Devotions December 31 Burning

Devotions December 31 Burning 

Snippet

As a result of grace, we have been saved from sin's penalty. One day we will be saved from sin's presence. In the meantime we are being saved from sin's  Alistair Begg

Scripture

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6 Message

Song

Burning Man Dierks Bentley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hp7Lotbmgs&list=RD2hp7Lotbmgs&start_radio=1

Half your life you struggle

Half your life you fly

Half your life makin' trouble

Half your life makin' it right

One day I'm the exception

Most days I'm just like most

Some days I'm headed in the right direction

And some days I ain't even close

I'm a little bit steady but still little bit rollin' stone

I'm a little bit heaven but still a little bit flesh-and-bone

Little found, little don't-know-where-I-am

I'm a little bit holy water but still a little bit burning man

Burning man yeah

I always loved the highway

I just don't run it as fast

I still go wherever the wind blows me

But I always find my way back

I still don't get it right sometimes

I just don't get it as wrong

I still go a little bit crazy sometimes

Yeah, but now I don't stay near as long

I'm a little bit steady but still little bit rollin' stone

I'm a little bit heaven but still a little bit flesh-and-bone

Little found, little don't-know-where-I-am

I'm a little bit holy water but still a little bit burning man

Burning man

Still just a burn, burn, burning man

Just a burning man, uh

Maybe I'll go to the desert

Find myself in the Joshua Tree

If we pass in the night then just hand me a light

And tell me you burned just like me

I'm a little bit steady but still little bit rollin' stone

I'm a little bit heaven but still a little bit flesh-and-bone

Little found, little don't-know-where-I-am

I'm a little bit holy water but still a little bit burning man

Burning man

Still just a burn, burn, burning man

Just a burning man

Uh uh 

Burning man

Sentence Prayer

Father, with Sulphur, burn away all the sodom in my life. Today, help me walk close enough with you, it keeps me far from sin.  If I fall help me to remember what Jesus did for me on Calvary, help me to learn from it, so I may grow in obedience.  Amen

Devotion December 30, 2018

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

James 4:13-14

Every December, millions of people begin planning their year with New Year’s resolutions. Losing weight, getting organized, exercising more, eating healthier, and managing finances better are some of the most common resolutions. But what about making spiritual New Year’s resolutions?

We make commitments and tell our friends and family on January 1st, only to give it all up by January 3rd. But as humans, our struggle for consistency goes way beyond resolutions. Making commitments we can’t keep runs all through society, back to Biblical times. 

In the Bible, James spoke of some people who can teach us a valuable lesson about great intentions that aren’t aligned with God’s will. 

Our plans may or may not be God’s plans. If we want to be successful with any New Year’s resolution, we must seek God’s will. By his strength, we might lose weight, eat better, or become better stewards of our finances. 

What does God want for our lives? When he convicts, he also equips us to follow through with the plan. When we know we are following God’s plan, then we have more strength to stick to it, allowing him to work well beyond our normal January 3rd quitting date.

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”

James 5:7-8

Devotion by Dr. Joe Pettigrew In the Zone Daily Huddle Devotions.

Devotions December 29 2018

Devotions December 29th

Jesus during his ministry, started by urging people to “come and 

see.” And they did! People began to follow him. But then Jesus 

slowly turned up the heat. He began adding qualifiers, statements 

that start with “You’re my disciple if”:

You love one another (John 13:35)

You abide in his Word (John 8:31)

You deny yourself (Matthew 16:24)

You make Jesus your top priority.  (Luke 14:26)

Eventually, Jesus took it a step further and said that a person had to 

“come and die” (Luke 14:27) to be a disciple.

But Jesus didn’t start with “come and die.” He moved people slowly 

from “come and see” to “come and die.”  That’s what discipleship is 

all about. That is how we grow step by step.  It's how we grasp God's 

promises one decision at a time.  Today, what step will you take 

towards securing your growth in Christ?

Devotions December 28, 2018

We are called to become more personal, to become persons, to face old age with all our personal resources.  

We have given things priority over persons, we have built a civilization based on things rather than on persons.  Old people are discounted because they are purely and simply persons, whose only value is as persons and not as producers anymore.  When we are old. . . we have the time and qualifications necessary to a true ministry of personal relationships.  Dr. Paul Tournier  Learning to Grow old.

Recently, I had someone say to me; "You know Roger, you have an aging congregation."  The body language and tone made it clear, an aging congregation was a deficit.

Could it be, God has formed Elbert Christian Church as an aging congregation, to teach the "young whippersnappers a thing or two about the value of a person?  The value of needing others and being needed?

