My Hope in Disaster!

No More False Christmases: The Truth About Christmas

2012-12-23T13:18:00.000-05:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! Growing up I loved Christmas and I still do but I loved it because of different reasons. I knew Christmas is celebrated because we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But, I also loved receiving gifts from a 'Jolly old fat man' who came down my fake chimney on Christmas eve. Then I got older and found out some distressing news that Santa Claus isn't real! Sad day... I thought for sure I was in a mid-life crisis though I was still a young lad. I also, enjoyed giving some presents while I didn't have a job or allowance my Grandma use to buy and help pick out presents for my mom for us to give to her. It always made me feel good when my mom enjoyed the presents. Christmas always brings joy to the winter season as giving to charities increases during the Christmas season.

So what exactly is Christmas about? Well, according to a LifeWay research only 37% of respondents say that Christmas is about Jesus. So many people have lost or lack the knowledge of the real meaning of Christmas. We hear it over and over that Christmas has become commercialized and that is pretty evident. With Black Friday slowly taking the spotlight from Thanksgiving each year and people getting trampled for 'super' savings it's sad to see that people are more consumed by the savings rather then the well being of the people behind them. Even though 43% believe that Christmas is about characteristics of Jesus from helping to love and peace. Though, the responses of everyone polled are characteristics that everyone should have not just during the Christmas season but everyday. After all, we are called to be Christ-like not during seasons but all the time. So what is Christmas really about??

The common and true answer is Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ; but we also must go beyond that. It's amazing that His birth was prophesied was roughly 700 years before His birth. God spoke through the Prophet Isaiah who foretold told that Jesus would be born, Immanuel. A common question and one that I have asked myself is if Isaiah said he was to be named Immanuel then why is His name Jesus. Some translations say they shall call Him Immanuel, which means God with us. It's not saying that would be His literal name but what some people will refer to Him as. We must remember Jesus has many names or as people say titles of Jesus. We must look forward further in Isaiah, two chapters later he prophesied the birth of Christ again in Isaiah 9:6, except Isaiah uses different names or 'titles'; such as Wonderful Counselor and The Mighty God.

What makes Jesus' birth the most special is that He is the only human to ever be born of virgin (Luke 1:34-35). But, why was he born of a virgin? Well, the first reason is to fulfill the prophesy which is in Isaiah 7:14. Another reason and one of the most crucial is that if Jesus' was not conceived of a virgin that He would not be God. This is because he would be born of man and as we all know man inherits the sin nature of Adam and Eve. So in order for Jesus' to be sinless He would have to be of God. Lastly, it paints a beautiful picture of salvation. Joseph had no part of the conception, Mary simply accepted a free gift from God. These two directly relate to Ephesians 2:8-9, where we can't work for our salvation but can only accept the free gift from God by grace and through faith. (compellingtruth.org)

Let's take it a step further. We can't celebrate the birth of Christ if we don't acknowledge and celebrate why he came into this world. Just think for a moment, if Jesus died on the cross and wasn't resurrected we wouldn't be celebrating His birth. People would just see Him as man who has done great miracles and led by a great example. But, the greatest miracle is the resurrection which was the tipping point for many to believe that Jesus is truly the Messiah and God. Especially, for Thomas one of Jesus' disciples who even after hearing of the resurrection Jesus still didn't believe until he put his finger through Jesus' hand where he was nailed to the Cross.This verified to him that Jesus resurrected Himself so He could complete the will of God. And what was His will? To bring salvation to all people (John 6:38-40, 1 Timothy 2:1-4).

I'll admit it can be fun seeing a jolly old fat guy dressed up in fancy pajamas once a year. Spending time with family and friends and basking in that joyful, love, and peace feeling that comes along with the Christmas season is fantastic. But, this isn't what Christmas is all about; these are things that should be happening everyday (except of course Santa Claus).

So what is Christmas all about? The virgin birth of Christ who came into this world sinless, blameless, and perfect to take away the sins of the world and bring salvation all those who believe.

