Why A Manger?

By Skip Heitzig
        

A few years ago my Mom gave me the Nativity scene that was in our house when I was a kid. It evoked wonder in my early years, and it's still wonderful, but there's something not quite right about it. For one thing, the figure of Jesus looks more like a two-year-old than an infant. For another, He has blond hair and blue eyes—and from what I know of the Middle East, I have kind of a problem with that. Obviously, this Nativity set was crafted by a European!

And the manger is made out of wood. Of course, that's how most of us think of it. But the word in the Bible translated "manger" could mean either a feeding trough or an enclosure for animals. In that part of the world animals were kept in caves, and feeding troughs were made out of stone, so Jesus was probably born in a cave around Bethlehem somewhere, and laid in a stone trough.

Now, I know I've probably destroyed a lot of your mental pictures of Jesus' birth. But the important question is "Why a manger?" Why wasn't He born in a palace, and His birth heralded in the Jerusalem Post?

The answer is in two words, humility and accessibility. His mother wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, like any peasant of the time. This great gift came in simple wrapping. The one who would be called "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father" (Isaiah 9:6)—the Creator—became an embryo, and then a baby. It's amazing, and the more you think about it, the more staggering it becomes. This humility would depict his entire life and ministry. And when He died He was buried in a borrowed grave, another cave similar to the one He was born in.

Because He was humble, He was accessible. Going into a throne room to see a king would be intimidating, but there's nothing intimidating about going into a cave and approaching a feeding trough. You don't need special credentials, you don't need to have to have an appointment. The shepherds could just come in.

And again, this marked not only his birth but his entire life. Jesus was always accessible to people. He said, "Let the little children come to Me" (Matthew 19:14). He also welcomed the woman with the incurable disease because of her faith (Luke 8:43-48).

So it's not really important what your Nativity scene looks like. The important thing is what you think about the Child who was laid in that manger. In the words of an old Christmas carol, "Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing, Christ the babe is Lord of all."

Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)

Skip Heitzig is the founder and senior pastor at Calvary of Albuquerque in New Mexico. His teachings are heard across the country and around the world on The Connection. For more information on Skip, visit http://www.connectionradio.org.

Rescue Station

By Shawneda Marks
        

I made a post on a social media outlet about one of the things I am glad the Holy Spirit chooses to do through me. If it were possible, I’d love to run a physical rescue station within a hundred yards of the gates of hell in the spiritual realm, guns loaded and my knees scarred from prayer. To some, this is impossible because we don’t know where hell is located, but I’m able to do it because nothing is impossible for God.

For some, hell is the address they write down when they fill out an application. Some people go to work and can feel the heat as soon as they leave their home. Children wake up all over the world and dread going to school because their education includes emotional, physical and mental torment. There are communities all over the world where the sidewalk isn’t part of the block but part of a war zone. A fight for children’s innocence, women’s esteem, and men’s honor happens every day.

Every one of us has the opportunity each day to be more like Christ, not only as pastors, teachers, evangelists, apostles, prophets, prayer warriors and intercessors inside the four walls of the church but as tangible conduits of God’s love in our local communities. This is the perfect time of year to start a “rescue station” of your own, as a part of your celebration of Christ as the word made flesh. Churches and ministries around the world offer limitless ways for us to have a “rescue station” in the lives of at-risk children, disadvantaged women and weary men. Even if you’ve had a rough year or are currently experiencing hard times, you still have the ability to allow God’s spirit to move through you. Give of your time, talents, and if you are led by the Holy Spirit to do so, your financial resources and become the word made flesh, too.

Scripture Of The Day: "You show and make obvious that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, not written with ink but with [the] Spirit of [the] living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." - 2 Corinthians 3:3 (AMP)

Shawneda Marks, awareness author, penned the award-nominated inspirational HIV awareness novel It’s In My Blood, and the women’s devotional for empowering emotional healing, Diamond Butterfly. Learn more about her passion to empower healthier living at http://www.shawneda.com.