Things are to be used and People are to be loved.  Maybe, we have put too much value on things and production and not enough on persons.  To borrow a phrase from an 80's hit; "The Futures so bright I have to wear shades."  Remember if you are getting a little long in the tooth; God's not through with you yet.  And if your that young whippersnapper: "You have much to learn.

God promises in Isaiah 46:3-4 LB, “Listen to me, all Israel who are left; I have created you and cared for you since you were born. 4 I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior.  Don’t be afraid, 

Christian. You will persevere. You will make it home. Sooner than you think. Live dangerously for the one who loved you and died for you at age 33. Don’t throw your life away on the American dream of retirement.   You are as secure as Christ is righteous and God is just. 

Evergreen Devotions December 27

And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You study[c] the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:37-40  NIV

In other words, Jesus claimed that his life and career was predicted and prophesied by the Old Testament books written by the Hebrew prophets that preceded him by hundreds of years. These prophets had claimed that God inspired their writings. Since no human mind can predict in such detail hundreds of years into the future, this became a line of evidence that Jesus said his contemporaries could use to verify if indeed Jesus came as part of a Divine Plan or if the whole gospel account was the product of some elaborate human scheme. Two thousand years later, the data that Jesus referred to is still available for us to examine and consider for ourselves.

Please study the following Prophecies; Messiah was to be born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-25 Luke 1:26-38 3. Messiah was to be a prophet like Moses Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19 John 7:40 4. Messiah was to enter Jerusalem in triumph Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:1-9 John 12:12-16

Tyndale. Life Application Study Bible NIV (Kindle Locations 148976-148983). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. Kindle Edition. 

Evergreen Devotions December 26th

The Advent reading during the Christmas Eve service alluded to the fact during the birth of Jesus, the

Spirit of Prophecy was alive. Some Bible scholars suggest there are more than 300 prophetic

Scriptures completed in the life of Jesus. Circumstances such as his birthplace, lineage, and method

of execution were beyond his control and could not have been accidentally or deliberately fulfilled.

In the book Science Speaks, Peter Stoner and Robert Newman, discuss the statistical improbability of

one man, whether accidentally or deliberately, fulfilling just eight of the prophecies Jesus fulfilled.

The chance of this happening, they say, is 1 in 1017 power. Stoner gives an illustration that helps

visualize the magnitude of such odds:

Suppose that we take 1017 silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the

state two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over

the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one

silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one?

Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having

them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present time, providing they wrote using

their own wisdom.

The mathematical improbability of 300, or 44, or even just eight fulfilled prophesies of Jesus stands

as evidence to his messiahship. For the Gospel writers, one of the main reasons for believing in Jesus

was the way his life fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.

(https://www.thoughtco.com/prophecies-of-jesus-fulfilled-700159)

Closing out the Evergreen Sermon Series; study some of the following promises: 1. Messiah was to

be born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1-6 Luke 2:1-20. 2. Messiah was to be born of a virgin

Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-25 Luke 1:26-38

Evergreen Devotions December 25

“You will conceive and give birth to a Son, and you will name Him Jesus . . .The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David.”
Luke 1:31-32

Well, you made it! It’s Christmas Day and chances are the fun is just beginning.

What do you consider to be a good representation of Christmas? The potbellied Santa Claus? The nativity scene complete with shepherds, hay-filled manger, and donkeys? The iconic Christmas tree? For Luke, Christmas was best represented by a cradle, a cross, and a crown.

A cradle. The angel Gabriel told a confused young virgin that she “would conceive and give birth to a son.” (Luke 1:31) This supernaturally conceived baby would be Mary’s own flesh and blood. Imagine, the all-powerful Creator in a cradle as a helpless infant, a real baby with a belly button! Mary’s boy child is the human son of Mary and the divine Son of God! (Luke 1:32,35)

A cross. “You will name Him Jesus.” (Luke 1:31) Jesus, the Greek means “the Lord saves” or simply “Savior.” The angel reiterated Jesus’ name in an appearance to Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, and spoke of His mission: “You are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)  Jesus became our Savior “when He was hung on the cross.” (Galatians 3:13)

A crown. “The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David.” (Luke 1:32) Some 1,000 years before, God had promised that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne. This baby would be born King of the Jews. “And He will reign forever; His Kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1:33)

Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes will be familiar sights today. But Jesus is the One we must seek and celebrate. Let’s bow before the Son of God in the cradle, the Savior on the cross, and the King on the throne.

