Mercy Opens the Door to a Dazzling New Day

Matthew 2

"…for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him."

A gentleman crossing the dreary Scottish moor came upon a cottage. After a short visit, he said to the man who resided there, "Are you not afraid to live in this lonely place?" "Oh, no," the man replied, "for faith closes the door at night, and mercy opens it in the morning." I know this may seem to be an odd way to begin a Christmas Day, but it really isn't. You see, when the Wise Men from the East came to worship Jesus, evil King Herod set out to destroy Jesus. And when the Wise Men didn't report back to the King, the monarch was extremely angry—so angry he ordered all of the children under two years of age in the area of Bethlehem to be massacred. But who is opening and closing the door???

Imagine! Dozens of guards and soldiers shattering the silence of the quiet little village of Bethlehem, as well as the surrounding little hovels of huts in the region. Yelling, screaming, and the flash of swords pierced the peaceful air, leaving in their path the wailing of tormented parents. Matthew makes clear that all of this fulfilled Scripture—"In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." (2:18) We often think that the massacre only included the boys, but the Bible does not say that—"slew all the children." (2:16) Quite likely, the time was not taken to determine the sex—probably, all were thrust through in the mêlée. Can any of us imagine the horror of it? Every one of these families was forever changed in those dark and frightening moments. The pain would run so deep that the tendency would be to become isolated and distant—"How could anyone understand what I'm going through?" I wonder, however, how many mothers and fathers turned to the Lord in faith, and allowed the Lord Himself to close the door that night on the excruciating pain and impending loneliness.

Praise God—with the Lord guarding the door, only His mercy can open it to a dazzling new day. What do I mean? Well, every one of those young, innocent lives—as well as those young couples—paid the ultimate price in order to accomplish the most crucial mission of their day. That darkest of nights made it possible for Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus to escape and be led to safety in Egypt. Praise God—Jesus' life would not be taken, it would be given on the Cross of Calvary. In fact, throughout this book, you have seen countless babies born, many generations lived—your own included—in order to point the way to that Cross. No doubt, there will be many troublesome days ahead, economically and otherwise, but all of it is pointing the way to Jesus' soon return. Praise God—let true faith close the door at night, and mercy will open the door to a dazzling new day. Have a Blessed Christmas, and a Christ-centered New Year!

~ Rev. Roy D. Warren, Jr.

Glory to God - A Baby for the Ages

Luke 2: 8-20

"For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord."

HE IS COME! The Messiah IS come! The Lord of Glory embodied in human flesh IS come! Jesus Christ IS come! I glory in the fact of His coming and praise Him with great joy and rejoicing, for He has not only come historically, but He IS come to me. He is born in my life, and lives and dwells in my heart. He has come to, and for, you, too. Have you welcomed Him into your heart as reigning Lord and Savior? If so, we truly celebrate Christmas together—God's Way!

Some celebrate Christmas because it's an enjoyable part of our culture. They love the festive Christmas trees, lights, Santa and his elves, the good food, lovely scents of pine and pie and turkey roasting, giving and receiving gifts. Such fun! I was one of these.

Some, more serious and religious, celebrate the history of Christmas, believing the historical truth of Christ's nativity, the angels singing, shepherds coming, Wise Men traveling. It's true, historical fact! I was one of these.

But then everything changed! God didn't leave me back there with just an emotional attachment to Jesus. Nor did He leave me back there with an historical Jesus. No! Praise God! He came and confronted me with my sin and need as He revealed Himself to me in His death on the Cross for my sin, and His resurrection and ascension for my new life in Him and empowered by Him. He brought me to repentance, surrender, and a welcoming of His control of my life. He gave me a new heart, new life, new desires—a completely new being. He changed emotion and history to living fact—a mushy, emotional, historical Jesus figure to a living, breathing, communicating, life changing, reigning Lord and Savior! What an awesome Christmas gift! I will forever thank and praise Him!

HE IS COME! Do you hear and join with the angel voices? They're bringing again, and I with them, good tidings of great joy! A Savior, which is Christ the Lord is come for us—for all! So let us all cease from ourselves and our own ways, receive Him, welcome Him into our hearts, and give Him His rightful reign in our lives. He WILL reign on that Great Day of Judgment, either for His glory and our salvation, OR for His glory and our condemnation. So may we bow to Him NOW, for on that Day, "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!" He is God! He is good! He IS King! He IS come! Let all sing together with the angels, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will to men!" May we celebrate the TRUE Christmas together this year, GOD'S WAY, and for His glory alone! HE IS COME! What an awesome cost He has paid in giving Jesus His Son for our reconciliation to Himself! "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" Receive and rejoice! Glory to God!!!

~ Cindy Warren

A Journey for the Ages

Luke 2:1-7

"And 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."

A little over 50 years ago, a young man from Pennsylvania wrote a letter to a young woman in New York. Very soon a relationship developed, and then the young man asked the young woman to be his bride and move to Pennsylvania and live with him. The young woman said "yes" and a wedding was planned. Immediately after the vows were said, they made that journey to Pennsylvania. The young woman had to put all her faith and trust in the young man that he would take care of her and provide everything for her.

Around 2,000 years ago, a young man from Galilee asked a young woman to be his bride and live with him. The young woman said "yes" and a wedding was planned. The young woman had to put all her faith and trust in the young man that he would take care of her and provide everything for her. Even before the vows would take place, God revealed to both of them that He would be taking them on a journey. Together, they had to put all their faith and trust in the Lord Almighty, that He would take care of them and provide everything for them.

Today, we have a letter that has been written to each and every one of us. In this letter, there is a man, Jesus Christ, asking us to become His bride. He wants each of us to count the cost. Are we willing to leave everything, as my mother did those 50 years ago, when she came to Pennsylvania to live with my father? Are we willing to say "yes" to God, and allow the Son of Righteousness to be born within us, as Joseph and Mary did? Are we willing to put all our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, that He will take care of us and provide everything for us? The journey to the heart of God is an exciting one, and it starts today. Will you make Him room? "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God in Him I will trust." Psalm 91:1-2 Glory be to God!

