An Inconvenient Birth

“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” –Luke 2:7

We all know the real reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ, but have you ever thought about his birth as an inconvenience? Think about the questions you would have been asking if you were Mary or Joseph:

God don’t we have enough to deal with? I mean we have to travel to Bethlehem, can’t you wait until we are home in Nazareth? Why can’t we even have a room, this is your son?

Luke 2:4-6

Our culture has done a great job at conditioning us to expect convenience, that instant gratification mentality. It’s almost like we believe we are entitled to it. Advertisements often emphasize convenience and when we want things we want it now.

Now back to Jesus. Just as the Christmas story tells God doesn’t make life more convenient for us. The Bible proves this when you read about those close to him who were often challenged and inconvenienced in life.

It’s easy to struggle with this concept because we want life to fit into our plans and expectations. And during the holiday season is no exception as we get can often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of parties, shopping and celebrations. But God’s agenda can often upset yours, offering you a choice.

We can choose to be angry or annoyed with the inconvenience put in place or we can surrender our schedules to God. When we ask for God’s will to be fulfilled in our lives we find joy and obedience in the midst of conflict.

Comment questions:
• How is God inconvenienced your life and how have you reacted?
• How can you be sure to remain joyful in this holiday season?

Cardboad Testimonies

These are great testimonies of God's power in people's lives, with only a few words.
Check them out...



What would your cardboard testimony be?

Hope.

Hope – noun; a belief in a positive outcome, even when circumstances seem otherwise. – verb; to believe, desire, or trust.

What do you hope in?

• Money?
• Possessions?
• Friends/Relationships?
• Yourself?
• Goals?

Have any (or all) of these things let you down at some point in your life?

"There's just no hope.. "

Often times when your high hopes aren't met, the higher your despair. This can cause us to lose heart in the things we believe in. One disappointment can make you want to give up or quit. Proverbs tells us this very fact, "Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around" (13:12). But the Lord doesn't want us to lose hope; we must continue in faith and love with God as a guide.

"Nothing but false hope.. "

Pinning your hopes on "stuff" is the basis of false hope. Searching for fulfillment in things or activities or people leads to emptiness, disappointment, and pain. You will always be let down by putting hope in the things of this world. But guess who will not fail you, Isaiah 40:31 says, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; the will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." That's God telling us he won't let us down, let us fail or let us become weary, if we continue to hope in him.

So what gives you hope? Is there meaning in suffering?

Abiding (or pressing forward) in hope…

If you're in a battle, you have to keep going. Don't put up the white flag. The Bible tells us those who hope in Jesus will not be disappointed! (Isaiah 49:23) So don't stop believing even when you feel hopeless because the Lord is there to strengthen and supply you with what you need to survive. DON'T PRAY FOR A LIGHTER LOAD, PRAY FOR A STRONGER BACK!

If God raised Jesus from the dead, what can he not do for you!? This is a living hope, a fulfilling hope, a security. In Hebrews, it says that God wanted to make sure we knew his promise would never change, that he is a just God and that this is not all there is. If we are diligent with hope, we can be sure that he is our firm and secure anchor and we will one day be with him in heaven. (Heb 6:19)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." – 1 Peter 1:3-5

If that isn't an active/living hope, I don't what is!

God has a purpose for your life. All the experiences and failures of the past are a journey to the hope and glory of Jesus Christ. But it's about putting one foot right in front of the other and continuing with your head held high.

"We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." - Romans 5:2-5

Did you get that? HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. CHRIST WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!Everything happens for a reason. If it's hard, keep going, he's making you stronger and better because it's his will for your life.

I'll close with this: "May the God of hope fill you all with joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." –Romans 15:13

Comment Question: How can you strengthen your hope in Christ?

Need a little peace in your life?

Ever feel like the walls just might cave in around you? That it is raining in your life and it just won't stop? Sometimes finding peace in the midst of the troubles life may bring can seem impossible. But finding peace is a sacrifice of trust. When circumstances in your life tempt you to panic, feel terrified, become a nervous wreck, or be filled with dread, you can either choose to give into those feelings or trust God.

Doing this means you are willing to present yourself wholly to Him, to be filled with His peace. You can either trust your Almighty God or give into the emotions of the flesh. You must trust that he is in control, that he will provide, or solve your problems.

"God will meet all of your needs according to his riches in Jesus Christ." -Philippians 4:19

Choosing to trust God, making this sacrifice of trust -- causes you to experience His peace, even in the midst of tremendous chaos.

