Word for Today, Wed, 27 Nov 2002: Why Celebrate or Give Thanks?

#1 · November 26, 2002, 10:40 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on November 26, 2002, 10:40 pm
Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

This week, as we continue to think about the reasons why we are
thankful, I'd like to include Larry Davies' Sowing Seeds of Faith
weekly message to balance the perspectives on the topic.

There are plenty of reasons to be thankful, yet at the same time,
there are many people who see very little reason to be thankful.
Some people don't have jobs, some people have lost family and
friends, others are simply discouraged about a variety of things.

I've faced many of those calamities myself, and I can tell you
that they are no fun. I can also tell you that there are always
reasons to give thanks, and there are always reasons to have
hope.

For those who feel little reason to be thankful or hopeful, think
about the vast array of people who do care, and who go out of
their way to help others. Larry Davies pastors a local church in
Virginia, but in recent years he has also mobilized an
international ministry of prayer and encouragement. I've been
encouraged, personally, by that network, and I've also encouraged
others through it.

For those of you who are in a reasonably good position, this is a
great time to give thanks and praise for what you have, but it is
also a great time to consider what you may be able to give away
out of love, thanksgiving, and gratitude to God for what He has
done.

Like Larry, I encourage you to read the scriptures. The Advent
Season, a time of preparation, is coming soon. If you don't
already read scripture on a daily basis, perhaps today is the
time to not just consider doing it, but actually making it a
practice. Hopefully all of you own your own personal Bible, but
if not, Bibles can be read right over the Internet.
bible.gospelcom.net/ is one location where you can read
and study from various Bible translations and paraphrases, and
bible.crosswalk.com/BibleInAYear/DailyReading.cgi is one
way you can keep track of your Bible reading.

To me, reading the Bible is a way to gain a better understanding
of the nature of God and the purpose God intends for His people.
The Bible shows us, historically, that people are inclined to go
their own ways, do their own things, and ultimately get into a
lot of trouble. The Bible shows us that there are consequences
for our choices and actions, yet at the same time, there is the
opportunity for turning away from past deeds, no matter how
awful they may be (repentence), and forgiveness of sins. Those
are wonderful truths we can be thankful for!

Your Brother in Christ, Brian

If you like what you read here, you'll love the book. "Breaking
the Peanut Butter Habit." Normally $24.95 now just $10 now
through the end of the year. Each book is signed by the author.
Maximum order of four books. Click here for more information:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

Would you like to pray for others? Join our unique prayer chain
which receives prayer requests from around the world. Most of
them include an email address so that you can personally offer
prayers and encouragement. We now have over 5,000 prayer partners
worldwide. Click here for more information:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

Sowing Seeds of Faith...

"And The Real Reason for this Holiday Season
Is...?" Larry Davies

I received this email: "Do you know of any organizations in
Columbus or Lancaster, Ohio that can help me out with Christmas?
I have a 12 year old son and a 10 year old daughter. Thanks!!!!"

"God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to
a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named
Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and
said, 'Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!'" (Luke
1:26-28)

Our church regularly receives phone calls: "I'm sorry to ask for
help but I don't know what to do?!"

"That's all right. What can we do for you?"

. My husband's been laid off and we have no savings for Christmas
presents.

. I'm a single parent and everything I make goes toward paying
the bills.

. My daughter has a drug problem and I'm raising her children and
doing everything I can but there is no money for Christmas.

They all end their plea with: "Is there anything you can do to
help our children have a better Christmas?" Our church, like
others, will do what we can. Several families receive food and
gifts for the kids, but it never seems to be enough. I wonder:

1. Why do we get so many pleas for help just before Christmas?

2. Who else is in desperate need but never calls?

"Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could
mean. 'Don't be frightened, Mary,' the angel told her, 'for God
has decided to bless you! You will become pregnant and have a
son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and
will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will
give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over
Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!'" (29-33)

The answers are as close as your local newspaper. I need to have
my newspaper box enlarged but not because of increased content.
Circulars scream their slogans: "Make your Holidays Brighter!"
"Catch the Christmas Spirit!" "Our Gifts Make a Difference!"
Here's my favorite: "Beat the After-Thanksgiving, Pre-Christmas
Rush with our Pre-Thanksgiving, Pre-Christmas Sale!"

