Week #95 Why is Santa Second?

Got this off of the I AM SECOND website...here is the link if you want to read it straight off over there Why is Santa Second? Hope you all like it and Merry Christmas!

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The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.

1821 brought some new elements with publication of the first lithographed book in America, the Children's Friend. This "Sante Claus" arrived from the North in a sleigh with a flying reindeer. The jolly elf image received another big boost in 1823, from a poem destined to become immensely popular, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," now better known as "The Night Before Christmas."

The poem generally has been attributed to Clement Clark Moore however, a case has been made that Henry Livingston actually penned it in 1807 or 1808. No matter who wrote it, the poem has had enormous influence on the Americanization of St. Nicholas.

It's been a long journey from the Fourth Century Bishop of Myra, St. Nicholas, who showed his devotion to God in extraordinary kindness and generosity to those in need, to America's jolly Santa Claus, whose largesse often supplies luxuries to the affluent. However, he is still Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, whose caring surprises continue to model true giving and faithfulness.

For indeed, St. Nicholas, lover of the poor and patron saint of children, is a model of how Christians are meant to live. A bishop, Nicholas put Jesus Christ at the center of his life, his ministry, his entire existence.

(Excerpted from www.stnicholascenter.org)

Week #90 The Trinity Breakdown

Matthew 28:19

Our God consists of 3 persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each is characterized by the same attributes. They are all:

• Eternal - always existing, no beginning or end
• Omniscient - unlimited knowledge
• Omnipotent - infinite power/authority
• Omnipresent - present everywhere at the same time
• Immutable - unchangeable

However...they each have a unique function. Here's a simplified breakdown mostly focusing on the "3rd person" the Holy Spirit.

#1 The Father - Our Creator

• The Father controls the universe and every aspect of our life.

• The Father oversees circumstances and events so that each situation can be used for our good. (Romans 8:28) *This doesn't mean that only good/pleasurable things will come to Christians...but if we read on in Romans 8, we see that even the difficult experiences (v. 35-39) can be used in God's overall plan for Good...and nothing can separate us from the Love of God.

#2 The Son - Our Savior

• Jesus Christ took on flesh and blood and became fully man-while simultaneously remaining fully God-and lived among men. (John 14:9)

• He came to earth with the express purpose of dying on the cross, where He paid the debt for our sins with a perfect sacrifice acceptable to a Holy Father.

• Today, the Son sits at the Father's right hand and intercedes on for us.

#3 The Holy Spirit - Our Helper

• The Holy Spirit resides within every believer, starting at the moment of salvation.

• From the spirit, we receive our spiritual gifts (prophecy, great faith, knowledge, wisdom, etc.) and the power to do the work the Father calls us to do (witnessing, teaching, sharing/giving our time, money, knowledge, etc...).

The "Person" of the Holy Spirit - John 16:5-15

• The Holy Spirit is a person. We know this because Scripture tells us He has four imporant qualities of a person - knowledge, will, emotion, and activity. The Spirit KNOWS God's thoughts and reveals them to Christians (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). He exercises His WILL in the distribution of spiritual gifts to believers (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). He is also FULL OF LOVE (Romans 15:30), and ACTS as our comforter, helper, teacher, and guide.

• The Holy Spirit is co-equal with God the Father and God the Son. After Jesus returned to Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to Live within Believers.

• By having the Holy Spirit in us, we are identified as God's own! It separates us from the unbelieving world and serves as a divine guarantee that we belong to God forever.

• The Spirit's work is to conform us to Christ's image (Galatians 5:16) and to live Jesus' life through us.

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It basically comes down to us as Believers having Faith that God's Word is true. We are told that upon receiving Salvation, we are given the Holy Spirit and that He resides in us forever. God started it all...Jesus came to earth in the flesh and died for our sins so that we could be forgiven and have access to Heaven/God...and when Jesus ascended into Heaven He left believers with the gift of the Holy Spirit so that we could have Him with us at all times.

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Some material gathered from InTouch.org by searching "Trinity"

Week #84 it starts with ONE (Week 2)

If you missed last week, click here for some info that will help you get up to speed on what's gonna be happening on Holy Bloggers for the next few weeks :D

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Acts 2 - "It Starts With One" Small Group DVD from Seacoast Church on Vimeo.

The description of the fellowship of the believers found in Acts 2:42-47 comes after the disciples received the power of the Holy Spirit. This week we will look at the connection between the Holy Spirit and authentic community.
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+READ Acts 1:2-4
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2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before.
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What role does the Holy Spirit play in fellowship and community?

How can you experience the power of the Holy Spirit, individually and as a Life Group?


+READ Acts 2:42-47
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42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer.

43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

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In what ways does your Life Group currently reflect this model of community?

Other than wearing masks, what are some factors that keep you from experiencing true community with each other?

What can your group practically do to become a reflection of true biblical community?

Week #83 it starts with ONE (Week 1)

It Starts With One Series Promo from Seacoast Church on Vimeo.

