Christmas In A Nutshell

From Worship House Media:

Admit it, you've given some terrible gifts. There's someone who has never given a bad gift, though—GOD! For Christmas, however, He gave us something no one could've imagined. This video illustrates the miracle of Christmas in a fun and poignant way.

Encouragment: put on the whole armor

You are overwhelmed. You realize you are behind schedule. You are past deadline. Your assignment was due yesterday.

You wake up in the morning and already feel like you are barely treading water.

Then you remember... go to God. He is our King. He is the one. He is Jesus. Start with Him.

So, you go to His word. You grab the Bible and realize you've been given the tools. You've been given the armor ... you are encouraged once again ... and it's time to attack the day!

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. -- Ephesians 6:11-13

Why should Christians imitate Christ?

A few months ago, I started reading Charles H. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening daily devotional and if I could sum up the book in one word I would say, "encouragement."

Reading the devotions is a great way to help me make sure I stay focused on the Lord both day and night. If I'm faithful to my effort, I read the devotions for the day as the first thing I do in the morning and the last thing I do at night.

It has been one of the most encouraging books I have ever read. Rather than trying to par down today's morning devotion and give my two cents, I've cut and paste the entire devotion. It's just too good to mess with!

Here is this morning's verse and devotion by Charles H. Spurgeon:

"So to walk even as He walked." — 1 John 2:6

HY should Christians imitate Christ? They should do it for their own sakes. If they desire to be in a healthy state of soul—if they would escape the sickness of sin, and enjoy the vigour of growing grace, let Jesus be their model. For their own happiness' sake, if they would drink wine on the lees, well refined; if they would enjoy holy and happy communion with Jesus; if they would be lifted up above the cares and troubles of this world, let them walk even as He walked. There is nothing which can so assist you to walk towards heaven with good speed, as wearing the image of Jesus on your heart to rule all its motions.

It is when, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are enabled to walk with Jesus in His very footsteps, that you are most happy, and most known to be the sons of God. Peter afar off is both unsafe and uneasy. Next, for religion's sake, strive to be like Jesus. Ah! poor religion, thou hast been sorely shot at by cruel foes, but thou hast not been wounded one-half so dangerously by thy foes as by thy friends. Who made those wounds in the fair hand of Godliness? The professor who used the dagger of hypocrisy. The man who with pretences, enters the fold, being nought but a wolf in sheep's clothing, worries the flock more than the lion outside. There is no weapon half so deadly as a Judas-kiss. Inconsistent professors injure the gospel more than the sneering critic or the infidel. But, especially for Christ's own sake, imitate His example. Christian, lovest thou thy Saviour?

Is His name precious to thee? Is His cause dear to thee? Wouldst thou see the kingdoms of the world become His? Is it thy desire that He should be glorified? Art thou longing that souls should be won to Him? If so, imitate Jesus; be an "epistle of Christ, known and read of all men."

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Outreach New Media and Easter

Must be spring! I'm launching a new business, Outreach New Media, and wanted to let you know that we will be providing public, media, and social network relations services.

I look forward to serving you in whatever type of business and/or ministry you are involved with.

In doing research for this project I ran across "Communicate Jesus - insights and inspirations to maximize your ministry."

The site's latest blog post, 108 Easter books for $1 each, is a good example of how timely and informative Communicate Jesus can be.



While we are on the subject of Easter, Outreach New Media has connected an event hosted by seven South Orange County churches to not only many traditional media outlets, but social networking sites as well. Easter Together can be found on its own website here and the following social network sites (click name):

Digg
StumbleUpon
Facebook

More to come...

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts!

Hey South OC, Let's Have Easter Together!

OC Register Community Event

Cry Out To Jesus

To all of the people with all the burdens and pains....

....there is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, and love for the broken hearts...

--Third Day

Better Education: It's Not About Government

I'm tired of hearing about it. The government saying we need better education in this country. We need to provide 21st century education to our kids in a changing world. We need to fund programs to make our schools high tech...all the buzz phrases and talking points...and yada yada yada!

No we don't. We have classrooms. We have teachers. But we need this kind of teacher...the one seen in the video above. One teacher at a time, one classroom at a time, we can rock this world. What makes this teacher so special? Her faith in Jesus Christ.