Admit it. Christmas is cleverly advertised as Santa Claus and
presents. We talk giving but fantasize receiving. You say it's
about family and friends. (Yeah, right!) You try to remember the
celebration of Christ's birth. (Watch the kids eyes glass over as
you tell them.) But turn on the television, visit a department
store or pick up a bulky newspaper full of ads and the ugly truth
screams its horrific message. "The reason for the season is
buying gifts and lots of them!" Ouch!

Christmas is a grossly visible reminder of who receives
generously and who gets little or nothing! Question: How do you
tell a child from a poorer family surrounded by children loaded
down with more toys than they can ever use that Christmas is for
others... but not for you?

Mary asked the angel, "But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin."
The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the
power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to
you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What's
more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age!
People used to say she was barren, but she's already in her sixth
month. For nothing is impossible with God." (34-37)

Christmas was never meant to be this way. Jesus was born in a
barn with only farm animals and a few shepherds as witnesses. He
grew up the son of a blue-collar worker in a land occupied by
Rome. Throughout his earthly life, Jesus had few if any material
possessions. How did we get everything so mixed-up? How can we
change? How can we recapture the Christ in Christmas?

Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to
accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come
true." And then the angel left. (38)

Next Week: Creative ideas to help us celebrate the real reason
for the season. Send me an email describing what you do to
remember the real reason for Christmas. I'll share a few ideas
with our readers next week. Meanwhile... beat the
after-thanksgiving, pre-Christmas shopping frenzy, stay home,
relax and read the real Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke.
God bless. Larry

By the way: Do you know anyone in Columbus or Lancaster Ohio that
can help the family above? It's a real request for help.

If you like this devotion you will love the book: "Breaking the
Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's Recipe for a Better Life"
now on sale only through this website. Click here for more
information: www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

Join our prayer ministry by clicking here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

Jesus said: "You are the light of the world--like a city on a
mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your
light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine
for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)

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Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

This week, as we continue to think about the reasons why we are
thankful, I'd like to include Larry Davies' Sowing Seeds of Faith
weekly message to balance the perspectives on the topic.

There are plenty of reasons to be thankful, yet at the same time,
there are many people who see very little reason to be thankful.
Some people don't have jobs, some people have lost family and
friends, others are simply discouraged about a variety of things.

I've faced many of those calamities myself, and I can tell you
that they are no fun. I can also tell you that there are always
reasons to give thanks, and there are always reasons to have
hope.

For those who feel little reason to be thankful or hopeful, think
about the vast array of people who do care, and who go out of
their way to help others. Larry Davies pastors a local church in
Virginia, but in recent years he has also mobilized an
international ministry of prayer and encouragement. I've been
encouraged, personally, by that network, and I've also encouraged
others through it.

For those of you who are in a reasonably good position, this is a
great time to give thanks and praise for what you have, but it is
also a great time to consider what you may be able to give away
out of love, thanksgiving, and gratitude to God for what He has
done.

Like Larry, I encourage you to read the scriptures. The Advent
Season, a time of preparation, is coming soon. If you don't
already read scripture on a daily basis, perhaps today is the
time to not just consider doing it, but actually making it a
practice. Hopefully all of you own your own personal Bible, but
if not, Bibles can be read right over the Internet.
bible.gospelcom.net/ is one location where you can read
and study from various Bible translations and paraphrases, and
bible.crosswalk.com/BibleInAYear/DailyReading.cgi is one
way you can keep track of your Bible reading.

To me, reading the Bible is a way to gain a better understanding
of the nature of God and the purpose God intends for His people.
The Bible shows us, historically, that people are inclined to go
their own ways, do their own things, and ultimately get into a
lot of trouble. The Bible shows us that there are consequences
for our choices and actions, yet at the same time, there is the
opportunity for turning away from past deeds, no matter how
awful they may be (repentence), and forgiveness of sins. Those
are wonderful truths we can be thankful for!

