It is not just the way we spell “Christmas” that is taking Jesus out of the season. It is the celebration of consumerism that is caustic to our souls. Why not join the Advent Conspiracy and “keep away from worldly desires” this season? Spend less. Give more. Worship fully. Love all. Put Christ back in Christmas.
“Think clearly and exercise self-control” – A good word on Black Friday. “Look forward to salvation in Jesus” – A good goal on any and every day!
Praise and thanks to God for salvation through His Son, Jesus! Happy Thanksgiving!
From the longest chapter in the Bible, found at the very center of the Book, this Psalm is an acrostic poem that spells out the 22-letter Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 119 celebrates God’s Word. Verse 11 reminds us of the importance of “hiding” the Word in our hearts through memorization. It also offers the benefit of such, by showing us how Scripture can help us resist sin. Wasn’t that the battle plan of Jesus vs. Satan in Matt. 4? Christ quoted Scripture to every Satanic temptation. Are you hiding God’s Word in your heart?
This prophecy that the Jewish leaders would reject Jesus as Messiah came true. Yet He is the Founder and Finisher of our faith. He is the Chief Cornerstone of the Church. And when He is finished building the Church, He will be the Capstone as well, returning to take us with Him.
Even Solomon, who God used to write this proverb, led Israel’s decline into idolatry and “moral rot.” If God’s chosen nation was susceptible, then any nation is. Americans are increasingly of the opinion that moral character is a private matter that has no bearing on public competence. However, the Bible says that character and competence cannot be separated. Morality matters.
Speaking before listening is like lighting anger’s fuse. Many an argument might be avoided by listening before speaking. Once anger is lit, angry words are spoken that can never be taken back. Two ears, one mouth = double your listening, cut your speaking in half. Are you listening?
God’s promise to Israel after it fell to Babylon. He promised them a spiritual heart transplant. This is fulfilled in Christ. We no longer have laws written on stone tablets, but Christ’s love written on our hearts. This is the prophecy of the New Covenant, which is ours in Christ.
A reminder that marriage is not merely a social construct, but a divine ordinance instituted by God. As a people, we are to “give honor” to the institution of marriage. As individuals, we are to “remain faithful” to our spouses in marriage. Marriage was God’s idea, not man’s. It is a gift from God. Like any gift He gives, we can dishonor it and experience hurt. Or we can honor it and know divine blessing.
The heart is the seat of the intellect, passion and will. It is the motive behind every action. You can hide your heart from other people for a season, but ultimately some circumstance will expose it’s true nature. Only God can give you a new heart. What does your heart reveal about you?