She has tapped into the transformational power of Jesus...and it has worked in her own life and now she is planting the seed in her students' lives.

This is must-see video!

Why Celebrate Christmas?

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don’t be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!". . . When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on, let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child....The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God... - Luke 2:8–12, 15–17, 20 (NLT)

I wanted to apologize for originally announcing that Rick Warren would be giving the first Sunday message on the 3-week series, The Purpose of Christmas. Youth pastor and funny guy extraordinaire, Doug Fields, gave the first message, "A Change of Celebration." Also, although the previous link I gave leads to the homepage of live, current series, and archived messages, you may have had to make another click. Here's the link directly to Doug Fields message.

Here's the question to ask this first week. Why celebrate Christmas? From the verses above we see that the shepards certainly did celebrate the birth of Jesus...

They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child...The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God...

What was the reason to run, tell everyone, and praise God? What were they looking for? What did they find?

This week, let's ask ourselves these questions with a focus on Christmas.

DIGG!

Christmas Series Begins

It's here! A 3-week study on the purpose of Christmas begins this weekend. Hopefully, you have a copy of The Purpose of Christmas. Don't worry about it if you don't. Begin by listening to the study's opening message by Saddleback Church's Pastor Rick.

You can view and listen to his first message on the purpose of Christmas here!

Hope to see you back here on Tuesday, Dec. 9th, to discuss Rick's opening message about the purpose of Christmas. Oh, and let's try and read that first chapter by then, too.

Let's have our own 3-week study right here!

The Purpose of Christmas is available at Amazon.com, Costco, and check with your local book stores.

See you later!

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WEEK ONE: Why Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas Priority Adjustment

Business program host Cavuto interviews Warren on Christmas
Pastor Rick Warren gives a way to celebrate Christmas in tough financial times



Don't forget, I'm having a bloggers book study on The Purpose of Christmas right here! Get more information, including on how to get the book at my post, Blogging on the purpose of Christmas.

DIGG!
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WEEK ONE: Why Celebrate Christmas?

Hannity and Colmes: Warren on Christmas

"The Purpose of Christmas" Launches



I'm having a book study on The Purpose of Christmas right here! Get more information, including on how to get the book at my post, Blogging on the purpose of Christmas.
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WEEK ONE: Why Celebrate Christmas?

If you stop to think about it...

I hope you either already have a copy of Rick Warren's The Purpose of Christmas or plan on getting one soon. Remember, I'm asking you to join a "blogger's book study," if you will, right here, starting this coming Tuesday (Dec. 9).

I read the opening chapter last night and found it to be not only to the point, but fun!

Also, I wanted to share the back cover of the book with you here:

If you stop to think abouit it, it is astounding that the simple, unasuming birth of a peasant baby boy more than two thousand years ago in the Middle East can today cause traffic jams every December in places like New York City, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro.

The night Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a small group of poor shepherds were quietly tending their flocks of sheep in a nearby field, looking up at the stars. Nothing seemed any different from a thousand other nights. But what was about to happen would transform not only their lives, but billions of other lives as well. The world would never be the same again.

Then the back cover also includes this:

Regardless of your religious background, you need to know how the three purposes of Christmas solve your three greatest needs.

Understanding and receiving God's Christmas gifts to you will transform your life...forever!

See you back here next week for the beginning of a study on The Purpose of Christmas!
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WEEK ONE: Why Celebrate Christmas?

Blogging on the Purpose of Christmas

Want to do a 3-week study on the purpose of Christmas? It's simple. Start by getting Rick Warren's book, The Purpose of Christmas, then listen this coming Saturday (Dec. 6, 2008) to the study's opening message by Saddleback Church's Pastor Rick.

You can view and listen to his first message on the purpose of Christmas here!

Let's do this! Let's meet back here on Tuesday, Dec. 9th, to discuss Rick's opening message about the purpose of Christmas. Oh, and let's try and read that first chapter by then, too.

Let's have our own 3-week study right here!

Be sure to pick up a copy of The Purpose of Christmas now!

I'd love to see you back!

Note: The books are available at Costco as well!