Your Brother in Christ, Brian

If you like what you read here, you'll love the book. "Breaking
the Peanut Butter Habit." Normally $24.95 now just $10 now
through the end of the year. Each book is signed by the author.
Maximum order of four books. Click here for more information:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

Would you like to pray for others? Join our unique prayer chain
which receives prayer requests from around the world. Most of
them include an email address so that you can personally offer
prayers and encouragement. We now have over 5,000 prayer partners
worldwide. Click here for more information:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

Sowing Seeds of Faith...

"And The Real Reason for this Holiday Season
Is...?" Larry Davies

I received this email: "Do you know of any organizations in
Columbus or Lancaster, Ohio that can help me out with Christmas?
I have a 12 year old son and a 10 year old daughter. Thanks!!!!"

"God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to
a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named
Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and
said, 'Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!'" (Luke
1:26-28)

Our church regularly receives phone calls: "I'm sorry to ask for
help but I don't know what to do?!"

"That's all right. What can we do for you?"

. My husband's been laid off and we have no savings for Christmas
presents.

. I'm a single parent and everything I make goes toward paying
the bills.

. My daughter has a drug problem and I'm raising her children and
doing everything I can but there is no money for Christmas.

They all end their plea with: "Is there anything you can do to
help our children have a better Christmas?" Our church, like
others, will do what we can. Several families receive food and
gifts for the kids, but it never seems to be enough. I wonder:

1. Why do we get so many pleas for help just before Christmas?

2. Who else is in desperate need but never calls?

"Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could
mean. 'Don't be frightened, Mary,' the angel told her, 'for God
has decided to bless you! You will become pregnant and have a
son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and
will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will
give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over
Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!'" (29-33)

The answers are as close as your local newspaper. I need to have
my newspaper box enlarged but not because of increased content.
Circulars scream their slogans: "Make your Holidays Brighter!"
"Catch the Christmas Spirit!" "Our Gifts Make a Difference!"
Here's my favorite: "Beat the After-Thanksgiving, Pre-Christmas
Rush with our Pre-Thanksgiving, Pre-Christmas Sale!"

Admit it. Christmas is cleverly advertised as Santa Claus and
presents. We talk giving but fantasize receiving. You say it's
about family and friends. (Yeah, right!) You try to remember the
celebration of Christ's birth. (Watch the kids eyes glass over as
you tell them.) But turn on the television, visit a department
store or pick up a bulky newspaper full of ads and the ugly truth
screams its horrific message. "The reason for the season is
buying gifts and lots of them!" Ouch!

Christmas is a grossly visible reminder of who receives
generously and who gets little or nothing! Question: How do you
tell a child from a poorer family surrounded by children loaded
down with more toys than they can ever use that Christmas is for
others... but not for you?

Mary asked the angel, "But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin."
The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the
power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to
you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What's
more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age!
People used to say she was barren, but she's already in her sixth
month. For nothing is impossible with God." (34-37)

Christmas was never meant to be this way. Jesus was born in a
barn with only farm animals and a few shepherds as witnesses. He
grew up the son of a blue-collar worker in a land occupied by
Rome. Throughout his earthly life, Jesus had few if any material
possessions. How did we get everything so mixed-up? How can we
change? How can we recapture the Christ in Christmas?

Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to
accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come
true." And then the angel left. (38)

Next Week: Creative ideas to help us celebrate the real reason
for the season. Send me an email describing what you do to
remember the real reason for Christmas. I'll share a few ideas
with our readers next week. Meanwhile... beat the
after-thanksgiving, pre-Christmas shopping frenzy, stay home,
relax and read the real Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke.
God bless. Larry

By the way: Do you know anyone in Columbus or Lancaster Ohio that
can help the family above? It's a real request for help.

If you like this devotion you will love the book: "Breaking the
Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's Recipe for a Better Life"
now on sale only through this website. Click here for more
information: http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

Join our prayer ministry by clicking here:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

Jesus said: "You are the light of the world--like a city on a
mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your
light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine
for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This mailing proudly powered by Subscribe Me(TM) Professional -
Enterprise Edition http://www.subscribemepro.com

=====
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: http://www.geocities.com/masinick/

__________________________________________________
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