Things to think about

2012-12-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

Give from my heart not from my pocket. “Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."~Mark 12:44

I can say many words of wonder but if it is not wisdom from God they mean nothing. Pray for wisdom! “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

Blessings can be seen even through a bread crumb. “God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.”~Psalm 67:7

Even Jesus had wants but wanted the will of God more! Want God’s will for my life more than desires. "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."~Luke 22:42

Christians of a 3rd world country celebrate God more than the typical American Christian because they realize everything received is a blessing from God and have faith, hope and Agape. Humble myself and live out faith. “He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."~Matthew 17:20

How long do I have to pray til I find strength in my Lord Jesus? Until I acknowledge I can’t do anything a part from Him. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”~John 15:5

Does my faith grow strong when I don’t see justice served? Have faith that God will bring justice. “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”~Ecclesiastes 12:14

Complacency is state of neutrality, where I don't grow in Christ. Never be complacent, I live for God! “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”~Luke 9:23-24

Have patience and seek God! The will of God will come to us! "think about Him in all your ways,and He will guide you on the right paths."~Proverbs 3:6

Agape (ἀγάπη)- Sacrifical Love

2012-11-13T21:30:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 13

While, 1 Corinthians 13 speaks of how to Agape (Love) people, I can’t truly apply this Agape until I earnestly apply it to God!

I should ALWAYS have patience for a prayer to be answered, he has perfect timing!^“Love is patient..

I should ALWAYS be kind to His name! “Love is kind.”

I should NEVER envy Him! Love..” does not envy,”

I should NEVER boast a part from God! Love..“it does not boast,”

I should NEVER be prideful, all accomplishments and blessings are from God! Love.” is not proud.”

I should ALWAYS honor Him! Love..”.. is not rude,”

I should ALWAYS be humble! Love…” is not self-seeking,”

I should NEVER retaliate but Agape in truth because God is Truth and God is Love! Love…” is not easily angered,”

I should NEVER have a short temper towards God! Love…” keeps no record of wrongs.”

I should NEVER blame God for the wrongs done to me, God is good! ”Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

My Agape for God should ALWAYS protect his name! Love…” always protects,”

My Agape for God should ALWAYS trust Him! Love…” always trusts,”

My Agape for God should ALWAYS place Faith in Him! Love..”always hopes,”

My Agape for God should ALWAYS stand out even in my darkest hour! Love…” always perseveres.”

My Agape for God should NEVER end!” Love never ends.”(HCSB)

My Agape God should NEVER fail!” Love never fails.”(NIV)

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”~Matthew 22:37-39

My joy is found in Him

2012-11-13T21:22:00.000-05:00

“Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.”~Jeremiah 15:16

I am a sinner: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”~Romans 5:8

I am burdened to a sinful nature: “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.”~Romans 7:18

I am saved: ”For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of

God;”~Ephesians 2:8

I am forgiven: "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”~Isaiah 43:25

I am clean and Hopeful: “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;”~Hebrews 10:22-23

I am Saint: “that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints,”~Colossians 1:26

I am made from God: “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb.”~Psalm 139:13

I am blessed: “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,”~Titus 3:5

I am a son of God: “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father! ”Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.”~Galatians 4:4-7

I am created for Him: “Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made."~Isaiah 43:7

I am a vessel: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;”~Matthew 5:14

I am a disciple: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”~John 14:34-35

I am safe: “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. “With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.”~Psalm 91:14-16

I am loved: “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. ~1 John 4:9-12

I am Spirit Filled: “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.”~2 Timothy 1:14

I am gifted: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”~1 Corinthians 12:4-7

I am equipped: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”~Hebrews 4:12

I am trusted: “but just as we have been approved by God to been trusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.”~1 Thessalonians 2:4

I am weak and strong: “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”~2 Corinthians 12:9-13

I am served: “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”~Matthew 20:28

Living For God

2012-11-09T23:24:00.000-05:00

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."~Mark 6:33

Do all for His glory!

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”~1 Corinthians 10:31

Desire God more than anything

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.”~Psalm 73:25

I will fail but God is my strength

“My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”~Psalm 73:26

Humble myself daily

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”~James 4:10

Express self-control in all situations

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”~1 Peter 4:7

Be a servant of the Lord

“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”~John 12:26

Focus on the Lord, make Him the center of my life

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”~John 3:30

Be A Friend

2012-11-09T23:19:00.004-05:00

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”~John 15:13

Be Listening: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;”~James 1:19

Be Loving: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”~ 1 John 4:7-8

Be Compassionate: "You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate."
Luke 6:36

Be Selfless: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”~Philippians 2:4

Be Generous: ”In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”~Acts 20:35

Be a Servant: “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”~Galatians 5:13

Be Considerate:” Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”~ 1 Corinthians 10:24

Be Merciful: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”~Luke 6:36

Be Encouraging: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”~Ephesians 4:29

Giving is Hard sometimes, yet so Awesome!