DIGG!
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WEEK ONE: Why Celebrate Christmas?

Cyber Help Needed!

Can you believe all the hype around Black Friday and Cyber Monday? If you've been following the news you've heard about the tragedies at a Wal Mart in New York and a Toys R Us in Palm Springs during Friday's mania.

Hopefully, today will be a bit more subdued. Can carpel tunnel be fatal?



Anyways, wanted to let you know that, like many of us, my employment is on the line right now. If you have a moment please go to my post, Help Keep My Job, about my own personal bailout plan. You can actually help me out by doing something you may already be doing or planning on doing - shopping online.

I pray your shopping decisions are wise and that all of us think about the one we are celebrating this season and always, Jesus Christ!

Can I hear an Amen?

DIGG! (For this bailout plan!)

Youth Group: A 50-Cent Parable

What are you worth?

I wanted to share a parable about Jesus' sacrifice for you, what it means and how valuable it is. Presented by the CICF Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Nov. 23, 2008, during the annual Thanksgiving gathering. Cast: Michael Quintans, Daniel Custodio, Krista Flores, Myles Dacio, Jimmy Aviles and Jonathan Benjamin.

Your Connection

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light. — Matthew 11:29–30



As I got out of the shower this morning I had running in my head the song lyrics "I will wait upon the Lord, I will wait upon the Lord. He reigns! He reigns forever!" Not sure of the name of the song or who wrote it, but I took a deep breath and said to myself, "there, that's better. I have connected with my Lord!"

I love it when He does that! When He reminds me that life is so much easier with Him. That's not to say that we are given a free pass on hardship or upheaval. It just means we can lean on Jesus to get us through not only the day, but the rest of our lives!

This from Greg Laurie's Harvest Daily Devotion:

The Two-Part Invitation

In Matthew 11, Jesus follows His invitation to rest with the invitation to take His yoke and learn from Him. He is telling us there is more; His invitation to rest is a package deal. If we are true followers of Jesus Christ, then we will take His yoke upon us. But what does that mean?

The concept of a yoke would have been readily understood by the people of Jesus' day. It was a steering device that was placed on animals to guide the plows or carts they were pulling.

So Jesus, in essence, is saying, "Take my steering device upon you." He is saying, "Let me be in control of your life. Let me guide your life. Let me direct your life."

You might be thinking, "Here Jesus says that He will give me rest. Now He is saying to put on His yoke and learn. That sounds like work."

I want you to know that it will be as much of a weight to you as wings are to a bird. It will be a joy, because now, instead of wasting your life serving yourself or living for pleasure or success or whatever else one lives for, you will be channeling your energies into following and serving Jesus Christ.

You may give up some things to follow the Lord. But what you give up can't begin to compare to what He has given you. It is not just a great thing to do with your life. It is the most satisfying to do with your life.

Philadelphia Harvest '08 With Greg Laurie

Big weekend coming up in Philadelphia. If you aren't in the area or can't make it, be sure to click on the links found here to watch the event live.

More than 350 area churches have invited Pastor Greg Laurie and the Harvest Crusades team to partner with them in an evangelistic outreach in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Harvest 08 will be held October 3–5 at 7:30 P.M. at the Wachovia Center. The event will feature some of the top names in contemporary Christian music, along with an evangelistic message from Pastor Greg.

For more than 18 years, Harvest Crusades has put on large-scale evangelistic outreaches around the United States and in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. More than 3.5 million people have attended a Harvest Crusades event in person, and more than 275,000 people have registered decisions of faith in Jesus Christ.

Harvest Crusades events are designed to be opportunities for Christians to invite unsaved family members, coworkers, friends, and acquaintances to hear the life-changing message of the gospel in an environment that is entertaining, yet nonthreatening.

The cornerstone of each event is the presentation of the gospel by Pastor Greg Laurie. Biblically-sound and culturally relevant, Pastor Greg brings a clear gospel message, providing an opportunity for people to make a decision to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

See you there!

Help Doesn't Come From a $700 Billion Bailout

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth. - Psalms 124:8

Once in awhile we get that "ah-ha" moment when we realize that there absolutely was a reason for that pastor to have been hammering out a point in that sermon long ago or maybe not so long ago.

