Month: December 2009

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Faith?

Wow, so the school Christmas programs are over – that means that big day is pretty soon.  There were several comments on my selected present from yesterday, but I could still use some suggestions for Amy.  Add some comments!  Josh’s countdown continues today with , get ready, The Jonas Brothers!  YES!  Not quite NKOTB, but close – Here it is Girl of My Dreams.

I have still been thinking about those shepherds and magi, and the faith it took for them to go to Bethlehem to find this new born king.  So that on top of the fact that I am slowly going through Crazy Love by Francis Chan. ( I say slowly because the book is so challenging I have to stop and think and process after a few pages, but its a great read.  I recommend it for Christmas).

Anyway, I have been thinking about faith.  The shepherd’s faith and my own faith.  Mr Chan asks this question in the his book “What are you doing right now that requires faith?”  Its a really really tough question.  How much faith does it take for me to go to work?  To type this blog?  To do each of my conference calls?  Recently, I ate lunch with a family who a few years ago, packed up, took their 4 children out of an exception private school, and went to China to live and teach for a year.  I sit in awe when I think about the faith it takes to do that!  I am not saying lets all head to China ( or maybe I am), but I am suggesting as you visit the new born king over the next few days, examine yourself.

Examine yourself, your faith, ask yourself – what are you doing right now that requires faith?  I don’t think this is a flippant question.  Its a hard question.  but its one that we all should examine.  So when you are sitting around at night, think about these shepherds,  think about these Magi.  Think about your faith, and then go visit the new born king, and see what that does to your answer to this question!

Hebrews 11:6

New International Version (NIV)

6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

And then check the whole of Isaiah 58.

oh by the way, I still am finding myself singing

Glória in excélsis Deo

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Westward Leading – Still Proceeding

Sometimes, I have writers block when I can’t think a thought in the world.  Today, I have so many thoughts circling in my brain, I can’t determine what to write about.

So lets start with that 80’s countdown – Thanks Josh.  This one is a classic.  Last Christmas by WHAM.  What a fun way to countdown to the such a great day.  Its almost here.  Man, I have to figure out what to get Amy!  Any ideas out there?  I was thinking about this.  I love that sight!

Anyway, Westward Leading.. Could you imagine being the shepherds in the field.  I have thought about this for years and was reminded Saturday and Sunday night about how incredible it was for them to have the angels speak to them.  Could you imagine what was going on with the wise men as they followed the star?  What where there thoughts? “Lets go follow a star  to a baby. Yeah, that sounds good!”.  That’s pretty amazing.

However, today we are asked to do the same thing.  Follow the Star of Bethlehem.  Will you?  Today, look up, find the Star, and follow it, just like these wise men.  ( I love that bumper sticker “Wise Men Still Follow Him”)

Matthew 2:1-2

1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east[b] and have come to worship him.”(NIV)

And the Message

1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.” (MSG)

Have a great day, and follow that star .. “westward leading..still proceeding…..”

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Word became flesh

Lets start off the day with Josh’s tune of the day: Do they know its Christmas Now that’s some rockin’ 80’s!  And if you want to help “Feed the World” – Donate to Healing Hands International.

And now on with the show.  After a really great weekend, I have lots of thoughts to share.  Hopefully this is an interesting week.

John 1:14

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NIV)

Do you know how big of a deal this is?  The Word, Jesus, the creator of the universe, God’s son, left heaven, and was born, as a baby, as a man, like us!  WOW!. Emmanuel, God with us! GOD with US!!  Take a look at the message

14The Word became flesh and blood,

and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish. (MSG)

He moved into the neighborhood!  Emmanuel, God is with US!  That’s a big deal.  And its because of that that I can’t stop singing!

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of Our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world In sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d And the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope The weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks A new and glorious morn. ( O Holy Night )

And what is really really cool, is this is just the beginning of our delivery.  He came full of grace and truth, and later on , the veil is torn, his blood is shed and we are FREE!.  But lets not get ahead of ourselves, here we are Christmas time.  Let us remember this incredible event – Emmanuel – God is with us!

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Wisdom when you need it

Well its officially two weeks away!

Dinkletown children: Ho, ho! Away we go!
With rosey cheeks and hearts aglowin’
Hey, hey! Our favorite day!
It makes us want to cheer!

Man, I better do some shopping and decorating.

Speaking of decorating.  Check these out, the first one was from Brandon, the second from my Dad.  Make sure you read he comments under the second.

Nice!

xmashanger

“Good news is that I truly out did myself this year with my Christmas  decorations. The bad news is that I had to take him down after 2 days. I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever. Great stories. But two things made me take it down.

First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked when they drove by.

Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn’t realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn’t take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard.” – some guy named Greg

Anyway, sometimes we make strange decisions.  Sometimes, we need wisdom. As many of you know, I have been making some decision lately.  When you are faced with choices,  its always good to seek Gods wisdom.  The best way I have found to address these types of things is to turn it over to God.  He will direct your ways.  Its really amazing what happens when you turn it over and let God handle difficult situations.

Proverbs 4:10-12 (New International Version)

10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.

11 I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.

12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.

Have a great Day!

Oh and the song from Josh’s song list is

George Thorogood and the Destroyers – Rock n roll christmas

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The Lord will give you a sign

The countdown continues and so, I thought I would just keep sharing Josh’s great list of Christmas Hits.  Yesterday – Winger’s Silent Night ,  Winger – That’s  right- The 80’s rock!  I hope this helps get in the the spirit.  For me personally I have two songs competing for time in my head, this morning I am alternating between

Glória in excélsis Deo

and

Dinkletown children: Ya, hey! We’re glad to say
That Christmas time is here!

We can’t believe it’s Christmas!
Been waiting for a million hours
Can’t believe it’s Christmas,
Oh what a nifty day!

We can’t believe it’s Christmas!

Man, this is a great great time of year! Enjoy it – draw closer to your savior, as you remember his birth. Immanuel, God with us.  That’s something to get exciting about!

Isaiah 7:14 (New International Version)

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.

Matthew 1:23 (New International Version)

23“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”