"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all time, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." -2 Cor. 9:8

In this verse the Lord wants you to know he's got your back and will bring peace in the storm. He wants success and happiness for your life.

Willy always tells me that God won't keep you from the hard times but he will bring you through them.

The key to peace, is not the absence of conflict -- it's the presence of God no matter what the conflict. His peace is only a prayer away, give your struggles to him.

Here's some things the Bible tell us about finding Peace in God:
Job 22:21-23 (MSG)
Psalm 34:13-15
John 16:33
Romans 5:1-9
2 Timothy 2:22


What do you do to find peace in times of struggle?

Sing Me a Song

The last blog was all about music. Here is another song, this one is pulled straight from the Bible.

Lyrics to "Psalm 62" as sung by Shane and Shane:
He's the only one
Strong enough to lean
My heaviness against
The weight of all my sin
Falling on a rock
Leaning on a fortress
Oh the wall of God, Jesus
He won't move

On God I rest
My salvation
My fortress
Shall not be shaken
My mighty rock
And my glorious
I lay my head upon His chest
On God I rest

Oh I am calling out
Oh my soul
Oh my stubborn soul
Won't you wait on Him
Wait in the quiet
Even in your fear
Oh your God is here, to lean on!
He won't move

He has spoken
Hear his voice
I have come for the broken
So all ye weary come and rest

David wrote these famous lyrics. Quite a few Christian artists, like Shane and Shane, take Psalms from the Bible and turn them into the songs. Isn't it great that artists can be inspired by something that was written ages and ages ago?

David was not just a writer of positive poetry, in this song he talks about resting and relying on God. Throughout the Psalms, you can find all types of emotions being articulated by the Psalmists. It is almost like reading David's diary. He expresses anger, happiness, praise, songs, and love. Poetry was his way of releasing emotions to God.

Just like David, everyone uses different ways to convey feelings. Do you express your feelings to God? When you are angry, happy, or lonely do you tell the Lord what's going on? He loves you, and wants to you to talk to Him. So express yourself through to Him with music, prayer, art, or talking.

In Ephesians Paul prays for young Christians saying, "Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." (3:17-19NLT)

Just as Paul prays so do I for all of our lives, we need to trust him with all of our feelings, mad or happy. Giving our emotions to Jesus lets Him know we trust. It is a great way to grow close to him, to walk in faith and to feel the unconditional love only he can give.

Check out these inspiring Psalms:

Psalm 121 & 55 - trust
Psalm 118 – love
Psalm 71– thankfulness
Psalm 44 & 88- sadness
Psalm 25 - hope
Psalm 145 & 150 – praise

Comment Question: How do you express your feelings to Christ? Do you have a favorite Psalm?

Music For Your Soul

Music is a wonderful way to express our love for God. I think that God can also use music to inspire us and to bring us closer to him. I know whenever I feel lost or discouraged, it helps to listen to music that lifts up the Lord in worship.

Here's a challenge, go online and find some Christian artists that play your kind of music. Whether it is acoustic, rock, punk, rap, or whatever you are into, I guarantee there is a Christian artist out there who plays a style you would love. Now load them on your Ipod or on a cd and listen to them for a week and see if your attitude, your outlook, the way you're acting, or talking changes. Filling our mind with positive God-filled lyrics can do wonders! I bet you'd be surprised what an impact music can have on your relationship with Christ.

Here is some music from an artist named Paul Wright, he helped me in my struggles to know God is always by my side. Really listen to the lyrics, do you relate to what he is singing?

"Take This Life"

"Your Love Never Changes"

Comment question: What music inspires you to be or live better?

Making Your Heart a Home

Have you ever thought about your heart as a home for Jesus?

In Revelations 3:20, the Lord says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Isn't it great to know that God loves you so much and seeks your heart? He comes to you; He has interest in YOU!

In 1 John 3:23, God commands us to believe in the his son Jesus, and to love one another. All those who obey his commands live in him and he in them. "Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in His heart." (5:10a)

• What type of home do you offer Jesus in your heart?
• Is Jesus comfortable in your heart?
• Is He the tenant, or the owner?
• Does he come to 'do not disturb' signs because your too busy to feed on His Word?
• Do you keep him out of the living room in hopes he doesn't notice what you're watching on TV?

