EXALT Game Night 12/30/2008

NYI/Breakaway Group After Christmas Party

Some Christmas Thoughts from some "Wise-Men"

Merry Christmas dear friend! The theme of Advent underscores what we aspire to ~ The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. Jesus came into the world as a loving, transforming presence, leaving us an example of our calling.

So today, Christians are to be present in the world (not cocooned). We are a loving presence in the world (not just combative) and a transforming presence (not conformed). We are to transform the world by who we are and by the culture we create. Our mission is to rekindle the spiritual, intellectual and creative legacy of Christians in culture. ~ Dick Staub

Cal Thomas: FAITH IS THE ULTIMATE GIFT
Examples of faith abound at this time of year. There is the faith children put in Santa Claus to bring them stuff that magically no one seems to have paid for. Call it a "bailout" for kids. There is adult faith which believes that a Bernard Madoff can do what no one else can: guarantee a consistent rate of return on money invested with him while others who invest the legal and old-fashioned way experience the normal ebb and flow of the stock market.

Then there is the messianic-like faith many have placed in Barack Obama, the faux messiah of our time, who has been sent by the political gods to deliver us, if not from our sins, than at least from George W. Bush. (Bloggers note ~ This is not intended to slander or endorse any political party or our President-elect. Keep reading for the connection with "misplaced faith")

A Broadway play and film called "Doubt" has won fans, many of whom probably do when it comes to God. Bill Maher made a movie about faith, mocking those who believe in God and ignoring the warnings, "The fool has said in his heart 'There is no God'" (Psalm 14:1) and "the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing" (1 Corinthians 1:18). If Maher thinks the Christmas story is foolish, isn't that evidence he is perishing?

Shoplifting increases during the Christmas season and so does its spiritual equivalent: those who want the blessings of Christmas without paying the price. Laura Miller, a staff writer for Salon, engaged in this practice in a New York Times column, "It's a Narnia Christmas." Miller said about the C.S. Lewis classic, "That I'm not a Christian doesn't much hinder my enjoyment of either the holiday or the book."

Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" series was not meant solely to entertain, though entertaining it is. The books are metaphors for great truths. Elsewhere, Lewis writes that those who claim Jesus as just a great teacher have it wrong. Lewis said Jesus is either who He said He is -- the Son of God -- or a liar, a fool, or deranged. Call him anything you like, said Lewis, but don't call Him a great teacher. That is an option He does not allow. Besides, how can anyone be a great teacher if he teaches something that is not true?The mockers and doubters have always been with us. They have nothing new to say. Their unbelief is as familiar as it is predictable.

Faith is a gift, the ultimate gift. It is of far greater and eternal value than anything to be found under a Christmas tree. While clothes and toys wear out or are forgotten, faith lasts. It has the additional benefit of already having been bought and paid for by Someone else. It is the "substance of things hoped for, the assurance of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).

Faith cannot be taught (though teaching plays a role). No one is argued to faith, which is why it is fruitless to debate those who lack it. Better to demonstrate the faith one has than berate and belittle people who do not yet have it.

Christmas offers an opportunity to again consider what matters most. Especially this year with the anemic economy and multiple challenges to our misplaced faith in prosperity and politicians, now would be a good time to consider the song lyric: "Fame, if you win it, comes and goes in a minute. Where's the real stuff in life to cling to?"

The answer to that question is to be found where it has always been: Start in the manger and then move to the cross and the empty tomb and consider the carol, "where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in."

You don't have that kind of faith? You asked someone for a Christmas gift, didn't you? Ask God for the ultimate gift.

Quizzing @ the District Center

Click on the pic to ENLARGE

Presents, Presence, Present-ing... what's it all mean?

A Story of Presents ~ I have this picture of my grandfather sitting at the very first drum set I ever owned.  The picture is undated so honestly I’m not sure which Christmas it was taken… but I was really young.  It would be years (until 6^th grade) before I would ever learn how to make something remotely “musical” come from a drum but in hindsight… I see something I didn’t see for a long time.   That present ended up being something that I would later offer back to God.  Today I play the drums as a spiritual act of worship.  The question is:  Did God need another drummer?

I love the story of the Little Drummer Boy.  Guess what?  It’s not in the Bible.  The whole concept is… but there is no direct scriptural account to back it up.  Rather, we simply find time and time again that God takes those who feel ordinary, unworthy, or with nothing to offer… and welcomes them.  They become the first picked when dividing teams on the playground even. 

 

A Story of Presence

John 1:14 ~ The Word became flesh and made his DWELLING AMONG US. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Matthew 1:18-23 ~ … 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" — which means, “GOD WITH US."

It’s the most baffling of thoughts.  That God would subject himself to the mess.  Sure, we had seen brief appearances and the use of someone to speak on His behalf… but this time it was personal.  The praise chorus Emmanuel states “God with us, revealed in us.  His name is called Emmanuel”.  Revealed in us… the body of believers.  He not only walked among us, but the word of God says that He is in us!  He is present!

A Story of Present-ing

Romans 12:1 ~ Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to OFFER YOUR BODIES as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your SPIRITUAL ACT of worship.

What do you have to give this Christmas?  A talent, some money, some time?  It’s nothing if you haven’t first given what God desires most… you!  All the rest will follow.  Understand that he wants you and all that comes with it… including the least desirable parts.  God doesn’t need another drummer… he desires the willing heart!  Will you approach the manger and play for him?