dvcreel

Christmas is Hope!

The Church of Visitation, Israel. Mary visits Elizabeth, (Luke 1:39-45)

“Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us.”
A quote from Zacharias, Luke 1:78 (NKJV)

Have you ever believed for something, got disappointed, and lost hope? Here is a story of a man who had faith but lost hope – the story of Zacharias and Christmas from Luke chapter 1.

The young woman from Nazareth, Mary, received news from an angel of God that she would conceive a child who would be called Jesus, the Savior of the world (v. 26-35). The angel also told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was also expecting a baby. Elizabeth and her husband Zacharias were an older couple who had no child. Zacharias was a priest and lived in Judah (v. 5-6). An angel of God also told Zacharias that his wife would conceive a child (v. 13-14). The angel also told him the plans and purpose of God in the life of their coming son (v. 14-17). But Zacharias had difficulty believing that they would have a child since he and his wife were both old and past the age of bearing children (v. 18). The angel was grieved because of Zacharias’ unbelief, and he was struck with dumbness, unable to speak (v. 20). However, God still fulfilled His words and plans for the family.

Elizabeth conceived and gave birth to a son (v. 57). When the baby was about to be named, Zacharias was released from being mute. His first words were praise to God (v. 64). He was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke prophecy:

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people…” (v. 68-79)

Imagine that for nine months, Zacharias was unable to speak – perhaps not for punishment but to discipline him for his unbelief. Perhaps God did not want Zacharias to mess up the plan by speaking negative words. However, God used the nine months of silence to work in Zacharias’ heart and mind. In those nine months, perhaps the Holy Spirit reminded Zacharias of the words of God:

“As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,
Who have been since the world began…” (v. 70)

As a priest, he knew all the words of God – the Law of Moses and the Prophecies (v. 71-75).

He knew and perhaps memorized the prophecies about the coming of a Messiah, the Savior or Deliverer. In the book of Isaiah, which was written 700 years earlier, it says:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make straight in the desert
A highway for our God…’” Isaiah 40:3 (NKJV)

Zacharias knew all the words in the written Scriptures. However, he was not expecting that these prophecies would be fulfilled in his lifetime or that he and his family would play a part in their fulfillment. He was very surprised, and almost in disbelief, that he would see the fulfillment in his days!

Because God Elohim is a covenant-keeping God, He kept His words spoken through the prophets that He would bring deliverance, that the Messiah would come. Zacharias, though not expecting, became part of the fulfillment of the prophecy. His very own child was part of the fulfillment, as spoken in Isaiah 40:3, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness; prepare the way…”

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways…” Luke 1:76 (NKJV)

For nine months of silence, Zacharias went back to studying the words of God. At the same time, the Holy Spirit worked in his heart despite his unbelief. Zacharias saw the fulfillment of God’s plan.

Through God’s tender mercy, God restored Zacharias’ ability to speak. He was a changed man. During nine months of silence, he re-learned the words of God, believed in his heart, and learned to praise God from his heart. He learned to use his mouth to give praise and adoration to God.

Reflection:

Perhaps some of us are like Zacharias, we believe but may have lost hope after many years of waiting. This Christmas may our Lord God, who is faithful and true give you a renewed hope and faith that He will do what He says He will do.

Prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth to give us a baby. Help us as we celebrate Christmas to have a renewed hope as we trust and wait on You.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

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Facts and Truth: Research and investigation

An Introduction to the history of Christmas.

“…that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” Luke 1:4 (NKJV)

“…but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31 (NKJV)

Reading: Luke 1: 1-4

As we approach Christmas, a very important holiday in the Christian tradition, we would like to share the story of how it all began. Christmas is not just about toys, gifts, and Santa Claus; it’s really about the coming of Jesus to the earth. It’s a story of love. Most religions claim their founders as men who became gods, but only Jesus is the God who became a man because of God’s great love to save people from sin. God knew there was no way people could reach Him and meet His standards, so He sent Jesus to reach down to us, His created beings.

