize that, just as I loved it when my kids jumped on my lap, or wanted to spend time with me, so God loves that too! "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
I realized that, when my kids asked for gifts (for Christmas or Birthdays, for example), and I thought they were good gifts, I took pleasure in blessing them...much like my Heavenly Father actually ENJOYS blessing me with good gifts!"So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." (Matthew 7:11)
In fact, there have been times when I surprised them with some blessing that they hadn't even asked for--much like the Lord does for us! "...your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:8)
Bottom Line: I used to live on some level in fear of my Heavenly Father, but now--since becoming a father myself--I've learned that "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him...There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment." (1st John 4:16-18)
Because of our Heavenly Father's perfect love, we need not fear; we need not feel insecure; we can be at peace, secure, and ENJOY HIS LOVE!
May you--whether you are a father or not--REST in that Love!
One of the reasons is that being a dad has helped me to understand the love of God in a better, deeper way.
Here's what I mean:
Before I was a dad, I thought of God as stern, hard to please, and critical.
He was just waiting for me to make a mistake, or to be imerfect in some way, and then BAM! He'd get me!
I always felt this suspicion that I was displeasing to Him, and that I could not measure up.
I walked around defeated, believing that this was the best I could hope for.
...and let me be clear: This was AFTER I had come to Jesus as my Savior and Lord! I understood the theology behind grace and the fact that "Jesus paid it all", but I guess it didn't really sink in.
Then I had kids.
As they began to grow, I began to realize how much I loved them--more than I ever thought possible! I wanted what was best for them, I wanted to encourage them, to help them be secure in my love, and to KNOW, beyond and doubt, that I was their dad, and they belonged with me. They did NOT have to be insecure, they did NOT have to 'earn' my love, and they could not lose it!
I realized that God wanted me to know the same things!
I began to realize that, just as I loved it when my kids jumped on my lap, or wanted to spend time with me, so God loves that too! "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
I realized that, when my kids asked for gifts (for Christmas or Birthdays, for example), and I thought they were good gifts, I took pleasure in blessing them...much like my Heavenly Father actually ENJOYS blessing me with good gifts!"So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." (Matthew 7:11)
In fact, there have been times when I surprised them with some blessing that they hadn't even asked for--much like the Lord does for us! "...your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:8)
Bottom Line: I used to live on some level in fear of my Heavenly Father, but now--since becoming a father myself--I've learned that "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him...There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment." (1st John 4:16-18)
Because of our Heavenly Father's perfect love, we need not fear; we need not feel insecure; we can be at peace, secure, and ENJOY HIS LOVE!
May you--whether you are a father or not--REST in that Love!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Will YOU Stand?
Sometimes it's hard to stand up.
I don't mean, "I'm out of shape and I exercised last night so my legs hurt" sort of standing up...I mean to stand up FOR something that's right, or AGAINST something that's wrong.
Standing up leads to being singled out, sometimes it leads to rejection, sometimes to teasing, sometimes to threats--or even worse...but we may still be called to stand up!
The question is, "How do we know"? How do we know if something is important enough to 'stand up' for?
After all, no one wants to be around people who are always making a 'mountain out of a molehill'. There are some people for whom there always seems to be a 'dramatic moment' in life...and we just get tired of being around them. Their voice becomes irritating to us.
But sometimes, in some cases, God Himself calls us to 'Stand Up'!
He called to Ezekiel, saying,
“Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me. If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and they don’t repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself." (Ezekiel 33:7-9)
In that case, God was calling to a specific person--Ezekiel--to stand up against a specific set of problems in Israel--Israel's sinful, rebellious behavior, in order to help move them to genuine repentance (and thus, His forgiveness and restoration). They had 'religion', but not real 'faith'.
"So my people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money. You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on an instrument. They hear what you say, but they don’t act on it!" (Ezekiel 33:31-32)
--This does NOT mean that everytime we get something on our minds, it is from God, and He's calling US to stand.
But how do we know? How do we know when He is calling us to 'stand up' and make His words known?
The answer is in the question--it's when we're standing on HIS WORDS!
NOT when we're standing for our own opinion, NOT when we're standing up 'for what we think is right', and NOT when we're standing up for what our culture says is 'good'.