~ Debbie Frantz

When Joseph Comes to God's Senses

Matthew 1:18-25

"But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins."

Joy! Joy! Joy! Shout! Sing! Give praise to God for this day is the day of salvation! Now is the time to give your heart and life to the living God. We do not need to wait another moment to call upon the name of the Lord. Jesus Christ comes immediately to a repentant heart with His shining light of love and mercy. What is the cost?—to send His Son for the salvation of the world.

In our Scripture reading today, we find Joseph, the betrothed of Mary, in the middle of a crisis. Here is a young couple about to be married, planning their life together, the location and the building of their home, his career path, when children would fit into the budget, and BOOM!—dreams, desires blown right out of the water! Joseph's Mary is found with child of the Holy Ghost. Now, Joseph was a just man, but he had his own idea of how to "handle" this particular situation. He would not make a public example of her, but would put her away privately. As Joseph thought about these things, the Lord came and appeared to him in a dream. Praise God! The Lord comes and shares His Truth, His Love, with us when we come to a place of humility and surrender. Joseph gave up his own dream—what he thought was best for his life—and God Almighty met him in this costly place of surrender.

Talk about a salvation story!—"Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him and took unto him his wife, and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn Son: and called His name JESUS." (vss. 24,25) Joseph came to God's senses! He left his own thinking, his own dreams and desires behind, and turned his heart toward the living Lord. Psalm 37:4 tells us, "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and He shall give you the desires of thine heart." JESUS! ONLY JESUS! ALL OF JESUS! This is the life of progression—humility leading to heart surrender; heart surrender leading to obedience; obedience leading to joy!

The question for today—Are you in the middle of a crisis? Is there a particular situation you are trying to handle your way? If so, there is GOOD NEWS! Come and kneel before the Lord, and give to Him all that you have and all that you are, and then, with open hands and heart, receive from him His gift of peace, grace, love, and joy. Life everlasting! Be raised from sleep today and give God the glory! "I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation." (Psalm 118:21) My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen!

~ Judy Hollobaugh

Another Song for the Generations

Luke 1:67-80

"And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways."

I always thought that the words in this passage were the first things that Zacharias said after he wrote the words, “His Name is John.” But that's not true. The Scriptures say that Zacharias praised God and gave Him the Glory, and then, afterwards, he made this prophecy concerning his son John. By the time John was born, Zacharias must have fully realized what the cost would be, and the immense responsibility he would have in raising his own “miracle baby”. (Remember, Elizabeth, Zacharias' wife, was old and unable to have children prior to this.) His baby, John, was to be the forerunner to Jesus, the one crying in the desert, “Make straight the paths for the Lord.” So Zacharias knew that Christ was to be born at this time also.

God promised, from the very beginning, that if we will follow Him and serve Him, then He will deliver us from our enemies and all who hate us. But the Bible says, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.”—so if we are sinners, then we cannot serve God because He is without sin, and sin can have nothing to do with Him. Even in Zacharias' day, the people had to sacrifice a lamb in order to atone for sin, however, Zacharias realized that God had promised something more. Jesus had been sent to die for our sins, and then rise to new life, thus triumphing over the power of sin—something the Old Testament animal sacrifices could never do. Zacharias did not live long enough to physically see this day. However, once Jesus died, and was then risen from the dead, He took away the guilt of sin, so that all who believe on Him (including us) and repent of their sins, will be born again, and will have victory over sin. We can now definitely serve Him without fear!

Thus, John was sent by God to be the precursor to Jesus. He was to go before Jesus, and proclaim Jesus as the Christ. John exhorted the people to repent and be baptized, for the day of the Lord is at hand. Jesus proclaimed that whoever would believe that He is the Christ, and would repent, would be free from sin. So, if we will believe in Jesus, and repent of our sins, He will take our old sin nature, and give us a new nature—one that is free from sin and completely devoted to Him. Now the Scriptures are fulfilled, we can follow and serve Him, and He will deliver us from our enemies!

~ Jason A. Frantz

The First Comes First

Luke 1:57-66

“Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son."

The birth of John—he will be the forerunner to Jesus. He would be the one to lead the people to Christ, as prophesied in Malachi 3:1, just as Elijah did in Old Testament time. John, which means "Jehovah – favored," would be the one to prepare the way for Christ. Just as John is the forerunner for Jesus, we as Christians, are to be the forerunners for our children. Forerunner is the one who goes first to lead the way. God gives us His Holy Word and direction to lead our children to HIM. Do we take that responsibility, as John did, or do we take a back seat to see just what will happen?

Before we can answer that question, let’s see how God worked in Zacharias and Elizabeth’s life. In Luke 1:6-7, it states, “both were righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were well advanced in years.” They walked and lived according to God’s will for their lives, but remained childless. That doesn’t mean they never prayed for a child. In Luke 1:13, an angel appeared to Zacharias and told him his prayer had been answered—he and Elizabeth would bear a child and this child shall have the name John. He was told the child would be great in God’s sight, and that he would lead many of the children of Israel to the Lord. Now, if any of us, being well advanced in years, had an angel appear to us and tell us we would have a child, wouldn’t that seem a little skeptical to you? Well, the same thoughts went through the minds of Zacharias and Elizabeth. So the angel quieted Zacharias’ mouth, and told him he would not speak till these things came to pass. As for Elizabeth, when she realized she was pregnant, she hid herself for a time and said, “the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” (Luke 1:25) Now came time for the birth of John. After giving birth, many rejoiced with Elizabeth and asked if his name would be Zacharias. When she said no—that his name would be John—they turned to Zacharias and asked what the child’s name would be. He wrote that his name is John. Now Scripture doesn’t say that Zacharias and Elizabeth ever discussed this name; Scripture does make clear the angel told Zacharias the child’s name would be John. At that moment, Zacharias’ mouth was loosed and he praised God, for Scripture had been fulfilled. John the Baptist was brought forth. He would be the one to lead people to Christ. He would baptize Jesus with water, and Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. We, as Christians, are given His Holy Spirit and His Holy Word to go forth as a forerunner, just as John the Baptist did for Jesus, to lead people to Christ by sharing His word to those we come into contact with. This Christmas, will you come to Christ to be a forerunner for others? Have a blessed Christmas, one and all!

