When you can remember...

“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” Proverbs 10:7 

God allows us this wonderful tool of memory. The ability to recall events, emotions, and the friends associated with those thoughts is a gift from God. 

Can you imagine if you had no ability to recall something, someone, or somewhere? Can you envision a life that existed only in the present and without any recollection? Can you fathom what a life without memories would be?

I am grateful that God allows us to sort through fond and precious recollections of dear ones who’ve completed their earthly sojourn. The recollection of friends who’ve gone before us is like taking a few steps up into our mind’s attic to reflect on memories shared and moments experienced. Your moment to reflect upon friends may bring smiles, laughter, tears, and warmth. These recollections are precious.

The Holy Spirit made clear to us in this verse that, “The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” I am glad that the fond recollections of your friend are blessed recollections; it indicates they were just. Conversely, a wicked person's name rots with them. 

If you reflect fondly upon a friend, family member, or colleague, remember this, you're able to do so because they were just. Thank God for the gift of memory. Thank God also for the influence your loved one had on you and yours.

God's Christmas Card

Read Luke 2:1-16

The passage I read in your hearing is the inspiration for many Christmas cards. images of mangers, stables, angels, shepherds, livestock, hillsides, stars, and cityscapes of Bethlehem.

I love Christmas cards. Well, most Christmas card: (No glitter, no seasons greetings or happy holidays) 

Christmas cards capture on one small object the hope and blessing of Christmas. 

An artist with graphics or words will depict a message or an image that sparks hope, joy, peace, family, and friendship.

The Word of God is God’s Christmas card to the world.  Heaven’s Christmas Card

Depicted on Heaven’s Christmas card is a Mural. 

It begins on the far left with a Garden and ends on the far right with a Garden tomb.

The mural has images of Patriarchs, Psalmists and Prophets. 

• On this mural you'll see Satan strategies. 
• On this mural you'll see Man’s messes
• On this mural you'll see God’s Grace. 

On this mural you'll see:

• You will see Mothers with checkered pasts.
• Children who failed.
• Dad’s who succeeded and Dad’s who failed. 

Let me walk down this mural, which is a timeline of 4000 years of God’s grace.

The mural begins in a Garden. It will end in a garden too. A garden with an empty tomb.

The story of Christmas began in a Garden on the worst day in human history. The day Adam chose to disobey God’s Word. He took the fruit offered by his wife after she was deceived by the serpent. The day they ate they died and, with that eternally fateful decision, all of humanity died with them, spiritually.

Yet, on that day God held up a His Christmas card, as a mural, for us to see 4000 years ahead to a day where God would SO love the world of sinful man He would give a Son, His Son.

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15

And with that fateful decision, the battle was in full array on the battlefield of God’s divine plan for humanity. 

Over the next 4000 years, Satan would attempt to thwart the plan of God to prevent the moment where the Seed of the Woman would come. 

Throughout the OT, Satan would attempt to thwart the plan of God to redeem man to Himself. However, God’s guiding hand was at work. God was simply working out His plan. He would redeem man. Israel would receive promises and punishments throughout the 4000 year period. 

Throughout Scripture God’s man would stand with heaven’s Christmas card and say, He’s coming. Whether in hard times or hurting times, God would remind humanity, I have a plan. 

Patriarchs, (Jacob) Priests, Prophets, (Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, Micah, Hosea, Malachi) and Psalmists, would stand and hold heaven’s message before humanity. They would place the card on the mantle for the family of man to see. 

The Patriarch, Jacob, before his death, told his sons, God’s plan was still at work. 

“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” Genesis 49:10

Prophets would stand in hours of despair and gloom and remind them of Heaven’s Christmas Card, a view or image the God’s plan was still at work. Isaiah’s words made it clear God’s zeal would perform this.

Just two single out two popular prophets, Isaiah and Micah would stand before Israel in the darkest of days: 

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7; Micah 5:2

After 4000 years of displaying the zeal of the Lord of hosts and reminding Israel of God’s plan, He become silent with recorded prophecy for 400 years. 

The next time we see Heaven’s Christmas card, was when the Angel arrives to Joseph and Mary. The world has slept long enough. It’s time to raise the Christmas card that would change the world.

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” Galatians 4:4

God makes it clear. I’m choosing you and your espoused. Mary would bear the child of the Holy Ghost. Joseph would raise Jesus, the Seed of the women.

Both Matthew and Luke get us started by telling us the heritage lines of Jesus. Both Mary and Joseph were in the royal line of David.  

Matthew lists 42 generations. Matthew starts with Abraham and goes to Jesus.

Luke gives 76 names. Luke with Adam. Luke starts with Jesus and goes to God.

Mary is clearly the mother. Joseph is not his father. 

Matthew speaks of 5 women. Two were prostitutes, one an adulterer, one a foreigner, and the fifth one, Mary, in the place of grace, was highly favored. She is Mary of whom Jesus was born.

How this all came to be is God’s Plan that He Himself performed with the zeal of the Lord of hosts.

God’s plan for redeeming mankind is what Christmas is all about. 

