Those who are wise will shine like the bright expanse ?of the heavens?, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3

Following the Star

The Wise Men followed a star to the place where Jesus was. For they saw his sign and came to worship Him. They brought with them gifts fit for a king. We consider these star-gazers as wise men because they sought out Jesus Christ. Daniel tell us that the truly wise will be like that star which leads others to Christ.

Many people try to be stars in the world of entertainment, only to find their stardom temporary. With the advent of the Internet and social media almost anyone can become an overnight sensation. YouTube has launched many an unknown into super stardom when a video goes viral.

Reality TV is another avenue that turns ordinary citizens into media stars. Their exposure on these programs (some exposing more than others) cause them instant fame and recognition. These stars however soon become dim and fade from view.

Contrast these temporary examples stardom with the stardom spoken of by Daniel.

God tells us how we can be eternal “stars”-by being wise and leading many to God’s righteousness.

A wise man not only seeks Christ but leads others to him as well. We are called to be LIGHTS in a dark world. We are to be the stars that others can use to navigate their way through life. We should be the light that shines on the place where Jesus can be found.

Are you a star in God’s Kingdom or are you seeking temporary stardom in an earthly kingdom? Will you be the star that leads wise men, women and children to Christ or should we look for another?

If we share our Lord with others, we can be true stars-radiantly beautiful in God’s sight!

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And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” _{Luke 2:8-14 (ESV)}

Hear ye! Hear ye! Have you heard the good news? Today in the city of David a Savior was born who is Christ the Lord!

Birth announcements do not usually cause visits from heaven nor bring an angel choir and a brand new star. Wise men from the east traveled many miles to pay homage to this new-born King. Relatives might make a trip across the country to see a new-born but to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. I would think not.

The angels sang Joy to the world! They proclaimed good news to all men! He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace! What a birth announcement! What a proclamation!

My birth announcement amounted to a small space in the local newspaper. No fanfare or celestial beings in attendance to announce my arrival and certainly no bright new star shining overhead. No one came from afar to witness my birth nor were any kings or governors quaking at the thought of a new king being born. Other than a three-day blizzard my arrival onto this planet was less than spectacular.

For most people, their entrance into the world is usually without much fanfare or production. I performed a Google search to see if I could find any famous person’s birth announcements and found none. I guess the lack of those is due primarily to the birth of most infants is not considered extraordinary. To be famous one has to do something in this life to be worthy of such acclaim. Merely being born would not need a royal announcement of heavenly proportions.

On this night angels were dispatched to Mary, Joseph and lowly shepherds, to proclaim the birthday of a King. The angels foretold of the greatness of this child. All of heaven was dispatched to make this special delivery. This was no ordinary birthday. This was no ordinary child. This was not just another birth.

Most parents struggle for days, weeks and months even to try to come up with a name for their precious newborn, but this child’s name had already been picked before He was even conceived. The angel of God told Mary and Joseph His name shall be called Jesus, for He shall save His children from sin. This was to fulfill what the prophets foretold.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. _{Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV)}

God had many names in scripture. Some of them were El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty), El Elyon (the most High God), El Olam (the Everlasting God), and Elohim simply God. Never before had God been known as Emmanuel. Until this time God was far removed from the affairs of man, making occasional visits through angelic visitations and speaking through the prophets of old. But on this day the good news was God was coming to earth to dwell with man.

The God of all creation was made flesh and dwelt with man. He came unto His own but His own received Him not.

There were no preparations for this Kingly arrival. No dignitaries were gathered at His mother’s bedside to honor His birth. There wasn’t even a bed made ready for the King of Kings to be born. Instead the God of all creation came to earth and was laid in a feeding trough for cattle.

Israel had been overrun by the Roman government whose life style and manner of living was contrary to all the teachings of the law and prophets. They were living in a world without any concept of who God was or any desire to know Him. Theirs had become a secular society of humanistic teachings and beliefs. The Hebrew tongue had been replaced with Greek as the official language. Homage had to be paid to the government and heavy taxation was placed upon God’s people. Central temple worship had been replaced by synagogues. For the most part the singular focus of ‘God worship’ had been misdirected into many factions and divisions. The singular worship of one true God was being supplanted by the worship of many gods of the Greeks and Romans. There was no El no Supreme ruler. There was no absolute law and order. Theirs was a godless society. Much like ours I am afraid.