Rather, when we are standing on HIS Word and HIS principles, and HIS character...and standing against those who would compromise or rebel.
That's when we--as His children--NEED to 'stand up'!
It can be tough...it can be costly...but I believe that God is looking for people who are willing to 'stand up' for Him.
Will you STAND UP...with me?
I don't mean, "I'm out of shape and I exercised last night so my legs hurt" sort of standing up...I mean to stand up FOR something that's right, or AGAINST something that's wrong.
Standing up leads to being singled out, sometimes it leads to rejection, sometimes to teasing, sometimes to threats--or even worse...but we may still be called to stand up!
The question is, "How do we know"? How do we know if something is important enough to 'stand up' for?
After all, no one wants to be around people who are always making a 'mountain out of a molehill'. There are some people for whom there always seems to be a 'dramatic moment' in life...and we just get tired of being around them. Their voice becomes irritating to us.
But sometimes, in some cases, God Himself calls us to 'Stand Up'!
He called to Ezekiel, saying,
“Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me. If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and they don’t repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself." (Ezekiel 33:7-9)
In that case, God was calling to a specific person--Ezekiel--to stand up against a specific set of problems in Israel--Israel's sinful, rebellious behavior, in order to help move them to genuine repentance (and thus, His forgiveness and restoration). They had 'religion', but not real 'faith'.
"So my people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money. You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on an instrument. They hear what you say, but they don’t act on it!" (Ezekiel 33:31-32)
--This does NOT mean that everytime we get something on our minds, it is from God, and He's calling US to stand.
But how do we know? How do we know when He is calling us to 'stand up' and make His words known?
The answer is in the question--it's when we're standing on HIS WORDS!
NOT when we're standing for our own opinion, NOT when we're standing up 'for what we think is right', and NOT when we're standing up for what our culture says is 'good'.
Rather, when we are standing on HIS Word and HIS principles, and HIS character...and standing against those who would compromise or rebel.
That's when we--as His children--NEED to 'stand up'!
It can be tough...it can be costly...but I believe that God is looking for people who are willing to 'stand up' for Him.
Will you STAND UP...with me?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
It's 2012...Do You Know Where Your Priorities Are? (Part 1 with video)
It's a New Year!
This year holds promise and potential for great things!
Only the Lord really knows what we will experience--the good and the bad--but you and I still have a HUGE role to play in how it goes.
We make choices each and every day about the kind of life we're going to live, and that has a big impact on the kind of circumstances we face.
As Psalm 1 says,
"Blessed is the man...
Who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Or stand in the way of sinners,
Or sit in the seat of mockers;
But his delight is in the Law of the Lord,
and on that Law he meditates, both day and night..."(Psalm 1:1-2)
This Psalm is starting right out talking about the man who is 'blessed'--the one who is truly happy, joyful, and content.
This joy is much more than merely about his circumstances...this joy comes from his core!
We'd ALL want that, right? Sign me up!
...but then the psalmist takes us down an unexpected path--he illustrates that this 'joy', happiness and contentment comes partially by what we choose NOT to do (not only what we do).
He does NOT "walk in the counsel of the wicked".
This is a picture of a person who is getting his/her priorities, values, and morality from the world--from those who don't know God, through faith in Jesus.
Remember that Jesus said we must be "born again--born of the Spirit" in order to "see the Kingdom of God". (John 3)
"[Those] without the Spirit do not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to [them], and they cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)
"Walking in the counsel of the wicked" simply means being influenced largely by those who don't know God.
The writer continues...
[nor does he] "stand in the way of sinners". This means to allow ourselves to be influenced by those who are in opposition to God. We do so by lingering with them, under their influence.
We do NOT want to totally abandon our friends that are not believers...but we DO need to do an honest evaluation--who do you spend most of your time with? Where do you 'hang' when you have free time? It is imperative that a good portion of your time be spent with those who--like you--love God and want to please Him. If you honestly can't say that, you need to re-evaluate your relational priorities!
Finally, the writer says that those who are blessed do not...
"Sit in the seat of mockers".
The mocker is a person who not only has no relationship with God, and therefore can't help you, spiritually. The mocker is one who openly mocks and derides the things of God, trying to deliberately steer us away from them. This person may literally mock those who are Christians, and the truths taught in the Word of God.