The goal of this week is to understand the mission Jesus left for the Church and what this looks like for us today.

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+READ Acts 1:1-11
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1 In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

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Summarize the events that occur in this passage.

How do you imagine the disciples were thinking and feeling after these events?

Do you ever relate to this in your own relationship with God?


+READ Acts 1:8 & Matt. 28:19-20
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8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8


19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matt. 28:19-20

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What mission did Jesus leave with his disciples?

What is your reaction when you hear what Jesus said is the mission for His Church? Are you excited? Fearful? Why?

Would someone observing your life know that this is your mission? Why or why not?


Challenge for the Week:

What is one thing you can do this week to obey Jesus’ final command to his disciples?

Week #74 A Christian Citizen's Responsibilities

Cheating this week...letting Charles Stanley do all the work :) I figured this passage from his devotional magazine (InTouch Magazine: Conquering Your Fears July 2009) would work great for the recently passed July 4th holiday! Check it out...leave some comments...communicate with Jesus more this week than you ever have before!

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"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword of nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

Romans 13:1-7

If you catalogued every country of the world, you’d find many different styles and structures of government. But all, from dictatorships to democracies, have this in common: their leaders have been given their positions of power by the Lord (Dan. 2:21).

From a scriptural point of view, everyone with political authority is a servant of God for the good of that society. And while the Lord will hold them accountable for how they govern, His Word also details the Christian’s responsibilities as a citizen.

First, believers should be law-abiding. God’s children are expected to obey whether the issue is paying taxes or driving according to the speed limit (Rom. 13:7; Matt. 22:21).

Second, the body of Christ is to pray for government officials. First Timothy 2 urges us to make “entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings . . . for kings and all who are in authority.” While one purpose is “that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity,” God also “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (vv. 1-4).

Third, we have a responsibility to use actions and words to bear a righteous influence upon our government. Notice that I did not say “dictate” or “dominate”; rather, we are to cooperate by working within the system to effect healthy change.

Jesus called His followers “the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13), because salt changes the flavor of whatever it touches. The substance is also a healing agent as well as a preservative. God can bring health to a nation through citizens whose first priority is allegiance to the King of Kings.

Week #56 God's Field

"For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building."

1 Corinthians 3:9

In church this past Sunday, the Pastor referred to Christians as "God's field". I must say I have never thought of myself as God's field or any other kind of field for that matter. But, as the Pastor talked about how a farmer cultivates his field for growing crops, I began to see the comparison. He plows the field. He fertilizes the field. He plants the seed. He waters the field. Ultimately, that is exactly what God does with us. We are a field that God is constantly cultivating to bring forth fruit – win souls to Christ – show Christ's love to others – maintain a personal relationship with Him. When we accept Christ as our Savior we are a big open field. God begins to work with us. He begins to "grow" us into what he wants us to be. He must remove the weeds that have grown up in our lives and prepare us for His service.

A farmer starts this process over each season. I believe that is how God works with us. As Christians, we allow "weeds" to sprout up in our lives. We move away from God. We allow our soil to become "dead". We stop producing new fruit. God, just like the farmer, begins anew with us as we go through the different seasons in our lives. He never stops working with us. He never stops cultivating us.

It is amazing to me how God can take something that is completely dead and bring it back to life. Just as the farmer takes dirt, plants a seed and produces (only by God's hand) something useful. It is a continual thing. The farmer never stops cultivating the land and our God never stops working with us.

If you've ever seen a field at the end of the season, it is not a pretty sight. But wait until the farmer begins working the land for the next season and over a period of time it becomes beautiful again. Just as our lives become fruitful and meaningful as God works with us. I am so grateful that God doesn't give up on me. That he is willing to work with me as I go through the seasons of my life. That He looks at me with love and understanding, knowing that I am a "work in progress" that only He can complete.

By: Diana Abercrombie

Week #52 God-Pleasing Generosity

This is a post written by Charles Stanley on his website www.InTouch.org. I hope everyone enjoys it and is moved by it the way I was.

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God-Pleasing Generosity

Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also.

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church praises the Macedonian believers at Philippi for their generosity. Despite deep poverty and great troubles, they desired to bless others materially. From their example, we know God is pleased when we give . . . 1. According to divine revelation. The Lord has revealed in Scripture how we are to live. He wants us to base our decisions on biblical principles rather than on our own thinking. Looking solely at a paycheck or bank balance before determining the size of a donation is relying on “self,” not trusting God.

2. Out of our need. The Macedonians were poor, but they didn’t let that keep them from contributing. They gave out of the little they had. The widow who gave her last two copper coins was praised for her offering to the Lord (Mark 12:42-44). We don’t need to have extra money in order to give.

3. To those who spiritually nourish us. The Bible tells us to bring our gifts to the local church, where it can be used to further God’s work. The apostle Paul and others were able to evangelize because of the support provided by the church in Jerusalem. Recognizing that they owed those believers a debt, the Macedonian Christians desired to give something back.