However in the tiny village of Bethlehem there was a celebration going on. God made sure that He announced His Son’s arrival in grand fashion. Angels were assembled to hark the herald. They sang praises to this new-born king. Joy to the world the Lord has come! They were pronouncing an end to hostility between God and man. They were proclaiming that God had come to earth to reconcile man. Immanuel, God with us, is the true hope of glory. God in man! In Man U are El.

The aim and goal of God is to reconcile man to Himself. He desires above all else to have fellowship with man. Times of trials and testing are sure to come to winnow away all that interferes with our ability to fully praise and worship God. God had to step out of heaven and come to earth in order that earth could be taken back to God. He had to make the journey so that we too could find rest for our souls.

Truly a world with No El is a world lost and forlorn but a world with El is fully alive and most joyous. Joy to the world the El has come! Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room. Let no one say there is No El in the land. For surely the Lord has come. O come let us adore Him!

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. _{Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)}

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Image via Wikipedia

In the United Kingdom, which tends to be a barometer of coming religious trends in America, only 4% of adults in the emerging generation of adult leaders (ages 25 to 34) believe the most important part of Christmas is its religious meaning.

Let us not forget why we are celebrating. “Born unto you this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Without Christ there is no “Christ”mas. Without the light of the world, we would all be living in darkness. Without the Prince of Peace there will be no peace on earth. Without the Hope of the Nations, there remains hopelessness. Without tidings of great joy, all we would have is sorrow.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14 (KJV)

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'Pop Goes the Gospel'

Welcome to the April 2010 edition of Pop Goes the Gospel blog Carnival. This I am happy to introduce a couple new contributors. I am amazed at the quality of articles I get each month and I would like to give credit to the fine bloggers who make this carnival one worth reading each month.

I decided that this month I was going to take the advice of our feature poster and keep SILENT and allow the posts to SPEAK for themselves, so without any further blather from me on with the Carnival.

Feature Article

Aaron Travis presents the sound of silence posted at themuse(ic)ian. Aaron must have been reading my journal because his article this month mirrors thoughts and musings I had on the very same subject. Taking time to listen to the sound of silence. Aaron makes the case for the importance of silence in our noise filled world. Now take time and be quiet as you read this month’s feature post.

In Bible Study

Jim Edwards presents A Godly Principle: Would You Buy This Barrel of Apple Juice? posted at EverydayChristianFamily.com, Jim presents and interesting illustration which vividly portrays his point, that God is pure and therefore we as His children should honor Him by giving our best to the Lord and not that which is tainted or polluted. Good post Jim!

Jeff presents The Spirit World: Introduction posted at ReturningKing.com, Jeff brings another theological gem to this month’s edition. This time Jeff tackles Heaven and Hell and other places in-between. Yes you heard me right. Now quick rush on over to Jeff’s blog and read it for yourself. You will certainly learn something by spending some time with ReturningKing.com.

BWL presents 3 Things Moses Teaches Us About Money posted at Christian Personal Finance, This week the Christian Church celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord the culmination of the Season of Lent. While at the same time our Jewish brethren celebrate Passover. What a perfect time to reflect on Moses and the lessons we can learn from his leadership.

In Culture

Andrew Hawkes presents hawkes – hfl – What’s Important? – What’s Important? posted at hawkes – hfl, Excellent question. It all depends on your perspective. The perspective gained from this 22 yr old missionary to Haiti may just make you pause long enough to thank God for what is important in your life. Thank you Andrew and welcome to the carnival. THIS IS A MUST READ BY EVERYONE!

In Life

NCSue presents A lesson from a skunk? posted at IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING. What happens when a skunk stops for a peanut butter snack and gets his head stuck in the jar? Well head on over to NCSue’s blog and find out. This one will make you smile and think. I promise no animals where hurt in the posting of this article.

