Bethlehem Star

From our earliest memories of the Christmas story, we have heard of the magi who came to visit the Christ child, but what do we really know about them? Where did they come from? Why were they interested in a king born in Palestine? Who were they? There is a great deal of myth & mystery about them.

Psalms 19:1 - 4 (NLT) 1The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

In the Book of Job, Chapter 9, Job credits God with creation of the stars and constellations:
(9) He is the Maker of the Bear [Ursa Major] and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.
And in Job Chapter 38, God makes much the same point. He, not man, is sovereign over the creation, particularly the constellations:
(31) "Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades? Can you loose the cords of Orion? (32) Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons...

God reveals Himself in many ways. One place to find God is in the stars. Astrology is often defined as the the study of the influences of the cosmos on life on earth. Astrology is dangerous and wrong spirited. The cosmos does not determine life of earth. However, God can declare His plans through the stars. Wikipedia states, "Astrology and astronomy were often indistinguishable before the modern era, with the desire for predictive and divinatory knowledge one of the primary motivating factors for astronomical observation. Astronomy began to diverge from astrology after a period of gradual separation from the Renaissance up until the 18th century. Eventually, astronomy distinguished itself as the scientific study of astronomical objects and phenomena without regard to the astrological meaning of these phenomena."

Christ followers should have no fear of science. In fact, I believe an unbiased view of science reinforces Bible truths. Bethlehemstar.net is a great source for more information concerning the Star of Bethlehem. Plan to be amazed. Give yourself plenty of time to peruse.

Merry Christmas,

Stan

Christmas Island

Christmas Island is a dot in the Indian Ocean, located 1600 miles north-west of Perth, Western Australia. Even though it is an Australian Territory, its closest neighbor is Java, 220 miles away. 63% of it is national park containing species of flora & fauna found nowhere else in the world! Probably the most noticeable local is the Red Crab with over 100 million of these vivid red creatures living on the forest floor.
Exploring the waters surrounding the island is an experience not to be missed. Myriads of tropical fish swim by in only a few feet of water, while a short distance away, divers can cruise the drop-off which plunges dramatically into the abyss. A person may even bump into one of the local spinner dolphins or at certain times of the year meet the majestic whaleshark!
Christmas is always an island; an island of hope in a world of despair, an island of love in a world of indifference, an island of giving in a self-centered world. The angelic host on the night of our Savior’s birth summoned all to come to Christmas Island!
Merry Christmas,
Stan

Why Christmas?

It was a bit surreal to see Christmas trees and decorations in a predominately Buddhist country, Thailand. It was wonderful and strange hearing Joy to the World in the shopping mall, knowing that most of the shoppers had no idea what the words meant. In the airport in Tokyo, Michelle and I heard a beautiful rendition of Silent Night. I am sure the savvy Japanese shop owners were trying to get the European and American travelers into a buying mood.
While in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Michelle and I attended a luncheon, organized by Todd and Julie Powers, for missionaries. I spoke to the group of about 50 missionaries, who are preaching the good news of Jesus Christ in several Asian countries. Many help orphans, others have Bible training schools, others teach English, some are Bible translators, etc. I am in awe of those who leave home and familiar culture to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. It was an honor to encourage them.
Many theologians today claim the efforts of these missionaries is a less than noble cause, even arrogant, judgmental and wrong. Many today profess that we should not change the beliefs of others. They claim that all roads lead to heaven, and all religions are wonderful. Because God loves everyone and Jesus died to save everyone, then no person will be sent to hell, according to this line of thinking. We should not be proselytizing those of other faiths, according to this theory.There are difficult questions to consider. What about those who never hear the gospel? Is this an argument for not preaching the gospel around the world? If a loving God will not send anyone to hell; if all roads lead to heaven, then why Christmas? Why did God send His Son into this world? If there is no need for a Savior, then why did Jesus suffer and die? If Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and others are sufficient ways to attain eternal life, then why Christmas?

Give Thanks

Psalms 95:1 - 7, "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand."

