Hope For the Hopeless

This weekend our youth program had its annual in-town retreat called Ignite. Each year we have four sessions, each revolving around a central topic. Our annual Mission Conference Week happened to coincide with Ignite this time around, and therefore, the theme for this year's Ignite was "God's Invitation to an Adventure." We are called on an adventure for God. An adventure to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19). A call to be missionaries to everyone we meet, whether in our towns or in distant lands. One practical way we did this was through various service projects that occurred during Ignite.

The high school seniors were given the opportunity to visit Knox Area Rescue Ministries during Ignite weekend. For those who do not know, KARM is an organization dedicated to helping the homeless of Knoxville. They accomplish this through various activities, one of which is a recently constructed courtyard outside their main building. This courtyard gives the homeless a park atmosphere and a place to stay between meals. Setting up in the courtyard, we jumped right in serving cookies, handing out Bibles, and talking with the homeless.

Through the afternoon many conversations were had, but one that sticks out in my mind was a conversation my friend Abbie and I had with one man. As I wrapped up a dialogue with one man, I noticed Abbie conversing with a younger individual. Jumping into the conversation, we learned he was a twenty-five year old from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During our discussion, we learned he had once been a promising hockey player, making it all the way to the minor leagues for the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, he became entangle in a drug addiction. He joined the Army, but the problem only progressed, leaving him in Knoxville. He was an open-minded individual, and was not afraid to tell us his struggle. He told us of his attempts at seeking help through numerous programs, such as detoxing and twelve-step programs. One twelve-step program he had visited claimed he needed a "higher power or religion" to get him through his addiction. Through this he decided to be a believer in most religions, taking an open-minded stance on every religion. As we listened to the man talk, one thing that struck me was his sound of hopelessness in his voice. He mentioned how he had heard from numerous doctors that addiction is not curable. It can only be suppressed, but will never go away. "If only I could stick with a program, then I could suppress my addiction" he told us. Continuing to explain his life story, we could hear the brokenness in his voice. Even though he openly admitted he did not believe in the Bible, Abbie and I told him of the love Jesus has for him, and that He died for everything, including addiction. As our time with the man ended, we left telling him we were praying that God would break his addiction and show him His love.

We claim a faith that brings hope. We claim a Gospel that brings freedom. However, to individuals such as this man their hope comes from what men say and do. This hope only leads to disappointment and regrets. The Gospel of Jesus, however, gives us hope. We are told in 2 Corinthians 3:17 that the Lord is our freedom. Through Jesus we have hope and freedom. Through Him our bondage and sin is broken, and we are given life anew. Jesus has the power to break every addiction, every struggle, every hurt. What this man sought for was hope that things would change. However, doctors, councilors, and accountability partners, cannot give him this hope. It is in Christ alone our hope is found. By accepting what Jesus did we are given a joy that is indescribable. We can defeat our sin, not by our doing, but by the One who lives in us.

As we left KARM and our new friends, I prayed that what Abbie and I had said would resound in this young man's mind. I pray we planted a seed that will start the wheels of his mind on a new path. A path of great hope, love, and joy. A path that begins and ends with Jesus Christ.

Giving Grace

Onesimus was a slave, but not just any slave. He was a run-away slave. Onesimus had fled from his master, Philemon, and ended up in the best place possible. Onesimus ended up in Rome at the same time Paul was being held in prison.  Through God ordained circumstances, Onesimus met Paul and accepted Christ. During his duration in Rome, Onesimus gave much of his time to helping the imprisoned Paul. However, Paul, knowing that Onesimus was indeed a run-away slave, knew that this issue must be resolved. Paul proceeded to write what we know as the book of Philemon.

In this short book, Paul writes an appeal to Philemon, asking for him to reconcile with the fugitive Onesimus. Paul encourages Philemon to not only forgive and accept his run-away slave, but also to see him not as a bond servant, but as a fellow believer in Christ. Paul even goes to the extent to say "If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account." (Philemon 1:12). In short, Paul is fervently writing for Philemon to show grace.

