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preacher31
REAL LOVE - Subscribe
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The famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, designed some unusual buildings. On a university campus in Florida stands a library designed by Wright with an extremely low ceiling, so low that if you are six feet tall and not careful, you keep bumping your head. A man who was having this trouble asked why Frank Lloyd Wright had designed such a building. "This was a characteristic of his architecture because he hated tall people," A teacher explained. Reflection: How typical this is. You try to cut the other fellow down to your size. You make him fit into your mold. Husbands and wives, parents and children and friends, remaking each other. This is the kind of love we express by taking the other and using him and carving him and shaping him into what we think he ought to be. But this is not the kind of love which the New Testament calls agape love: The unconditional love that is for the other, the love that affirms the life of the other, the love that rejoices in the difference in the other. |
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in the changing season, finally alone with myself, I can hear you - on the shore of molten winter; in whispering, tentative green and pendulous droplet - isolate what creates me; your voice separate from my thoughts - you surround the surface of my mind like frost on clear glass. spring comes - the sun warms; you melt from me and I am not less, only unhindered. |
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preacher31
GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE! 1/15/2012 05:01 - Subscribe
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Do you sense that God is on your side? On the very day I call to you for help, my enemies will retreat. This I know: God is on my side.O God, I praise your word. Yes, Lord, I praise your word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light. (Psalm 56:9-13 NLT) |
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preacher31
PLAYING GOD 1/11/2012 02:45 - Subscribe
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Scripture: 1 Samuel 31-2 Samuel 2:7 Reflection: Do you try to play God? "Of course not" , you reply, "I know my place, And besides, what little I know of God shows me I'm not up to His job." But take a minute and think again. Do you look at another person, perhaps a person in your family, and try to manipulate that person into the shape he or she should become? Do you set a goal for yourself even one that you believe is God's will and go towards that goal with full force and purpose closing your eyes to people who might brush you aside in your wake? Do you view someone else actions through your very narrow eyes and say, " I know that;s sin", and then purposely avoid that person? You see I have come to believe that there is a very fine line between using the abilities that God has given us to bring structure in our lives and rushing ahead trying to do what only God should do. I have come to learn in my life that it is hard enough to learn to be myself let alone trying to play God. |
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preacher31
HOW MUCH OF OUR MONEY 1/07/2012 10:39 - Subscribe
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Just how much of our money will go to the military next year? Military (Dept of Defense, War, Veterans Affairs, and Nuclear Weapons Programs=60% Health and Human Services=7% Education=6% State=5% Other Programs=4% Dept. of Homeland Security=3.5% Housing and Urban Development=3% Justice=2% Agriculture=2% NASA=1.5% Energy (excludes nuclear weapons programs)=1% Labor=1% Treasury=1% Interior=1% Environmental Protection Agency=1% Transportation=1% (this budget will be sent to Congress February 2012) QUOTE: EVERY GUN that is made, EVERY WARSHIP launched, EVERY ROCKET fired, signifies in the final sense a THEFT from those who HUNGER AND ARE NOT FED, those who are COLD AND ARE NOT CLOTHED. (Dwight D. Eisenhower) THINK ABOUT THIS: "Reducing the military budget is the best legacy we can leave for coming generations" PEACE TO ALL OF YOU IN 2012 |
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preacher31
OVERFLOWING JOY 1/04/2012 06:40 - Subscribe
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By Rev. Wayne Palmer Scripture Read Matthew 2:9-11. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him... (Matthew 2:11a) Reflection Few people enjoy Christmas more than children. Simply recall their unbridled enthusiasm and the wonder and jubilation beaming from their faces as they rush down the stairs on Christmas morning. The joy of the wise men might have actually topped theirs. Matthew says, "When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." The Magi travelled a long way to see Jesus. They heard God's Word telling them where His Son would be born. They saw the star go ahead of them until it stood over the house, and they saw the King of Israel-probably only a toddler at the time. They fell before Him and presented Him their precious gifts. What an amazing picture! These weren't children running down the hall to see the presents waiting for them under the tree. These were grown men- important, dignified, well-educated men. Yet they were gripped by an incredible joy impossible for them to contain. We know so many things they didn't know. We know this was God's eternal Son. We know He came to live the perfect life we can't. We know He grew up to heal the blind, deaf and lame, to drive out demons and raise the dead. We know He died on the cross and rose again to give us eternal life. But with all of that, do we share their overwhelming joy at our Savior's birth, life, death and resurrection for us? PRAYER: Lord Jesus, fill me with joy at Your first coming to save us from our sins. Then on the Day You return to judge the living and the dead fill me with overwhelming joy to worship and praise You forever. Amen. (Lutheran Hour Ministries) |