This may be by literally hanging out with them, but it also might be by listening to music that goes counter to God, reading books that are that way, or watching tv. that is counter to God.
We really need to think about this--Where do we get our priorities from?
If we want to be blessed, we must be defined, at least in part, by who we do NOT hang with and where we do NOT get our priorities!
May God help us to make an honest evaluation!
It is interesting that that the writer seems to imply a progression here--the person first "walks" in the counsel of the wicked(in passing), then he "stands" in the way of sinners (lingering), then he "sits" in the way of mockers (belonging).
If we honestly ask God to show us, and see ourselves being increasingly influenced by those who don't know God, then we need to ask a serious, honest question:
Do you want to please God?
Do you want to obey Him?
Do you want to be blessed?
If so, you need to make some changes!
So, where's the 'good stuff'? What does the life that is 'blessed' look like?
Tune in tomorrow!
Blessings,
Dave
This year holds promise and potential for great things!
Only the Lord really knows what we will experience--the good and the bad--but you and I still have a HUGE role to play in how it goes.
We make choices each and every day about the kind of life we're going to live, and that has a big impact on the kind of circumstances we face.
As Psalm 1 says,
"Blessed is the man...
Who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Or stand in the way of sinners,
Or sit in the seat of mockers;
But his delight is in the Law of the Lord,
and on that Law he meditates, both day and night..."(Psalm 1:1-2)
This Psalm is starting right out talking about the man who is 'blessed'--the one who is truly happy, joyful, and content.
This joy is much more than merely about his circumstances...this joy comes from his core!
We'd ALL want that, right? Sign me up!
...but then the psalmist takes us down an unexpected path--he illustrates that this 'joy', happiness and contentment comes partially by what we choose NOT to do (not only what we do).
He does NOT "walk in the counsel of the wicked".
This is a picture of a person who is getting his/her priorities, values, and morality from the world--from those who don't know God, through faith in Jesus.
Remember that Jesus said we must be "born again--born of the Spirit" in order to "see the Kingdom of God". (John 3)
"[Those] without the Spirit do not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to [them], and they cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)
"Walking in the counsel of the wicked" simply means being influenced largely by those who don't know God.
The writer continues...
[nor does he] "stand in the way of sinners". This means to allow ourselves to be influenced by those who are in opposition to God. We do so by lingering with them, under their influence.
We do NOT want to totally abandon our friends that are not believers...but we DO need to do an honest evaluation--who do you spend most of your time with? Where do you 'hang' when you have free time? It is imperative that a good portion of your time be spent with those who--like you--love God and want to please Him. If you honestly can't say that, you need to re-evaluate your relational priorities!
Finally, the writer says that those who are blessed do not...
"Sit in the seat of mockers".
The mocker is a person who not only has no relationship with God, and therefore can't help you, spiritually. The mocker is one who openly mocks and derides the things of God, trying to deliberately steer us away from them. This person may literally mock those who are Christians, and the truths taught in the Word of God.
This may be by literally hanging out with them, but it also might be by listening to music that goes counter to God, reading books that are that way, or watching tv. that is counter to God.
We really need to think about this--Where do we get our priorities from?
If we want to be blessed, we must be defined, at least in part, by who we do NOT hang with and where we do NOT get our priorities!
May God help us to make an honest evaluation!
It is interesting that that the writer seems to imply a progression here--the person first "walks" in the counsel of the wicked(in passing), then he "stands" in the way of sinners (lingering), then he "sits" in the way of mockers (belonging).
If we honestly ask God to show us, and see ourselves being increasingly influenced by those who don't know God, then we need to ask a serious, honest question:
Do you want to please God?
Do you want to obey Him?
Do you want to be blessed?
If so, you need to make some changes!
So, where's the 'good stuff'? What does the life that is 'blessed' look like?
Tune in tomorrow!
Blessings,
Dave
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Christmas Churh...at Home!
Christmas Church at Home
December 25, 2011
We at KCC hope that you and your family are having a great Christmas celebration! Wherever you are, if Jesus is in your heart by faith, you can have ‘church’—especially as you are able to join with other family members and friends.