~ Melody Krauser

A Song for the Generations

Luke 1:46-56

"For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed."

This was Mary's song of worship toward God. Mary knew God; she knew the Scriptures; and she knew who the Messiah would be. Mary was a nobody; she had no special talents; and she did not claim to be more humble than everyone else. She was not wealthy, but she recognized that God chose her to bear His Son just because that's the way He wanted it. (verse 48) What I mean is that Jesus was sent to save everyone! We can rest assured that all we have to do is come to God and repent. (Romans says, “For all have fallen short of the glory of God) and He will then forgive our sins and heal our hearts. God is not a respecter of persons. He is in control of our life situations, and it does not matter where we work, what kind of car we drive, where we live, the good we've done, the kind of people we are—He just wants us to seek Him.

Ezekiel, from the Old Testament, is a fine example. He spent the first twenty years of his life studying to be a priest, since he thought this was what God was calling him to be. Instead, Ezekiel found himself in the middle of pagan Babylon, and his beloved temple, in which he had spent so many years, lay in ruins. He was alone with the rest of the Jews, thrust out of God's presence, so to speak. But Ezekiel did not pray for a change of situation, he just sought the face of God, and God revealed Himself. God told Ezekiel to go to the remnant of Israel and prophecy to them, so Ezekiel was obedient to God, in spite of his circumstances. We also can see that Mary would pay a dear price for having this Baby. Elsewhere, in the Bible, it says that a sword will pierce her own heart also. She needed a savior just as much as the rest of us do. (Luke 1:47) The Bible says that God first loved us, even when we did not love Him yet. And He sent His Son to pay the price of our sins, which is death. If we will repent of our sins and believe that Jesus is Lord—our Lord—then His death and resurrection pay for our sins, make us clean, and we will be set free to live for Him.

~ Jason Frantz

The Babies Respond, Too

Luke 1:39-45

"And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost."

How do you respond to the presence of the Lord? Do you rejoice in His salvation, or do you slough it off and go your own way? God calls sinners to turn from their sins and follow Him. As they respond to His call, lives will be changed, and God will use them in great ways. We already saw how Mary had responded to God's call to bring the Savior into the world, and we saw the glorious results as she and many others throughout history were saved from their sins as they trusted in Him.

Mary went to visit Elisabeth, and when she came in and greeted her, Elisabeth's baby (John the Baptist) leaped in her womb, and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. John responded to the presence of the Lord—even though he wasn't even born yet! It's like he was rejoicing when he leaped in the womb. Elisabeth recognized this and also rejoiced. She exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (v.42) She knew that Mary was blessed—because she had obeyed God's call. “Blessed is she who believed for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (v.45)

Mary had submitted and agreed to bear the gift from the very God that would save her; Jesus was obedient to the Father to seek and save the lost—and die for their sins! John was submitted to God's plan, and grew to be one that turned many hearts back to their God. “...He will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before HIM in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (v.15-17) The life of a Christian is distinctly set apart from the ways of the world. God will use those that respond to His call in great ways. Many people will be touched by the love of God because of one person that responds to the call of God, no matter the cost. You may have a lot of plans for your life, but God has a greater plan. If you lay down your life, surrender all to God, and respond to His call, He will use you to reach the hearts of many that need a Savior.

John didn't live his life, but rather gave all to prepare the way for one far greater—Jesus—and he rejoiced in the opportunity to serve His Savior—even from the womb! Mary, Elisabeth, Jesus, and John all responded to God's call. Will you respond?

~ Joel Warren

A Costly Response

Luke 1:34-38

"And Mary said, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word. And the angel departed from her.'"

What do we see of the cost of Christmas here? The cost to God was the choosing of a poor, young, Jewish girl, whose name means bitter and rebellious. Her name actually reflected God’s people throughout history. With kindness and long-suffering, He calls people out of rebellion and bitterness. The cost to Mary, and each one of us, is to allow the Holy Spirit to overshadow us, and that Jesus be born in us. For Mary, it was no more bitterness, but sweetness; no more rebellion, but submission, submission to the will of God. Mary took time to wait on the Lord. It takes time to develop personal relationships, both for God and us. To enter into personal, intimate relationship with someone, there is a cost of laying down our lives for the welfare of another. Mary saw herself as a slave in subjection and subservience to God. In a humble position, we too must admit who we are before the Lord—this is indeed costly, but so worth it! When we wait on the Lord, we have the love of God, the power of God, and the promise of God, according to His word, working in our behalf, to fulfill His desired will and purpose for our lives and others, for His good pleasure.

Today we have Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel. Her question to the angel was simple. “How can this be, seeing I know not a man?” Mary did not rush off to Joseph, to whom she was betrothed, to try to fix the situation by explaining or defending herself. A tremendous cost is paid; she left her reputation in the hands of a merciful God. Interference in God’s plan was not needed in bringing this baby into the world. Trust was needed. Prayer to God for Joseph was Mary’s part. Hudson Taylor once wrote, “Learn to move man, through God, by prayer alone.” It is here we come to experience and witness that with God nothing shall be impossible. Mary experienced the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge. This love would take her beyond common sense, figuring, traditions, opinions, ideas and knowledge. God calls us all to a faith established in His Word, trusting His ability alone to move on hearts.

Mary’s response is exactly what God desires from every one of us. It is at the cost of the desires of self-will that we will embrace God’s will. Years later, Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” How costly to God, knowing that He has given people their own will, knowing in advance that some would choose right living, and some would reject His plan for salvation, JESUS, and live wickedly! He did not force Mary’s will to be the one to carry and deliver the Son of God. He waited for her response. Praise God, her response was a humble submission to the will of God. Be it unto me according to Thy word. Let us also pray as did the psalmist and Jesus “ I delight to do Thy will, O my God.” Praise God for the costly response to His will.

~ Rosemary Parrotta

And Now the One We've All Been Waiting For...

Luke 1:26-33

“Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.’”