Now an angel in their rooms speaking of what has been promised. Prophet’s dreams, visions, and prophecies all intersect in this moment. 

Allas, according to the prophecies, humanly speaking, Joseph and Mary are not in the right place. 

But, remember, the hearts of kings are in God’s hands. He will use the greed of leaders to mobilize this unlikely couple to Bethlehem. 

They arrive to Bethlehem to find the oft-rehearsed and poetic moment of there being, no room in the Inn. 

Could the plan of God not have included a reservation at the Inn? 

But, this birth would be marked not by opulence and splendor. No, His birth would be marked with humility and simplicity. 

This birth would be fitting for the Lamb of God. A Manager. 

In just moments, heaven’s chorus of voices will arrive to unlikely group of shepherds who will get a personal view of Heaven’s Christmas card. They would rush to see this site. The Lamb of God’s announcement would come to shepherds who will be first to herald this news.

Hundred of miles away wise men just saw a star. It’s star is unlike any other star. They mount up and journey toward Israel. They will travel from the Northeastern regions of Babylon. All within the plan of God to get the family from Bethlehem to Nazareth, thereby, fulfilling prophecy.

God’s Christmas card, this mural, is not just about images. 

You see this huge mural, like most Christmas cards opens to a message within it. God’s Christmas card has a message: John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

What is the message on God's Christmas card? 

It is the message that:

1. God Loved.
1. God loved a world that sinned.
2. God loved a world that strayed.
3. God loved a world that sank.
4. God loved the places in the world.
5. God loved the people in the world. 
6. God loved the potential in the world. (looked beyond our fault)
   
2. God Gave. The first Christmas gift was the first missions offering. 
1. God gave a precious gift.
2. God gave a priceless gift.
3. God gave a personal gift.
4. God gave a powerful gift.
   
3. God Promised.
1. God Promised to deliver for whosoever.
2. God Promised to deliver from death.
3. God Promised to deliver to everlasting  
   

What about you today? Are you aware that God loved, God gave, God promised?

He gave to you. Whom He loved is you. What He promised is everlasting life.

This message was preached 12/23/2012.  They are unedited narrative notes provided to those who requested them. If you find them helpful, you are authorized to use them in anyway except to sell.

Mary's Christmas Carol

Mary, bearing the news of a lifetime, began the 25-mile journey south to the hill country of Judah. The angel told her that her cousin Elizabeth too was expecting a child. Here an old woman and unlikely to be with child and a very young unmarried girl both find solace in each other’s company. Both women with the most unusual of circumstances are brought together. Perhaps this news brought the two of them closer than they were before. The relationship between them was now more than of family; it was also a relationship of faith. 

Mary had plenty of time to think as she made the usual eight-hour walk to Elizabeth’s. She arrived in record time, haste marked her footprints from her home to Elizabeth’s. There was much to ponder and the walk did her good. This trip was more exercise of the spirit and soul that day than it was physical exercise. 

She had time to consider the Angel’s message; there was so much to consider, certainly she pondered these things she journeyed. He had said, she was “…highly favored… blessed among women.” He told her the Lord was with her and she had favor with God. The angel spoke of God’s choice of a mother for His Son. He foretold His gender, name, and His Kingship on earth and of the eternal. The angel told of Jesus’ length of reign as King and His virgin birth. 

The moment of arrival came, Mary came to the door, and Elizabeth was in hearing distance. The six months of being with child were telling on her older cousin’s body. The sound of Mary’s voice made the forerunner of Jesus leap in Elizabeth’s womb. Elizabeth was delighted to hear from Mary. 

Elizabeth knew this was the Mother of her Lord. Both of these women knew what was going on in each other’s lives. It was proper they be together. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Ghost, spoke loudly. Elizabeth spoke of Mary’s favor, Mary’s faith, and Mary’s fruit. Mary must have listened in amazement as she received confirmation of the angel’s message. Elizabeth is the first person recorded in Scripture to accept Mary’s account of being with child of the Holy Ghost. 

Scripture records no words from Mary since the angel’s departure, save for her salutation being mentioned. Her first words represent the meditation of her heart and the inspiration of her spirit. “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Saviour.” She spoke with such clarity, conviction, and courage. 

Here this lovely young woman, selected on earth by Joseph and in Heaven by God, tells her account of the Christmas story in 138 words. There was no manger yet, just a Mother being used by God. No shepherds yet, just the announcement of the Lamb of God. No wise men on their way, just a Mother worshipping God. Emotionally, Mary was affected by it all; yet, God gave her great clarity as she spoke to Elizabeth. You could see the Angel’s message touched her soul; his message moved her spirit. This was more than a warm and fuzzy moment; God had kept His word and sent the Messiah to His people and Mary knew it. 

Mary’s words reveal her knowledge of scripture and her understanding of God’s eternal plan for His people. For Mary this was a moment of reflection, rejoicing, and redemption. Mary’s innermost person, her soul, magnified the Lord as she recalled His goodness, His grace, and His glory. Mary’s spirit responded with rejoicing; God had remembered Israel with His strength, supply, and security. Mary's relationship with God was changed because of this moment. His Spirit was the Father of the child in her womb and the child in her womb was her Savior. 

