It is a new year which means new beginnings.  We had a wonderful Christmas season.  I took a break from writing for a couple weeks.  Our family enjoyed some time together with the holiday as we spent Christmas in Rogers and it was a white Christmas.

We had another snow yesterday that gave us another 3-4 inches of snow.  It is absolutely beautiful.  I walked out of the house early yesterday morning.  There were no tracks in the snow yet and the scene was peaceful and serene.  The beauty of the snow cannot be captured by words.  Even last night, it seemed brighter outside because the ground was so white.

I am reminded of the verse, “Though our sins be as scarlet, He shall make them as white as snow.”  The snow is pure white, just as He makes us when He covers our sins with the Blood of Christ.

I am looking forward to this new year. 

Last night at our after dinner snack time, Sonya made a brilliant discovery about behaviors that can’t be taught.  Hannah informed us she would like some “bretfast”, which is her way of saying she was wanting something to eat.  We asked her what she wanted and she said “Cerio” (Cereal).  Sonya poured her some Cheerios and put the box back into the cabinet. That is when Hannah said, “I want to look at the box.”

With eyes full of revelation, Sonya looked at me and said, “Some behaviors just aren’t taught.”  Isn’t it true that most people look at the cereal box when they eat cereal? It is an innate behavior that is not taught it is just in there.  Sort of like reading in the bathroom (Hannah has already discovered that too:) 

Within all of us are characteristics that are implanted not learned.  We are all equipped with a sin nature.  We were born with that and it can only be conquered by the power of Christ.  Children aren’t taught to sin…it is in them.  Even through adulthood we have that innate capacity to sin that we must learn to overcome through Christ.

There are other built in behaviors that we have been born with.  These are gifts.  God has wired each of us with personalities and gifts that are to be used for the  glory of God.  He has given them to every one of us.  These things are inherent in our lives and we must discover those things that God desires us to do.  These are the passions that we have, creativity in certain areas, gifts that are not learned but given.

We are all unique in our giftings but all the same in the fact that God has given us innate behaviors. 

As we celebrate Christmas today, I am overwhelmed at the goodness of God.  We are blessed to live in a prosperous nation.  I am thankful that God has blessed each of us and has allowed His face to shine upon us. 

Christmas causes me to reflect on the price that was paid for mankind.  Christ left the glory of Heaven to enter earth through the virgin’s womb.  He was born to Mary and she called His name Jesus, because He would save the world from their sins.  He would also be named Emmanuel, God with us.

What Christmas means to us is that God came to dwell among men that He might die for man.  After the resurrection, He came to live inside of us.  He is truly God with us.  Christmas is a time to celebrate the fact that God gave us the gift of His Son, Jesus.  On this Christmas day, accept that gift…the gift of eternal life.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Our annual Christmas Eve service is only an hour and a half away.  We are going to still have it in spite of snow moving into our area this evening.  If you live in an area where you are afraid you may not be able to get back home, we encourage you to stay at home this evening.   We look forward to a worshipful service tonight.

We just uploaded a new podcast discussing Setting Spiritual Goals.  As we embark on a new year it is a good idea to set goals for 2010.  This new growthhelps podcast will give you a little help with that.

Check it out here.

It has been a long time since I was moved with compassion like today.  Perhaps, I have grown somewhat cold in my sensitivity.  The danger for all believers is to become desensitized to the plight of humanity.   To forget that others struggle through life and yet they seem to endure.

I watched a video by Carlos Whittaker, a worship leader, as he was filming for an upcoming album.  As they were shooting their footage a homeless man named Danny walks up, kneels down and then begins to worship with Carlos.  Their impromptu collaboration moved me to tears. 

It took me back to the roots of my ministry.  The days when I would spend hours a week on the streets of downtown Houston ministering to the down and out.  Feeding the homeless, providing them coats and their necessities.  Some of the most beautiful moments of my life were under bridges sharing the love of Christ with these men.

Watching Danny in the video reminded me of a man named Slim that I would spend time with every week.  Slim always had a positive outlook and a deep love for God.  My heart was touched by this song The God of Second Chances, because every one deserves a second chance.  The banker in a suit or the homeless guy on 8th street.  God is a God of Second Chances.

My heart is overwhelmed because I need to have more compassion.  I need to be moved by the heart of God.  Instead of going through the religious motions, my desire is to know the heart of God and please Him in all that I do.  Maybe He is giving me a second chance.  A chance to make impact in our church, community and world.  No more calloused heart, but a heart that beats with Christ and for Christ!

Check out the video here.  But beware, it may move you beyond words.

Today we posted a podcast to help out with the holiday relationships.  Many people will be having a family meal with all the different personalities in their families.  Today’s growthhelps edition is about how to deal with the different people that will be around the dinner table.

Check it out here.