We wanted to put something together for your reflection, enjoyment, and participation which might help you to remember the True reason to celebrate today, and to give Him your worship as you do so.
Let us encourage you: If you have access to a computer, check out the links. Take the time to discuss the questions. Take turns reading the passages out loud…in this way, we believe you will find yourself moved, reflecting on God’s love for you, thankful and humbled before Him.
May God bless you and your family.
Merry, blessed Christmas!
Pastor Dave and the KCC Staff
To begin, check this out:
(copy and paste links in separate browser):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn10FF-FQfs
(youtube: Linus Christmas monologue)
Discuss your answers to these questions:
Kids:
Do you have a ‘best friend?’ Who is it?
Has your best friend ever been nice to you when other people weren’t?
Teens/Adults:
Have you ever had someone stick with you when other people turned their backs on you?
Have you ever had tough circumstances in life, when a close friend was a welcome relief?
Have you ever been the one to stay by a friends’ side through difficult circumstances?
All:
What is the value of a friend who is “WITH” you—in every way?
Read these accounts of Jesus’ birth:
(Suggestion: Take turns reading each paragraph.)
(Matthew 1:18-24)
“18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
(“Jesus” means “The Lord saves”.)
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.”
Questions:
How hard do you think it was for Joseph to believe the Angel and marry Mary?
What was his response to God’s message to him?
(Luke 1:26-38)
“God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.”
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.”
Watch this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezwp10egu-c
(The Nativity Story, part 5/10, the clip begins at the 1:13 and goes to the 6:30 mark.)
Questions:
Why would it have been difficult for Mary to follow this call?
What was her response?
What name were they supposed to give Him? What did it mean?
In the passage from Matthew, the angel said (or implied) that this child would be the actual Son of God.
(See Matthew 1:20, 23 and Luke 1:32, 34)
According to the Scripture, what does “Immanuel” mean?
(See Matthew 1:23)
Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOQRtYYERGo (Amy Grant: Breath of Heaven w/Footage from The Nativity Story)
Jesus’ birth—and the miraculous way it happened—meant that He was literally the “Son of God”. He was partly ‘God’, partly ‘human’ (because Mary, his mother, was human).
He was—in a very real sense—“God in the flesh”. (As one writer referred to Him: “God with skin and bones”.)
That meant that God was—while Jesus was alive, at least, “God With Us.”
Questions:
How would it help you to know that Jesus—as a human—could relate to some of the struggles that you go through?
Would it help you to know that Jesus understands your difficult days, your hurts, and even your temptations? How?
Colossians 1:15 says that “Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God.”
Hebrews 4:15 says that He “understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same [trials and temptations] we do, yet he did not sin.”
So…if Jesus was “God in the flesh”, or “God with us”…and if He still IS with us and is still “saving His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21), how can that help you?
If all true, how does that change the way you think of Christmas?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83huFAMOte0&feature=related
(youtube: The Nativity Story - "Come and Worship" Bebo Norman)
Finally, sing this song together
(or listen to it at the link below, or on a cd of your own.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNL8yHomU2s&feature=related (Youtube: Amy Grant Little Town)
O Little Town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
Watch this and sing along!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLhb3qUA3uc
(Joy to the World, Chris Tomlin, Joy-Unspeakable Joy)
Finally, close in prayer, thanking God for sending Jesus to be “God with Us”, and ask Him to remind us always that He IS with us—always!
December 25, 2011
We at KCC hope that you and your family are having a great Christmas celebration! Wherever you are, if Jesus is in your heart by faith, you can have ‘church’—especially as you are able to join with other family members and friends.
We wanted to put something together for your reflection, enjoyment, and participation which might help you to remember the True reason to celebrate today, and to give Him your worship as you do so.
Let us encourage you: If you have access to a computer, check out the links. Take the time to discuss the questions. Take turns reading the passages out loud…in this way, we believe you will find yourself moved, reflecting on God’s love for you, thankful and humbled before Him.
May God bless you and your family.
Merry, blessed Christmas!
Pastor Dave and the KCC Staff
To begin, check this out:
(copy and paste links in separate browser):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn10FF-FQfs
(youtube: Linus Christmas monologue)
Discuss your answers to these questions:
Kids:
Do you have a ‘best friend?’ Who is it?