I had such a moment when I was reading through a couple Psalms the other night and got to the last verse in Psalms 124...Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

Oh, ya! My help doesn't come from a $700 billion bailout package! My help doesn't come from John McCain or Barack Obama (not even Sarah Palin)! My help doesn't come from the Republicans or the Democrats!

Then, when I was meditating on this verse some more, I remembered something else: God's word is comforting and healing. That's why it's important to have it ingrained in our hearts.

Now convicted, and recalling that I've often heard from pastors and Christians trying to embold others, I awakened again to the fact that memorizing scripture is important. Ah-hah, it certainly is!

Psalms 124

Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,"
Let Israel now say,
"Had it not been the Lord who was on our side
When men rose up against us,
Then they would have swallowed us alive,
When their anger was kindled against us;
Then the waters would have engulfed us,
The stream would have swept over our soul;
Then the raging waters would have swept over our soul."
Blessed be the Lord,
Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth.
Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper;
The snare is broken and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
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Photo by Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times

Paul Long: 'Be alert. Be watchful. Be ready.'

Associate pastor who died on Metrolink becomes the "object lesson" of Sunday message.

This from the Los Angeles Times:

A sermon on the lessons of Metrolink 111

Minister delivers message on life of fellow preacher who died after being injured in train crash.

For more than 13 hours, Pastor Tony Amatangelo had prayed and watched over his friend and fellow minister as he lay in a county hospital after being pulled from the wreckage of Metrolink 111. Paul Long died, and four hours later, physically and emotionally spent, Amatangelo returned to his Moorpark home.

Sunday service was coming. What would he say? The pastor felt chances were slim that the sermon he had written for the service would be relevant after the crash.

Then he remembered....

I wanted to do one pullout quote before you go to read the full story that I highly recommend.

"We didn't see it, but as those trains collided just on the Chatsworth and Simi Valley border, Pastor Paul saw the sign of the Son of Man," the pastor told a hushed church. "We looked at a body that was bloody and bruised. Pastor Paul saw glory. He would tell us to comfort yourself with this thought: 'It didn't look to me like it looked to you.' "

Full Story

Note: The head-on collision with a Union Pacific freight train on a bend in Los Angeles County's Chatsworth punched the Metrolink's locomotive right into the first car. At least 22 of the 24 passengers killed in the Sept. 12 crash -- the engineer also died -- were riding in that car, according to the coroner's office. LA Times crash victim story.

What Did Jesus Say About Religion?

A discussion thread titled Religion vs. Spirituality over at social networking site BlogCatalog prompted me to search the Bible...and that's always a good thing!

The author of the thread added this under his subject head: Some folks cleave to Religion. Some to Spirituality. Some say it's either/or. Some embrace both. How 'bout you?

Here's how I responded:

I'd like to answer this question with some scripture. But, first let me say "religion" has caused a lot of damage. However, "faith" or one's spirituality based on seeking truth can do more good than we can even understand sometimes. It's also important to recognize that the pursuit of truth, doesn't mean pursuing relative truth, or the truth as you know it now, but real truth.

What does the Bible say about "religion"?

Here is Jesus talking to his disciples and a crowd that gathered around Him:

"Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of 'Father'; you have only one Father, and he's in heaven." (Matthew 23:9)

And a moment later He says:

"I've had it with you! You're hopeless, you religion scholars, you Pharisees! Frauds! Your lives are roadblocks to God's kingdom. You refuse to enter, and won't let anyone else in either. You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You go halfway around the world to make a convert, but once you get him you make him into a replica of yourselves, double-damned." (Matthew 23:13-15)

These verses are from "The Message" Bible version. I think it pretty much sums up the "importance" of religion. I'm sure that if I did some more searching, or if any of you who already know some of Jesus' own words would point out to me, there are other references to how Jesus felt about religion.

So, what do I embrace? More accurately who do I embrace? In my case, and I know many others, I "cleave" as best as I can to Jesus, not religion.

How 'bout you?

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Alexander is a writer in the online spiritual battlefield. You can also find him at The Scrooge Report and TheBigRuski Goes Healthy.
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