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preacher31
IMPORTANT VISITORS 1/02/2012 03:19 - Subscribe
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By Rev. Wayne Palmer Scripture: Read Matthew 2:1-2. ... behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. (Matthew 2:1b) Reflection: During these last days of the Christmas season we turn to the wise men. We mentioned briefly last week that these men were counselors and advisors to their king. They were considered experts in nature, astrology and medicine. While studying the heavens, they spotted a special light that announced the birth of a great king. God had placed it in the sky to guide them to His Son. There are many mysterious things about the wise men. We aren't sure what country they came from; though they certainly didn't come from the Far East- the Orient. We don't know how many there were; we only know they presented three gifts to Jesus. We don't even have enough information to know the nature of this "star." The Greek word can refer to a comet, a conjunction of planets or a special miraculous light God placed in the heavens. But one thing is clear: the star convinced them the great King had been born. As they arrive in Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, one great mystery remains for them. They ask King Herod "Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him." Throughout this Christmas season God has shown you the certain fact that He sent His Son Jesus into our world to save you from your sins. Will you be like the wise men, leaving everything behind to worship your Savior and learn more about Him? PRAYER: Heavenly Father, give me the certainty You gave the wise men, that Your Son was born King of the Jews and my King. Move me to worship Him and want to know more about Him. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Lutheran Hour Ministries) |
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preacher31
A NEW YEAR, A NEW CREATION 1/01/2012 11:20 - Subscribe
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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Reflection: Today is the first day of 2012. You have an opportunity to make this the first day of the rest of your life. I would like to make a suggestion, BELIEVE IN CHRIST! not simply of Christ, or about Christ, but IN CHRIST!. Bring Him into your life, make Him a psrt of your life. I guarantee your life will change. When you give your life to Christ, the old passes away and the new begins. Remember God Loves You, believe in that love, give that love to others. believe in Jesus Christ. BE HAPPY IN JESUS! HAPPY NEW YEAR! New Year's Prayer Lord, this year I want to change, and I've said that in the past. but now my prayer is different 'cause I understand at last. I wanted my own way before, I ignored your loving plans. But now I'm putting everything into your nail-scarred hands. I promise to obey you out of gratitude and love. I won't be giving orders to my Father up above. I finally realize the truth and so I've changed my prayer. The safest place for me to be is in your gentle care. (by Jack Zavada) |
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preacher31
INCREDIBLE POWER 12/30/2011 01:40 - Subscribe
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By Rev. Wayne Palmer Scripture: Read Matthew 8:23-27. ...and His Name shall be called ... Mighty God .... (Isaiah 9:6b) Reflection: Last June tow truck driver Pedro Arzola was working under a 1990 Cadillac Seville when the car lurched forward. The front right tire ran over his torso and dragged him about 10 feet before he was finally pinned under the rear tire. He yelled to his wife to help him. Even when she was joined by two strangers they were unable to lift the car. That's when Danous Estenor, an offensive lineman for the USF football team walked by. Hearing the screams he joined them but was also unable to budge the car at first. Then he backed up, felt energy come into him and tried again. This time he was able to lift the 3,500 pound car and save Arzola's life. At one point or another in our life we will all face troubles larger than we are, situations from which we can't save ourselves. We will experience that helplessness when our last hour on earth comes. No one on earth will be able to save us-no doctor, lawyer, celebrity-not even a football player. Isaiah wrote, "To us a Son is given ... and His Name shall be called Mighty God." No situation we face is too difficult for the Baby of Bethlehem. The devil and all his fellow, fallen angels tried every trick in the book but were unable to overpower Him. Even as He was dying on the cross the mighty Son of God was able to crush the devil's head while paying for our sins. By His resurrection He has defeated death and opened for us the doors of heaven. PRAYER: Savior of the world, thank You for Your great might. You have crushed all my enemies and promise to be at my side always. Protect me through this life and bring me to heaven when You return. Amen. (Lutheran Hour Ministries) |
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preacher31
THE MORNING AFTER 12/28/2011 04:48 - Subscribe
