Cross

The Best Gift is Free

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Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 ESV

It is not long until Christmas and some might be thinking about what kind of gifts to give. For the people closest to us we often focus on something personal. For those whom we do not know so well we may stockpile a few generic gifts. But what kind of gift do you suppose God would choose to give?

Well the Bible tells us that He gave us life and breath. The Apostle John goes further and says that God gave His only Son that if we believe in Him we could receive eternal life.  But if we look a little closer we see that when Jesus came, He didn’t just stick around long enough to do miracles and then return to heaven waiting to see if we would believe. He came with one very specific job to do. He came to give His life as a sacrifice for our sins.

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The difference between the Christian and the non believer is not whether we grew up in the right family, are members of the right church, or even give a lot of money to the poor. Our one essential characteristic is that we have come, one by one to the foot of the cross and received the gift of mercy that Jesus came to give. Now He asks us: “Will we be willing to give away the greatest gift that we have ever received?” Why can’t we give mercy to others this Christmas? And why not give it to more than just our loved ones and friends? Why not give it to neighbors, strangers and even enemies? Mercy is the greatest gift we could ever receive or give and best of all it is always free!

 

Taking Care of Mom

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Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.   John 19:27 ESV

Jesus struggled to breath and nails pinned his hands and feet to wooden boards behind him and the crown of thorns pressed down around his head; but in the middle of his suffering Jesus was thinking about his mom. As the oldest son it was his responsibility to make sure she was taken care of. At that moment there was only a small cluster of friends and family around Him and when He saw John next to Mary His choice of caregiver was made.

As a result of John’s new responsibility we find later on that his ministry was far less public than some of the others. Peter became the chief spokesman for the church and Paul traveled all over the world as a missionary, but John stayed home. He was taking care of Mary. Now of course there is nothing wrong with people serving as evangelists and missionary leaders; but God has called some of us to care for those closer to home. Did you know that according to U. S. government statistics; 70% of those in long term care will not receive a single visit this year? Just like Mary, they are Jesus’ mother, older sister and brother. Father’s day passes and no one even calls. Mother’s day arrives and they do not get a flower or a hug or a kiss unless someone hears the call of Jesus and is willing to go. Why not take a moment and ask God if you could be that someone today?

Recently our pastor accompanied me at my nursing home ministry and mad this short video to encourage others to answer God’s call in our own communities. I pray that your heart will be touched and that this Christmas you find a way to reach out and share the love of Jesus Christ to Jesus’ mother and sister and brother in your own town,God bless

Abiding in Christ

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Have you ever seen a branch deciding to become part of a tree? Or is a leaf staying up late at night worrying about whether they have picked the right twig to grow on?

We laugh at the silly notion of these ideas but in the same way we miss out on what Jesus is telling us. Jesus has already joined us to Himself by the ultimate sacrifice of His life. Abiding is not recruitment, spiritual boot camp or mere religious duty. To abide in Him is simply to gratefully enjoy the part we are given by grace. We are only fruitful as His life blood flows through us. No matter how small or weak we are through Him we can do anything He asks!

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 ESV