Good News Of Great Joy

By Dr. Charles F. Stanley
        

When an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds in the field, he gave them good news of great joy for all people: The long-awaited Savior was born! Then the angel was suddenly “joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God” (Luke 2:13 NLT).

The good news they proclaimed that day had to do with much more than Jesus’ birth. It anticipated His sinless life, which qualified Him to be God’s sacrificial lamb. It looked ahead to His crucifixion on our behalf and His resurrection, which signaled the Father’s acceptance of Christ’s payment for our sins.

The announcement also encompassed the idea of His ascension into heaven (Ps. 110:1). And it envisioned the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit would indwell believers (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17), as well as the time Jesus would return as King. The angels rejoiced because the day of salvation was here (2 Cor. 6:2).

Jesus spoke about spiritual joy because He wanted His followers to experience the deep satisfaction that derives from a relationship with God. Such divine contentment is not dependent upon outward circumstances but overflows from the Spirit’s presence. Earthly happiness is externally produced and temporary. Divine joy is internally generated through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The angels in heaven rejoiced at the announcement of Jesus’ birth, and the shepherds praised God. Have you thanked the Lord today for your salvation? Are you experiencing the divine joy that overflows from a Spirit-filled life?

Scripture Of The Day: "Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." - Luke 2:13-14 (NLT)

Dr. Charles Stanley, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta and founder of In Touch Ministries, is a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than 35 books. In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley can be heard worldwide via radio and television broadcasts and at http://www.InTouch.org

Expect Your Miracle

By Bishop John McCullough
        

The story of Christ’s birth is a miracle in and of itself. Matthew 1:18 explains that …Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. This was unheard of and had never happened before. Although it was not the first or last miracle, it was a major miracle. It was God Himself showing up as babe to save the world from sin. Luke 2:7 reminds us that “Mary brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes…” It was a miracle!

God still works miracles. As a rule, we have perhaps learned how to work our faith but have stopped asking for and expecting miracles. Working faith is a right thing because Hebrews 11:6 says “for without faith it is impossible to please God , for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that he is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him.” Faith is a part of the process of receiving healing, resources, jobs, and doors opened for us. Process is the orderly sequence of events that bring about a particular end. Process is great. However, we cannot neglect expecting the miraculous. There are certain times where we don’t need the process but we need a right now miracle.

A miracle is a sign of the presence and working of God, a wonder that produces astonishment in the beholder, and a work of superhuman power. A miracle is where there is an instant immediate supernatural divinely intervened action to change what we may be dealing with. Jesus came as a miracle and worked miracles throughout His earthly ministry.

Today we stand as candidates for a miracle, an uncommon move of God. To receive a miracle we all must acknowledge:

a. There is a problem or need. Without which there is no need for a miracle. Someone may have to admit today that I have a problem in my marriage, in my finances, a problem in my spirituality, with health, or an addiction problem. In Luke 7:2-10, a centurion soldier came to Jesus and acknowledged that he had a problem, a sick servant.

b. There must be uncommon faith. The kind that agrees that with a word from the Lord the miracle can happen in an instant. The centurion told Jesus that he did not feel worthy to have Jesus come under his roof but asked Jesus to speak the word and his servant would be healed. Jesus noted that the man had faith for a miracle. The servant was healed right then.

c. There must also be uncommon expectation.

What kind of miracle do you need today? Anything can happen for you now; only believe. Get ready; this is the season for your miracle, and God is with us to bring it to pass.

Scripture Of The Day: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know.” - Acts 2:22 (NKJV)

Bishop McCullough serves as Senior Pastor of the Friendship Christian Church, Gastonia, North Carolina, and is the founder and CEO of Spirit Flows Ministry/Business Network. He is committed to expanding the kingdom beyond the walls of the local church into the marketplace through apostolic and prophetic operations. http://www.friendshipgastonia.com/…

The 67th Book Of The Bible

By Sharon Frame
        

Have you ever felt like someone was watching you? If it’s the boss at work, we tend to straighten up and work more efficiently. If it’s a romantic admirer, we are quick to put on our best face to make a good impression. Christians, expect to be under constant surveillance. If you think you can hide, Matthew 5:14 is there with a reminder: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” And people are not only watching us. They are reading our life-story; book, chapter and verse.