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This is our "morning after," so to speak: a time to treasure all the Christmas events. A time to ponder them in our heart. A time to begin pondering what we want in the New Year. How do we deal with the Christmas story? What's it all about? How do we make sense of it? What does it mean for our life? A man who was feeling this kind of pain decided to go to his doctor for a physical checkup. After hearing the man's complaints and conducting the examination, the doctor said, "You have to remember that after fifty, it's just patch, patch, patch." A woman who heard this story said that there is a much better way to tell that you've reached the "patch, patch, patch" stage in life. She said, "It's when you wake up every morning with a terrible hangover -- and you haven't been anywhere the night before." Jesus is not offering us a "patch, patch, patch" existence. He wants to lead us into a style of life that will make us whole. And we don't have to wait until we're having those terrible hangovers. He wants us to experience genuine living now if only we will say "Yes!" to God by embracing a style of life in which we place our trust in the power of love in every situation. Accept your assigned role as God's dependent child and, in new and beautiful ways, the power of love will be released in your life, and you will begin to experience the joy and wonder of becoming the kind of person you were created to be. If, on this morning after, you're going around feeling as though everything is patch, path, patch then you have missed the overwhelming statement of the Christmas Event: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call Him Emmanuel, a Name that means 'God is with us'" (Mt. 1:23). GOD IS WITH US (from Sunday Sermons Online) |
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preacher31
FACE TO FACE 12/24/2011 11:38 - Subscribe
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By Rev. Wayne Palmer Scripture: Read John 1:1-14. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory .... (John 1:14a) Reflection: One of the greatest things about Christmas is getting together with family and friends. How wonderful to actually see them face to face, instead of only hearing their voice on the phone, seeing them on Skype or reading their words in an e-mail. That's what made the first Christmas so special. For the first time, people could look into God's eyes and see Him face to face. And it wasn't the terrifying face of a powerful and angry God they saw. Rather, it was the face of a tiny, newborn Baby. This chubby face will one day be the face of a man, and it will show His great compassion for the sick and needy, comfort for the grieving and concern for the lost. These tiny fingers that curl around the fingers of Mary and Joseph will later touch the blind and the deaf and heal them. They will stretch out to take a dead girl by the hand and raise her to life again. These little hands will be stretched out and pierced with nails to pay the full price for all our sins. And finally they will be pried off of a cross and laid in a tomb. Three days later those lifeless hands will move once more, as the Lord rises from the dead. That night and in the coming days He will hold them out to show His followers the nail marks that prove it is Him-risen and alive forever! One day we will stand before Him face to face, looking into His eyes, and touching His glorious, nail- scarred hands. PRAYER: Son of God, thank You for taking Your place as a man among us, and laying down Your life to save us. Fill us with joy as we wait for the day when we too will see you face to face. Amen. (Lutheran Hour Ministries) |
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preacher31
THE REASON FOR COMING TOGETHER 12/24/2011 04:33 - Subscribe
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Christmas Day Scripture: "All that came to be had life in him and that life was the light of men" (John. 1:4). Have we forgotten the reason for coming together to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child? Has our devotion to the cause of the Prince of Peace come down to the level of our "just going through the motions?" We look into the manger and we see a Baby. We see a Cross. We see danger. We see risk. We see the clash between what we are and who we are to become. We see the struggle for redemption. We see mercy. We see love. We see hope for enduring peace... ..CHRISTMAS......" HE IS BORN!" Please remember this: The birth of Christ brought God to man; the cross of Christ brings man to God. MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS! |
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preacher31
CHRISTMAS MYSTERIES 12/23/2011 04:16 - Subscribe
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By Rev. Wayne Palmer Scriptures: Read Romans 16:25-27. ...the mystery that was kept secret for long ages has now been disclosed (Romans 16:25b-26a) Reflection: Over our lifetime Christmas is a series of ever-changing mysteries. Our childhood mystery "What's inside the wrapping paper?" becomes "Where did they hide the presents?" becomes "Is this Christmas the right time to give her an engagement ring?" becomes "How will we be able to afford presents for the kids?" becomes "What can I buy someone who already has everything?" Is there any Christmas mystery left for you? Is there anything about the season that makes you smile in wonder? Does anything still thrill you and a send a shiver down your spine? There is a mystery-a mystery greater and more wonderful than all the others combined. And that mystery isn't wrapped in colorful paper; it's wrapped in swaddling clothes. It isn't laid under the tree; it's laid to sleep in a manger. It's the Baby born in Bethlehem. What's so mysterious about that? It's the fact that this Baby is the almighty Son of God, stooping down to become one of His creatures: a mere human. Why would He want to expose Himself to all the hurt and suffering in our crazy world? Why would God be willing to become our substitute and earn our way to heaven by His perfect life, and to suffer and die in our place on the cross? That is the greatest mystery, a mystery God has revealed to the world. It sends a shiver down your spine to ponder what kind of love moved Him to do all of this for you. PRAYER: Son of God, Your willingness to be born of a virgin, to share our life and to be our Substitute is an incredible mystery to me. Fill me with wonder, joy and gratitude for Your amazing grace and love. Amen. (Lutheran Hour Ministries) |