In recent days, since our shift from Old Testament to New Testament, we saw the Lord focus on yet two other babies. The first was John the Baptist, who would continue the way of preparation for the second one—the one we’ve all been waiting for—Jesus.

To say that today’s Scripture is important would be a gross understatement. The whole Old Testament has led up to this. There have been numerous prophecies, signs, and historical events that have pointed to this. So what exactly are we talking about? Jesus, the Son of God, is finally conceived on earth!

It is quite amazing that, for about 4,000 years prior to this, all of God’s people have been looking to this moment, the coming of the Lord to earth. But why? Why is this so important?

It is quite simple—there was a cost, a debt, that had to be paid. The debt was caused by man’s choice to sin against God, and the cost was death. Christ, in His immense love for His people, chose to pay the price by dying on the cross to save us all from eternal death. How AMAZING—the God who created us all, would die for us all to pay the price, and allow us to live eternally. Hallelujah!

In this Christmas season, amid all of the gifts, both given and received, consider the greatest gift ever given—life. All we have to do is to surrender our hearts and lives to the Lord and receive His gift, freely given to all, given out of love. Receive His love today!

~ Eric Frantz

Here Comes the First - John

Luke 1:5-25

"But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John."

Four hundred years of silence, that’s a long time. Our Scripture today starts at the end of 400 years of silence; that’s how long it has been since Israel has heard from God. It is the time between the Old and the New Testaments. It is a time when God was silent—no prophets, no dreams, no pillars of fire, and no clouds of smoke to guide His people. In today’s lesson, we begin with Zacharias the priest who is performing his priestly duties in the temple, burning incense, a kind of prayer being sent up to God. Then a voice, which hasn’t been heard for 400 years, an angel of the Lord, appears and speaks to Zacharias. This angel says to Zacharias that his prayers are answered. What prayer you might ask? Well, he promised Zacharias that he would have a son. So, we right away think that the prayer he was offering was for a son, but was it? Well, it might have been at one time, and maybe that prayer was stored up for this time.

Zacharias and his wife were old. That prayer was probably something he had not prayed for many years. In fact, when the angel had promised him a son, Zacharias did not believe him. Could it be that Zacharias was praying for something else on this day? We are already told that he and his wife are righteous. Was his prayer, on this day, for a son or his people Israel? Was it a cry for salvation for deliverance from bondage to Rome? God also answered that cry before, back in Genesis, after Joseph and his family had gone down into Egypt, are settled, and the book of Genesis ends. The next time we hear from God is 400 years later, when He talks to Moses from a burning bush, saying, "I heard your cry." To show Zacharias that He hears his cry for a savior, a sign is given. That sign is a son born in their old age, something only God could do. That son would be John the Baptist, prophesied in Isaiah and Malachi, the one to prepare the way for the Son of God.

This was a costly promise God gave to Zacharias. John would prepare the way for God’s Son, His only begotten Son, to be given to all who would believe. The time has come—cry out.

~ Jim Frantz

The Time is Right for Two Other Babies

Matthew 1:1-17

"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."

We now move from Old Testament to New—the time is right for two more babies—John the Baptist and Jesus. But first we need to focus on a genealogy, one that makes clear the legal heir to the throne. I know the temptation is to skip over it because they are so dull and boring, but, wait a minute—not this one! Saville once said, "A dull man is so near a dead man, that he is hardly to be ranked in the list of the living: and as he is not to be buried whilst he is half alive, so he is as little to be employed whilst he is half dead." These people listed are surely dead, but they are not dull at all—nor were they "unemployed!"

We don’t have room here to speak of all of them, but it is interesting to note that the list contains five women. The first one is Tamar—"Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (their mother was Tamar)." (NLT vs.3a) To make a long story short, Tamar's husband had died, leaving her childless. So, to solve the problem herself, she disguised herself as a prostitute. Having intimate relations with her own father-in-law, Judah—a great-grandson of Abraham—she ended up having twins. An interesting side-note is that when a baby's hand came forth, the midwife tied a scarlet cord on it—to signify him as the firstborn, and therefore, the one to receive the double inheritance. But, in the process of the birth, his hand went back in and the other baby was born first. Hmmm—sounds eerily similar to Jacob and Esau, our topic a few days ago. The second woman in the list is Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho who helped the two spies from the Israelite camp. How? By letting a scarlet cord hang out her window on the wall as a sign. Scarlet?—Hmmm? Could it all be pointing to the scarlet blood of Jesus Christ that would grant us eternal safety, as well as a double portion of God's inheritance? The third woman is Ruth, a Moabitess widow, who, through her obedience to the Lord's leading for her life, would come to be the great-grandmother of King David. And then would come Bathsheba—"David was the father of Solomon (his mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah)." (NLT vs.6b) An affair; deception, and murder to cover it up—not exactly the character one would expect to find in the line of Jesus!

The fifth and final woman in this genealogy, is Mary—"Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (KJV vs.16) One thing you had to have noticed in this is that the Lord is more than willing to employ sinners in His Plan—even Mary—her name actually means, "Rebellion," but, Praise God, she knew her need—God was her Savior! (Luke 1:47) Baby after baby, person after person, generation after generation—God can, and will, "employ" a willing heart. If God refused to use sinners, whom would He use? All have sinned—including you and me! Praise God—He loves us too much to leave us in that state of dullness to His word and His ways; half dead to His glorious plan of salvation; and buried in a sea of self!

~ Rev. Roy D. Warren, Jr.

Two Babies Revisited

1 Kings 3:16-28

"And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other."

Divide the living child in two… Oh my! This sounds cruel, inhumane, and just not right. What could Solomon have meant? I believe Solomon was asking the women to make a decision. Just how much of the living child do you love? Let’s look at 1^st Kings, chapter 3.