Human reasoning tells us that we cannot part with our funds when debt seems too large or income too small. But the Scriptures tell us to trust the Lord to provide for our needs (Phil. 4:19)—and to give generously. Are you living according to these principles?

© 2008 In Touch Ministries® All Rights Reserved. Dr. Charles Stanley

Week #50 Happy Thanksgiving

Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
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This Thanksgiving don't forget to thank the Lord for the many blessings he has provided you. Family, friends, health, wealth, green lights, great food, the list goes on and on. Enjoy this Thanksgiving Holiday and look for a new Bible study coming next Wednesday!

Week #47 Do What I Say

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
"Honor your father and mother" - which is the first
commandment with a promise - "that it may go well with you
and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do
not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the
training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1-4

This one pokes fun at us young folk...and a lot of older folks too. We are told to honor our father and mother. Why? So that we may enjoy long life on the earth. Is it that simple? Pretty much. The Bible is clear that we are to respect our elders and those placed in authority over us. This holds especially true for our relationships with our parents.

Our main job as children is to obey our parents. Our parent's main job should be to teach us about God, show us how important having a personal relationship with God truly is, and set an example for how a godly person should act and carry themselves on a daily basis both inside and outside of the home. (Obviously parents have other jobs and responsibilities, but for the sake of this post, these are the ones I am focusing on...yer dig?)

This doesn't always happen. Many parents don't have a personal relationship with the Lord and therefore they do not know how to relay the importance of having a relationship with God to their children. In this case, we have to hope and pray that a Christian friend, church member, or family member will step in and plant the seed in the family's life. In cases like these, the child that learns about God can be a major influence on the parent's life by displaying the Christian lifestyle to his or her parents. I feel like I have branched off into another topic here (oops).

Anyway...we are supposed to obey our parents. By obeying our parents, we are obeying God. God is pleased when we obey His commands. He wants to bless us and He wants us to enjoy our lives. God teaches us what to do and what not to do, allowing us to enjoy true freedom. By obeying God, we are able to avoid sin and the misery sin brings into our lives and we can look forward to the blessings God wants to pour over all of us!

Week #38 Maintaining a Quiet Spirit

InTouch Magazine March 2008 Issue: Thursday March 6, 2008 Devotional.

READ: Proverbs 26:4; James 1:19; Luke 12:12; Romans 8:28

"When conflict arises, we oftentimes want to rush in and defend our position. Perhaps we even feel justified in blaming others. However, James 1:19 gives different advice for dealing with tension and disputes: 'Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.' In other words, more can be accomplished through a calm approach to the situation. Scripture also suggests that we:

Pray. First, we should ask the Lord to guard our mouth and give us the right words to say (Luke 12:12). Also, we ought to request discernment concerning the root issue and insight as to whether we might be at fault.

See with divine perspective. Our sovereign Lord works every situation for the believer's benefit (Romans 8:28). Not only does God use difficulties to teach us, but He also allows us to demonstrate the life of Christ by the way we respond.

Forgive. Even if someone has hurt us by causing the conflict, we should forgive. Jesus died to pardon all of our sin, and we, in turn, should forgive others. In fact, if we don't, our lives will become burdened by resentment and broken relationships.

Respond. If we have done something wrong, we should apologize and ask forgiveness. Otherwise, we can express appreciation that the other person took time to share his concern. Also, we should affirm that we will carefully consider his comments."

So...how do you respond to conflict in your life?

Week #31 Satan

He goes by many names...Satan, the Devil, El Diablo...and he is very real! There is a such thing as spiritual warfare, and believe it or not, there are such things as angels and demons. But this week I want to look into who the devil is and why he is where he is.

Satan and his demons are fighting for souls. Your soul, my soul, and your friend's souls. He is a fallen angel who was booted out of heaven because he rebelled against God. All of the angels that were loyal to satan were also thrown out of heaven...they're what we call demons. Satan wants to defeat God and rule the world. There is one major reason satan hasn't accomplished his goals. That reason is God. God is more powerful than satan. We see in Job 1 and Job 2 that satan has to get permission from God before he acts.

Don't misunderstand what I am saying here...satan is very powerful and has the ability to do a lot of things that could really mess up your life. I just want you to know that when it is all said and done, God and His people will be victorious, not satan (Revelation 20:10). God allows satan to wield a lot of power over the earth for now, because God does not force people to love Him. We have to choose between God and satan. Until we make that decision, satan will do everything in his power to keep us from following God. Once we have chosen to follow God, the battle doesn't end. Instead, satan's new plan is to destroy our walks with God and ruin our testimony. But...with God's great power we can defeat satan.

We have to be aware of the battle going on for our souls. I hope we all have a better understanding of who satan is, and what his goals are. I put different verses up on the right side of the page ---> about satan. Next week we will talk about spiritual warfare and the different ways satan preys on and attacks the world and especially God's children.