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preacher31
THE INNKEEPER 12/20/2011 06:37 - Subscribe
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Nine-year-old Wally was a hopeful boy, a natural defender of the underdog, and well-liked by his fellow classmates. His parents encouraged him to audition for the annual Church Christmas play and Wally wanted to be a shepherd. Instead, he was given the role of the innkeeper. The director reasoned that Wally's size would lend extra force to the innkeeper's refusal of lodging to Joseph. During rehearsals, Wally was instructed to be firm with Joseph. When the play opened, no one was more caught up in the action than Wally. And when Joseph knocked on the door of the inn, Wally was ready. He flung the door open and asked menacingly, "What do you want?" "We seek lodging," Joseph replied. "Seek it elsewhere," Wally said in a firm voice. "There's no room in the inn." "Please, good innkeeper," Joseph pleaded, "this is my wife, Mary. She is with child and is very tired. She needs a place to rest." There was a long pause as Wally looked down at Mary. The prompter whispered Wally's next line: "No! Be gone!" Wally remained silent. Then the forlorn couple turned and began to slowly move away. Seeing this, Wally's brow creased with concern. Tears welled up in his eyes. Suddenly, he called out, "Don't go! You can have my room." |
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APPEARANCES ARE DECEIVING 12/20/2011 03:21 - Subscribe
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By Rev. Wayne Palmer Scripture Read John 1:19-28. "Make straight the way of the Lord" . (John 1:23b) It's easy to pass by the manger scene without giving it any thought. All we see is a small human baby lying in a manger. But this Baby is the mighty God who created all the heavens and the earth. His mother feeds Him and changes His diapers, but He provides food for all His creatures and holds all the stars in place. His foster-father Joseph guards His life, but He commands the wind and the waves. As this small Baby grows to manhood this same wonder continues. He who formed the mountains and valleys learns to be a carpenter in Joseph's shop. He, who spread out the galaxies in the universe, walks from place to place teaching and proclaiming God's Kingdom to all. He, who commands all the forces of nature, surrenders Himself to be arrested, beaten, whipped and nailed to a cross. And it is through His bitter suffering and death He wins our pardon, forgiveness and peace. Why did He do it all? Why did He set aside His majesty, glory and power and come to live in our world? He did it because of His intense dedication to His Father, who loved the world so much He gave His only-begotten Son to save us, and because of His own undying love for you and for all people. Our Savior still comes to us in the same quiet, mysterious way today. He invites you to His Church where you will hear His ancient Word and learn more about Him who gave His all for you. There He will prepare you to celebrate His birth with a profound joy, peace and hope. Prayer: Son of God, Your birth is a profound mystery: God became human to live with us. Open my mind to hear Your Word of salvation and to believe You are God's Son, my only Savior. Amen. (Lutheran Hour Ministries) |
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WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? 12/19/2011 09:26 - Subscribe
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By Rev. Wayne Palmer Scripture: Read John 1:6-8. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ... He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. (John 1:6,  Reflection: Have you ever taken a close look at a manger scene? There are a bunch of figures all gathered together: Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men, perhaps even some sheep, camels and a donkey. Usually they aren't placed in little groups talking among themselves. Instead, they're focused on that Baby whose birth brought them all together in that place. What if you were one of the characters in that manger scene this Christmas? Would you be focused on the Christ Child like the others, or would your attention be somewhere else? Would you be gazing out to the side, staring at the Christmas tree and all the presents lying under it? Would you be scanning the kitchen and dining room thinking about Christmas dinner? Would you be staring into the family room where friends are gathered for a Christmas party? All those things are great parts of Christmas, but only one thing belongs in the center as the focus of our Christmas celebrations. That is God's Son, born on Christmas day. The mighty God became one of us and came into our world to share our life, to suffer and die in our place, and to rise to life again to guarantee our eternal future. His birth brings joy, hope, comfort and peace to all our Christmas celebrations. He is always with us to provide our needs and protect us from all harm until the Last Day when He will come in glory to bring us to our everlasting home. PRAYER: Son of God, Christmas holds so many distractions. Please focus my mind and heart on Your birth so every part of my Christmas celebration will be more meaningful. Amen. (Lutheran Hour Ministries) |
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SHINES FOR EVERYONE 12/18/2011 11:44 - Subscribe