An outward look at creation makes me thankful. Who can gaze upon the wonders of this earth and not acknowledge God? When I see a beautiful sunrise or sunset, I am thankful. Sitting in the Rocky Mountains in Winter or Summer beholding the immense beauty, I am thankful. Seeing the thousands of stars littering the sky from the bush of Mozambique on a clear night, I am thankful. With my toes in the sand on any beach in the world, I am thankful. Looking with wonder and amazement at the balancing rocks or the great Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, I am thankful to the God of Creation.

An outward look at the world makes be thankful to be a Christ follower. If the 6.5 billion people of earth were reduced to a village of 100 people, 60 would come from Asia, 14 from Africa, 11 from Europe, 8 from North America, 6 from South America and 1 from Australia and Oceania. 34 world be Christians, 18 Muslims, 16 non-religious/athiests, 15 Hindus, 5 Buddhists and 12 others. The majority of the starving and illiterate people in that village would come from the countries with the least amount of Christians. Most of the wealth would belong to those from the predominately Christian nations. I am thankful to be a Christ follower, because He takes care of His followers much better than the other "gods."

An outward look at salvation causes me to be thankful. I realize that I cannot save myself. My sins have separated me from God. I have been given the gift of eternal life through my belief in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. God loved me, before I loved Him.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Stan

Word of Faith

Romans 10:6 - 8 (NASB) 6But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), 7or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” 8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching...

Faith speaks. Unspoken faith is incomplete, and will not produce desired results. Faith believes God and parrots what God has said. Faith will not speak what is contrary to God's Word. So we read the instruction, "Do not say..."
"Who will ascend into heaven?" Many try to get prayers answered by becoming spiritual enough. Many believe that God only hears the super-saints, like Billy Graham or their beloved and gentle Grandma. This is based on a mentality of works righteousness. This begs the question, "How spiritual must I be to get a response from God." Our righteousness is based on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. He became a curse, so we could become righteous. According to James 5:16, the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective.
"Who will descend into the abyss?" Others try to move God through brokenness and suffering. Debasement of self does not gain access to the throne of God. Our access in gained for us through the finished work of Christ We therefore can boldly approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus Christ suffered for us, so we can be righteous.

"What does it (faith) say?" 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart'—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching..." Your answer is near you—in your mouth and in your heart. You do not have to climb up to heaven or lower yourself into hell to find your answer. Your answer will come through the word of faith that we preach (speak). Jesus said, "You will have whatever you say," in Mark 11:23.

Faith is conceived in the heart and given life through words spoken (mouth). Confession is not just a religious exercise. Confession here speaks of our daily conversation. Your faith will never go farther than your confession. You will never possess more than your confession. Jesus Christ is the High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1).

Let's learn to say what God has said, and not say anything contrary to His Word.

Complain Easy, Solution Harder

I came across these thoughts on churchinverted.com from Saturday, October 27, 2007 titled, The Dead Horse, "There are still blogs out there that primarily devote their energies to deconstructing American churches. These missed the boat long ago as everyone else has since moved onto solutions. There is always still room for identifying issues, but still dwelling primarily on these is now beating a horse that was dead long ago. Its past time to begin focusing our collective energies on not thinking church is inverted from what it should be, and instead focusing on what will flip it. For example: you say that service is irrelevant, but what does church have that is MORE relevant? Let's find those areas and exploit our strengths."

I agree. It is past time to criticism the church. It is time to do something about it. Complainining is easy, finding solutions is harder. You and I can't abandon church, it is God's answer to the "gates of hell."

I'll offer one solution today. Church is bad when it is something one attends. Church is awesome when it becomes something one does. I often tell my children, if you have the opportunity to watch something or to do something, do something. Church is something we do. If you want to fix your church, do something. Help someone. Teach someone. Serve, invite, and give. You don't even need special permission or a specific call. Jesus already said, "Go." On what further instruction are you waiting?"