The world has heard our sermons. But they are hungry for sustained proof. They have listened to our witness for Christ. Now they must witness our walk. Do we resemble God? Are we mimicking Christ Jesus, for real?

Like Jesus, we are “the word made flesh.” That scripture in the book of John means Jesus’ life fulfilled everything that was written about him in the Old Testament. Every follower of Christ is also called to fulfill their divine purpose, and live a life that daily reflects the Heavenly Father.
That’s not a suggestion. The Apostle Paul made that clear when he said “We are living epistles, seen and read of men,” in 2nd Corinthians 3:2.

This suggests to me that we are the 67th Book of the Bible. The Holy Scriptures consist of sixty-six books. So what’s the 67th you ask? That’s the one you write by the way you live your life everyday! Remember the old adage: “You are the only Bible some people will ever read.” It’s the gospel truth.

So here are questions for us to ponder: What do our behavior, actions and habits reveal to people watching and reading our ways? Are our tongues uttering words fit to print? Does our attitude provide a chapter of hope for people desperate for love and salvation? As the word made flesh, our life should be a personal epistle and testament that draws souls to Christ, not distract them.

In the flesh, Jesus’ life story was one of love, faithfulness, compassion, patience, goodness and kindness. His presence is on each page from Genesis to Revelation. His influence is written in between each line of world history.
Now is our time to influence the world with our story. Psalms 45:1 says: “Your tongue is as the pen as a ready writer.” So write an epistle worth reading. Proclaim the saving grace and power of God through your lifestyle.
Yes, the Bible is the best-selling book of all time. More than six billion copies have been sold. And every year, six million more are distributed in cities, towns and hamlets across the globe.

But it’s your life that your neighbors, co-workers, friends, family and foes read more often – you 67th Book of the Bible. It’s not perfection they seek. They watch for true overcomers; people who falter, even faint, but don’t give in. They seek saints who may stumble but get back up; believers whose words match their walk.

Let that walk so move and impress the curious unbelievers, they are compelled to run to God in search of salvation.

Scripture Of The Day: "You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men." - 2 Corinthians 3:2 (NKJV)

Sharon Frame is a former CNN anchor, Award-Winning Empowerment Speaker, a Media Coach and “Follow-Through” Expert. Her passion is to encourage and empower! Sharon’s latest book, “Wired to Win” teaches how to Plug In, Power Up and Push Through to Personal Greatness. Visit http://www.sharonframespeaks.com.…

There Goes The Neighborhood

By John C. Richards, Jr.
        

Growing up, many of us remember living in a neighborhood of some sort. Whether large or small, we all had a community around us that we considered our "neighbors." If I’m honest, the concept of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us is hard for me to wrap my mind around. The Greek word for dwelt in the above passage literally means, "To fix one's tabernacle, have one's tabernacle." Jesus literally fixed his tabernacle (established himself) here on this Earth in our presence.

My first question: Why would he do that? Why would He exchange an angelic host of singers for an ungodly host of murmuring, complaining human beings?
In the early 1930's a phenomenon began occurring in many major U.S. cities. It is aptly titled "white flight." The influx of minorities into major cities caused many middle to upper class Americans to abandon cities and settle for suburban life, choosing instead to commute daily to their places of employment. Numerous reasons were given for white flight, one being safety. Middle and upper class individuals felt that minorities were a threat to their safety (a totally unfounded view). Now fueled by fear, they felt it necessary to lock their doors, when in times past they never locked them. Natural occurrences often teach spiritual principles.

Isn't it amazing how the presence of "neighbor Jesus" causes our own flight syndrome?