This moment, captured in time for all to see, show how Christ’s story should touch us. For Mary, this was her heart’s testimony of reflection, rejoicing, and redemption. God’s plan for Man’s redemption led to this moment. When she considered it all she said, “My Soul doth magnify the Lord.” (The focus in on His person) “My spirit hath rejoiced in God.” (The focus in on His power/position) “My Savior” (The focus in on His Pardon)

When you consider it all this season, is this a time where the testimony of your heart is revealed? Is Christmas the time where your heart reflects upon His person, His power and His pardon? Or is it the people, the presents, and the parties?

Think about it...

John M. O'Malley

Modern Leaders Who Seek Relevance

When a leader pursues relevance, significance, and fame he’s forgetting one thing: Jesus didn’t. Matthew 23:11

Newtown: Be careful when you parrot the ignorant

Social media is replete with statements of that God allowed this shooting happen because prayer was judicially removed from schools forty years ago. Don't be guilty of speaking without thinking. Yes, society's eviction of God and its pursuit of secularism does create a vivid contrast compared to a society that once honored God. But, did the shootings in America's malls, schools, streets, and churches happen because prayer was banished? Of course not!

A shooting in America, whether en masse or singularly, represents a heart problem, not a handgun problem. Consider, Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"

Our world has dealt with murders since the killing of Abel by his own brother. These brothers were raised in a godly family with home education. The parents grieved over the loss of their son. But, no legislative act prevented the murderous action of Cain, a man depraved. Man is desperately wicked.

If I were grieving the loss of my son today from such a tragedy, I would not want to hear people making my grief a platform for their pet issue. (Prayer in school, Christ in Christmas, or tougher federal laws on gun control) I would want to know I had friends and family who could remind me of God's promises. I would want a nation who mourned with me. I would want a Pastor who'd stand in the pulpit today and remind me that God is in control.

Psalms 73:17 ”Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end."

What to do when you are at Selahammahlekoth?

1 Samuel 23:26-28 And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them. But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.

Saul was an angry leader. He struggled with pride and stubbornness. These two sins made Saul “play the fool” in his kingly ministry. 

Saul hunted David like a dog would hunt for its desired object. He wanted David eliminated. Saul believed David was his greatest threat. However, David was not Saul’s greatest threat. Saul was his own greatest threat. Saul had become so consumed with his pursuit toward pride and jealousy. Saul had abandoned his responsibility of the ministry to do other things. 

This is what is occurring in our text. David is in hiding. Saul is on one side of the mountain and David is on the other. Saul believes he is ready to capture David again. God intervenes with the message of the messenger and makes Saul face his real priority. “The Philistines have invaded the land.” Saul is so consumed with his stubbornness and pride; he actually struggles with do I try again to capture David? Conversely, do I defend against the invasion of the Philistines? Saul’s heart was divided to go hither and thither; so the place was named Selahammahlekoth. (pronounced See-La-ha-ma’-le-koth)

When we stray from God’s purpose He will send us children to places like Selahammahlekoth. He will force us to choose. Our choice is the same as Saul’s. Do we follow the “pursuits of pride?” or do we get back to “dealing with the enemy?” 

Why do we become so consumed with our selfish pursuits that we abandon our priority? The answer is clear. We are driven away by the lust of the flesh. The lust of the flesh is a powerful force. It will drive us from our priority in ministry to do what we want. The lust of the flesh reveals our pride and stubbornness.

Are you fulfilling what God would call his priority for you? Has God sent you to a Selahammahlekoth to you to make you stop and reconsider? 

Reader, please do not struggle! Go home and deal with the invading enemy. The pursuit you are on may be your own pursuit and not His. 

You may have tried convincing your immediate circle of friends that what you are doing is ministry, but you know better. Linger not a moment longer, get back to His priority. 

Think about it…

I am thankful Mr. Obama won...

View fullsize

President Barak Obama

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” 1 Timothy 2:1–3

I am thankful Mr. Barack Obama won last night.

Why am I thankful Mr. Obama won the US Presidency?

1.  His victory reminds me of America's spiritual need. I see that the US demography has changed. America needs fully-supported Church Planters, and a spiritually engaged membership with a passion for souls.

2. His victory reminds me of the Christian's spiritual responsibility.

A believer is to supplicate for their fellow citizens, kings, and all in authority. 

A believer is to pray for their fellow citizens, kings, and all in authority. 

A believer is to intercede for their fellow citizens, kings, and all in authority. 

A believer is to give thanks for their fellow citizens, kings, and all in authority.

3. His victory reminds me of the Christian's social responsibility. 

I am to lead a quiet life.

I am to lead a peaceable life.

I am to live a godly life.

I am to live an honest life.

Daniel reminds us God wanted Mr. Obama to be in power at this time. “... Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” Daniel 2:20–22

So, while today is just like yesterday, it will be nothing like tomorrow! 

Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Vote the Bible

President Obama: "It's not surprising, then, they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

However, today, I explained my frustration by clinging to my ballot and voted.

The right to vote came at too high a price to ignore.