We don't know how this story ends. It is not mentioned whether or not Philemon reconciled with his run-away servant or not. I would assume he did, given that Paul himself wrote Philemon a letter, but that is not the point. The point is much more beautiful and wonderful. The point is grace. Paul was asking Philemon to give grace to his slave. Philemon had every right to throw Onesimus in prison--he broke the law--but that did not mean he should. See Paul knew that as Christians we should show grace because it was first shown to us through Jesus Christ. We see in this letter Paul pleading for Philemon to show that same grace and forgiveness to a fellow brother in Christ. He was asking him to give grace.

As we quickly approach this Christmas season, let this story resound in our minds. Is there someone you need to be reconciled with? Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there someone you need to show grace? I can say yes to everyone of those questions. But we are called to be "imitators of Christ", and that means giving a gift we are called to give this holiday season--the gift of grace.

Inspecting Walls

Let's imagine something for a minute. Let's imagine that you and I were suddenly captured by a huge army and led as captives to a foreign land. We are held as captives in this land that we don't know, and we've never been to. Then one day we ask to go back to our homeland to inspect Washington D.C. to see how much work needs to be done to fix the destroyed capital. Our captors grant us permission and we begin the long journey back to Washington to see how to fix our capital city.

Politics aside (that's for those of you who think Washington being destroyed wouldn't be that bad), this would be a huge task. But this is exactly what Nehemiah had to go through. Nehemiah was taken into captivity by the Babylonians and led away from his native country of Judah to Babylon. However, while in Babylon God impressed on Nehemiah's heart that he should go to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall that was destroyed when the Babylonians invaded. Nehemiah, the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, found favor with the king and was granted permission to go and inspect the walls of Jerusalem. After a three day journey to Jerusalem, Nehemiah took the next night to inspect the walls of the city and see what needed to be done.

At first glance, this story doesn't seem too applicable to our lives. We don't face the threat of being invaded by a foreign country and sent off to their land. Or do we? You see, as believers we have a "wall" of God's protection around our hearts. This wall keeps our enemies out, in this case evil and sin. This wall provides protection and safety from trials and temptations. However, this wall around our heart needs to be inspected. Unlike most walls, this wall cannot be destroyed from the outside. Remember, God is protecting us, and nothing will change that. However, this wall can be destroyed from the inside. When we fall into temptations, we are slowly but surely breaking down that wall from the inside out. Over time, we eventually will break through this wall, and allow open access to whatever lurks outside in the darkness. This is why Nehemiah's story is so crucial. Nehemiah had to inspect the walls of Jerusalem for holes, cracks, and damage that would allow an enemy to attack. In the same way we need to constantly be inspecting the walls of our own hearts to make sure that we haven't damaged them. By constantly praying, reading our Bibles, seeking the fellowship of others, being around godly mentors, we can be inspecting the walls of our hearts.

Inspecting and keeping watch over the walls of our hearts is not easy. As we see in Nehemiah 4, there will be opposition to our work. Friends can make fun of you for not going to a certain party. Coworkers will think you are "too good for them" if you do not gossip as they do. Your boyfriend or girlfriend could push you to take your relationship farther than you know is right and make you feel guilty for not giving up your morals when you say no. Inspecting and guarding the wall around our heart will lead to persecution. But by keeping our walls well inspected and guarded, we will know when we are being tempted, and with Jesus' help, we will be able to withstand the attack. So just as Nehemiah faithfully executed the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, let us faithfully execute the task of inspecting and rebuilding the wall around our heart.

Practice Makes Perfect

"Practice makes perfect." Heard by millions through the years, this phrase rings true in many areas of life. Whether an instrument, sport, job, or relationship, the more practice the better the results will be. I have experienced this in many areas of my life, especially in my job and instrument playing. I love playing the piano. However, it took time. I didn't wake up and suddenly become a good pianist. I had to practice. Every day I practice different chord patterns, key strokes, and songs; and all this allows me more ease and experience the next time I play those sounds. By practicing every day, I build up confidence in myself and in my ability. I also needed to practice at my job. I work at a golf course, and while it is not the most tedious job in the world, I had to practice to get better. By doing such things as picking the driving range or cleaning carts, I now know the most effective way to complete those tasks well, and this allows me to save time. I can do this because I practiced. Practice takes diligence and patience, but if one is willing to stick with what he is practicing, he will be almost perfect with his outcome.