Thought of the Day: Just sit back and watch. The fun is about to happen. While it may have little to do with the real reason we have Christmas, enjoy your day and enjoy your family. Periodically, however, take a glance at the nativity scene in your home, and thank God for the cradle, for the cross, and for the crown.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
December 25 , 2018
Dr. Joe Pettigrew

Evergreen Devotions December 24th

It is by far the most amazing miracle in the whole Bible - far more amazing than the resurrection and more amazing than the creation of the universe. The fact that the infinite, omnipotent, eternal Son of God could become man and join Himself to a human nature forever, so that infinite God became one person with finite man, will remain for eternity the most profound miracle and the most profound mystery in all the universe.  Wayne Grudem Systematic Theology, p. 563.

In the beginning, the Word already existed.

    The Word was with God,

    and the Word was God.

He existed in the beginning with God.

God created everything through him,

    and nothing was created except through him.

The Word gave life to everything that was created,

    and his life brought light to everyone.

 The light shines in the darkness,

    and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1-5 NLT

What Jesus taught and what he did are tied inseparably to who he is. John shows Jesus as fully human and fully God. Although Jesus took upon himself full humanity and lived as a man, he never ceased to be the eternal God who has always existed, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the source of eternal life. This is the truth about Jesus and the foundation of all truth.

Tyndale. Life Application Study Bible NIV (Kindle Locations 191291-191294). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. Kindle Edition. 

Evergreen Devotions December 23 PEACE ON EARTH December 23 , 2018 Dr. Joe Pettigrew

"Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” 

John 14:27

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year. Families gather for joyous celebrations and we see individuals we haven't seen since last year. Small towns and neighborhood communities put up Christmas lights and even the air itself smells special—all raising “peace on earth, goodwill to all” expectations all-around.

But contrary to the famous Hallmark Christmas movies, trials and tribulations do not take the holidays off. While we look forward to Christmas and hope it will be a great time, we live in a fallen world which can even make Christmas very painful.

For some families, there will be an empty place at the table because a loved one is no longer here. For some parents, the hope for a prodigal child returning in time for Christmas will be met with their continued absence. Some will be surrounded by people, but still feel outcast and abandoned. Others will find themselves alone during this season wishing that someone would visit them.

Whatever happened to “peace on earth, good will toward men?” Regardless of where you find yourself in life, be reminded that Christ loved the world so much that He came down from Heaven. And He did not come to just sit around in a manger. He came to bear the cross for sin and its consequences—provide salvation to anyone who will believe in Him.

Living in a fallen world means there is chaos—instead of peace—chaos that we contribute to daily. Yet Christ came into this chaotic world and bore upon Himself the sins of the whole world. Why? Because He loves everyone, including you. 

Thought of the Day: No matter where we find ourselves this Christmas season, we can find hope and comfort in the person of Christ, if we will seek Him! “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”

Evergreen Devotions December 20

   Snippet

The joy Christ gives is for time and eternity, for soul and body, for adversity and prosperity.  William Swets

     Scripture

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger. Luke 2:8-12 Message

                                    Song Joy by Kings and Country

                                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-r7ogDaaEQ

Lately, I've been reading, watching the nightly news
Don't seem to find the rhythm, just wanna sing the blues
Feels like a song that never stops
Feels like it's never gonna
Gotta get that fire, fire, back in my bones
Before my heart, heart, turns into stone
So somebody please pass the megaphone
I'll shout it on the count of three
One, two, three
Oh, hear my prayer tonight, I'm singing to the sky
Give me strength to raise my voice, let me testify
Oh, hear my prayer tonight, 'cause this is do or die
The time has come to make a choice
And I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move you, let it move you
Yeah, I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you
Yeah-eh, back when I was young, my eyes were full of life
But now that I am older, I live at the speed of light
Feels like the cycle never stops
Feels like it's never gonna
Gotta get that fire, fire, back in my bones
Before my heart, heart, turns into stone
So somebody please pass the megaphone
I'll shout it on the count of three
One, two, three
Oh, hear my prayer tonight, I'm singing to the sky
Give me strength to raise my voice, let me testify
Oh, hear my prayer tonight, 'cause this is do or die
The time has come to make a choice
And I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you
Yeah, I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of night
Oh, with You by my side, I'm stepping into the light
I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you
I need that joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart, down in my heart to stay
I need that joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart, down in my heart to stay
And I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you
Oh, I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of night
Oh, with You by my side, I'm stepping into the light
I choose joy
Go let it move you, go let it move you, go let it move you
I need that joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart, down in my heart to stay
I need that joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart, down in my heart to stay

    Sentence Prayer

Your name is still called “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” and “The Prince of Peace.” As Your children, we cry out for a fresh filling and a new awareness of Who You are. We choose by faith to make the “good news of great joy” a reality in our own lives, so others can see us as lighted trees of life, pointing to You this Christmas. We know one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that You are Lord. And we also know that peace on earth can only come when hearts find peace with You.  Amen

Evergreen Devotions December 18

The word Joy is also an acrostic that contains the recipe for that commodity.  J. esus first.  O.thers second  Y.ourself last.