Has your best friend ever been nice to you when other people weren’t?
Teens/Adults:
Have you ever had someone stick with you when other people turned their backs on you?
Have you ever had tough circumstances in life, when a close friend was a welcome relief?
Have you ever been the one to stay by a friends’ side through difficult circumstances?
All:
What is the value of a friend who is “WITH” you—in every way?
Read these accounts of Jesus’ birth:
(Suggestion: Take turns reading each paragraph.)
(Matthew 1:18-24)
“18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
(“Jesus” means “The Lord saves”.)
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.”
Questions:
How hard do you think it was for Joseph to believe the Angel and marry Mary?
What was his response to God’s message to him?
(Luke 1:26-38)
“God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.”
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.”
Watch this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezwp10egu-c
(The Nativity Story, part 5/10, the clip begins at the 1:13 and goes to the 6:30 mark.)
Questions:
Why would it have been difficult for Mary to follow this call?
What was her response?
What name were they supposed to give Him? What did it mean?
In the passage from Matthew, the angel said (or implied) that this child would be the actual Son of God.
(See Matthew 1:20, 23 and Luke 1:32, 34)
According to the Scripture, what does “Immanuel” mean?
(See Matthew 1:23)
Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOQRtYYERGo (Amy Grant: Breath of Heaven w/Footage from The Nativity Story)
Jesus’ birth—and the miraculous way it happened—meant that He was literally the “Son of God”. He was partly ‘God’, partly ‘human’ (because Mary, his mother, was human).
He was—in a very real sense—“God in the flesh”. (As one writer referred to Him: “God with skin and bones”.)
That meant that God was—while Jesus was alive, at least, “God With Us.”
Questions:
How would it help you to know that Jesus—as a human—could relate to some of the struggles that you go through?
Would it help you to know that Jesus understands your difficult days, your hurts, and even your temptations? How?
Colossians 1:15 says that “Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God.”
Hebrews 4:15 says that He “understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same [trials and temptations] we do, yet he did not sin.”
So…if Jesus was “God in the flesh”, or “God with us”…and if He still IS with us and is still “saving His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21), how can that help you?
If all true, how does that change the way you think of Christmas?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83huFAMOte0&feature=related
(youtube: The Nativity Story - "Come and Worship" Bebo Norman)
Finally, sing this song together
(or listen to it at the link below, or on a cd of your own.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNL8yHomU2s&feature=related (Youtube: Amy Grant Little Town)
O Little Town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
Watch this and sing along!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLhb3qUA3uc
(Joy to the World, Chris Tomlin, Joy-Unspeakable Joy)
Finally, close in prayer, thanking God for sending Jesus to be “God with Us”, and ask Him to remind us always that He IS with us—always!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Best Gift EVER!
What was the best Christmas Gift YOU ever got?
For me it had to be the GI Joe Headquarters-- complete with searchlight and morse-code station; or maybe the GI Joe Training Tower, with the 'zip line" and another search light.
There were some REALLY good gifts I got when I was a kid.
Now, our kids (like most) are asking for more 'technology-driven' games, etc.
What will be their 'best-ever gifts'?
I'm realizing, as I've gotten (ahem!) older...that the gifts that I thought were the best really weren't. In fact, I got rid of them a few years later. Some were broken, others just unused.
The gifts that have stuck with me?
Relationships!
I am thankful for both of my parents, my wonderful wife and kids, my siblings, and my friends--some of YOU!
These relationships--with the love, commitment and faithfulness they have, are the things that really matter.
Come to think of it, the Most Important Relationship I have--that with God, through the Lord Jesus Christ--is the most long-term, committed, faithful relationship I could hope for!
Newsflash: Christmas is 10 days away!
As the Christmas season winds down, I'm SURE there will be frenzy! I'm SURE we'll be doing some last minute shopping, baking, etc.
I'm pretty sure it'll be hectic at times.
But I'm equally sure that the best gift I hope for this year is to be near those I love, to spend real time with them, to enjoy them, and to direct each other to the God who loves us.
I hope and pray that we don't lose that focus within the next 10 days...and that you and your family and friends embrace and appreciate the 'gift' that you are to one another!
Take some time to share some love with each other this Christmas!