Two women, living in the same house, having the same occupation, and each giving birth to a child, can look identical. Yet one woman’s child lived, and, sadly, the other woman’s child died. We now see them presenting to the king, each claiming the living son as their own. King Solomon had to make a choice. To which woman do I give the living child? Solomon desired to judge rightly because he loved the Lord. He “was of the generation of them that seek the Lord.” Solomon knew that the Word of God says, “None is good but God.” He also knew it says, “The heart of man is bad—even evil.” In response to his love for God, Solomon turned to God, and sincerely asked God for His wisdom and discernment. God blessed Solomon and granted him his heart’s desire. He was now able to discern God’s judgment. _{From Death}^{To Life!}

Solomon knew the woman devoted to loving her son would never agree to divide her child. This woman, deeply and passionately cherished her son, yet willingly, gave him up in order to prevent his death. She knew it meant emotional pain for herself, yet had confidence the King would let her son live. Her love for her son was greater than her love for herself. She was drawn to life. Reveal to me, Jesus, where my love for you isn't cherished. _{From Death} ^{To Life!}

The other woman was willing to divide the child, and receive only part of him. Do I divide Christ, and exclude Him from part of my life? Do I receive all that Christ has to give? This woman, whose child died, who lost a part of her, even from deep inside her womb, had to be hurting deeply inside. It grieves the Lord greatly to see us hurt. Jesus, the Son of God—even God Himself, was sent to the Cross and died for us, resurrected from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now sits at the right hand of the Father interceding “to heal our broken hearts, to comfort and feed us with His Word, and to work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Instead of choosing to receive a healing from Jesus, she chose to reject the love of God. Her choice led to stealing from another, and then claiming what was not hers to take. Aren’t we all guilty of this? Did fear drive her? Was it the need to control? Was it a passion to feel justified? Sadly, she missed the deliverance and life Jesus wanted to give her. O how He wants to deliver us _{From Death}^{To Life}

We have a choice. “He that has the Son has life; & he that has not the Son of God has not life.” God calls for unity under One King, Jesus Christ the Lord. He will define where we exclude Jesus. Let us come and ask Him with a heart passionate for His love.

~ Cheryl Helgert

Two Babies...From Death to Life

2 Samuel 12:1-25

"And Nathan departed unto his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick."

"And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the Lord loved him."

Maybe it seems like sin is a hard thing to talk about around Christmas time, but it really is the perfect time. Jesus was born into the world to deal with sin. It was His only purpose, so why not talk about it at the time of His arrival?

King David is often set on a high pedestal and viewed as one of God’s favorites, and to us, he is remarkably attractive. Perhaps what makes him so favorable to us is the fact that he is known for his mistakes. His story shows us that God doesn’t give up on us, even when it looks like He should. But David is also a perfect example for repentance and ultimate submission to our Creator, when confronted with our sin.

The affair that David had with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba, resulted in her pregnancy, and a child was born from a sinful relationship. God could not allow that to continue without consequence, so he told David that the child would die. David pleaded for the life of the child, but just as God had said, the child died. However, the story now moves from death to life. David and Bathsheba were now married, and she soon was carrying another child. This child, born into an honest relationship, was allowed to live, and God created a great king out of the child born to David and Bathsheba, named Solomon.

In our lives, we must lay down our sin before God, and let Him have His way with it, which will result in its death in our lives. But His promise for us will carry us into a new and flourishing life, so much better than we could ever hope for outside of His will. So in this Christmas season, let us surrender the things in our lives God wants dead, and let God work us into a new creation that will be mightily used by Him. Merry Christmas!

~ Anthony J. Parrotta

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

1 Samuel 1

"Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord."

Both Hannah and her husband, Elkanah, were godly people, worshiping and living out their faith in their daily lives. Verse 11 tells us, "And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the afflictions of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life…" Clearly, Hannah strongly desired a little boy, and was willing to, if God so blessed her that way, to give the child back to God. She was willing to give over her hurts of being childless over to God, and wait upon Him and His will. Then, when she was blessed to conceive a boy child, as she had prayed for, she worshiped the Lord again, and vowed to God that the child, Samuel, belongs to God first, and then set forth to raise him accordingly.

It is not an easy thing to do—to give someone that you love, with everything that's in you, over to God. It is very costly, simply because the end result of it is unknown to us. But God does know all things—the beginning from the end—so we can trust Him with our lives, and with the lives of others, to do His perfect will! If Hannah had not been willing to live and raise their son in such a "GODLY" manner, the end result, and the cost of that result, could have been much different for Israel. It is important to remember that Samuel would not only grow up to be a worshiper of the Lord, but he would also become the godly prophet, who would eventually grieve over the downfall of Israel's first king, Saul. Samuel would also anoint the new one—the great King David. When we choose to live for God, instead of against Him, our lives are truly BLESSED!—blessed with His peace, His rest, His grace, His strength, and His Spirit—and, Oh, so much more! He doesn't always take away the hard times, but He will get you through them—just ask! The cost of following Him is sometimes hard—it can only be done in His Spirit. Deuteronomy 12:5-6 makes clear that trust in Him is very costly, for we are required to give all of what we have and all of our selves. It clearly states that in His word!

Psalm 62:8 tells us, "Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us." Jesus' cost was the ultimate—He went to the Cross, and did it in God's Spirit for all of mankind! Hannah's godly and exemplary example of how we all should be willing to live our lives for and in Jesus Christ sets an awesome path before us—"For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him: Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshiped the Lord there." (vs. 28) Praise God—He is not only glorified in the life of Hannah, but also in the next generation—Samuel!

~ Nancy Faust

A Call Beyond to Just "Begin"

Judges 13

"So the woman bore a son and called his name Samson; and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him. And the Spirit of the Lord began to move upon him at Mahaneh Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol."

Even though we are entering winter, we all know what happens in the spring. That’s when the seeds that were planted the previous fall produce beautiful flowers. When a seed warms up and receives nutrients, it breaks through the ground and continues to grow until it makes a flower bud, blooms into a flower, and eventually spreads its seeds. If a little plant stops receiving nutrients and stops growing as soon as it breaks through the ground, it does not just stay a little stub for the rest of the summer—it will die. If we, as new Christians, stop feeding on the Word, we won’t just stay immature, we will die. Instead, we have to let the Holy Spirit fill us with spiritual food, and continue to grow us so that we mature and spread the Word to others.