In Church Life

Trent Cotton presents Confessions of a Converted Catholic: Justification posted at Christian Men-Christian Warriors, Trent presents biblical insights from a reformed Catholic‘s perspective. This modern day Martin Luther is penning some theses of his own. Whether you are Catholic or not see what you think of this post on Biblical Justification.

Joe Plemon presents Declare Who You REALLY Are: A Winner posted at Personal Finance By The Book, Joe Plemon a first time contributor to this carnival challenges us to confess who we are in Christ rather than who we used to be before Christ. AD versus BC. If you are a child of God then you have been made new, old things passed away and everything was made new. Imagine if the butterfly kept thinking of himself as he used to be… a worm. Not too many worms I know can fly so beautifully as a butterfly can. Great post Joe and I hope you continue to contribute to this carnival. Thanks!

In Family

Siobhan McGirr presents Even Super Moms Need God’s Help posted at A Christian Mommy. There are many things we can learn as adults if we listen to the words of a child. This Super Mom learned a lesson we all should heed. Well done Siobhan and welcome to “Pop Goes the Gospel“.

In Politics

Allen Scott presents Hillary to Israel: Don’t Count on Me! posted at Journey Across the Sky, saying, “Robert wrote an very insightful article concerning the Israeli and American relationship and the dependency upon Governments for defense and protection. Today’s world SCREAMS for someone or something to come and stop all the madness. The trouble is if we look to MAN for our help then we end up with the mess we currently have and open the door for the eventuality of inaugurating the ANTI-CHRIST. Take heed and learn a lesson from Israel.”

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Pop Goes the Gospel using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: pop goes the gospel, blog carnival.

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'Pop Goes the Gospel'

Welcome to the June 2009 edition of “Pop Goes the Gospel.” I am a day late getting this up on the net because I was away this weekend. It was nice to be away and not having to think about my “TO DO” list but like all vacations they come to an end and the “TO DO” list has become a “DID NOT DO” list. So the first on my “DID NOT DO” list was to post the latest edition of “Pop Goes the Gospel” so here it is. Enjoy!

Feature Post

This month’s feature blog post was submitted by Robert Minto. Robert has submitted in the past and as usual has great things to say. His article is well written and contains plenty to makes us pause and reflect.

Robert Minto presents Identity & “The Good Shepherd” posted at The Veil Away, Robert relates the Film “The Good Shepherd” with our identity in Christ. What does our identity say about us? Does keeping our identity a secret bring with it consequences? I choice this post to feature this month because it was well written and addressed an important question. Who are you, really? Nice job Robert and congratulations on being chosen this month’s feature blogger.

In Media

Justin Allison presents Influence of the local church posted at Old Testament Ecology.Justin asked and answered the question: “What impact does the Gospel have in people’s lives in comparison to the impact media, the government, the workforce, or life in general have?” His conclusion: “To sum up, the local church which I am a part of has much more influence in my life than taxes, government, or media.” Read the rest of the story to find out how he arrived at this conclusion.

In Church Life

Fiona Veitch Smith presents The Cyber Church posted at Fiona Veitch Smith, Fiona makes a compelling case for “cyber-church meeting places. Her rationale would seem to flow that with the ever increasing use of the Internet for everyday activities shouldn’t church attendances be considered along with shopping and information gathering? Is the cyber community disconnected from real life? Read this post and decide for yourself. Comments are always welcomed. Let the poster know you were there.

andriel presents The Basis for Salvation: Man is Sinful posted at ReturningKing.com, Andriel a regular contributor to this blog carnival is never shy about tackling hot button issues and once again he tackles a biggie; sin. Read his post on this touchy subject and see for yourself.

In Culture

Aaron M. G. Zimmerman presents Mockingbird: U2: Seekers to Saints to Sinners to Saved (by Grace)–Part 1 posted at Mockingbird, saying, “This is the first of a four part series on U2′s interaction with evangelical Christianity. It tracks them from their early fervent piety, to their struggle to reconcile their faith with the demands of legalistic Christians, to their prodigal years, and finall to their recent re-discovery of grace as the beating heart of the Gospel. It comes from the Mockingbird blog, a site whose constant purpose is to find connections between pop culture and the Gospel of God’s one-way love for sinners. The blog does this with humor, a bit of irony, and a ton of grace.”

