Jesus is the reason for the season; Christmas songs that mention Jesus

Read: Matthew 2: 1-12

“For this reason, I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.”

Romans 15: 7-9

Many often forget the reason for the Christmas season, especially in relation to popular Christmas songs on the radio and streaming platforms like Spotify. Every Noise, a data-collecting service, has determined that Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" is the most popular song globally. According to them, while certain other popular songs mention the religious side of Christmas in a small way, the majority of songs center around themes of love, snow, and chestnuts.

 Today, within the church, numerous hymns are sung that commemorate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, or the events leading up to His birth. While reading scripture, you encounter references to the Wisemen that correspond to the song "We Three Kings". In the same way that Luke 2:7 mentions how He was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn, "Away In A Manger" also references this.

 The popularity of music with Jesus has not diminished just yet. Several top Christmas songs are being played or streamed that are referencing Christ and the Holy Day.

 The Temptations - "Silent Night."
 Whitney Houston  - "Joy To The World."
 Perry Como's version of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" #10 USA
 Josh Groban and Faith Hill's rendition of "The First N￶el" #90  USA
 Nina Nesbitt's version of "O Holy Night"  #93 Hong Kong.

 While preparing your playlist this holiday season, please remember that Jesus is the reason for the Season.  

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It's A Wonderful Life, Who is your George Bailey?

Read: Matthew 5:1-12

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Romans 8:14

Good Morning!

During the season of holidays, it is a common practice for people to watch their favorite Christmas movies which can cover a range of classics and lesser-known works. I am confident that if we dedicate time to discussing our favorites, our list will be extensive and detailed!

 'It's A Wonderful Life' is the one movie I have been watching every year since I was a teenager. Even as a teenager, the movie resonated with me because of the many God-like messages it depicted. Every year, I notice new undertones of divinity  the film as I watch it.

 The main character George Bailey is James Stewart, who is an Oscar-winning actor. George Bailey was like any other young person with dreams and goals. George Bailey, even when he was young, was ambitious and wanted to be successful. Additionally, he was caring, kind, and loving. George Bailey carried these attributes with him throughout his lifetime. He continued to shine his light by offering assistance and showing compassion to his family, friends, and even to strangers. George Bailey could have represented the ideals of the Beatitudes perfectly.

 In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus gathered his disciples together and imparted to them the teachings now known as the Beatitudes. Jesus also desires for us to imitate the same thing. His desire for us is to help the poor in spirit, grieve with others, maintain gentleness, show mercy, be pure in heart, and actively be peacemakers.

 George Bailey helped individuals struggling financially by providing them with low-interest loans as a means of uplifting their spirits. As a child, he shared Mr. Gower's sorrow when his son died in the war and consoled him after he mistakenly administered the wrong medication to a little girl. He selflessly gave up his own life to save his brother from drowning, and humbly relinquished his dreams and aspirations to allow his brother's success.

 It is not difficult to find ourselves in a state of mind similar to George Bailey in life. It is easy for us to quickly forget both the goodness that God has done for us and the kindness we have shown to others. However, we can recall all the things at which we were unsuccessful or the things we have lost in life along with every failure. Because of his thoughts, George Bailey found himself standing on a snow-covered bridge, ready to jump.

 Clarence the angel and friends were necessary to remind George Bailey of his true identity. The word informs us that if we exemplify the Beatitudes, we will receive comfort, inherit the earth, be shown mercy, behold God, and be called children of God.

 Many of us reside in various locations across the globe, rather than in the small town of Pottersville. For this holiday season, I hope you will find to reflect upon people who have played the role of George Bailey in your life. Make sure to take the time to call or text them and express your gratitude. Share with them what they did for you and express your gratitude towards them.

 We are unaware of the potential experiences they may be facing. But our main concern is ensuring that they do not make decisions on a bridge covered with snow during the late hours of the night.

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Stop Testing God, Stop .

 

Read: Numbers 14:1-10

 

  the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct according to what their deeds deserve. Jeremiah 17:10

 

Good Morning!

 When things do not go according to plan or expectation, we often test God, even though we do not intend to. We disregard previous experiences of receiving God's blessings. When He rescued us from our depths of shame or fulfilled our heartfelt prayers.

  Contrasting to that, we behave similarly to children on Christmas day who, despite receiving their desired toy, ask "Is that all?" before the day is over.

  The Children of Israel were not any different. Even though God rescued them from slavery, split the Red Sea, took care of them during their journey, and promised them a better future, they still chose to doubt God's abilities, constantly complain, and show ingratitude.

  What leads to our testing or doubting God? If things are going well, we express our beliefs verbally and put them into practice by exercising our faith.