Although I have not seen Jesus physically, I know He lives! His story of coming to earth from heaven as a baby, His life, death, and resurrection are true facts. The story of Jesus is not a myth, nor a legend, but a real story that was written in accurate and orderly narrative as shown in Luke 1:4, “…so that you might know how well-founded are the things about which you have been taught” (Complete Jewish Bible). To give a short introduction to the writer of the third Gospel in the New Testament, here is a brief background of Luke who did a thorough investigation and research of the life of Jesus.

Luke the writer of this Gospel was a highly educated person. According to tradition, Luke was a medical doctor, perhaps a personal physician of Paul. According to the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), Theophilus was a high priest during or around the years 37-41 A.D. Theophilus may have been retired when Luke met him in A.D. 60. Other Bible scholars think Theophilus may have been a Roman official.

Luke was not around during the time of Jesus but had met some of His followers. He was taught by some of the followers of Jesus, like the Apostle Paul. Luke became a faithful companion of Paul in his missionary journeys, even during times of imprisonment. Paul, during his imprisonment and last days, wrote, “Only Luke is with me” 2 Timothy 4:11 (NKJV). Luke later wrote the book of Acts.

In his Gospel, Luke wrote an orderly narrative from eyewitnesses of the life of Jesus when He was still on earth. (See Luke 1:2.) Luke did a systematic investigation and research of the life of Jesus through the personal testimonies of the people who had personally seen and known Jesus. Perhaps Luke interviewed some of the original disciples of Jesus, some of His friends, relatives, and family members such as His mother and other followers. Perhaps Luke even talked to some of those who had received healings and miracles directly from Jesus when He was still on earth.

So, from “word of mouth” oral tradition, Luke carefully investigated and wrote down testimonies and stories from eyewitnesses and from those who received teachings from Jesus.

Even though Luke did not meet Jesus in person, Luke heard many amazing stories about Jesus including His miraculous birth, teachings, healings, and miracles. According to some Bible scholars, Luke was a Gentile who became a Jewish convert. As mentioned earlier, He wrote the account of Jesus’ life to address a prominent person named Theophilus – to know for certain, to believe and receive Jesus as the Messiah, the Deliverer.

“…that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” Luke 1:4 (NKJV)

Perhaps, Theophilus had already heard the Gospel of Jesus and was sincerely wanting to better understand who Jesus was. So, Luke took time to research, investigate, and write the story of Jesus from firsthand eyewitnesses.

Reflection:

God, in His providence, allowed Luke to write the account of Jesus’ life which was backed up by research, stories, and testimonies of eyewitnesses. It was written that we might believe Jesus is the Christ. (See John 20:31.) It was written and later translated into our language (English) so that we might understand. This was done at great cost. As we read in church history, some people risked their very lives and others lost their lives translating the Bible. They sacrificed their lives for these stories to be written, translated, and printed. Thus, we have a sure foundation for our faith in Jesus. Currently, after more than 2000 years, there are still Bible translators working diligently to get this story, the Gospel in other languages so that they may hear and know Him, Jesus, as Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for your gift of faith. Thank you for your providence in having your story written and translated into many languages, so that every person in every tribe and nation can know You and have a well-founded faith.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Alphabet of Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!

For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!

For His mercy endures forever. – Psalm 136:1-3

The Alphabet of Thanks!

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” (From an old hymn)

“Count your blessing, name them one by one.” (Another old-time favorite song)

We are thankful, hopefully not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of the year. I pray that the Holy Spirit will help me be a grateful person, to give thanks to our Lord God, our maker, and our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ every day. Just today, I felt the Lord opened my eyes to see the countless blessings He has given us. So, I would like to share some of those blessings here in alphabetical order. This concept of “alphabet thanksgiving” is borrowed from a dear neighbor and friend. However, the content of thanksgiving is from our hearts.

Here is our “alphabet thanksgiving list” to our Creator God, the Giver of all blessings. We praise and thank our Lord God for the following physical and spiritual blessings:

A – Apostles (the 12 original disciples of Jesus who spread the Good News of salvation); Air we breathe, Animals (pets).

B – The Bible, the written Word of God in our language; the Bible is the Word of God.

