THE ABUNDANCE OF THINGS!

 

Thursday, December 18, 2025

THE ABUNDANCE OF THINGS!

 

Luke 12:15

15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

 

          I am so blessed with stuff that it is scandalous! I have so much that it is hard to answer when asked what I want for Christmas. I literally must imagine a need or even a want that can be purchased in a store! I suspect I am not very different from most people in America.

 

          The above verse is part of an encounter with a man who came to Jesus asking him to help distribute the family inheritance. In verse 13 the man asks Jesus to demand that his brother share the inheritance with him. Jesus responded in verse 14 by explaining that He did not come to be a judge of such things and then, in the following verses, gives the story of the rich man who had no place to store his goods.

 

          The language of verse 15 is interesting; even amusing. The word “beware” means “to isolate” and the words “take heed” literally meant “to stare at.” The idea is to isolate and fix your gaze upon covetousness. The word “covetousness” is pleonexia and indicates goods gained by fraud or extortion.

 

          Christmas is full of stories about frauds and greedy money grabbers. Ebenezer Scrooge and surly Mr. Potter were not happy with their great horde of money and goods. Threadbare George Bailey had a drafty old house full of love and laughter and crippled Tiny Tim was able to say, “God bless us every one!” All these Christmas stories plagiarize the teaching of Jesus on the matter of things. The abundance of things can never enrich one’s life. Isolate and stare at this truth.

 

1 Tim 6:6-9

6 [And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain.

7 For we brought nothing into the world, and obviously we cannot take anything out of the world;

8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied).

9 But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing.

AMPLIFIED

 

Dear Lord, in the midst of a season of great grabbing commerce, let me be content with family, friends and with you! Give us such things as we truly need and help us to isolate and stare hard at covetousness. AMEN

 

IF WE MAKE IT THROUGH DECEMBER

 

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

 

IF WE MAKE IT THROUGH DECEMBER

 

Luke 2:3-7

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 

          We are more than half-way through the month of December and by now some of us are singing along with Merle Haggard “if we make it through December.” The song, released in 1973, has become one of his signature songs because it highlights hardship, sacrifice, and resilience.

          The world of Mary and Joseph was a difficult and dangerous place, one whose harsh conditions were not fully chronicled in the Gospel accounts of their travails. Writers of the gospels of Matthew and Luke "are so laconic about the [Nativity] event because they assume the reader would know what it was like," said James F. Strange, a New Testament and biblical archeology professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He added, "we have no idea how difficult it was."

          Joseph and Mary's hardships would have begun more than a week before the birth of their son, when the couple had to leave their home in Nazareth, in the northern highlands of Galilee.  Mr. Strange estimates that Joseph and Mary would likely have traveled only 10 miles a day because of Mary's impending delivery.

          Historical and archaeological proof of the census, too voluminous to include here, indicate that the census was a local event and not Empire wide. Meticulous British historian, Ramsey, along with Jewish historian, Josephus, both concur that there was a census.

Dear Jesus, let me not discount the sacrifice of your human parents simply because I cannot comprehend it. Thank you for inserting yourself into the human experience. AMEN

THE STORM!

 

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

 

THE STORM!

 

Matt 8:23-27

23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

 

Jesus had just finished what we call “The Sermon on the Mount.” Now he had come down from the mountain toward the shore where he healed many. In verse 18 He gives commandment to get into a boat and depart for the other side. In the midst of obedience a storm arose that threatened their very lives. Below are some thoughts that you might find interesting and helpful as you weather your own storms.

 

1. Storms come in spite of – and sometimes because of our obedience!

 

The disciples had gotten into the boat BEFORE the storm in obedience to Christ’s command. There was no storm at the beginning of the trip.

 

2. Jesus led the way!

 

Verse 23 tells us that Jesus entered into the ship followed by His disciples. God does not always lead by smooth ways!

 

3. Jesus slept through the storm!

 

He is not concerned or anxious and is able to rest. This speaks rebuke to our anxiety.

 

4. Storms challenge our most expert abilities!

 

I am reminded that many of the disciples were seasoned fishermen and familiar with the sudden storms that occurred on that lake. This storm caused them to waken the master and say: “Lord, save us: we perish.”

 

5. Jesus addressed the MEN before He addressed the STORM!

 

Ø Jesus spoke regarding their FEAR. Jesus continually works with us to remove fear – not storms!

Ø Jesus addressed their lack of FAITH. We could spend considerable time simply asking questions like “Would God allow His Son to drown in the storm along with all the disciples?” No, this would contradict His purpose for his Son and for all of the disciples.

Ø Faith in the purpose of God and the power of God would have eliminated their fear.

 

6. When Jesus speaks to a storm the result is a great calm!

 

If I ever find myself in a storm I want Jesus asleep on a pillow! When He awakes to my cries I will not care what rebuke He has for me. I will not care if his condemnation blisters me. I will care only that He speaks to the storm.

