God Became One of Us

Week of December 2, 2022

“6.So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

52.And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:6-7 & 52, NKJV)

We use the term incarnation; God became flesh. God took on a human nature and became a man in the form of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus Christ was a real man, flesh and blood. He was not a myth or a fable.

The question is asked, why would Jesus come as a human being? He wanted to be able to communicate with us, so he became a person.

Jesus is like us in what ways? He was born like us. He was born in the same way as every other baby. Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem. And then he grew up and developed like us. Jesus, I’m sure, attended school just like all the other kids, but He did not parade the fact that He was God. When He became old enough, He worked as a carpenter. He also was tempted like us. He experienced the same pressure and temptations that we do without giving in to them. He was without sin. This is important because it means Jesus can relate to you when you’re struggling with temptation. Finally, Jesus suffered like us. Jesus became one of us so that he could communicate to us and tell us that he loves us and will forgive us. In other words, Jesus became what we are so we can become what he is. A child of the most high God.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

OVERTAKEN BY BLESSINGS

Week of November 25, 2022

“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.  And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2, NKJV)

In these two passages we learn that Moses was instructing the Israelites that God wanted to bless them. Just as we enjoy giving unexpected gifts to others, God also delights in giving you His gifts. We must be aware that he can do it in ways that you might not expect. God’s blessings often come in the midst of your everyday life. Maybe a friend has given you an encouraging word when you felt overwhelmed or maybe you received unexpected financial assistance in a real time of need? Often times God’s blessings come just when you need them most which demonstrates His faithfulness to you.

We must remember that God’s blessings come as a result of our obedience.  When we walk closely with the Lord, blessings will come.  Blessings from your obedience will also come to those who surround you. One example is Solomon who enjoyed vast wealth during his reign but that was largely due to his father David’s earlier obedience.  God promised Abraham that his obedience would bring blessings to all the families of the earth.  “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2-3, NKJV)

Let us all remember to not take God’s gifts for granted.  When you receive an unexpected blessing remember to thank God for His love. Be alert to recognizing the next time His blessings over take you this Thanksgiving!                                                               

God Bless, Pastor Rick

The Fruit Of The Spirit

Week of November 18, 2022

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23,N KJV)

Most likely, you will be meeting with family over the Thanksgiving holidays.  It may be that not all your family are believers, or maybe they are not too deeply committed to following their faith.  If there is ever an excellent time to demonstrate the character of Christ, it is when we are with those family members.

The fruit of the Spirit gives evidence of the character of Christ in a person. They are signs of God’s presence in your life and should be a part of every follower who has committed themselves to becoming like Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Helper that allows us to embrace these Christ-like characteristics.  He makes the impossible, possible through Him.  

Take one aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit and during a quiet time think on ways it can become a part of your life.  Yes, with some of the elements of the Fruit of the Spirit it is going to be more time consuming to grow than it will be for others.  Just remember, you cannot rush spiritual growth.  When the nine parts of the Fruit of the Spirit becomes part of your life, you will have a balanced life.  You will be honoring Christ with your life, and your family will know even if not communicated to you, that indeed Christ has made a difference in your life.

God Bless, Pastor Rick