 It is when prayers are not answered or do not occur in the way we expect, our natural tendency is to begin complaining and attributing blame to God. Psalms 106:11-15 reminds us of how easily we forget God's works and decide not to wait for His counsel.

  Do our doubts arise from concepts or experiences we cannot visually grasp or perceive, or from a lack of faith or absence altogether? Is it now the right time for us to depend on our own understanding or continue to have faith in God?

  God does not abandon us, despite our complaints. He looks into our hearts and evaluates our thoughts, then gives us rewards based on our behavior and the consequences of our actions. During the good times and the bad times, give thanks to the Lord for he is good, in all things. His mercy endures forever. Stop Testing God.

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The Goodness of God

 

Read: Psalms 130

 

Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression Micah 7:18-19

 

How do you describe the goodness of God?

 His goodness surpasses the material things that people pray for, such as jobs, cars, homes, or money.

 Though no day is guaranteed, and we are blessed to see each day, God’s goodness is even greater!

 Daily although our spirit is willing to do God’s will, our flesh is weak and frequently tempted into sin. God’s goodness is greatest at this crossroad. 

 Of all the sins we all have committed why should God be good to us?

Yet, if we humbly confess our sins God will forgive. This is God’s mercy and grace granting us forgiveness. There is no god like God. His goodness forgives us and purges us from our iniquity.

 If we took a moment to truly assess our lives, I am sure we all could come up with a multitude of things that have fallen short of God’s word, causing us to be disobedient. The fires he has pulled you from and the troubles he has set us free of. Yet when we humbly seek God’s forgiveness, He grants it.

 

1.             God removes sins as for as the east is to the west (Psalms 103:12)

2.             God completely cleanses us from the stain of sin (Isaiah 1:18)

3.             God throws our sins behind His back (Isaiah 38:1)

4.             God remembers our sins no more (Jeremiah 31:34)

5.             God treads our sins underfoot (Micah 7:19)

6.             God casts our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:9)

 According to David in Psalms 130: 3-4, if THE LORD GOD, kept a record of sins, who could stand?  But with God there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve Him.

 There is no god like God who has held us in his hands forever and can pardon our iniquity and pass over our transgressions. Though God is disappointed with us, he does not retain his anger forever. God delights in mercy (Micah 7:18).

 God has been good to us even when we have not been good to ourselves. And it is because of this we should wake up each day singing and praising to God continuously for his Goodness.

 

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The Faith in God; even when you have questions

The book of Habakkuk is a short book in the bible with only three chapters. Within those three chapters, you will find a profound message that stands the test of time and is relevant even today.

Habakkuk, whose name means “one who embraces”, was a minor prophet who questioned God’s silence and apparent lack of His punitive actions to purge his covenant people (Hab. 1:2-4).

The nation was on the verge of abolishing its idolatrous practices but upon the death of the King, they quickly reverted to bad behavior towards God. The nation’s sin was violence and injustice toward the people. No different than what we see in our country today. Violence, iniquity, and trouble plague the world. We see malicious wickedness daily on the news. Neighbors find reasons to morally and ethically oppress their neighbors which results in continuous strife.

Habakkuk was angry with the people but more so with God. “Why do you cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me?” (Hab. 1:3-4).  Habakkuk wanted God to punish the people. Does this sound familiar today?

The more we build a relationship with God the more we realize that God has a plan for us. We also understand God works on His own time schedule. “I will work a work in your days which you would not believe” (Hab. 1:5-11).

Habakkuk’s message not only to the Israel nation but to us, despite our situation, remains strong and faithful in the midst of your affliction and trials (Hab. 2:4). Remember God is embracing us contrary to what your mind may be telling you.

During our continuous journey of growing a relationship with God, we realize faith is not a one-time act. Faith becomes a way of life. The Bible reminds us of God’s miraculous, protective intervention on behalf of the children of Israel. I’m sure we can also recant a few God-protecting miracles in our lives as well.

When we set aside our Woo’s of life and learn to give them to God, it is the first step to recommitment and affirmation of faith which expresses unwavering confidence in God.

For me, I have adopted Habakkuk’s Hymn of Faith as my constant reminder of God’s sufficiency in my life regardless of what I am facing.

               

Though the fig trees may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the field yields no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold

And there be no herd in the stalls -

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord!

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength.

He will make my feet like deer’s feet,

He will make me walk my high hills. 

– Habakkuk 3:17-19           

Wisdom is the sound judgment of life

Solomon was wiser than any man of his time. God gave Solomon wisdom, great understanding, and largeness of heart. People came near and far to hear the wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 4:34).

