December 2009
It is always so wonderful to share my monthly view with you, especially as the Christmas season approaches. According to the Merrian-Webster dictionary, Christmas is "a festival or holiday commemorating the birth of Christ." A virgin brought forth a child, and they called his name Emmanuel, meaning "God with us."1In last year's December view, I shared the Biblical view of Christmas. Click Here.
From the Mailbox
The following is one of the many letters that arrives each month. This one brought tears to my eyes.
"I have written you a couple of times before, and I'm writing to you again for advice. My mom went back to prison for the third time, and this time it really hit me hard. It was literally like a shot in the chest. I'm probably the only kid in the world who has lost their parents three times.
I live with my dad now, and he's an alcoholic. He's a mean drunk, and I just don't know what to do anymore. I find myself drifting slowly away from school work because I have to take my mom's role since she is away. I don't have time for anything anymore.
I know your past actions make, and will always make you seem like a horrible person, but I believe people change. I write to you because I know that you have also been through dark times. Any advice or insight you can give would be greatly appreciated." Julie Escondido, CA
My Heart Goes Out
My heart goes out to Julie and to all children whose parents are incacerated or who find themselves in a similar situation. Sadly, Julie isn't the only child to have lost parents. With the divorce rate over fifty percent, adults and children are suffering the consequences around the world. It is the innocent children who suffer the most.
I explained to Julie how we are to make a stand and not let people, circumstances, and worldly things control us. This is possible only through God's grace [power]. We overcome our circumstances through the power of Christ's cleansing blood and righteousness, the power of His resurrection life, and the power of the Holy Spirit. We know "...the Spirit who lives in us is greater than the spirit who lives in the world."2
As we grow in God's grace, we learn to be totally dependent upon God. As we draw close to God, He draws close to us.3 Jesus says, "Come to Me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."4
I suggested that Julie goes to see her school counselor to explain her situation. It is very important to ask for help from adults, and at all costs, stay in school. Also, I asked her to visit the local Calvary Chapel for support by attending services and participating with the youth group. She is not alone. Others have experienced what is happening to her, and the Lord expects us to hold each other up. Let us pray for Julie to embrace the finished work of Christ for power to overcome the world. "For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory."5
Paradise Lost
From the beginning, we were created with authority over the fish, the cattle, the earth, and every creeping thing upon the earth.6 As you know, we lost our inheritance of authority in the Garden when Eve was deceived by the serpent, Satan.7 Adam failed to exert his authority over every creeping thing. "When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned."8
Today, "Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don't understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God."9 As a result, they walk around in sin and darkness, letting that creep, Satan, walk all over them until the message of the kingdom of God is heard, believed, and acted out in their lives.
Kingdom Restoration
Jesus came to restore authority back to us. "...before Christ came, we were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world. But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, ...to buy freedom for us[redeem us] who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children [sons & daughters of God]."10 Jesus went into Galilee preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God, saying, 'At last the time has come! The Kingdom of God is near! Turn from your sins and believe this Good News.'"11
When Nicodemus sought out Jesus at night, he said, "...we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are proof enough that God is with you.' Jesus replied, 'I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see [know, perceive, or understand] the Kingdom of God."12 In other words, unless we are born of the Holy Spirit, we can never understand the things of God, which are revealed by the Spirit.13 If the Holy Spirit lives in you, "...the Kingdom of God is within you."14The Kingdom of God has come to earth, and through Jesus, we become a part of it.
There is great power in Jesus' name, Christ yesterday, today, and forever the same. The blood of Jesus protects our soul, and through His blood, we are made whole. At the Word of God, the enemy will flee, just as surely for you as he will for me. If you will lift your hands in praise, you'll feel all the pressures of Satan raise. Amen!
Kingdom Authority
Jesus came to give us kingdom authority as sons of God. He sent out His disciples with authority over all the power of the enemy, even before they were born again.15After they were born again, they turned the world upside down, while preaching the Kingdom of God.16 Their prayers were answered as Jesus had taught them to pray; "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on eath as it is in heaven."17
Does your life need to be turned upside down? Let's face it, life is hard and full of suffering and pain. Are you allowing the world, the flesh, and the devil to defeat you? If you are, it's time to make a stand by receiving your authority in the Kingdom of God. Ask your Heavenly Father to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to you.18
"A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all stategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms."19
A Prayer For You ...
"I ask you, Father, to give me a complete understanding of what You want to do in my life, and I ask You to make me wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way I live will always honor and please You Lord, and I will continually do good, kind, things for others. All the while, I will learn to know You, Lord more and more.
I also pray that I will be strenthened with Your glorious power, so that I will have all the patience and endurance I need. May I be filled with joy, always thanking You, Father, Who enables me to share the inheritance that belongs to Your holy people, who live in the light. For You have rescued me from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and You have brought me into the Kingdom of Your dear Son, Jesus. You have purchased my freedom with Your blood and have forgiven all my sins."20
Scripture References:
1 Matt. 1:23
2 1 John 4:4
3 James 4:8
4 Matt. 11:28-30
5 1 John 5:4
6 Gen. 1:26
7 Gen. 3
8 Rom. 5:12
9 2 Cor. 4:4
10 Gal. 4:3-5
11 Mark 1:14, 15
12 John 3:2,3
13 1 Cor. 2:10-16
14 Lk. 17:21
15 Lk. 10:19,20
16 Acts 17:6,7
17 Matt. 6:10
18 Eph. 1:17, 18
19 Eph. 6:10-12
20 Col. 1:9-14
Acknowledgement: A special thanks to Sherry for transcribing this months view!