As we have learned and practice in the evergreen sermon series, all Israel wanted was a Messiah, for Christmas.  When their expectations did not match what God the Father sent; Jesus, they fell into despair.  But listen to the reaction of unborn John and his mother  Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41  Even the unborn dance with joy in the presence of the Messiah.

O.  stands for others.  One of my favorite Christmas carols is; Hark the Herald written by Charles Wesley.  The opening goes like this; Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled." Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th' angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem." Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King!

This hymn reminds me if I have Jesus, I have the joy all nations desire.  It reminds me of the great joy we experience when we share Jesus with others in words and deeds.  Having, a tough holiday?  The miracle cure is to simply be Jesus to someone else.

Y. stands for yourself.  Rich with detail, the record of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-16) reveals to us a central truth: we’re called to worship Jesus—the Messiah who came to save us. Granted, we can’t always slow down the events of life, but our worship shouldn’t be based on our external circumstances. It should be based on what God has done and the glory of His Son. May we follow the shepherds’ example and glorify and praise God this Christmas: “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20).

We are all doughnuts, we all have a God-shaped hole, that only Jesus can fill.  Christmas joy is impossible without the Christ!  

Evergreen Devotions, December 18

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord?” Luke 2:10–11

Well, we are getting close. The climax of our odyssey to the heart of Christmas is almost here. And although at first blush it may seem an odd one, I want to ask you a question: Do you have the Christmas spirit this year?

I mean, do you really have the Christmas spirit? Better yet, what is the Christmas spirit? Is it the warm and familiar feeling of being with family and friends around a soothing fire and flickering candlelight? Is it the joy of seeing the anticipation in the eyes of a child? Is it the satisfaction of unwrapping a special gift? Or, is the spirit of Christmas something else?

The answer is found in Christ, who for our sake came that Christmas morning two thousand years ago. Who came to earth and cloaked Himself in human flesh. Who emptied Himself. Who “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man”(Philippians 2:7–8).

I would suggest, this is the spirit of Christmas. It is not the rush we experience when we get — get a gift, get a feeling, get a bonus. All these are wonderful in and of themselves. The real spirit of Christmas, however, is found not in what we get, but in what we give. It is becoming ever more like our Savior in the spirit of selflessness. And not just during the Christmas season or on Christmas Day, but rather throughout the remainder of our lives. The spirit of Christmas is not a once-a-year experience. It is a spirit to be embraced throughout the coming year. 

How are you serving others and showing them the love of Christ this Christmas? Do you have a neighbor in crisis, or ill, or elderly whom you could help or encourage? Have you shoveled snow off the driveway of someone who cannot do so on their own? Or shared a meal and a laugh with a friend going through a hard time? Or served a meal at a shelter? 

Thought of the Day: What other ways can you reach out and serve others?

From: Do you have the Christmas Spirit? Dr. Joe Pettigrew

Evergreen Devotions December 17th

 Brene Brown in Rising strong; "Disappointment is unmet expectations

and the more significant the expectations, the more significant the

disappointment.'  Many did not find Joy in the babe in Bethlehem,

only disappointment  because their expectations did not match

the new thing God was doing.

In Decembers Readers Digest a seven-year-old gives her father a

list of her Christmas expectations and he replied.  Here is part of

the list  Daughters list“Black, light blue, green, purple, and pink

North Faces.”   The Fathers response= Five North Face jackets at

100 bucks each? Dream smaller. That is apparel meant for

serious outdoorsmen who dangle from belayed ropes on the

south face of K2. The outdoorsiest we get is when we roll down

the window at Wendy’s drive-through.

The Shepherds in Bethlehem found great joy because they received what

God gave.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good

news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10 Today, choose

joy by receiving what God gives, gratefully.

Evergreen Devotions December 14

This third week of Advent we have focused on the angel's 

testimony; “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth 

peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14.

The best word picture for this peace on earth is from the prophet 

Isaiah 11th chapter, where we have also, learned about the 

stump of Jesse.