Time of Change

Life is busy. Of course, I don't need to tell you that because you already know. A busy life has a tendency to push certain things to the forefront of our attention and other things to the back burners. Some things become more of a priority than other things. For me, blogging went on the back burners. It's not that I didn't want to blog (I have had so many ideas and inspirations), it's that I've simply not had the time. As evidence by my last post (June for those who don't go look), it's been a while. But I have decided to make a determined effort to start blogging again. I can't promise I'll be successful, but I can say I will try.

The name "Inseparable" stems from Romans 8:38-39. This has always been one of my favorite verses because it shows how powerful God is, and yet how loving and merciful he is. As Christians, nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, can separate from the love of God. Wow. That shows the awesomeness of our God. That He is that powerful and loving all in one. When we are born again, we are His and His alone. I find that absolutely incredible.

Over the past year my life has become enveloped in "busy." I am now a senior in high school, and have to deal with colleges, ACT, and academics. I also got a job, which takes up a good bit of time. I've had ups and downs, good moments and bad, but through it all God has remained the same. This verse has stuck with me increasingly this past year because no matter how busy I get, God is still there and still loves me. That is why I've renamed the blog. Not only because of the truth that is obviously stated in these verses, but also because of the comfort and joy it brings me.

I have also been "re-inspired" into blogging by my youth pastor (check out his blog http://derekgriz.com/). I'm not big into following bloggers, but he is one man that I definitely look up to for advice in the non-blog sphere. However, his blog has inspired me quite a bit, to the point of making a rededicated effort to blog more.

It's time for a change in my life. It's time for me to slow down from the business of life. It's time for me to try this again. With that said, I invite you to join me on this adventure and see what God has for all of us.

A Voice in the Chaos

God exists. Everywhere, anywhere, all the time. But sometimes it is hard to hear God. Sometimes the noise is too loud, sometimes our situation too discouraging, our lives too chaotic. God is always present, but our situations make Him seem non-existent. With our lives in such constant disarray, how can we hear God?


In 1 Kings 19:9-18 we are offered a unique scene in the Bible. While you may not know this reference off the top of your head, you have no doubt heard the story. In this paragraph, Elijah is hiding in a cave for his life. God appears to Elijah and tells him to stand before the Lord. Suddenly, a great and mighty wind blows, followed by a powerful earthquake, and lastly a fire. But God was not in any of these events. Instead, a low whisper is heard in the middle of the madness. A still, small, quiet voice amidst the chaos.

That still small voice Elijah heard still speaks to us today. Our circumstances have changed, but God has not. While we aren't distracted by wind, earthquakes, or fire, we are distracted by this life we live. I don't need to begin listing our distractions because you know them all too well. They seem to scream at us from all directions, begging to take our attention off God. Sometimes it's just too much, and we cry out to God, but the noise seems to drown out the sound of His voice. However, God is always there. The problem is that we have focused on our chaotic, hectic situation and lost focus of God. Just like Elijah, we must not focus on the chaos but focus on the Calm in the middle of the storm. Instead of looking everywhere for our answer, we must stop, pray, and listen for God's voice. He is always there willing to lead us and direct us. To hold us and encourage. To help us through our chaos. But we need to be willing to focus on Him, and listen to the still, small voice amidst the chaos.