When the world enters into your heart, there begins to be less room for the Lord. Your house will become dirty with slander, deceit, selfishness, and arrogance. Yet the Bible specifically calls us to stay away from these desires. "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."(2 Tim 2:22) We need to keep are heart clean so that Jesus has room to dwell.

When you ask Christ to come into your heart, really you ask him to come into your whole self. Throughout the Bible we see that the heart is so much more than a mere emotion. In Psalm 86:11, David asks God to teach him to walk in truth, and to give him an undivided heart. Like David, we need to offer ourselves fully to Christ so that our hearts will be lead by him!

We should lift and exalt God, not with just our lips but in our lives, our relationships, and our actions. You draw near with your mouth but your heart is far from me. Is this how Jesus feels about you? Don't let pride and selfishness keep the doors of your heart closed to God, you will fail to hear his still, small voice saying "I will never leave you or forsake you."

So how can you make sure your heart is a home for Christ?

1. Yield to the Lord. "Now then," said Joshua, "throw away the foreign gods (or worldly desires) that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel." –Josh 24:23
   
2. Obey God. "But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul." –Josh 22:5
   
3. Unite yourself with Him. "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you will be rooted and established in love" –Eph. 3:16&17
   
4. Respect Him. "Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and lives! Our fathers disciplined us as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness." –Heb. 12:9&10
   

Check out what these scriptures say about the heart:

• Proverbs 4:23
• Deut. 26:16
• Psalm 86:11-12
• 1 Samuel 16:7
• Colossians 3:15
• Hebrews 4:12
• Romans 10:9
  

Comment question: What are doing to keep your heart clean for Jesus?

Stand Firm; Do Not Be Discouraged!

On Sunday, Willy spoke about discouragement and the many ways the devil tries to bring us down through doubt, guilt, fear, sinful desires, and temptation.

What discourages you? Do you let worry, fear, and doubt overtake your daily life?

In Exodus 14 God uses His power to demonstrate to the Israelites that He is in control. The story begins when the Israelites (God's chosen people) were rescued from slavery by Moses, who asked Pharaoh (the king) to let them go.

Soon after, as the people marched on towards the promise land, the place God called them to, Pharaoh decided he did not want to lose those slaves and sent an army of chariots after them.

When the Israelites saw the army in the distance they began to panic, questioning Moses, saying, "Why did you bring us out into the desert to die?" (v.11) Shouting, "we would rather be slaves to the Egyptians, than die in this desert!” (v.12) But Moses knew that God had a plan.

Moses answered them, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (v.13&14)

God then told Moses to raise his staff and part the sea and so he did. The people passed across on dry land and once all were safe on the other side, Moses again raised his staff. The Israelites watched in awe as the waves crashed down upon the Egyptian army, destroying them before their very eyes.

When trouble approached the Israelites, they let the feelings of this world overwhelm them, even though God had saved them from Pharaoh. In the same way, we are His people and it is our job to stand firm knowing that God is always by our side. He will defeat the enemy and eliminate doubt in front of our eyes.

God is fighting for you. This story is evidence of His love for you and proof that He does not want discouragement to overcome you. He calls you to rest in faith because he is in control.

Remember to stand firm in Christ and be still when the enemy is chasing you. The devil seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Do not let him. When he fills you with doubt, anxiety, anger, hurt and fear, remember that our God is bigger and better. Have confidence that He will provide and watch over you.

Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! For I have overcome the world." (John 16:33b)

God wants us to live in joy and peace, but we must rely on Him and live in accordance with the Word. This means don't just read it, do it. Act out love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control every single day!!

Jesus loves you and he is fighting for you, but you must trust that He is.
He tells us, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me" (John 14:1)

In Joshua 1:9 God offers this, "...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Want to see what else the Bible says about discouragement? Check these scriptures out:

• Joshua 1:6-9
• Psalm 42
• Psalm 77:1-15
• John 14:1-27
• 2 Cor. 4:7-12, 16-18

Comment question:
What helps you most when you feel defeated or discouraged?

Hey There! Welcome!!

This is a new blog for those seeking to know more about God. Some of the blogs will tie into the teachings going on at IMPAKT ministries. Check back daily for new articles, links, thoughts, and ideas about the Lord.

I hope this is a place of encouragement and a place to challenge you to get into the Word and draw close to God.

Feel free to leave feedback and answer the comment questions at the end of each blog.
Have questions? Want to know more about something specific? Leave it in a comment and I will do my best to answer!

Enjoy and God bless!!


Comment Question:
What would you like to see in this blog??