 

7. When storms are stilled Jesus’ true nature is revealed!

 

Matt 8:27

27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

 

Dear Jesus, storms may rise today in spite of or even as a result of my obedience to you! Help me to keep my eyes on you. Calm our storms today. AMEN

 

WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT!

 

Monday, December 15, 2025

 

WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT!

 

Luke 2:8-14

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 

          Many of you have seen the Charlie Brown cartoon segment in which Linus explains “what Christmas is all about” by simply taking center stage and quoting from the above verses. But did you notice the transformation in Linus?

 

          Linus and his security blanket are inseparable except for an occasional sneak attack by a mischievous Snoopy. However, Linus drops his blanket to the floor while quoting Scripture. He abandons the security of a soft blanket for something far superior. He ends his monologue with a simple statement: “And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!”

 

          It has taken several weeks for me to grasp it once again, but I think I have recovered that which was lost. Christmas is about RESTORATION. Sin ruined everything. Even all of nature is out of harmony. Relationships are broken by selfishness, lies and pretending. No man heeds Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”

 

Dear Lord, for whatever reason, this season brings restoration, and I am grateful. Thank you for the light that helps us to see others and ourselves as we truly are. Thank you for the light that helps us to see YOU as you really are. AMEN

 

THE SACRIFICE OF CONVENIENCE!

 

Sunday, December 14, 2025

 

THE SACRIFICE OF CONVENIENCE!

 

Luke 1:35-38

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

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

 

          When Mary said, “let it be done to me according to what you have said,” she laid herself upon God’s altar in total abandon to His will. There would be a lifetime of inconvenience and heartache. The sacrifice of personal comfort, ease and preferences was her gift to God. When she submitted the transaction was done and the angel departed. His job was finished. Hers was just beginning.

 

          We do not mean to pout, to be childish and selfish, but we are pampered people. We have inserted into our belief system that God exists to enhance our comfort and ease. When He demands that we abandon that comfort for His purpose we recoil and resist. We resent God’s demands upon our time. We resent Him constantly interrupting our plans.

 

          So many players were involved in the first Christmas pageant, and each player was called upon to make sacrifices. Each player, willingly or unwillingly, suffered some privation. We cannot expect less from this Christmas time. If I am to be a servant of God, then I should expect some inconvenience.

 

          The Apostle Peter lamented that he had given up much to serve and to follow. Jesus answered with a rebuke and with a promise.

 

Luke 18:28-30

28 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

 

Dear Lord, let me endure the sacrifice of my convenience with grace and let me count my blessings. AMEN

 

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS AUCTION!

 

Friday, December 12, 2025

 

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS AUCTION!

 

Rom 8:32

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

 

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.

 

The widowed elder man watched with satisfaction, as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son’s trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.

 

As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic.

Sad and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward to, would visit his house no longer.

 

On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. He opened the door, and a soldier greeted him with a large package in his hand.

 

“I was a friend of your son,” the soldier said. “I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.” As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man’s son had told everyone of his father’s love of fine art.

 

“I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.”

 

As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man’s son, which the soldier had painted. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man’s face in striking detail.

 

Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.

 

The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in high anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all the art would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift.

 

The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim “I have the greatest collection.” The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son.

 

The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the room came, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the truly valuable items.”

 

More voices echoed in agreement.

 

“No, we have to sell this one first,” replied the auctioneer. “Now, who will take the son?”

 

Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “Will you take fifty dollars for the painting? That’s all I have. I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it.

 

“I have a bid of fifty dollars,” called the auctioneer. “Will anyone go higher?”

 

After more silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once, going twice. Gone.”

 

The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room, and someone exclaimed, “Now we can get on with it, and we can bid on these great treasures!” The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced that the auction was over.

 

Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? What about all these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! We demand that you explain what’s going on!”

 

“It’s very simple,” the auctioneer replied. “According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son . . . gets it all.”

 

The Bible says, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Rom_8:32). Receive Jesus into your life, and you get everything that God has to give!

 

Take the Son and get it all!

 

Thank you, Lord, that years ago I was wise enough to take the true treasure. Since then, I have all that you have to give. AMEN

 

AND ON EARTH PEACE!

 

Thursday, December 11, 2025

 

AND ON EARTH PEACE!

 

Luke 2:13-14

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 

          Max Ehrmann an American writer, poet, and attorney from Terre Haute, Indiana, is widely known for his 1927 prose poem "Desiderata" which he wrote in December 1933. Its theme is about attaining happiness in life.

 

 Go placidly amid the noise and the haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.

 

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

 

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

 

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

 

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

 

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.

 

Be cheerful.

 

Dear Lord, may I open my heart and my hand to receive from you all the things you will give today. AMEN