My Top 5 Favorite Worship Songs

I decided to wait until Easter to post the final video. So here is number one on the countdown! Happy Easter everyone! Christ is risen! "Revelation Song" by Kari Jobe.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGgX_oqdib4

My Top 5 Favorite Worship Songs

Number 2 on the countdown is "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jYLTn4fKYQ

My Top 5 Favorite Worship Songs

Coming in at number three on the countdown is the hymn "In Christ Alone."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENtL_li4GbE

My Top 5 Favorite Worship Songs

Today is the second day of the countdown! Coming in at number four is "Your Great Name" by Natalie Grant. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuuLBPOYcI8

My Top 5 Favorite Worship Songs

As we near Easter I felt it was a fitting time to release the list of my favorite worship songs! Now this list changes almost constantly, but these five have solidified their position in my heart. They speak truth and the lyrics proclaim Jesus. Now without further delay, let's get to the countdown. Number five is "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)" by Chris Tomlin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I

America Has Forgotten It's Past

I don't typically have the urge to post political topics. Mostly because they create a load of unnecessary talk, opinion stating, and division among people. But I feel it is important to make an exception on this blog post.

Politics have been around for centuries. From the old Pharaohs of Egypt, the kings and queens during the Middle Ages, to monarchies and democracies, politics are, and always will be a part of human civilization. There are many forms of politics in the world, however, American politics differ from any other nation on earth. America is a democracy. America is a nation where people are willing to get the job done. America is a nation where people are willing to work hard and provide a better life style. America's government works hard to compromise, and do what is best for the American people. America's people, in turn, respect and support the candidates who are in office, regardless of political status. Sound like the America we live in? Didn't think so. America is polar opposite of what I just named, and the sad thing is, it didn't used to be that way.

For those who know me, and for those who don't, I am a history geek. I am specifically interested in  American history. The history of America is so diverse, so special that I am convinced only Israel has a greater story of their creation as a nation. America was founded on the backs of men, women, and children who were willing to risk fortune, safety, and health to find freedom in the New World. Not all these pilgrims were Christians, but most, if not all had a high moral standard. These people created the United States of America. They courageously fought the British to gain independence. They wrote the most important piece of legislation in the history of the world. They created a government, "of the people, by the people, for the people." But men like George Washington, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, and Richard Henry Lee all seem like fables told from the desk of a history teacher who has been in the past way too long.

They created important documents that protected neighboring nations from European invasion. They saved the United States from going into a Civil War fifty years before it did. They came out of the Civil War stronger, and more united than ever before. They created, invented, and improved life. They put aside their political differences and worked toward the common goal of improving America. But James Monroe, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, Daniel Webster, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, James A. Garfield,  Booker T. Washington, Thomas Edison, Samuel Tilden, and William Jennings Bryan are all but forgotten.

The list continues on and on of great men who knew how to work together. Not all these men professed faith in Christ, but many of them were Christians. They stood for their beliefs. These men were, honest, upright, and moral, something that can not be said about many Congressmen today. These men made America a great nation, and because of them we live the way we do.

America is much different now. The men and women in Congress don't think as the Congressmen of old. Their agenda is much different now, both Republicans and Democrats. But the cause for the decline of America lies not with the government, but with us, the American people. Americans today are bent on entitlement. Americans today don't work to improve their situation, instead they expect the government to do it. Americans aren't generous with their time, money, and effort. Americans are lazy. Americans expect someone else to do the work. Americans don't all vote, or fulfill their duties as citizens.  But more frightening than this, is the fact that Americans have forgotten their past. If you personally recognized every name I have wrote in this article, I commend you. However, these names mean nothing to most people. Sure, you know some of them, but we have forgotten what these men stand for. These men did not let political opinions stop their effort to make America great. The men I have named were both Democrats and Republicans, but to them that didn't matter. What mattered was their morals.

America is headed down a road with a bleak outlook. No one gets along, and no one is willing to improve their situation. America has forgotten its past. America has forgotten the lessons it has learned from past mistakes. But there is hope. Not all Americans have forgotten. Not all Americans have thrown morals out the window. There are some willing to make America great.  Those men made America great because they trusted in God, and He guided them. We who are willing to remember our past, fulfill our civil duties in the present, and trust God for the future will fix this nation, not the government.