2011-06-20T19:03:00.001-04:00

Reading through 2 Corinthians 9 today where Paul in his letter to the church of Corinth talks about giving generously, I stumble upon verse 7 where it really hit me hard. It says, "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” I was taken away by it because this is something I struggle with sometimes. God places it on my heart to give x-amount of money, I start to think... "Well if I shed a few dollars off that should be ok, right? I'm still paying at least the 10% I should give to the church; I really need to save up for books and bills." So I do this battle with myself of how I can give generously and yet still manage to save money for some of my needs. But, now I've caught myself, I want to save money for MY needs. How selfish of me. We are called to be selfless yet I'm being selfish! The church needs money. The church deserves money. No matter how hard I work and how much I get paid it's not MY money it is GOD'S. He brought me to earth, he blessed me with so much and he is asking for a little. We can never pay for the sins we commit, that's why Jesus Christ was sent down. It was a payment for our sins so we can have everlasting life. So the least I can do is give the money back to GOD which he has placed on my heart to give. After I do it and I see the payment go through, it brings me joy! I'm helping a Church grow and reach the lost! How great of a feeling is that? Praise God for the joy it brings me and for him calling me to do something so awesome! However, I admit, I do at times second guess my decision on how much I gave but then I'm reminded that God will provide! He always has! Just see Philippians 4:19

I've ran into a situation about a month ago where I needed God to provide for me. I had nearly all my tuition paid for this semester but was about $2,000 short. I've looked a scholarships and loans but I wasn't qualifying or I couldn't find a co-signer. So I just prayed to God every night. I struggled with doubts when it came near the deadline where I would lose classes and housing but I kept on praying. Finally a week before the deadline by God's grace I was awarded a scholarship. It covered almost all of it, I just owed about 45 cents and I could easily pay for that. But, the best part was not just being covered for the semester but the growth I experienced.

Keep in mind. Generosity isn't just donating money, giving it to church. It's also about donating your time to people, helping them out, a simple thank you, etc. As my campus pastor Clayton King has said ‎"Generosity is not about your money, Generosity is about your heart" If we can follow those words of wisdom it can bring so much joy to our lives!

Also feel free to view my previous notes on sermon titled Blessed in Finances for further thoughts!

We can't outrun God!

2011-05-18T14:41:00.000-04:00

3 reasons to stop running from God (Referring to the book of Jonah)

1.You can never go to a place better than God's will.
When God has plan for us, we better rise up.
No misfortune, no pain, trouble in store for our life.Numbers 23:21
God wants to bring us to a place of freedom but we fight it sometimes.
Anytime you run from God you're always going down.
The ways of God don't always look good to us.
Not every opportunity is from God.
Don't settle for good opportunities, good chances.

2.You can never go to a place where God cannot reach you.
God will always pursue you no matter where you are.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
When you disobey his will, you are running away from God.
It is impossible to disobey God's plan and maintain God's presence, It is impossible to disregard God's word and stay close to his person.
You can only be close to God if you obey his will.
We seek the image of Christianity, but leave the presence of God to do our own will.
You can't have God's presence when you disobey God's plan.

3.You can never go to a place where God's love cannot redeem you.
No matter how far you gone, the Lord will bring you back. Deuteronomy 30:2-4 ,
God has his arms open to us, waiting for us to come back to him with his grace and mercy! Daniel 9:9, Micah 7:18,

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How are you ignoring God's plan? Write them down in each category that applies and pray the applicable prayer(s). Remember God knows what best for us! Jeremiah 29:11-13

1. I am running away (disobeying) God in these ways:

Lord forgive me from running from you, I repent of my disobedience, I will obey your word, help me stop running and start living.

2.I am hiding from God in these ways:

Lord, I cannot hide from you. You know my thoughts and actions I confess to you today my sins, forgive me and cleanse me.

3. I am doubting God in these ways:

Lord forgive me for doubting your love, I trust that your plan is best, I accept your work in all things for good in my life, I yeild myself to you.