The harvest is still great, and the laborers few. What you can do, you must. To see a need that I can fill, while doing nothing is sin. I can't fix the whole entire church world, but I can repent and get myself on the right track. Let's stop complaining, and get busy doing something.

Peace,
Stan

Jesus' Message to the Church

In Revelation 2 & 3, we have the only words of Jesus to the church. We have just studied these 7 messages that Jesus spoke to 7 individual churches in Asia Minor.

Here is what I believe Jesus would say to Cornerstone Church:

Compliment
From Thyatira (Rev 2:19), “I know your works, love, service, faith, and patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.”

Criticism
From the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:19), “…the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in are choking out the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

Instruction
From Philadelphia (Rev 3:8), “See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”

Warning
From Laodicea (Rev 3:20), “Remain faithful, and keep a place set for Me at your table. If you have gotten too busy for Me, then repent and let Me back into your house. Let’s share meals again together.”

Promise to over comers
From Ephesus (Rev 2:7), “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”

Just some thoughts I am having today.

Peace,

Stan

Building Blocks or Stumbling Blocks

If your lips would keep from slips,
Five things observe with care;
To whom you speak, of whom you speak,
And how, and when, and where.

Proverbs 18:20-21, "Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction. Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life."

Your words are building blocks or stumbling blocks. Words destroy, so guard your tongue. Words can destroy marriages, kids and friendship. Words can destroy your faith, dreams and future. When you have nothing to say; say it. And, don’t speak unless you will improve the silence!

However, words build, so don't stay silent. Cold words freeze others, hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter. Kind words soothe, gentle words comfort, and encouraging words strengthen and heal the hearer. Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” “I love you;” “Thank-you;” “I am proud of you;” “I really appreciate you;” “You’re great,” are powerful phrases that sould be used often. Learn to find specific qualities to compliment in others. Then, be liberal with your compliments. Proverbs 25:11, "Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances."

I am making a commitment to use my words are building blocks not stumbling blocks.

Peace,
Stan

Sowing and Reaping

It seems that God is fond of gardens. He planted a garden in Eden, and put Adam there. 1 Corinthians 3:9 (CEV), “You are God’s garden...” 1 Corinthians 3:9 (ICB), “You are like a farm that belongs to God…”

Our lives are like a garden or a farm. Things are grown and harvested in a garden or a farm. All around us the wheat that was planted in the Fall has just been harvested. The corn and soybeans are growing. Hay is being harvested to feed cattle and horses next winter. The food we will eat today is the product of a farm or a ranch.
Seedtime and harvest affects much more than just food. This process affects our whole life. Nearly everything can be traced to this principle of sowing and reaping.The principle works this way: (1) a seed has the ability to reproduce or duplicate itself (2) the seed can only reproduce the attributes inherent to itself, e.g. apples can only produce apples, not pears (3) there is a multiplying effect when the seed is planted, e.g. a soybean seed produces a soybean plant, which produces dozens of new seeds. In other words, whatever is planted will grow and produce a harvest, usually more of the same. So, if I expect to get something different than the “same old, same old”, what must I do? {Plant different seeds!}

Just like other “laws” in the universe, e.g. gravity, reflection & motion, the law of sowing and reaping will not be violated. Once something is sown, a person should expect a harvest. According to this law, a person should not be surprised by the results he/she is getting in life! This works with money, relationships, and the level of peace and joy in my life.

THIS IS EXCITING! I have control over enough of the variables in my life to change my outcomes. I can adjust my attitudes, words, actions, spending habits, investments, etc. Galatians 6:7 - 10 (CEV) 7You cannot fool God, so don’t make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. 8If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. 9Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up. 10We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord.

Change your life. Change what you are planting.



Peace,



Stan

I am sitting here in Frisco, Colorado in the Rocky Mountains thinking about God. Psalms 24:1 declares, " The earth is the Lord’S, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein." How can a person sit a view God's beauty and not acknowledge the Creator?