New Year, New Chance

It is 2013 already. Last year the clocks ticked faster than it seems they have before, and time flew. Every year goes by quicker and with more haste than the last. But regardless, here we are, the beginning of a new year. New Year's Day is a special day because it symbolizes more than just a new year. It's also a chance to start over. To make this a better year than the last. New opportunities, new experiences, and new people all will flood in with a new year. New Year's resolutions are what people strive for to make this year better than the last. But we all know just how long those last. Why is it that something we desire to do to make our life better is so easily broken? Many people resolve to exercise more, but food is so delicious. Some people resolve to make more money. But in that desire they end up spending more than they should. The list goes on, but very few people actually keep their resolutions. I'm not huge on resolutions, because there is a sense of failure if you don't complete your resolution. Resolutions can turn into a chore. That's why this year I'm resolving to not have a resolution. Instead, I'm going to have goals. Goals are like prizes. Goals take work and effort, but the payoff is huge. Goals are hard to reach, but they are fulfilling. This year, instead of trying to resolve things on your own, ask God what goals you should set for 2013. With His help these goals can be achieved. But it will require work. It will require dedication. However, if you are willing to give your best, willing to put in the work, God can help you accomplish the goals you set for yourself.  To help get started, here are a few tips for setting goals in 2013.

-Think realistic. Some goals won't happen in a year. Think of goals you know you can accomplish and work toward them.

-Ask God. Ask God what plans He has for you. You will accomplish your goals if God is calling you to accomplish them.

-Don't give up. Goals are hard to reach, but the reward of accomplishing them is fulfilling, so don't give up.

-Read the Bible and pray. These should go hand in hand with reaching goals. The Bible is spiritual energy for our lives, and should be the driving force toward our goals. Prayer is such a vitally important part of the Christian faith. We can talk to the Almighty God, and ask Him how to accomplish things.

-Enjoy the journey. Goals will take hard work and dedication, but that doesn't mean they can't be fun. A goal is like a long road trip. There are many stops along the way,  there are boring fields and interesting towns and cities. So take your time and enjoy the journey toward your goals. Who knows, God may teach you more on the journey, then when you reach the destination.

What are your goals for 2013?

My Favorite Christmas Song

"The Night Before Christmas" by Brandon Heath is by far my favorite Christmas song. I know it doesn't qualify as a "classic" Christmas song, but I feel it represents the hope and joy that came into the world the night before Christmas. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCitZPr2oD0

Figuring Out Who Brought Christmas Presents

There are two people in history that are associated with Christmas. The first is obviously Jesus, but the second is almost just as well known. His name is Santa Claus. However, it took me a little while to get the whole Santa thing. Spoiler Warning: If you believe in Santa, stop reading now!

My parents never told me about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy. They figured, I'd find out eventually they didn't exist, and it would save heart break down the road if I didn't think they were real in the first place. Since I had no idea about Santa, I came to my own conclusions about the giver of gifts. My first guess happened when I was about three years old. My parents owned a picture Bible, and would read it to me every night. On this particular evening, the Bible story was about Moses leading the people out of Egypt. In the picture, Moses had a long, white beard that showed his wisdom and flowing silvery hair; a typical Moses picture. However, to a three year old, this was a quaint looking figure. The next day my parents took me Christmas shopping. While we were in the store, we passed an inflatable Santa. Dad, wondering if I knew about Santa, asked who I thought it was. I thought for a moment, but then it all made sense. This inflatable man had a long, white beard and flowing white hair, so it had to be..."Moses!"  My dad started laughing and preceded to the checkout isle. My parents never told me my answer wasn't correct so for about three years I thought Moses brought us gifts on Christmas.

My next guess happened when I was about six years old. I finally figured out that Moses was dead, so he couldn't bring Christmas gifts. One day I was busy doing whatever it is a six year old does, when I had a thought. I know someone that brings packages. He comes everyday, and leaves envelopes in our mailboxes. The mailman had to bring our presents! He must have a key to every house on his route, and on Christmas Eve, he sneaks in and leaves gifts under the tree! I think I told my mom this time, and she gave the same response my dad had given three years ago. But again, they never told me I was wrong so the mailman had to bring us presents.

