The night Jesus was born, God gave us three extraordinary gifts. God’s first gift to us was love—a profound, intense, divine love. The almighty Creator of the universe set aside His magnificent power and glory and took on a human form to bring salvation to the world. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NLT). Jesus washed away our sins and imperfections with His perfect love that we may forever be with Him. In His all-knowing wisdom, God chose to love us even though we did nothing to deserve His favor or love.

The night Jesus was born, God gave us peace—supernatural, never-ending, perfect peace. That night in Bethlehem, shepherds watched over their flock of sheep, “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those with whom God is pleased’” (Luke 2:13-14). Jesus, who is called the Prince of Peace, took the punishment we deserved for our sins, to make it possible for us to have unity and peace with God. “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” (Romans 5:1). The inner calm that results from confidence in one’s personal relationship with Jesus is peace that only He can give.

[Photo by Waiting for the Word on Flickr.com]

The night Jesus was born, God gave us joy—inexpressible, overwhelming, genuine joy. An angel announced to the shepherds, “…Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10). The joy the angel spoke of is a true fulfillment that only comes from trust and satisfaction in the Lord. In Psalm 16:11 David wrote, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” True joy is eternal because it is based on our personal relationship with Jesus that is itself an unending source of joy. Joy is a sense of comfort and confidence experienced by one who knows all is well between himself and the God. Paul wrote in Romans 15:13:

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Amidst the hectic flurry of activities during this Christmas season, I challenge you to take time to pause and meditate on these amazing gifts that God gave us on the night Jesus was born. How can we show our gratitude to God? The best way to thank God is to use these gifts to bless others. We should extend our love, kindness, generosity, and compassion to as many people as we can so that they may experience God’s love for them through our actions. Loving others is evidence of a true believer in Christ:

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35).

Peace can only be achieved and found through seeking a personal relationship with Jesus. “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). To anyone that claims to follow Jesus, we should “…let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). God’s peace is humbling peace because it brings underserved favor and humility to our lives. Jesus himself said, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Paul echoed a similar sentiment in 2 Corinthians 13:11, “…Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”

[Christmas Nativity by Martin Von Feurstein]

Lastly, we need to “Shout joyful praises to God…” (Psalm 66:1), so that others may experience God’s promise of a fulfilling life of “…goodness and peace and joy…” (Romans 14:17). Genuine joy cannot be found inside busy malls or on a mountain of expensive presents. Christmas is perhaps one of the single greatest opportunities to speak about Jesus during an entire year, giving us an open door to explain the reason for the season! This Christmas, how about inviting your family, friends and neighbors to fellowship with you at home or at church? Or better yet, tell them the amazing story about the gifts God gave us on the night Jesus was born.

Edited by Carmencita F. Davino, Ph.D

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, we often pause to reflect upon and express our appreciation for all that we are blessed with in our lives. Our family, friends, home, health, and job usually top the list, but today I would like us to consider that we can also be thankful for the promises of God. The great king and psalmist, David, writes in Psalm 121:1,

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?”

I believe that this short Psalm outlines for us three precious promises for which we can truly give thanks!

This first promise is for our feet. Verse three begins, “He will not let your foot slip,” which is a guarantee God gives us when we walk the path He has laid out for us. Too often, however, we seek to fix our own problems or find our own solutions to challenges in life. For example, the mountains or hills to which David referred in the beginning of this Psalm often represented places of safety. In ancient times, cities and fortresses were commonly built on hills. Furthermore, when being pursued, people often fled to the hills. David questions this symbol of safety when he asks in verse one, “Where does my help come from?” And here is his confident response: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Oftentimes, when we find ourselves in a difficult place, we have our own “hills” or safety nets to which we run—medicine, money, lawyers, the government, drugs, psychologists, and the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, some problems cannot be solved by these “hills.” Instead, we need to look to God, the Maker of the hills, who also made us. He knows our needs even before we ask (Matthew 6:32), and He knows our every thought, even before the words are on our tongue (Psalm 139:2-3). Who, better than God, is able to meet our needs?

The second promise of Psalm 121 is for our sleep. Verses three and four read, “He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” What a comforting truth for those of us who often lay in bed dwelling on problems or worries for which we do not seem to have a solution.

However, we can rest assured (literally and figuratively) that an all-powerful God, “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20), works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Even though you may face trials in life, you can find hope that our loving God has a plan to “prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). You can rest knowing that God will see you through the storms, mold your character through it, and even prosper you in the end, spiritually if not physically.