The Stress of Relationships

2011-04-22T15:48:00.000-04:00

3 Keys to Overcome relationship stress

1.Follow God's direction for your life
People around you that expect things from you that is not your or God's direction
You can't please everyone all the time
If you deviate from God's plan to follow peoples demands you will lose your way and lose your peace. John 18:36

People had demands of Jesus that were different that God's will
Sometimes we don't want the Jesus that has demands for us
Get Direction from God not man
"Stress comes from trying to please others, blessed comes from focusing on following God"
John 5:30, 8:29, Jesus would have never gone to the cross if he did what others wanted.
God is our Boss, Galations 1:10

2.Learn to deal with disappointment in Life
Stress when we have expectations of others
Jesus did not hate on those but prayed and loved
Don't rely on people for satisfaction, happieness, or signifigance.
Jesus never counted on man for happiness or peace.
Were blessed when we forgive and were set free.
Jesus wept over peoples bad conduct but didn't let their failure to put him under stress.
Luke 10:38-42, James 1:20
We are accountants (We keep records of all the people who offended us, wronged us) 1 Corinthians 13:5, 1 Peter 2:3
Who knows what will happen when you give grace

3.Remain devoted to God
We are blessed when we live by faith, Foresaking All I Trust Him
We are in God's hands, Everything in the world around us is insignificant
In his arms we will find rest in our weary soul.

The Stress of Demands

2011-04-18T16:09:00.003-04:00

Matthew 11:28-29

Stress: Allowing external circumstances to cause internal anxiety.

Jesus faced more stress then anyone!

Even on the cross Jesus had peace.

1) Release you frustrations to God Psalms 62:8
- Learn to deal with how you feel
-"Don't worry about anything, pray about everything" Philipians 4:6-7
-Pour out heart to God
-Be a winner not a Winer
-Have a Joyful heart

2) Evaluate the source of your Stress Psalms 73:21-24
-Don't be stressed about other people (Those who may seem more blessed that seem like they may not deserve it)
- When we evaluate the source of our stress we can let God take care of our problems
-Don't believe every thought and everything your told. Not every thought comes from God.

Statistics
-40% of things we worry about never happen
-30% worry about the past that can't be changed
-12% worry about criticism about others
-10% worry about health
-8% worry about real problems

Philipians 4:8-9
-"Worry will not stop tomorrow's sorrow, it will only rob you of Today's strength"
-Worry does no good, causes harm
-We can control habbits, attitude, spiritual life,

Advice:
Make two lists of what stresses you out. First list "Things you can't control". Second list "Things you can control"

3) Stick to what you know is right
-Right thing, stick to God's word (Psalm 119:143)
-find joy in God's word
-Only God can help sort things out
-Don't stay away from Church
-Bad decision, consequences will cause more stress 1 Peter 3:12

4)Trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Learning to Count!

2011-04-18T15:43:00.000-04:00

3 Keys learning to count Psalm 90:12-13

1. Count your days- Life is short
-Seek God for Eternal home
-Focus on right goal and achieve wisdom

2. Add Wisdom to our hearts
-Gain heart of Wisdom
-People dig a whole and fill it again
- Values you possess are more important then your possessions
-We Need to make life count
-Live to Impact Others....What Impact Is your Life making today on others?
What would your obituary say?
-It's not about me but about reaching the lost of Jesus Christ!

One month To live!

2011-04-18T15:38:00.000-04:00

Passage: Psalm 90

If I had 1 month to live how would I change, what would I do?

1. Accept Limitations
2. Apply heart to Wisdom
3. Adjust life choices

Life W/o Regrets
1.Live in Faith
2.Live Intentional
3.Live wholeheartedly...Live a Life fully devoted to GOD!

Error of Ego (Mark 10:45)

2011-04-02T10:26:00.000-04:00

Definitions:

Ego- Putting self first before others.
Pride- Contending for supermacy with God.
Basic Pride- Better than others, needs more important then theirs.

What will pride turn you into?

Promotion comes from God. Humble myself before him.

True humility leads to riches, honor and long life.

I will die to self and live for Christ. "If you cling to your life you will lose it, if you let it go you will save it"

Pride causes you to stumble. Leads to conflict. Bring destruction. Destroys lives. Humility brings success.
Pride shows up in arrogance- thinking more highly than yourself then your not
Arrogance causes stupidity.
Pride shows up in vanity- Concerned with own image. Amount of time spent on making yourself look good.
Vanity causes stress.
Ego leads to strife.

God sees our character not our image, character lasts forever.