After about three more years I figured out it had to be Santa. However, I wasn't totally convinced. A man in a big red suit with a reindeer sleigh, travels around the whole world in one night and fits through a chimney? The mailman made more sense. But everyone else I knew believed this man existed, so I went with it. I was still skeptical until Christmas Eve of that year. That's when I knew Santa had to be real. My dad had logged on to NORADsanta.org (North American Aerospace Defensive Command for those who don't know) because he had heard they do a mock Santa tracker. This website tracked Santa on his journey around the world on Christmas Eve. It even had 3D computer videos of him flying through cities such as London, Paris, New York, etc. My dad called my brothers and I up to track Santa. I was amazed. Here before me was a radar map, showing where Santa was! It was incredible! I looked at my dad and blurted out, "Santa has to be real, because that's the government, and the government wouldn't lie to us!" Go ahead, laugh, but I was only nine.

I believed in Santa about four more years after that. Eventually I concluded that a man in a suit flying in a reindeer sleigh didn't quite fit into the possible. This conclusion was confirmed when it occurred to me my parents always had a "special night" around Christmas time. I finally asked my parents if he was real. They smiled a kind smile, and said that he wasn't. I wasn't sad, but I was a little disappointed. I knew that he didn't exist, but to have my suspicions confirmed proved it. I remember feeling disappointed because Santa was a sign of universal good. It seemed to me everyone got along because of him. That he brought the gifts so people would know about Jesus. My disappointed faded away Christmas of that year. Whether or not he was real, I still got my gifts!

I am much older now and the biggest lesson I learned from these experiences? The government is anything but honest! 

A First Time for Everything

Hey everyone!  This is Zach's friend Abby here to post on a blog for the first time!  I am so excited to have this opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings with you over a wide variety of topics with my friend Zach.  These topics may range from serious spiritual discussions to questions like wether or not the human population as a whole should really be continuing to consume the translucent, jiggly, and vibrantly colored substance known as jello (bleh).  However, for the rest of this month I will be helping Zach write some "Christmas themed blog posts" considering that it is December now (finally!)

So, Christmas.  What do you normally think of when you read that 9 letter word?  For me, I think of putting up a tree, hanging up stockings, giving and receiving gifts, etc.  In short, I guess that traditions come to mind for me as I would say they do more most Americans.  There is something special about a family tradition or maybe just traditional items in general that seems to appeal to us as humans.  Maybe it's the warm felling of remembering your childhood or simply because its what your brain has grown accustom to, but I think that sometimes traditions can do as much harm as it can good.  We loose sight of what were doing as we go through the general motions expected of us without even realizing it.

Even Jesus talked about the danger of tradition in the church and how we must be careful to not so wrapped up in the laws or tradition regarding Christianity that we forget what it is really all about: a relationship with our Heavenly Father.

So make sure to set aside some time to really explore what it is God has for you this holiday season.  It may even be time to break an old tradition to make way for a new one that brings you back in focus with Christ.

- Abby

It's Your Move

"A piano sits in a room, gathering dust. It is full of the music of the masters, but in order for such strains to flow from it, fingers must strike the keys. . .trained fingers, representing endless hours of disciplined dedication. You do not have to practice. The piano neither requires it nor demands it. If, however, you want to draw beautiful music from the piano, that discipline is required. . .

"You do not have to pay the price to grow and expand intellectually. The mind neither requires it nor demands it. If, however, you want to experience the joy of discovery and the pleasure of plowing new and fertile soil, effort is required.