Remember Jesus' own words: "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35)
Blessed Christmas,
Dave
For me it had to be the GI Joe Headquarters-- complete with searchlight and morse-code station; or maybe the GI Joe Training Tower, with the 'zip line" and another search light.
There were some REALLY good gifts I got when I was a kid.
Now, our kids (like most) are asking for more 'technology-driven' games, etc.
What will be their 'best-ever gifts'?
I'm realizing, as I've gotten (ahem!) older...that the gifts that I thought were the best really weren't. In fact, I got rid of them a few years later. Some were broken, others just unused.
The gifts that have stuck with me?
Relationships!
I am thankful for both of my parents, my wonderful wife and kids, my siblings, and my friends--some of YOU!
These relationships--with the love, commitment and faithfulness they have, are the things that really matter.
Come to think of it, the Most Important Relationship I have--that with God, through the Lord Jesus Christ--is the most long-term, committed, faithful relationship I could hope for!
Newsflash: Christmas is 10 days away!
As the Christmas season winds down, I'm SURE there will be frenzy! I'm SURE we'll be doing some last minute shopping, baking, etc.
I'm pretty sure it'll be hectic at times.
But I'm equally sure that the best gift I hope for this year is to be near those I love, to spend real time with them, to enjoy them, and to direct each other to the God who loves us.
I hope and pray that we don't lose that focus within the next 10 days...and that you and your family and friends embrace and appreciate the 'gift' that you are to one another!
Take some time to share some love with each other this Christmas!
Remember Jesus' own words: "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35)
Blessed Christmas,
Dave
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Christmas Song Devo: "Some Children See Him"--with video!
This song was sung wonderfully by Brian Drews and danced to beautifully by Rachel Johson in Kalamazoo Community Church's Christmas program, "Rediscover Christmas" last weekend. I am taking each song as an opportunity to reflect on the events of Christ's birth, and our response.
Christmas--the Birth of Jesus, the Christ.
This is one of the few events in history which unites the entire world!
There was probably no way that the people involved in the Christmas narrative found in Luke 1-2 and Matthew 1 could have possibly known what significance that birth would have.
Granted, the angel had told Mary...
"You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.
And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”(Luke 1:30-33)
...and that same angel had told Joseph...
“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus[which means "The Lord saves"], for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
...but there's just no way they could have ever imagined that in the year 2011, people all over the world would celebrate that baby's birth!
Yet...we do!
...and it unites those who love and follow Him all over the world.
True, most children 'see him' like they are (as the song says). Factually, of course, we know that He was Jewish, and therefore looked like a Jewish baby of the day.
Yet, the important thing (and the point of the song) is that we each see Him as Lord, and we'll see like we are, "but bright with heavenly grace, and filled with holy light".
So what is to be our response?
The song tells us ..."Oh, lay aside each earthly thing, and with thy heart as offering, Come worship Christ the infant King"!
THAT is our response!
No matter what we look like, no matter what part of the world we're in, our response to the events of Christmas is WORSHIP and SURRENDER!
What a beautiful gift to give Him--the Christ child--today.
Christmas--the Birth of Jesus, the Christ.
This is one of the few events in history which unites the entire world!
There was probably no way that the people involved in the Christmas narrative found in Luke 1-2 and Matthew 1 could have possibly known what significance that birth would have.
Granted, the angel had told Mary...
"You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.
And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”(Luke 1:30-33)
...and that same angel had told Joseph...
“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus[which means "The Lord saves"], for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
...but there's just no way they could have ever imagined that in the year 2011, people all over the world would celebrate that baby's birth!
Yet...we do!
...and it unites those who love and follow Him all over the world.
True, most children 'see him' like they are (as the song says). Factually, of course, we know that He was Jewish, and therefore looked like a Jewish baby of the day.
Yet, the important thing (and the point of the song) is that we each see Him as Lord, and we'll see like we are, "but bright with heavenly grace, and filled with holy light".
So what is to be our response?
The song tells us ..."Oh, lay aside each earthly thing, and with thy heart as offering, Come worship Christ the infant King"!
THAT is our response!
No matter what we look like, no matter what part of the world we're in, our response to the events of Christmas is WORSHIP and SURRENDER!
What a beautiful gift to give Him--the Christ child--today.
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