One of the challenges of Isaiah's prophecy is God in his 

sovereignty gives a view of time that mortals can not fully grasp.  

The context starts in Chapter ten, with the judgment of Assyria 

around 740 B.C.  The next Mountain of time is the arrival of the 

Messiah Jesus.  Then God gives a glimpse of the endgame in 

verses six through 11.  Ends the chapter by returning to the 

present at the time of Isaiah.

Here is God's Word Picture of Peace on Earth; 

The wolf will live with the lamb,

    the leopard will lie down with the goat,

the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together;

    and a little child will lead them.

 The cow will feed with the bear,

    their young will lie down together,

    and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

 The infant will play near the cobra’s den,

    and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.

 They will neither harm nor destroy

    on all my holy mountain,

for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord

    as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:6-9 

 A golden age is yet to come, a time of peace when children can 

play safely with formerly dangerous animals. Not all of this was 

fulfilled at Christ’s first coming. For example, nature has not 

returned to its intended balance and harmony (see Romans 

8:9-22). Such perfect tranquility will be possible only when 

Christ returns to reign over the earth. 

As followers of the Messiah, our role is to occupy till Jesus 

returns.  Our purpose is to begin the work of God's redemption.

Instead of a focus on material possessions, we are to ensure God 

has full possession of our life.   So we give generously, to ensure 

all of God's children have enough.  So we joyously, testify to God's 

blessing so others may see the light.   Today, ask yourself, who 

needs the goods God has blessed me to use?  Who needs my 

joyous testimony?

Evergreen Devotions, December 12, 2018

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by

prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to

God. Philippians 4:6  One of the enemies of peace to those in

God's favor, is anxiety.

God’s peace is different from the world’s peace (or Roman

peace). True peace is not found in positive thinking, in the absence of

conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in

control.

Christmas can create a lot of anxiety because of how out of

control we allow life, to become.  Buying gifts we do not have

money for.  Pleasing manipulative people by attending another

event, when we have not spent time in prayer.  Can you continue

the list?  I can.

In the book "Worry-Pursuing A Better Path to Peace by David

Powlison Pg 27-20." writes Here [is the] game plan when you

start to worry and obsess: 1. Name the pressures. You always

worry about something. What things tend to hook you?...

Anxieties feel endless and infinite - but they're finite and specific.

2. Identify how you express anxiety. How does anxiety show up

in your life? 3. Ask yourself, Why am I anxious? Worry always

has its inner logic... What do I want, need, crave, expect, demand,

and lust after? Or what do I fear either losing or never getting?

Identify the specific lust of the flesh. Anxious people "eagerly

seek" the gifts more than the Giver. They bank treasure in the

wrong place. What is preoccupying me, so that I pursue it with all

my heart? 4. Which promise of Jesus [from the Bible] speaks to

you most? Grab one promise and work with it. 5. Go to your

Father. Talk to Him. Your Father cares about the things you

worry about. Your Father knows what you need. Cast your cares

upon Him, because He cares for you. 6. Give. Do and say

something constructive. Care for someone else. Give to meet

human need. In the darkest hole, when life is toughest, there's

always some way to give yourself away.

Evergreen Devotions, December 11, 2018

On this third week of advent we Focusing on; Suddenly a great 

company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising 

God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on 

earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:13, 14 

The Hebrew word for "peace" is Shalom.  Shalom is so so rich and 

complex the English language falls short in conveying all the 

Hebrew language intends.  Here is an example; Rabbi Robert I. 

Kahn of Houston, Texas, capsulizes the distinctives of “Roman” 

peace and “Hebrew” shalom:

“One can dictate a peace; shalom is a mutual agreement.

“Peace is a temporary pact; shalom is a permanent agreement.

“One can make a peace treaty; shalom is the condition of peace.

“Peace can be negative, the absence of commotion. Shalom is positive, the presence of serenity.

“Peace can be partial; shalom is whole.

“Peace can be piecemeal; shalom is complete.”  (https://jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/issues-v01-n10/what-is-shalom-the-true-meaning/)

The criteria for shalom, true peace, then, rests with God. This 

definition of peace must begin with the assumption that there is a 

Creator and that He has established a standard for us. 

So we must come to accept and obey the way in which God 

has chosen to reveal Himself to man – through the Bible.  This is 

the path to finding the path that leads favor and peace with 

God.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the 

government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called 

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince 

of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6,7 

Often, when asked what we want for Christmas, adults will 

respond; "Peace on Earth."If we want peace, are we willing to 

trust and obey the One who brings true; Shalom?