Category: SermonByte

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Stressed Out! Part 1

stressedoutpt1Many modern folk wear stress like a badge of honor. They appear proud of the fact that their lives are too hectic and they stay stressed all the time. Even when they complain about feeling overtaxed, they appear to be looking for affirmation – as if constant stress is something to be admired.

Like so many things in our lives, stress has its benefits. It can push us to complete important deadlines and motivate us to make important life changes. It can provide the physiological factors needed to help us fight or escape when confronted with danger.

A surplus of stress however can be disastrous. The stress-associated hormone, Cortisol, causes serious harm when kept at high levels.

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Why He Came

Merry ChristmasIt’s easy to lose track of the meaning of Christmas in the crazy times we live. Even folk like me – the most dyed-in-the-wool believers – can get caught up in things that distract us from a fitting focus.

If we aren’t careful, holiday controversies and the “War on Christmas” will get our dander up, and have us offended and in fighting mode, instead of the proper posture that reveals God’s great love to the world (Jn 3:16). Things like this can also shift our attention away from the grateful and joyful hearts that God wants for Christmas.

With a desire to bring my own heart into proper alignment, and a hope to help others, I have compiled nine reasons that Jesus came. I hope you find it impacting.

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Has God Changed?

GodChangedFrom pulpits to news shows they cry, “God has changed!” Okay, they don’t say it quite that way, but that is the bottom-line. Most people simply accept this at face value and move on, but is it true? Are the pundits on-track? Has God really changed?

The premise typically goes something like this, “God was a God of Judgment in the Old Testament and a God of Grace in the New Testament.” Though often repeated, it is simply not true. God is neither capricious nor single-minded. We were created in His image and we clearly understand that judgment and mercy are not antithetical concepts. There are times when justice demands judgment, and other times when mercy is right and proper.

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Diagnosing Unhappiness

happinessWith iPhones, iPads, 4K TV’s, Entertainment on Demand, Air Conditioning, International Cuisine and so much more, one might reasonably think that we would be the happiest generation ever. We work less, have easier lives and are exposed to more self-help resources than anyone could have imagined just a few short years ago.

My friends in Kenya – you know the land of hakuna matata (”No Worries”) – have a very hard time contemplating why ANY American would ever feel sad or depressed. The truth, however, is far different. Our generation has possibly more cases of depression, suicide and stress than any before.

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Another Reason To Be Grateful

GratefulI know it feels good sometime to throw ourselves a little pity party. The biggest problem for me is hardly anyone shows up, and the ones that do, don’t usually stay long.

As prone as we may be at times to focus on the negatives, it really is bad for us all the way around. Gratitude on the other hand, not only helps us to win friends and influence people it also helps us in every other area of life. Studies have shown that people who thought about, and wrote down, what they were grateful for benefited in numerous ways including:

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How’s Your Gratitude?

GratitudeHow’s your Gratitude? We can all use a tune-up from time-to-time, and even if you need a complete overhaul, God is more than willing to help.

Research Scientist Dr. Barbara Fredrickson studied the role of gratitude in our daily lives. It might not be surprising that she observed a direct correlation between Gratitude and Joy. It is easy to imagine that joyful people have a lot to be grateful for. What she actually discovered however, was more profound. She discovered that it was not joy that made people grateful, rather it was being grateful that led people to joy.

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How Ya Doin?

doingIf anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. (Gal 6:3-4)

Isn’t it easy to point the finger at imperfection in others? “Can you believe they … (I’m sure you can fill in the blank)?” This seems especially true when the flaw is an area that we do not struggle with in our own life. Our own weaknesses are, well, just that a weakness – a very tiny one (or so we think). We have a tendency to judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their actions. If we are not careful, we may even find ourselves evaluating our godliness based on our perception of others. “I’m better than a lot of people”.

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Foreshadowing Antichrist

foreshadowingJust this week, a mystery over two thousand years in the making has finally been answered. Not only does it validate biblical and historical legitimacy, it also serves as a harbinger that those who forget the past are often condemned to repeat it.

After searching for over one-hundred years, archaeologist in Israel have finally unearthed the Greek fortress Akra which dates to around 200 BC. According to the ancient historian Josephus, and the writings of the Maccabees, the stronghold was built by Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) to control the city of Jerusalem.

The additional uncovering of arrowheads, sling stones and other items also corroborates the authenticity of the Maccabean revolt. The revolt of the Maccabees – and the origin of Hanukah – has been disputed by many historians. This find serves as evidence that the stories are more than legends.

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How Do You Think?

ThinkHave you ever witnessed something in the dark that appeared one way only to discover is was totally different in the light?

This phenomena is not unique to children, it also happens to adults. The biggest difference is that adults usually have enough experience to know that they are likely witnessing an illusion. These kinds of experiences are not unique to the physical world either, they have parallels in the soul and spirit.
There is a lot of teaching about how we think and how thinking guides our lives. Much of the modern discussion surrounds self-improvement and achieving goals. While there is certainly validity and usefulness in these discussions, most only skim the surface of something much deeper and infinitely more important.

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FOCUS

focus1015“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14)

Thoughts

One of the most basic rules of aviation is trust your instruments. A variety of circumstances and situations can disorient even the most seasoned pilot, but a properly maintained cockpit instrument is consistent. It is not affected by lack of oxygen or too little sleep. It looks the same in foggy weather as it does in clear. Bad days do not affect its judgment. These instruments provide a critical reference for achieving the goal of a safe landing at the desired destination.

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