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Fourth Sunday Sunday of Advent [Light the first three candles of the Advent wreath.] After the angel came to Mary and told her that she would conceive the child in her womb and would call him Jesus, Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." (Luke 1:3 And Mary sings her Song of Praise: …My soul magnifies the Lord…he has scattered the proud …He has brought down the powerful from their thrones …He has lifted up the lowly …He has filled the hungry …He has provided for the poor (Luke 1:46-55). We marvel at Mary, the mother of the Messiah, herself a single, teenage mother, herself poor and powerless. But she understood that the baby she would call Jesus was sent, not just to her, but to the world… …To the hungry …To the weak …To the very young and the very old …To those who suffer or are in pain. [Light the fourth candle of the Advent wreath.] We light this fourth candle to remember Mary, the mother of Jesus. May the light of this candle also remind us that the light of Jesus shines for everyone. COME, LORD JESUS. AMEN |
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preacher31
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? 12/17/2011 07:22 - Subscribe
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By Rev. Wayne Palmer Scritpture: Read John 1:6-8. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ... He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. (John 1:6, Reflection: Have you ever taken a close look at a manger scene? There are a bunch of figures all gathered together: Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men, perhaps even some sheep, camels and a donkey. Usually they aren't placed in little groups talking among themselves. Instead, they're focused on that Baby whose birth brought them all together in that place. What if you were one of the characters in that manger scene this Christmas? Would you be focused on the Christ Child like the others, or would your attention be somewhere else? Would you be gazing out to the side, staring at the Christmas tree and all the presents lying under it? Would you be scanning the kitchen and dining room thinking about Christmas dinner? Would you be staring into the family room where friends are gathered for a Christmas party? All those things are great parts of Christmas, but only one thing belongs in the center as the focus of our Christmas celebrations. That is God's Son, born on Christmas day. The mighty God became one of us and came into our world to share our life, to suffer and die in our place, and to rise to life again to guarantee our eternal future. His birth brings joy, hope, comfort and peace to all our Christmas celebrations. He is always with us to provide our needs and protect us from all harm until the Last Day when He will come in glory to bring us to our everlasting home. PRAYER: Son of God, Christmas holds so many distractions. Please focus my mind and heart on Your birth so every part of my Christmas celebration will be more meaningful. Amen. (Lutheran Hour Ministries) |
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A CHRISTMAS GIFT 12/16/2011 03:27 - Subscribe
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The parents of three grown children would divide their Christmases among their children’s families. But with the difficulties involved in holiday preparation and extensive travel, sometimes they were tempted to throw up their hands and say, “It’s too much! It’s just not worth the effort.” Whenever either of the parents got that feeling of exasperation, they would give the other a wink and say, “Long walk, dear, long walk,” and they would laugh and get back to work.” “Long walk” was one of their code signals. They began using it years ago earlier after reading a story about an African boy who gave his missionary teacher an exquisite seashell as a Christmas gift. The lad had walked miles for it, to a special bay, the only place where such shells were found. “How wonderful of you to have traveled so far for this present,” said the teacher. The boy’s eyes shone as he replied, “Long walk part of gift.” |
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FEELING IMPORTANT 12/14/2011 09:15 - Subscribe
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Scripture: Read Mark 11:1-7. ... "The Lord has need of it ...." (Mark 11:3b) Reflection: How do you like Christmas shopping? Are you looking forward to playing "chicken" for that elusive parking spot? Are you excited about your chance to push your way through the crowded aisles? Do you get a thrill out of arm wrestling for that last box on the shelf? Wouldn't it be great just once to be an important person? Imagine walking down an aisle and watching people step aside to let you pass, or standing in front of an empty shelf and having someone hand you that must-have present you want to give your kids. Best of all, imagine everyone motioning you to the front of the line at the checkout! On that first Christmas when God chose to send His Son into our world as a tiny baby, we might have expected Him to choose an important family. Perhaps it would be the Jewish high priest, the ruler of the Jews, or even the Roman Emperor himself. Instead, the most important person ever born lived as the obscure Son of Joseph and Mary-two very ordinary and unimportant parents. That's how Christmas can transform us. God's only Son became unimportant in the world's eyes to make you and me important in God's eyes. He credits His perfect life to us as if we were the perfect ones. Then He took all our failures, faults and sins on Himself and suffered and died in our place on the cross to free us from God's wrath. The hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping may make you feel unimportant, but this Christmas the birth of the Christ Child shows just how important you are to God. PRAYER: Lord, thank You for becoming unimportant in the world's eyes to make me important in God's eyes. Transform my view of You and of myself this Christmas. Amen. (Lutheran Hour Ministries) |