I am a person who best heres from God out in His creation. The most significant things I have ever heard from God always came to me outdoors. When I need to clear my head and need direction, I go outside for a walk or a bike ride.

We are all different. I believe there is a place where everyone can find God. Where is your place?

Sure, this is a short post, but remeber that I am on vacation.

Peace,
Stan

God Ruled Man

In Genesis 28 Jacob had a dream in which he saw angels ascending and descending upon a ladder stretched from heaven to earth. He heard the voice of God speaking to him. Upon awakening Jacob named the place “Bethel”, meaning—“House of God.” There he made a vow to follow God, and pledged to return a tenth to God of all that God gave to him. Jacob tricked his brother and received the birthright that was due Esau. Then, Jacob outfoxed his father-in-law, who was quite a con himself. Jacob later returned to his own land a very wealthy man. The Lord truly had been with him. Figuratively he was living in Bethel.
Yet, it was God’s second intervention into Jacob’s life which is more profound. In Genesis 32 he wrestles with the Man of God all night. In the end he is broken, disjointed, but determined to know the Man. Jacob’s name, which means—“deceiver”, is changed into “Israel”, meaning—“prince with God”, or “God-ruled man”. Jacob named this place “Peniel”—“Face of God”, for there he met with God face to face. This is the essence of true worship, to seek the face of God, not His hand of blessing. Jacob served the Lord, and sought to be successful, and was blessed abundantly. Living in the house of God, Bethel, is a blessed and wonderful place.
The pursuit of natural and material success never truly satisfies any person. The ultimate pursuit of a one’s life is the face-to-face encounter with God. The pursuit of God Himself ultimately makes “all things” available to the worshipper. Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you desire, and it will be done for you,” (John 15.7). Jesus also said, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” (Matthew 6.33).
More than being a successful man, a wealthy man, I long to be a true worshipper, who seeks after the face of God, not only His hand of blessing. I desire to be known as Israel—a God-ruled man. I want to have the kind of encounter with God, where my old sinful nature is changed. I want people to see God in me. I want to be a real Christian—like Christ.

Everybody's Doing It

I typed in “everybody’s doing it” into Yahoo. I found everything under the sun, from ring tones to yoga, to a Netflix ad and an article about how “everyone is going green” to real estate investing to an article about aging, and a blog about motorcycles and another about neck tattoos and bare waistlines. There is one thing that I know Everybody’s Doing—Everybody is Worshipping something or someone.

An examination of one’s checkbook and calendar will help reveal what one is worshipping. Most people’s homes are set up as a shrine in worship of television and movies. The central focus of the house is set toward entertainment. Most of us don't worship an idol in the traditional sense of bowing down before a statue of a god. Yet, we often submit our will and attention to other idols--money, possessions, pleasure, etc..

Worship of God is a total abandonment of me in complete acknowledgment and acquiescence to my Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus. It is a response of God’s Spirit in us back to Him, which takes our soul and body along for a ride. Revelation 4:11 (KJV) "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." You and I exist for God’s benefit, glory, purpose and delight.

Worship is more than music. Worship is a lifestyle. My whole life is about loving God and pleasing Him. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT) "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Our motive in everything we do is to bring glory and pleasure to our Creator. I can worship at work, at home, at play, doing whatever, and wherever, it I do it for the Lord's pleasure.

The heart of worship is surrender. Pride is doing it my way. C. S. Lewis wrote, “The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become—because He made us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be…It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own.” Surrender is the opposite of self-serving and demanding. Surrendered people are the ones God uses. Nothing is more powerful than a life surrendered to God. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, said, “The greatness of a man’s power is in the measure of his surrender.”

In conclusion, consider the words of the Apostle Paul to the church at Rome, found in chapter 12 and verse 1 from The Message, "So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering." King James version reads, "...which is your reasonable service." Worshipping God with my life is reasonable. If God is God, then I must worship Him.

Everybody's doing it--worshipping. We might as well worship the best: God.