In Judges 13, we learn the story of the birth of Samson. Manoah was told by his wife that a man told her that they would bear a son. He prayed and asked God to send the man again to give more details because his wife was barren. When the man came back, Manoah did not recognize him as an angel. He kept asking about what his child would accomplish as an adult, but the angel was more focused on the baby’s health and protection as it grew in the womb. It was costly to God because He had to send His angel twice to explain it, and Manoah still didn’t understand. It wasn’t until Manoah made a burnt offering, and God accepted it with a flame that went to heaven, that he realized it was an Angel of God. He was then in awe that he had seen God and was afraid they would die until his wife assured him they would not, since God accepted the offering and told them they would soon have a child. When Manoah’s son was born, they named him Samson, which means "sunshine." Let us remember in this Advent season that while spring is months away, it is time for us to grow now. We need to recognize God’s voice, and let the sunshine of the Holy Spirit fill us and grow us.

~ Kimberly Frantz

A Baby Out of Water

Exodus 2:1-10

"So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the rivers bank."

God’s hands were on Moses throughout his life, even before he was born. Moses should have been killed, like many other Hebrew boys were, but God had a greater plan for him.

In Exodus 1:22, you find Pharaoh commanding that, “Every son who is born you shall cast into the river.” Moses’ mother hid him as long as she could, but knew what she had to do. This doesn’t seem like a very motherly thing to do, but God was in control of the situation. However, in order for Moses to be used as mightily by God as he eventually was, his mother had to be willing to give up what she loved—her very own son. It cost her a lot. Still, just to make sure Moses would be okay, she sent her daughter down the river to watch over him. It just “so happened” that Pharaoh's daughter was at the river exactly when Moses came floating in. I don’t think this was a mere coincidence. It was God leading everything. Pharaoh’s daughter had compassion on Moses, and wanted to save his life from out of the water. Moses’ sister, watching this, called out asking Pharaoh's daughter if she needed a Hebrew woman to nurse him. She made an agreement with Moses’ mother to pay her to raise her very own son.

When Moses was older, his mother had to give him up again. Pharaoh's daughter took Moses as her own son. She then named him Moses, which means, “He who draws out,” because she drew him out of the water. How true this name becomes of Moses as he later delivers the Israelites out of the bondage of slavery, and through the waters of the Red Sea.

Throughout the whole story of Moses you can see how God was in control of every detail. God had a greater plan for Moses, just as He has a plan for us. We have to be willing to give up certain things that we love, and accept God’s plan for our lives—no matter the cost. Have a blessed Christmas.

~ Jillian Krauser

The Young Dreamer and His Coat of Many Colors

Genesis 37:1-11

“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors.”

There is no such thing as a free lunch… Consider that phrase for a moment. We use it a lot in society today to express that for everything there is a cost, whether we see it immediately or not. Cost is in everything, even things that we consider free. Companies today have “free” offers that “won’t last” all the time, giving out everything from tote bags with the company name on it (that they hope you will carry around with you as you “advertise” for them) to free laptops (as long as you complete the program requirements). Everything has a cost, and that cost must be paid by someone, whether it is passed onto other customers, or paid for by increased sales as a result of promotions.

Today, we are looking at the story of Joseph and his colorful “gift” given to him by his father. This one gift carried with it a cost that neither Jacob nor Joseph could have imagined. This coat fueled the jealously and envy that Joseph’s brothers had for their father’s “favorite son”, and drove them to sell Joseph into slavery and tell their dad that he had been killed by a wild beast. That one colorful coat cost Joseph his life as he knew it, and as far as Jacob could tell, it cost him the life of his favorite son, a loss that Jacob would mourn for the rest of his life.

But look at the amazing turn of events that God orchestrated following this tragedy. We see in Genesis 39-45 that Joseph, after being sold into slavery, framed, falsely accused, and thrown into jail, eventually gains favor with the Pharaoh of Egypt, and gets put in charge of all of the food of Egypt and second in command overall. Around this same time, there is a severe drought and famine that hits the area, leaving Jacob and his family without any food. Lo and behold, it is Joseph, the “dead” son, with his huge stockpile of grain in Egypt, who saves them from certain death by providing food to the starving family.

While the gift of grain in the time of famine looks like a “free lunch” to Jacob and his family, we see that there was a cost that came along with that gift. Joseph’s life, as he and the family knew it, had to die so that their lives could be saved. This should remind us of someone else who died to save others from death – JESUS! Through His death on the cross, our debt of sin was paid and salvation is given. He offers it free to everyone if we will just accept it. The cost has already been paid, won’t you accept it today?

~ Eric Frantz

Two Babies, Two Nations

Genesis 25:19-34

"And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger."

Isaac pleaded with God for his wife because she had been barren. God had promised Isaac's father to have descendants that would be a great nation, but now just a generation later, Isaac found that his wife could not have children. God heard his prayer and opened her womb so that she conceived twins. The Bible says that the twins struggled with one another inside her womb. With the turmoil inside her, she asked, “If all is well, why am I like this?” (v.22) The Lord told her that there were two nations in her womb. That is why there was such a struggle. There were two manner of people: one would be stronger than the other, and the younger would serve the older. Even before they were born, there was a struggle between these two manner of people.

Today, there are essentially two manner of people. There are people that want God and people that don't. It may seem to you that I am over-simplifying things, because if you look around, there are all sorts of people. But it does really come down to two types: God-seekers and God-rejecters. There will always be a struggle between righteousness and sinfulness. There will always be a struggle between those that love God and those that don't.

There is another struggle that we need to look at today—perhaps one that is more often over-looked, but perhaps more crucial. Rebekah quickly saw that there was a struggle between two manner of people that were inside of her. Now eventually her babies were born, but we all have two nations inside of us that have a constant struggle. I'm talking about the struggle between good and evil, of life and death, and of spirit and flesh. Paul described the struggle with sin and his desire to serve God. “...When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law, but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.” (Romans 7:21-23) He goes on to proclaim that Jesus Christ will rescue him from this body of death. Jesus also made mention of the struggle within: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) There is a struggle between the spirit that wants God and the spirit that does not. In Rebekah's case, God told her that the older would serve the younger. The sin nature is older—we're all born with that. But, praise God! I have been born in the Spirit. God has saved me, and I'm a new person. The righteous nature is definitely younger, and the sin nature doesn't want to give up the birthright, but the older will serve the younger. There may be a struggle with sin and temptation, but as long as I trust in God, the righteous nature will be triumphant! God is able to keep those who trust in Him!