At a very young age, Solomon took his seat as king. It is believed that he was around 20 years old at the time he became king, he was a mere kid.

God said that no man would ever be as wise as Solomon. But we should strive to seek the wisdom to make sound judgments in life. So often we find ourselves in predicaments that require us to have wisdom and because of our childlike minds, in adult bodies, we tend to make irrational decisions. When faced with such situations, one of two things would happen; you will falter or seek guidance. In most cases, people would seek advice from everyone but God. 

Early in Solomon’s reign, he had a vision from God. God told him to ask, “what shall I give you?”  Solomon realized his youthfulness, lack of knowledge, and experience to rule over the people (1 Kings 3:7-8.) As opposed to asking for the obvious – money, and material things, Solomon asked for an understanding heart – wisdom (1 Kings 39).  

While book knowledge has its place, you should always seek the counsel of God in everything that you do. Godlike wisdom supersedes book knowledge. Continuous prayer life and relationship with God, he will not lead you astray. He will order your steps, be a lamp up under your feet, and He will provide you with the knowledge of understanding.

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Promises are not made to be broken

When David was running for his life, he and his best friend Jonathan made a covenant (1 Sam. 18:3) that no matter what happened, David would not cut off his kindness to his family (1 Sam 20:15).

 

David's friend Jonathan his brothers, and King Saul all died in battle, making way for David to become king of all of Israel. As the new king, one of the first things David did was make good on his covenant. He asked if anyone remained in Saul's house; he wanted to show kindness for Jonathan's sake (2 Sam. 9:1)

 

Today, many people make a "covenant" or "promise" and do not fulfill them. At dedication ceremonies for newborns, many families make covenants by making friends and some family members Godparents of their child. The "promise" is to help with the child's religious education, and in case of the parents' untimely demise, step in and care for the child. 

 

In Biblical times, a covenant was a formal promise made under oath. Today a covenant is more like "a promise or guarantee between two parties that are not fulfilled. 

 

David made good on his covenant with Jonathan. He gave Saul's grandson, Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, a seat at the King's table. He restored to Mephibosheth what was rightfully his (2 Sam. 9:7).

 

God made a covenant with His children. Through His covenant, (Heb 8) He promises to bless us as we obey the conditions. Are you fulfilling God’s covenant? What covenants or promises have you made that need to be fulfilled? 

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God’s Sovereignty

 

Naomi had it all; a husband, two sons, and wealth. Inflation hit the land causing Naomi and her family to move, and as opposed to things getting better, they got worse. During turmoil, Naomi's husband and two sons die.

When tragedy strikes, the feeling of hopelessness and doubt creeps in. We look for answers, worry, and even blame God for the calamity.

In the book of Ruth, Naomi was no different. She had reached the point of hopelessness. Naomi felt that the hand of God was against her (Ruth 1:13). Naomi could not see any way out. Naomi's anguish was so bad she changed her name to Mara, which means 'bitter' (Ruth 1:20).

Naomi's story can happen to anyone of us at any given moment. One day you are on top of the world, the next you lose it all - health, wealth, and even family.

How we deal with life situations is entirely up to us. Like Naomi, when tragedy struck, she focused on the situation and did not recognize God's Sovereignty. God provided a friend named Ruth and her relative Boaz (Ruth 2).

Through Ruth's genuine love and friendship, Naomi’s eyes and heart were opened to see and receive God's compassion. Naomi begins to understand God's sovereignty - His love, kindness, and mercy towards her.

No matter how painful your hardship may be, pay attention to the friends who encircle you during your tragedy. These friends could be your Ruth or Boaz working on behalf of God.

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The Delayed Promise of God

When God instructed Samuel to anoint David as king – Saul’s replacement – David was a mere child about 12 years old (1 Sam. 16). From that very day, the ‘Spirit of the Lord’ was on David (1 Sam. 16:13).

Despite the anointing and alignment with God, David faced many giants (1 Sam 17), trials, and pitfalls. Some had David literally running for his life. These obstacles impeded David from his rightful seat on the throne as king. God’s promise was delayed.

Many people have experienced their “David Anointing” but have become bitter, angry, and in many cases, given up all because God is taking too long.

Throughout David’s journey, he could have given up or even taken matters into his own hands. However, David seeks God’s advice. Whenever he strayed from God, David always found his way back to God. Whenever David had opportunities to pursue vengeance or “alter” the outcome he always took the higher road, allowing God to handle the problem.

When David finally took his throne as a king reigning over all of Israel, he was 30 years old (2 Sam 5: 1-5). It took about 15-17 years for God’s promise to become a reality.