"Light won't automatically shine upon you nor will truth silently seep into your head by means of rocking-chair osmosis. It's up to you. It's your move." -Charles Swindoll; The Finishing Touch

Commercial Christmas, part 2

Christmas is a hurtful, bitter time for many. Losing a loved one, losing a job, or whatever else the situation is, doesn't bring joy to people on Christmas. These people are hurting and broken. Christmas is a time of joy and hope, but they have none. Memories bring sorrow for them. Christmas reminds these people of another year gone by, another year someone has been gone. Or think about the people all across the globe that will have no Christmas. These people wake up as they do on every other day, just wondering how they will make it. This is our world.  This is what the society of Commercial Christmas doesn't mention. This is the part that is put on the shelf behind toys, electronics, and appliances. This is what a society looks like without Jesus. This is what a world looks like without Jesus. This is a society without hope. But, in God's perfect wisdom, that is not the case. We don't live in a world without Him. Our world was the same way two thousand years ago. The world was hurting, it had no hope. But that night the Hope of nations, the Son of God, Jesus, was born into a tiny manger in the small town of Bethlehem. That night the world had hope. We were no longer separated from our Heavenly Father. The magnitude of that night will never be surpassed in all of history, because it was on that night that God sent His Son so that we might be "white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). It was on that night that God sent His Son so that we could worship Him forever in eternity. Jesus came to give us hope. This Christmas season, our world is the same as the one Jesus came into. People are busy, looking for other things to provide joy. People are hurting, and hopeless. For those of us who have professed Jesus as our Savior, we need to share that hope. The hope of a God that loves them, and wants to spend eternity with them. So this Christmas season, enjoy the fun, the lights, the family, the memories, the gift shopping, the sights, and the sounds. And while you do these things, don't forget to tell about the One who gives us hope and joy, the ultimate Christmas present: Jesus.

Commercial Christmas, part I

Thanksgiving has come and gone, signaling the beginning of every one's favorite holiday: Christmas. Christmas is a magical time. The aroma of the air is sweeter, a sign of good tidings, and great joy. Human interaction is kinder, people are happier, and the world is eager and excited. Parents rush about, waiting in endless lines, traversing numerous shopping websites, and driving miles to get the gifts so desired after by their children. Child after child dream of the joyous day when a man in a suit  will come down a chimney and leave treasures under the glimmering tree. People illuminate their homes with an array of multicolored lights to show Christmas spirit. Stores become warm and inviting places, beckoning people to purchase items for their loved ones. Holiday parties occur throughout the month as a sign of community. But there is a problem. While this all appears great and fantastic on the outside, and no doubt brings great memories, we have forgotten something. We have forgotten Jesus. I'm not talking to an individual person, or a group of people, but rather to our society as a whole. We have forgotten the Reason for the season. Christmas has become a commercial business for our society. It tells people that their children will be disappointed if they wake up to nothing. It states that your spouse will love you if you buy him or her this item. Christmas is about buying things. However, even worse than this is the fact the our society is making Christmas only about things. Jesus is getting pushed to the curb on His birthday. It's about us now, not Him. We as Christians should know better than to fall into this trap of a Commercial Christmas, and I believe many of us do, but we still feel pressured by society to buy. My own life can serve as an example of how most of us feel. My parents asked me to write a Christmas list of the gifts I would like to receive on Christmas day. To be honest, I could not think of anything. I did not want anything! But something in my subconscious being, guilted me into thinking that if I did not ask for anything, I would be against the crowd. I can't explain the thought, but I can tell you I'm ashamed I thought that way. The Commercial Christmas has taken  the world by storm, and it is only getting worse. Christmas isn't what it use to be, and the reason for the season is becoming something other than Jesus.

The Ultimate Manual

Manuals are the most helpful pieces of advice never used. How many of us have bought something that came with instructions, and thought we could figure it out on our own? I'm guilty as charged. I think that I know better than the instructions, that I don't need them to tell me how to put something together, or how to work something. The best example I have in my life is that of my camera. I've had my camera for almost a year, and never once have I read the instructions. Because of my stubbornness, I don't really know how to do anything on it except shoot pictures. Unfortunately, we also take this approach in reading our Bibles. Many Christians only read their Bibles on Sunday mornings, and it sits on the shelf the rest of the week. A study conducted earlier this year showed that only 19% of Christians read their Bible everyday. 19%! One of the reasons for this is that we think we know how to run our lives. We don't want to read our instruction manual, but no one in the history of this earth has ever succeeded doing things their own way. We need to be constantly reading the Ultimate Manual, and letting God lead and direct our paths. It is God's plan, not ours, that will succeed.