~ Joel Warren

The Cost of Laughter - A Blessed Sacrifice

Genesis 22

"And He said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering…"

Back in the early days of the Bible, there lived a man named Abraham, a holy and obedient servant to God. When God spoke, His servant Abraham listened with attentive ears, as should all of God's servants. In this particular instance, God asked something of Abraham, something that belonged to God already, something that God loved. It was Abraham's truly beloved son, Isaac, the son through whom the line of Jesus, our Savior, would descend, the son of promise. It wasn't an offering that could easily be given up. Is it easy to give up what God so tenderly gave to us? Our lives, our families' lives, and all that we hold dear and for which we thank Him daily? This is what our loving Father asks. The Bible says He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. All came from Him, He made all, and all is His. It is the very least we can do to give Him all to be laid on the altar of sacrifice.

When we give something to God, we know that the outcome will be perfect. We know that God is Love, and His ways are higher than our ways. Abraham knew that the moment he would lay his son on the altar as an offering to God, that His Father's perfect plan would take over, that the promise would be fulfilled, that Isaac would be kept in the palm of God's hand, and be free to serve only Him. Abraham trusted God with the thing dearest to him, his son, and this is the highest cost a man or woman can know. God walked this way before us, as He Himself paid the cost, and freely gave His Son to all humanity, answering all need for forgiveness.

Now, let's make this personal. As a newly expectant mother, I have gone through some high costs in the past year. Even now, I feel the call to hand over the reins to my God, and allow my forming child to be placed on the altar of my God's will and in His hand of care. Father knows best! I believe that when He blesses me with the opportunity to hold, raise, and nurture this little one, it will be God's direction, love, and care, working through me. What He has given me is not mine to hide to myself. Nothing is mine. I am in the palm of His hand, and so is this living, growing, praising baby. Also cherished in His hand is the little one who has gone from me into the Kingdom of Heaven. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. The Lord receives our offerings, and the Lord blesses greatly with His gifts...Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

~ Kara Heather Frantz

A House Filled With Laughter

Genesis 21:1-7

"And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac."

What a glorious day that would have been! Sarah’s arms were finally cuddling this bundle of joy. The long awaited promised one had arrived, and now Abraham and Sarah’s house and hearts were filled with laughter—joyous laughter.

God had come to them many years before and given them the promise of a child, but what a hard promise to hold onto as the years passed by, and no child had come. All hope was lost. Both Abraham and Sarah were now past even the ability to have children. When an angel from God came and told them a child would be coming in the next year, Sarah laughed in unbelief. Why had God waited so long? Did He not know they were too old? It didn’t make sense that a loving God would hold off until now to give them the child He had promised so long ago, but that is just what He did. God was calling them into a deeper faith. He knew Abraham and Sarah believed in Him, but would they believe Him. God looked unfaithful, like He didn’t care, but our God has promised us, in the Scriptures, that He does love us, and that He does care. God had left Abraham and Sarah childless all these years so that they would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He alone was able to provide this promise to them.

"By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised." Hebrews 11:11 It is by faith. Abraham and Sarah had literally spent their whole life doing everything they could think of to have this long awaited child. God is asking us to have faith. When all our doubting and striving have exhausted us, and there is nothing left but faith, our God will move. He wants us to walk by faith, not by sight.

Our God has promised to birth within us a life of joyous laughter with Jesus Christ. Are you exhausted trying to find that joy yourself? Do you think you are too old to change? Sarah was 90 years old when she received strength to conceive seed and bore Isaac. It is when we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God alone is able to give us new life, that the promised one will come. Pray and believe.

~ Debbie Frantz

Another Baby Promised

Genesis 15:1-6

"…he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir."

Here I am—Abram's wife Sarai—hidden away and laughing in unbelief! Is God really promising me a child?—a fruitful life?—to be the mother of many nations? He knows that I am old and barren—no life left in me or Abram, yet He gives even me a glorious promise. But let's start at the beginning. Many years ago, God promised Abram an heir, a child of promise, who would be the new beginning of a holy nation glorifying God. Our child would be a crucial part of God's perfect Plan, which runs through all generations, from eternity past to eternity future. That Plan had a great gap—a very costly gap—that came with the fall of man through Adam. Ever since, God has given His All, bearing the awesome price to bring His Plan back into place. What an accomplishment it would be to return everything to His prescribed order, bringing glory to Him alone! And He would use the fruit of our lives—even Abram's and mine—to accomplish His goal. How precious His promise was to us! Abram and I gave everything to see it fulfilled. We left home, family, friends—we even laid down our marriage relationship. But all we did by our natural human intelligence and work was to add to the grief and cost to God and his people by refusing to surrender self and obey Him in faith and patience. We had tried to do without Him what only He could do through us. The result was the birth of a whole nation of enemies rather than the beginning of many holy nations of promise! It was only as we allowed the Lord to bring us to the end of ourselves, through utter self-despair, that we could become usable by God in our generation to further His Plan for humanity. Mercifully, He renewed His promise of godly seed, and fruitfulness by His own working and power. Though I first laughed in unbelief, now as I surrender self and submit to His perfect Will, I laugh in joy and praise as I finally see His awesome Plan clearly. Now my life in Him and His Life in me bears fruit, producing Jesus Christ, the coming Messiah!

Now for our generation—2008! My pastor husband, Roy, and I have also been given precious promises of a godly seed. And truly, as we have given our lives—home, family, friends, even dollars and human sense—He keeps His promise. He began with our children, and as they are that precious promise given back to Him—as they surrendered their lives to Jesus—He worked His miracle of new birth. Then, as young ones, heeding God's call, they, too, took their appointed place in the family ministry, faithfully and obediently enduring the cost and bringing forth fruit unto God and His people for eternity. Now, He comes again with the promise to build beyond our family the holy nation of His Church. May we respond to His precious promise in faith and patience as we await its fulfillment. We pray for strength to resist the temptation to resort to human manipulation to fulfill His Plan in our generation. May we rest in His perfect will, and work in the power of the Holy Spirit to see our small church flourish to maturity and growth, and that Jesus Christ may be revealed. It's His Plan—His will—His power and ability. And it's for His glory!