What has God promised you? Do you have the endurance and faith to trust and wait on God like David?

Every closed door or broken promise by man is only a temporary setback to your promise. God’s promise to you may be delayed but it will not be denied. God’s promises are always fulfilled, you have to trust God in the process…

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Reaching your full potential

When I first saw this flower I marveled at how it found a way to grow through the crack.  I thought to myself this flower will last a couple of days and it will wither and die. To my surprise it has thrived for over two weeks of direct heat of the sun in the western skies. There has been little to know rain and it continues to display its beauty. A friend reminded me of the scripture of seeds that are sown on stony ground. “A person who hears the message and right away he is glad to hear it. But it does not go down deep in his heart. He believes it for a short time.” (Matt. 13:20-22). Though this flower radiates beauty it can never reach its full potential because it is not deeply rooted. So many of us are like this flower we look good. We have great potential in the Lord. However we stunted our growth simply because we choose not to root ourselves in God’s word. 

You are forgiven

God does not treat us based on our sins. He has not given us the punishment deserved for our sins. Once we acknowledge and repent to God of a sin he has forgiven. Once confessed, he is gracious and forgiving. It’s our guilt that bounds us to the belief that we are not forgiven. Today, let go of all guilt and be reminded, YOU ARE FORGIVEN.

The subconscious mind hears every word

Your subconscious mind hears every word. You have a choice of listening to the positive or negative, yet most of us focus more on our mistakes over complements. Criticisms tend to impact us more than good news. I’m guilty. Despite all of God’s goodness and miraculous things he has done in my life, I’ve focused on the negative, making me no different than many prophets in the Bible. Negative events have a greater impact on our brains than positive ones. After all of Moses’s great feats, it was easy for him to focus on his burdens over how far God brought him and the children of Israel. Moses asked God to kill him (Num. 11:11-15). Jonah was no different, he ran from God because he felt inept. “It is better for me to die than to live.” As humans, we tend to Remember traumatic experiences over positive ones. Recall insults better than praises. For me, I had to find a way to combat the negative thoughts over positive. God created me and you in his likeness. We are conquers. Giants! Warriors! Yet we discredit our greatness. Through prayer and being cognizant of how I talked to myself was the first steps to more positive thoughts over negative ones. I reframed the situation in a more positive light. When new negatives try to resurface, I look for an uplifting activity to pull myself out of the negative mindset. I try to redirect thoughts to things that bring joy, a peaceful spirit. Is it easy?  No. Some days are harder than others. Here are a few things I do get my mind off negative thoughts: 

• Pray & give thanks for all my blessings
• Go for a walk
• Listen to uplifting music 
• Read a good book 

Know that you don’t suffer alone. The subconscious mind can be your friend or enemy. Guard your mind. There is power in the tongue. Speak positive into your life. 

Don’t listen to Satan even if it’s true

Satan reminded me of all my failures and imperfections. Once I allowed the thought, it festered in my mind and it became my stumbling block to greatness. I focused on failures and lost opportunities opposed to God’s Power. Negative thoughts and self condemnation caused spiritual blindness. Depression and doubtfulness set in. I exiled God and took matters into my hands. 

This is the point where the strongest of people fail. They hear or experience negative and they take it as the gospel despite the greatness that’s within! Elijah ran because of Jezebel’s decree ( 1Kings 19:2), the children of Israel would rather stay in eternal slavery and die opposed to being in the wilderness (Num. 20:4-5), Abraham failed in his faith (Gen. 12:10-20,) and Job lost patience (Job 4:7-10), yet he never lost faith in God. The devil prowls like a lion seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8-9). Don’t listen to Satan’s reminder of your past!  Put on the full armor of God. Cover your mind and heart so you can stand against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11-17). God hears your cry. Find the inner strength and call upon the name of Jesus. Your life is worth living and God is there waiting to help. Keep moving keep praying and continue to destroy the obstacles in your life! Be encouraged!

Praise for the Lord’s mercies

If there was someone who could pull you from your pit of misery without condemning you, satisfy your desires with good things, compassionate, gracious, and slow to anger, abounding in love. Would you want to meet them? What would you do or say when you did meet them? God is that someone. We often forget God’s mercies. More often than not, we forget to give God praise. We tend to complain and ask for our desires rather than praise Him. Psalms 103 is probably the most perfect and purest Psalms in the Bible.  2020 has been an unprecedented year, and it’s not over yet. From COVID, fires, hurricanes, riots, police brutality, and Hatred we have seen or have experienced the fury one way or another. Take time to praise God through life’s storms. Use Psalms 103 as your praise guide. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name!