Even though we are the ones who invite Him to live with us, we begin to lock up doors in our own life. We deny Him access to all areas of our lives. God forbid He shows up when we are in our “house” doing something we have no business doing. Then we ask Him the question that we often ask people: "Goodness Jesus, you couldn't call before you came over?" You might be laughing, but have you ever had that moment of conviction when Jesus shows up and catches you off guard when you know you've done something wrong? When you’ve told someone off? Thought a bad thought? Told a lie or made a commitment that you didn't keep? I know it has happened to me.

Gentrification is just the opposite of white flight. It is a current trend in society where many middle and upper class people are moving back into the cities, often displacing the lower class minorities. These people saw one thing…the places they abandoned were places of strategic and prime real estate. It's amazing how believers and unbelievers alike can abandon Christ (distance themselves from Him) because they don't want Him in their business, but then turn back to the Lord when they realize the worth and value of having Him as a neighbor.

Are you living in Christian suburbia? Do you feel a disconnect from Christ such that it seems like you are commuting all day long just to see Him, wasting gas the whole time?

The difference between natural and spiritual gentrification is that Christ doesn't mind you moving back in, because it doesn't displace Him. He's got all the real estate He needs. Come back home.

Scripture Of The Day: "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." - John 1:14 (NKJV)

John C. Richards, Jr., Esq. is a husband, father, writer, attorney, and student. While an attorney by career choice, he remains involved in local urban ministry and is passionate about juvenile justice. He and his family currently reside in Atlanta. Find John at http://www.brotherpreacher.com.

May It Be

By Jamie Carte
        

Mary was a young girl who was pledged and chosen to be married to a man named Joseph. She had never been intimate with a man; she was a virgin. One day the angel Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God (Luke 1:19), appears to Mary and gives her a word from God. Mary is told that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit – and that child will be the Messiah!

Now remember, first Mary is seeing and hearing an angel. Then, this angel tells her she will carry The Messiah for Israel and all of mankind, and she is a virgin! Mary questions how this could happen and then does an extraordinary and important thing: she accepts The Word and says, “May it be to me as you have said.” Young Mary decided that she would believe and agree with The Word she heard, and she sealed it in faith and history by speaking that she received it! Mary had to speak by faith that she would receive The Word, carry The Word, and birth The Word given to her.

Mary lived in a culture that if an unmarried woman was found to be with child, she could be stoned to death by law. She would have to face her Jewish family and neighbors that were totally against what appeared to be – that Mary had been sexually promiscuous. And Mary also had Joseph; what would he think of her? As a holy man, he would not want her anymore, for it looked as though Mary had been with another. Try explaining being pregnant without being sexually active! Who would believe you?

Yet with all that was against Mary, she did what God wants us to do today – receive what he has said, believe it and speak that it is happening to you! God needed Mary to believe what his messenger told her. She and Joseph were destined to be the earthly parents of Jesus. Mary had a decision that day. She decided to not let the circumstances and conditions that surrounded her make her decision for her. Mary got pregnant with the Word of God that was told to her. And The Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among them, and still is today! (John 1:14)

You and I must believe and receive The Word of God concerning us! Let it grow in us and then finally birth in the flesh, in the natural, what is spoken. Friends, receive, believe and speak what has been spoken and promised to you! Even if your body, your doctor, and everyone around you is screaming, “that is impossible!” Remember, God will even do something that has never existed before to keep his Word – even make a virgin pregnant!

Always remember Mary and what she faced – the opposition, ridicule, conflict and pressure. Think about the impossible thoughts she had to overcome that her body would even do what God said it would do! Defeat the enemy every time when he lies to you and tells you that God and His Word are not working for you. Nothing is impossible with God! Absolutely Nothing! Say it out loud with confidence no matter what it looks like: “May it be to me as you have said.”

Scripture Of The Day: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” - Luke 1: 38 (NIV)

Jamie Carte is Vice President and Senior Minister of Jamie Carte Ministries in Hico, West Virginia, USA. An evangelist, Bible teacher, writer and speaker, Jamie reaches the lost and teaches the Bride of Christ how to prepare for Her Wedding Day, which is The Rapture of The Church. Visit Jamie Carte at http://www.jamiecarte.org.…