^“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

Birds, books, babies, bread

C – Church family, Christians, and children. Also thankful for the blessing of computers to use and candies and chocolate to enjoy.

D – Devotions/devotional books to nourish our soul.

E – Eternal life through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We also thank God for electricity, eyes, eyesight, and ears.

F – Freedom, both physical and spiritual; the blessing of being in a free land.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NKJV)

Forever grateful also to our Father God for His forgiveness and faithfulness.

Thankful also for the blessings of families, friends, flowers, and food!

G – Goodness of God

H – Holy Spirit as our comforter and guide to all truth.

^“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 (NKJV)

Thankful also for the hope of heaven, health, and healing.

I – I AM (the eternal existing One)

^“And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 (NKJV)

J – Jesus Christ. Very grateful for the love and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on the cross, the lamb who was slain.

K – Kingdom key

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16: 19 (NKJV)

L – the gift of Love, love of God, families and families,

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” I John 4:7 (NKJV)

M – Mercy of God and the blessing of mothers, moon, mouth,

N – New beginnings and new life.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

O – Omnipotent (all-powerful) and Omnipresent (always present) God

(Others: oxygen, ocean)

P – Sweet Presence of Jesus

Q – Quiet times in prayer and Bible study

R – the gift of Rest

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

S – Salvation

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

Sun (sunrise, sunset), Sisters, Stars, Sleep, Skills

T – Talents and/or spiritual gifts

^“And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability.” (Matthew 25:15 (NKJV). Also see I Corinthians 12.

U – Universe “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)

V – Victory in Christ

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” I John 5:4-5 (NKJV)

W – Wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NKJV)

Wi-fi, websites

X – X-ray machines used to check health, Xerox machines to make copies

Y – Yahweh (I AM)

“And God spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them.” Exodus 6:2-3 (NKJV)

Z – Zebras, Zoom, Zest, Ziplock storage bags

Perhaps you can add some of your own “items for thanks” to this list!

Peace in the Middle of the Storm

Reading: Acts 27

Key verse: “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (v.25)

The Holy Spirit gives peace and encouragement in the midst of storms.

Last week, many people in the southern part of the United States experienced a strong category 4 hurricane. Many experienced damage to their homes, properties, and roads. Thousands lost electricity and experienced flooding. We saw on live TV news the strong winds due to the hurricane. Almost at the same time, in the Far East on the other side of the Pacific, a powerful typhoon hit some parts of the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Perhaps some of you are experiencing some kind of storm in life, too.

In the Bible, a man named Paul also experienced all kinds of storms in life. Here is the story from the book of Acts:

Paul was falsely accused by some religious leaders in Israel and was put in jail (Acts 23). He was transferred from a prison in Jerusalem to Caesarea. For two years he went through court trials and testified before two governors and the king of Israel, Herod Agrippa (Acts 23-25).

He remained steadfast in his faith and plea for innocence.

Paul was granted his request to appeal to Caesar. “Then Agrippa said to Festus, ‘This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.’” (Acts 26:32 NKJV)

Paul knew and was certain of the Lord’s will for him to go to Rome to witness for Him: “‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’” (Acts 23:11 NKJV)

Preparations were made and logistics lined up for Paul and other prisoners to be transferred from Caesarea to Rome. They were under the care of Julius, a Roman official centurion ( a commander of 100 soldiers). “And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment.” (Acts 27:1 NKJV)

They all sailed from the port of Caesarea to Sidon, Cyprus, Cilicia, Pamphylia, Lycia, and Crete. As they set sail from Fair Havens, Crete they encountered strong winds and stormy seas. The captain of the ship and the crew did everything they could to keep sailing in the midst of the storm. (See Acts 27:2-21 for the full story.) In the meantime, Paul kept praying and encouraging everyone:

“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (Acts 27:22-25 NKJV)

The situation was dire with the strong winds and storm beating the ship. Most of the people in the ship were fearful and did not know how they would survive the strong storm in the middle of the sea. They even stopped eating. But Paul was at peace, as he trusted the words of God that were given to him by the angel (Acts 27:23-24). The Holy Spirit gave Paul peace and calmness during the tempestuous storm that threatened their lives. He even encouraged everyone in the ship:

“Therefore, I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” (Acts 27:34 NKJV)

Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ( John 14:26 27 NKJV)

Conclusion:

The Holy Spirit gives the followers of Jesus peace and calmness even in the midst of the storms of life, so we can encourage others.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to us as our Comforter. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving us Your peace and calmness in times of distress amidst the storms of life. Please give us your strength, courage, peace, and comfort so we can encourage others who are going through storms in life. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen!