Keith Tusing presents How to Partner with Parents and Protect Kids in Our Culture posted at CM Buzz.Keith offers a basic how-to for a churche’s ministry to children. He cites the need for a church’s cultural input into a child’s life. He suggests the need for more “voices speaking truth and wisdom” in a child’s life considering they are immersed in a sea of cultural corruption daily.

Kiesha presents Don’t Let Your Fears Talk You Out of Success posted at Highly Favored.Kiesha shares some personal stories of missed opportunities in an attempt to encourage everyone to not let opportunities pass you by because you are too afraid to act upon them. Take a chance and let God make up for your inabilities with His ability. This is a good read.

In Education

Shannon Christman presents The Christian College Porn Star: How Should Christian Schools Handle Students’ Sin? posted at The Minority Thinker, Shannon asks a tough question, and I believe she did not mean for it to be rhetorical so she welcomes other’s input on the subject. What should a Christian do when he/she sees a brother/sister in Christ overcome in a sin? The bible says Brothers and sisters, if a person gets trapped by wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should help that person turn away from doing wrong. Do it in a gentle way. At the same time watch yourself so that you also are not tempted. Gal 6:1 (GW)  What say you? Take some time to answer Shannon’s question. Spark some dialog.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Pop Goes the Gospel using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: pop goes the gospel, blog carnival.

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Powered by ScribeFire.

010001000110111100100000011101000110100001100101001000000111011101101111011100

100110101100100000011011110110011000100000011000010110111000100000011001010

11101100110000101101110011001110110010101101100011010010111001101110100*

see end of article for translation of this binary string

“Tell me the weight of a snowflake,” a coalmouse asked a wild dove.

“Nothing more than nothing,” the dove answered.

“In that case I must tell you a marvelous story,” the coalmouse said. “I sat on a fir branch close to the trunk when it began to snow. Not heavily, not in a raging blizzard. No, just like in a dream, without any violence at all. Since I didn’t have anything better to do, I counted the snowflakes settling on the twigs and needles of my branch. Their number was exactly 3,471,952. When the next snowflake dropped onto the branch–nothing more than nothing — as you say — the branch broke off.”

Having said that, the coalmouse ran away.

The dove, since Noah’s time an authority on peace, thought about the story for a while. Finally, she said to herself, “Perhaps there is only one person’s voice lacking for peace to come to the world.”

Binary code is the language of computers. A series of instructions that tells the CPU how to handle the data stream. If you were to simply look at a binary code string you would see nothing more than zeros and ones. Unless of course you understood the basic language of a computer. 01000001 does not mean anything to the average person but in the hands of a computer programmer those ones and zeros spell out the capital letter ‘A’. To think a digital picture is simply a series of zeros and ones, on or off, yes or no, true or false. These are the basic instructions utilized by a programmer to get the desired output.

As Christians, we are part of a master plan much like those zeros and ones are a part of the binary code of a computer program. When lined up in the right sequence wonderful things can happen. What happens when one of those lines of computer code becomes corrupted? The whole program comes to a crashing halt. If a zero is supposed to be a one then instead of the predicted results you will get unpredictable outcomes.

Just like one snowflake alone does not seem to make much difference when joined with other snowflakes, their combined weight of ‘nothing more than nothing’ can cause a pine branch to break. Zeros alone will not cause a computer to operate, but when you add just a single one you begin the journey toward a positive output.

As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist (be the one), fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5

Timothy admonishes us to endure hardships, to put up with opposition, to withstand the storms and fulfill the ministry set before us. Each of us, who have been redeemed from the curse of sin and death, have been placed in the body of Christ to do our part. We have gone from a zero to a one. It might appear that by yourself you seem so small and unable to accomplish much, but together with the rest of the body of Christ you are able to accomplish greater things than you could have imagined. Evangelism is simply each “one” making another “one”. Each on fire Christian ignites another. Simply turn an off to an on, a zero to a one.