Peace,
Stan

Life or Death

On Sunday, our friend, Tony Cooke, preached at Cornerstone Church and at KC Life Church. He reminded us on the Sunday night about the Power of Our Words. Proverbs 18:21 (The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language), "Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose."

Nearly everyone has had hurtful words spoken over them. Often, these words have done great damage. Years have been stolen from good people, because of the words of other people.

Two questions come to my mind. First, are my words bringing life or death to others? Second, am I going to allow the words of others to destroy me? I want to use the power of my words to build up others and myself. This is one of the great missions of my life. There are several written commitments, which I carry around in my preaching notebook. Here are a few, which deal with my words:
I will love every person I meet, and influence others to love God passionately
through my words and actions.
I will say, "I apologize," and "you're right," when I am wrong.
I will say, "Thank-you," "well done," and "I love you," whenever deserving or appropriate.
I will create an environment around me where others are encouraged and challenged to reach maximum potential.

I also try to make a habit of saying over myself what God says about me, "I am the righteousness of God in Christ. I am the head and not the tail. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. I am more than a conquerer in Christ. I have the mind of Christ. The greater One lives in me. I am blessed going out and blessed coming in. My barns are filled with plenty. I am accepted; I am loved; I am part of the family of God."

Reader, I challege you to use your words skillfully. They are poison or fruit; your choice. Choose life. You have the power.

Put Action to Your Faith

James 2:14 - 17 (NLT) What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

I have always admired people of action. It is easy to talk big. It is another thing all together to back up one's speech with action. I've tried to pass along to my children some good advise. Hopefully, some of it sticks. One thing I try to do and to teach is--that if given a choice to watch something or to do something, choose doing something. I would rather play ride my bike, than watch a bike race. I would rather play tennis than watch tennis. I would rather give a person something something to eat, than debate that something ought to be done to stop hunger.

I have the great privilege of being part of a team of doers, not just talkers. We are putting action to our faith. Instead of telling hungry people we will pray for you, we are giving them something to eat each month through Life Center Food Pantry. Not every person can volunteer at the pantry. Yet, nearly everyone can give a jar of peanut butter or jelly.

There are dozens of other worthy places to put action to faith. If a person truly seeks after God's will in this, He will direct them to a needed and valuable place of ministry and service. The essence of living is giving. Put action to your faith, and see great results.

Peace,

Stan

120

120, that's how many teens showed up at the 2:28 youth service last week. If you add in the handful of others who came Sunday with the 75 or so children over in Jumpgate, Little Lambs and nursery, then we ministered to about 200 young people last week. That's about the same number of adults we ministered to also last week.

We've said forever, "At Cornerstone Church, we love kids." Our words of prophesy have come to pass. Our biggest challenge now is to build quickly enough to accomodate our growth. What a great problem!

Miss Lisa, JD and Jame are doing an outstanding job with our young people. Our adults have created an atmosphere where kids feel welcome and loved. What a great privilege I have to lead such a godly group, with the heart of Jesus toward children!

The disciples tried to send parents away, who were bringing their children to Jesus to be blessed. Mark 10:14 - 16 (NLT), "When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, 'Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.' Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them."

I don't want to send any young people away. So, we are working hard to get our building project funded and built as soon as possible. If God puts something on your heart to help us, then please be as quick to respond as is possible.

Peace,
Stan

Let's get started

This is my first attempt at blogging. So, let's get started.

I've been thinking much lately how in the church we mostly feed the already fed. It's so easy; those hungry for more of God come ready for more. That's exciting! It's so easy to feed the spiritually hungry. Being salty, causing another person to be hungry for God; that's more challenging. I think it starts with being more outwardly focused. We can all be so self-absorbed. We get sucked down the black hole of self. My self (flesh) can never be satisfied.

I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little bored with me. So, I'm challenging myself and you, my reader, to live for others. Jesus told us that the two most important things in life are to love God passionately and to love other people genuinely (Mark 12. 30-31).

So, are you an inny or an outty?

Peace,
Stan