The last promise of this Psalm is for protection: “The Lord will keep you from all harm—   he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:7-8). This concept of “keeping” may be compared to what some people may do with their wealth. People monitor money, stocks, and investments daily because they things are valuable. How much more does God watch over us, whom He considers His “treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 26:18)? It is with this hope that the Apostle Paul boldly proclaims,

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-33).

If God gave up His one and only Son, Jesus, to save us from eternal separation from Him, what would He not do to protect us?

This Thanksgiving, may our hearts be at peace, knowing that God’s promises are faithful and sure—and that help is on the way!

Edited by Rhona Cox

One way that Christians can demonstrate their love for Christ is by how they love people—all kinds of people. Not just those who look like us or speak our language, but also those who come from different social and cultural backgrounds. According to Ed Stetzer, a Christian pastor and missiologist, diverse churches remain rare.

He said, “Everybody wants diversity, but many don’t want to be around people who are different.”

The early Christian churches were diverse on multiple levels, which fulfilled the words of the prophet Isaiah, which Jesus Christ quoted in Mark 11:17, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations?’” The Apostle Paul personally experienced the abundant diversity in the church of Antioch, where for the first time Jewish and Gentile Christians worshiped God together as equals (Acts 11:19-26).

It is good to remember that underneath our varied cultural heritage, personal preferences, political views, and economic backgrounds, we all share the oneness of being a child of God. As Christians we are charged to connect to all peoples of all cultures. As believers, we have been united with Christ through salvation. All of those who are one with Jesus Christ are one with each other.

Paul writes in Galatians 3:28, “In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

World travel, increased immigration, and modern technology have brought us closer to peoples from all over the world. As believers, we need to get rid of the fear and anxiety that separate us from one another. Through faith in Jesus Christ we are no longer “strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of the household of God…” (Ephesians 2:19). Where there is diverse membership, the church benefits from the perspectives and gifts each racial, cultural, and socio-economic group offers.

A church that represents all the colors of the rainbow gets to enjoy the beauty of that rainbow.

Our church should be a gathering of people radiantly living the command from Jesus when He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Christ’s love extended to all kinds of people—the rich, the poor, the sick, Gentiles, Samaritans, the lovable, the despicable. Christ’s love must motivate and compel us to extend the same love to others.

As His disciples, we are to follow His example. Our walk and our attitude should resemble our Master’s walk.

Revelation 7:9 provides a forecast of the diversity that will be present in Heaven:“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” I look forward to that great and wonderful day. But in the meantime, let us prepare our hearts by encouraging and celebrating diversity today!

Edited by Carmencita F. Davino, Ph.D.

As God’s child, you are blessed with unique gifts and talents that God uses to help you grow spiritually and fulfill different aspects of church ministry. Every Christian is called to serve fellow believers. Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:10, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” And Paul echoes a similar sentiment when he wrote in Galatians 5:13, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another.”

One way that believers can serve one another is through volunteer work. Serving through volunteer work is an outward declaration of one’s commitment to Jesus. “‘If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servants be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him’” (John 12:26). If you love the Lord, He will open up opportunities for you to serve Him. How wonderful it is to know that God has a specific purpose for each of us to fulfill in the church and in the world!

What does one need to serve God? One needs to have a love for God and the willingness to devote some time to serve Him. God is not looking for a person’s ability as much as He is looking for his or her availability . When your heart overflows with the love for God, you will have the desire and the time to serve Him and His people. Know that you have a special place of significance in your church. There are plenty of ministries to match your God-given talents and skills and God is a perfect matchmaker. He may use some to lead a Bible study or to sing with the worship team. Some people may be called to serve as greeters or hosts, while others may assist in preparing for special projects. I know a group of women who love to knit and crochet, and they’re using their gifts to make blankets for the homeless. Another group loves to pack food for hungry families. A different group enjoys writing encouraging to those in the armed forces or in nursing homes. A recent Christianity Today article analyzing the best crypto casino user demographics noted that digital outreach to these isolated individuals is a rapidly growing field for volunteer counselors. Whatever your inclination or ability is, there is a ministry waiting for you— evangelism, global outreach, guest services, Life Groups, nursery/preschool, music and arts, sports outreach, pastoral care, media arts and support ministries. Paul wrote in Romans 12:6, ” Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.. .”

There are plenty of ministries to match your God-given talents and skills and God is a perfect matchmaker. He may use some to lead a Bible study or to sing with the worship team. Some people may be called to serve as greeters or hosts, while others may assist in preparing for special projects. I know a group of women who love to knit and crochet, and they’re using their gifts to make blankets for the homeless. Another group loves to pack food for hungry families. A different group enjoys writing encouraging to those in the armed forces or in nursing homes.