~ Cindy Warren

Walking With God

Genesis 5:18-27

"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him."

The Bible says that all are destined to die because of sin. “The wages of sin is death!” The curse of death is working in us from birth, and will prevail as we remain in our stubborn, ungodly, self-centered world, refusing to come under God’s authority in every part of life. Today, not many seem to have the fear of God and His soon approaching Judgment Day. Like Adam and Eve, most do not want to walk with God, but would rather reject Him and His authority to govern their own lives. Most claim freedom while still a slave in their sin, blinded to their chains of death that keep them unsatisfied.

Enoch was a man who initiated change by discipline. Not by trying to be good, but by a constant walk of faith in the only Holy God who would give His all for the sins of the world through the death of His own Son, Jesus Christ. Enoch had received this “fresh start” of new life in Christ, and had now moved on, walking in faith that God would finish the work that He had started in him. Enoch agreed with his God concerning sin. “Can two walk together unless they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3) He was then sent into a very dark world, walking with God all the way, a preacher of right living, turning them from their immorality unto a Holy God. “Convincing all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way and all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. These are grumblers complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.” (See Jude) He cried out against the sin not because he was being mean or unloving. No, it was the opposite; because he loved them with God’s love, not wanting any to perish but to have everlasting life!

Enoch pleased God in his walk of faith, and the Bible says that God “took him”. He never experienced the curse of death! He had entered eternity without death prevailing! Death was all around him, yet he was not swallowed up in it. No! Death had no claim in him! “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57) Without the walk of faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (See Hebrews 11:5-6) No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11b) PEACE with God!

~ Ruth Ann Ward

A Fresh Start

Genesis 4:25-26

"And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, 'For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.'"

The birth of Seth brings Adam and Eve, and all of humanity, hope. Through the lineage of Seth there would be born unto us a Savior, the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the one spoken of who would bruise the head of the serpent, the devil, (Gen. 3:15), whose evil character and intent is seen manifested in Cain, who killed his brother Abel. The devil used and manipulated Cain, through Cain’s own jealousy and pride, to attempt to cut off the natural means by which Jesus would be born. He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44), and to this day he continues to use every means possible to keep you and I from coming to faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” (Rev. 12:12). Satan’s desire is to keep us living in the spirit and the way of Cain, building our lives apart from the presence of the Lord, trying to keep us cut off from the life God wants to give us. We see this illustrated in Genesis 4:16-24, as Cain goes out from the presence of the Lord, and proceeds to develop a society wholly dependent on human ingenuity and whatever they could accomplish on their own. On the other hand, we see a different progression taking place in the family of Seth. According to vs. 26, “then men began to call upon the name of the Lord,” their hearts were stirred and moved to prayer, preaching, and testifying in the name of the Lord.

We call upon the name of the Lord because we see and know our ultimate need, and have not found an answer within ourselves or among men. We call upon Him because He is the Creator of all things, and Possessor of all knowledge. We call upon the name of the Lord because we see and know that we have a God who is alive, and who loves us and desires to bring us back to Himself. When we call upon the name of the Lord we know that He hears us. So whom else would we call upon? “For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

In these dark, uncertain, and fearful days, let it be known that God has directed all of history, even to the point of God Himself dying on a cross, to give us a fresh start. So call upon His name today and every day, and receive His life giving Spirit. He will never turn away anyone who humbly and honestly seeks Him with their whole heart.

~ Jim Krauser

One False Start After Another

Genesis 4:1-16

"And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord."

Most students of history could tell you that Sir Walter Scott's mother was a superior woman, well educated, and a great lover of poetry. Byron's mother, on the other hand, was proud and ill-tempered—much like her son. Lord Bacon's mother was a woman of superior mind and deep piety, while the mother of Nero was a murderess. Certainly, this is not always so, but there is no doubt that children often do take on many of the traits modeled by their parents.

In our text, the world was just starting—what would become of it? Eve, the first mother, was also the first sinner. Her first child was Cain, the first murderer. It certainly didn't have to be that way, but it was. Why? Well, I'm sure you remember from yesterday, that it was Eve who decided to disobey God and go her own way—the first false start! That decision would prove to be costly—very costly, for everyone. She and her husband are now out of the Garden of Eden, and in a place where they must pick up the pieces and start all over again. They conceive their first child and name him Cain, whose name means "to procure, to buy, and to have gotten." Her response is very interesting—"I have gotten a man from the Lord." Now, on the surface, it looks like her focus has changed—no longer is she determining her destiny, but the Lord is. And yet, most of her statement is still wrapped around herself—the big "I" is still out front—I have gotten; I have procured; I have bought this blessing. And isn't that the attitude that develops in Cain, and leads him towards his false start? When he and his brother Abel bring their offerings, "the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell." Why the different responses by the Lord? Well, first of all, Cain only gave fruits and vegetables, while Abel made a blood sacrifice. In the previous generation, when the Lord killed some of His own precious animals to make clothes for Adam and Eve, He was instituting a millennia-long pattern of the shedding of blood. This would point to Jesus, and ultimately be fulfilled at the Cross of Calvary as the holy Son of God takes away your sin and mine!

But even Cain's sacrifice was only a symptom—a sign of a deeper disease. 1 John 3:12 tells us why Cain killed his brother—"…his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous." And since what we do comes from what is in our hearts, his heart was evil, too. God had, in His mercy, warned Cain, but he still killed Abel. Even after the fact, God called him to repentance, but he wouldn't do it—Cain was absolutely insistent on going his own way—the big "I". Of whom does that remind you—his mother? Does it remind you of you? Are you tired of the false starts in your life? In this Christmas season, seek the Lord—a tremendous price has been paid to give each of us a very fresh start!

~ Rev. Roy D. Warren, Jr.