His Destiny
There is a second part to Simeon’s message. Luke 2:34-35 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” These words indicate the type of life he will experience, one of rejection, hate, misunderstanding, and betrayal. Only after his resurrection will many understand and believe while others will grow in their rejection of his identity and ministry. As a parent you know how it feels when one of your children suffers at the hands of bullies or when they become sick. It hurts, and you would like to take away their pain or take it upon yourself rather than have them suffer. So, Jesus’ mother would experience great and many sorrows until Easter morning when her eyes would be opened and come to realize the true identity and mission of her first-born Son.
Open Our Eyes This Advent
After the birth of the long-awaited Messiah, Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple to be dedicated to God. This was a common practice for new parents as they were also offering the required sacrifice for purification.
Give Thanks
How is it possible for some people, and we are all vulnerable, to receive an act or gift of kindness and still find some facet to complain about it. Well, it shows our true nature – selfish and sinful. It also tells us something about our times.
Encourage One Another
The season of the church year is the End Times. Prior to advent the focus is on the coming of the Messiah – the second and last time. There is a lot of talk about how the current Israeli war and newspaper headlines are reflecting the fulfillment of end time prophecy. We need to get our head out of current events that try to establish a biblical time-line. Paul reminds believers to encourage one another about the promise of Jesus’ return, not trying to map it out.
Self-Talk
What we think and tell ourselves matter. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. When it comes to worry, anxiety is lurking in the shadows. Anxiety is distress or uneasiness in our minds due to worry over a possible misfortune. It makes our heart race, palms sweat, and raises our blood pressure.
WWIII?
To say we are living in turbulent and uncertain times is an understatement. The eyes of the world are fixated on Israel’s war for survival against the satanic attack of Hamas and all its allies. We wonder if this will precipitate World War III, what will the United States, or should I say, the Divided States, do and so on. Also, on the minds of some people is whether this war leads to the “final war of Armageddon” spoken of in Revelation and elsewhere. The current world events can cause worry, panic, negative thinking, and despair. However, we must remind ourselves that Jesus told his disciples: You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.
Relatives
We all have relatives; immediate family and distant cousins. Immediate family we usually associate with more often. Our emotions also have relatives. I’ve been writing about worry, and
Peace of Jerusalem
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.”We are all shocked with the horrific brutality brought upon innocent Israeli citizens by terrorists who have no compassion, but only hate for Israel and America: Jews and Christians. Israel has had to deal with conflict, war,
Concern
We looked at the difference between worry and concern last week and saw that worry is always future oriented about ‘what-ifs’ that do not materialize 85% of the time. Concern on the other hand acknowledges the problem at hand and tries to come up with an action plan where possible. Which one makes more sense to funnel energy into?
Worry or…..?
I mentioned last week we have the choice to worry over situations that are out of our control or we can be concerned about the unknown with the assurance that we are not alone.