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

A Fresh Start!

Do you sometimes feel like the world is spinning out of control? Do you feel like life is tangled up like a spider’s web? Feeling stuck and hopeless? Wishing there was a “reset” button to push? Whispering to yourself, “If only I could start a new life?”

Well, good news friends! A fresh start and a new life are possible!

Sounds to be good to be true, but it’s real and not impossible at all.

You can begin a new life and have a fresh start because God’s mercies are new every morning:

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3: 22-23 (NLT)

I have heard countless stories of people whose lives have been changed by God.

For example, a few years ago, my husband and I were invited to a seminar in another church on prison ministry. We heard someone share about guidelines for prison ministry including practical aspects like collecting cookies for inmates. Then, the leader of the group shared his own personal story. Ron shared how his life in the past was a mess. He was in jail and had to serve several years in prison for various crimes such as robbery, drug abuse, etc. Even in prison, he started out as a very tough guy who got into fights with other inmates.

Then one day, he heard a man who came to the prison and talked about the salvation Jesus offers. As he continued to study the Bible and listen to Christian teachings, his life was changed. He accepted Jesus into his heart and became a changed man! His behavior changed, and those in the prison saw this remarkable change. He was given an early release and parole. Later, he met a Christian woman and married. He was even given a pardon and is now a real “free man.” Now, he and his wife are serving the Lord through a prison ministry. He is indeed a free man, both physically and spiritually. The Bible says, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 (NKJV)

I was truly amazed as I heard him speak about his past life. It was hard for me to imagine that he had been a bad guy in the past. As I looked at him now, he appeared to be a gentle and kind man. Ron had been transformed into a completely different person. God is still in the business of changing lives!

As the Word of God says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 (NLT)

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

Perhaps your life is not as bad as Ron’s. However, the Word of God says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23 NKJV) No one, not one person is perfect. Big and small sins are all the same in the eyes of God. Jesus was the only perfect man who walked on earth because He is the Son of God. However, we have hope:

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

In John 3:5-8 (NIV), Jesus tells us how to have a new life:

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spiritgives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘Youmust be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Do you want a fresh start, a new life? It is not about changing religions or churches. It is a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is really simple. Believe, repent, have faith in Jesus, and receive the love of God in your heart.

To begin a new life in Christ, here is a simple prayer guide:

Dear God, thank You for your love for me and for sending Jesus. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying on the cross for my sins. I believe that God raised you up from the dead. Please forgive my sins. I open my heart to you as my Lord and Savior. Holy Spirit please help me to have a new life in Christ. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Thank you, Lord!

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of life.

Thank You, Jesus, for You are the Giver of life.

Thank You, my Creator, for the gift of life.

Thank You, Jesus, for giving us Your life.

Thank You, Jesus, for coming to preach Good News to the poor.

Thank You, Lord, that You came to heal the brokenhearted.

Thank You, Jesus, for coming to set people free.

Thank You, Jesus, for coming to open blind eyes.

Thank You, Jesus, for your life.

Thank You, Jesus, for your gift of eternal life.

Thank You, Jesus, for your great love.

Thank You, Jesus, for You are the God of love

Thank You, Jesus, for coming to make me free.

Thank You, Lord, You are my life.

Thank You for blessing me with Your life and love.

Thank You, Lord Jesus!

Author: dvcreel

Christmas is Hope!

Facts and Truth: Research and investigation

Facts and Truth: Research and investigation

Alphabet of Thanksgiving!

Alphabet of Thanksgiving!

Peace in the Middle of the Storm

A Fresh Start!

Thank you, Lord!

Thank you, Lord!

Spirit and Truth