Whatever your inclination or ability is, there is a ministry waiting for you— evangelism, global outreach, guest services, Life Groups, nursery/preschool, music and arts, sports outreach, pastoral care, media arts and support ministries. Paul wrote in Romans 12:6, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them...”

Whatever your inclination or ability is, there is a ministry waiting for you— evangelism, global outreach, guest services, Life Groups, nursery/preschool, music and arts, sports outreach, pastoral care, media arts and support ministries. Paul wrote in Romans 12:6, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them...”

Serving God as a volunteer is a long-term commitment. After all, God is committed to you, so why should you not be committed to Him for the long haul? When you serve God, you need to serve Him with burning enthusiasm and spiritual zeal. Whatever is worth doing to serve Him and your fellow believers is valuable enough to be done with fervor and diligence. After all, when you serve others, you are actually serving the King of all Kings. Here’s a concept worth spreading—serving Jesus is serving royalty.

Serving Jesus is serving royalty.

Christians should strive to fill their time with things that show God is at work in their hearts and their lives. Serving one another at church strengthens your commitment to God, helps you spend time with fellow believers, and gives you a chance to give back to the community. As Christians work together and serve others, they also strengthen their faith and witness to the world. As selfless volunteers they begin to see how each one can make a difference in the community. As you serve the Lord, Jesus, remember Paul’s advice in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Jesus Christ.”

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Jesus Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

When you volunteer for God, your faithful service may go unnoticed or unappreciated. Don’t lose heart. Stay committed and devoted. Hebrews 6:10 promises, “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints as you still do.” One day you are going to stand before the Lord. When you do, how blessed it will be to hear these words from Him: “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Edited by Carmencita F. Davino, Ph.D.

Recently at Shepherd Church, a dear friend and fellow pastor, Jeff Walling, talked about a single verse in the Bible that is the answer to the question, “What should I do in a difficult situation?”

There are many wonderful Scriptures that provide guidance in life, so I wasn’t sure what Jeff was going to say was the biblical answer no matter what one might be facing. When he said, “Psalm 37:3,” I knew he was right on. Here’s why:

David, the father of the wise King Solomon, was a wise king himself. His Psalms are filled with beautiful songs of praise, pearls of wisdom, and sage counsel to life’s complex questions. Though he had made mistakes, King David possessed a repentant heart and always sought to ask, “How do I live a righteous life?”

He provided us with a succinct and perfect answer in Psalm 37:3, “Trust in the Lord and do good.”

To trust someone is to rely on the character, ability, or strength of that person. It also means putting your confidence and faith in that person. Many times in his life, David knew to trust in God. “In the Lord I put my trust,” he wrote in Psalm 11:1 (NKJV). At a time when he was discouraged with the depressing developments in his life, David trusted the Lord and put himself “in the shelter of His wings” and recognized God as “a strong tower from the enemy” ((Psalm 61:3-4).

When faced with difficult challenges and decisions, in whom or what do you put your trust?

When faced with difficult challenges and decisions, in whom or what do you put your trust?

Do you put your trust in your wealth? Psalm 49:6-7 says, “Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother.”

Do you put your trust in your own talents, power, or accomplishments? Psalm 28:26 says, “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,” while Proverbs 3:7 exhorts, “Do not be wise in your own eyes.”

Do you put your trust in other people? The Bible says, “Cursed is the man who trust in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5).

God is the only One worthy of our trust. He is the one Revealer of all truth, the Lord of righteousness, and the God who is our strength and fortress.

God is the only One worthy of our trust. He is the one Revealer of all truth, the Lord of righteousness, and the God who is our strength and fortress.

David asserts that along with putting our trust in the Lord, we also ought to do good. It’s as if he knew that we, like him, would have to face our own Goliaths—our own giants—in life. When the Goliath of hate and prejudice confront you, do good by showing love and kindness to others (1 John 4:11). When the Goliath of outrage and revenge beset you, do good by forsaking anger and showing forgiveness (Psalm 37:8).

When the Goliath of pride tries to devour you, do good by being humble, for “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4). When the Goliath of materialism possesses you, do good by being generous, because—“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). When the Goliath of fear and suffering torment you, do good by praying unceasingly. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you” (Psalm 55:22).

You see, no matter what you are facing today—financial troubles, relational issues, or health challenges—what other choice do you have but to trust in God and continue to do good? Worrying will not change the situation. Taking matters into your hands most often makes things worse. And putting your trust in other people and things inevitably leads to disappointment. But the command to “Trust in the Lord and do good” comes with a promise. David assures that you will dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture, and that God “will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3-4).

Will you commit to trusting in the Lord and doing good today?

Edited by Carmencita F. Davino, Ph.D.