How could one person chase a thousand or two people make ten thousand flee? Their rock used these people to defeat them and the Lord gave them no help. Deut 32:30 (GW)

Where else besides binary code can 4 = 100 or 27 = 11011? In scripture we find similar arithmetic where God was able to route thousands of the enemy by a few men of God because he fought with them. In His math 2 = 10000. So you do not have to be many, just be a one in the right place and God can do great things through you. Now if we all line up in our rightful positions in the body of Christ and be ‘THE ONE’ we will see great things of God accomplished for and through us.

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. Revelation 3:15

God does not want you to be a ZERO but to be number one. To be number one you simply have to be “turned on”. God desires for us to be hot not cold. He wants us to be “on fire” for Him and the work He has set out before us. Be the “one” placed where God can use you and watch how much happens when we hold our ground as “one” in the binary code of life. Or do nothing and be a zero, a place holder, turned off, and tuned out. The choice is yours, choose to be a “one”.

* translation to above binary code string is: do the work of an evangelist.

Keep Pushing Tender Sprout

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out if they’ve got a second. Give your dreams all you’ve got and you’ll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.

William James

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV)

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• The Original High Speed Communication Device

May God bless you with DISCOMFORT …
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with ANGER …
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with TEARS …

To shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war.

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them And to turn their pain into JOY.

And may God bless you with enough FOOLISHNESS…
To believe that you can make a difference in this world,
So that you can DO what others claim cannot be done. Amen

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And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’ _{Acts 2:21 (NKJV)}

 

Image by TheChristianAlert.org via Flickr

The Holy Spirit is the original High speed communication device. Instantaneously we can have contact with the Father via the prayer line to heaven. It is initially installed in all new believers in Christ. This high speed connection is always on and never gets a busy signal. There are no traffic congestions on the highway to heaven. There are no stop signs and traffic lights to hinder your call to heaven. There are however many obstacles to constant connectivity. Our wiring can get rusty from lack of use. We can cut ourselves off from this holy hotline by refusing to listen to the advice offered on the other end. Sin and deception in our lives brought about by the enemy of our souls can cause us to doubt in the usefulness of this heavenly hotline. Our own actions can cause the line to heaven to be severed. If we grieve the Holy Spirit it is possible to hinder our access to the heavenlyhotline. It is a toll free call but it does cost you the time and effort it takes to place the call. Jesus promises that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be heard and a answer will be dispatched.

I have had times in my life where that high speed hotline seemed to have been blocked or otherwise rendered ineffectual. During those times it was difficult to remain fearless in waiting on that line to be connected again. I know from personal experience the angst that is present when the heavens seems like brass. When we are waiting for an answer it is hard to wait patiently. The enemy of our souls would have us think that God does not care and is ignoring us. The devil would have us doubt the love of God and His ability to help us in our time of need. The devil would have us think that when we need Him the most God is going to turn His back on us and leave us to struggle on our own.

All these are just static on the hotline to heaven. It is nice when we have a constant clear connection but at times there is a great deal of static on the line we must sift through. The noise and distractions brought on by this static can be very unnerving. God does care. He promises to be with us even until the end of the age. There is no where we can go to escape the presence of God for He is everywhere. Therefore we have confidence when we pick up the hotline to heaven that we will always have a connection.

Anyone who has had a high speed internet connection for any time knows that there are times when the connection is not available. Service outages are common, although infrequent they do occur. Service outages are common in the life of a Christian as well. Although God is always present we are also bombarded with the fiery darts of the evil one. These darts are meant to cause us to doubt God and His word. We need to rely upon the validity of God’s word which is our guarantee of His faithfulness. He gives us a service guarantee when He sends us His Spirit. The presence of God’s Spirit in our lives is our service guarantee from heaven. As long as the spirit is active in our lives then we have the assurance of heavenly protection.

Therefore do not disconnect yourself from the Spirit of the living God for He is your hotline to heaven.

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. _{Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)}

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