Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Holidays or Holy Days

HOLIDAYS
or
HOLY DAYS

Jn.4: 19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

This prophetic teaching comes from the lips of THE Prophet, Jesus. This woman knew all too well the customs and practices of the Jewish people and she questioned the Lord about them. She pointed out the difference in the places where Samaritans worshiped and where Jews worshiped. But this is much more than just a difference between the two places of worship. Jesus foretells of the day when the New Covenant will abolish the Old and be ushered in as the covenant of the Spirit.

This will be no minor adjustment. This will not just mean that men will now worship at the same earthly place. This utterance from our Lord tells us that the New Covenant will be ushered in by the Spirit, and it will live in the Spirit, and men will worship in the Spirit as well. The object of that worship will be the Truth, the Lord Jesus. But no longer will there be a tabernacle and symbolic furniture. No more will there be a brazen altar or laver, or a table of showbread or a candlestick or altar of incense. And no longer will there be an Ark of the Covenant where the presence of God dwelt upon the earth. Once the house is built men take down the scaffolding.

The presence of God will now dwell in each and every believer. No more tabernacle made with hands and no more priesthood made after the law. The New Covenant gives direct access into the throne room of God by the blood of Jesus and the power of the Spirit. This new and eternal covenant is what God had always had in mind, and the Old Covenant is abolished and now stands as a wonderful set of symbols which men of the Spirit will understand point to Christ and the New Covenant. No more animal sacrifice, no more tabernacle, no more furniture, no more priesthood, no more tablets of stone, and no more law. It has been fulfilled by Christ, and that yoke of death has now been loosed from off the neck of every true believer.

Phil.3: For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

The Apostle Paul was well versed in the Law of Moses. He was a renowned Pharisee and a doctor of the law. He was a student of the law and he was a teacher of the law. He had dedicated his life to the adherence of the law. And lest anyone think he was some Gentile invader, or even some unlearned Jew taking license of things about which he was ignorant, in these verses he openly rehearses his Hebrew pedigree and his credentials as a teacher of the law.

So there is no question as to the qualifications of the man named Saul who has now embraced his current name as Paul. He knows full well where of he speaks and he steps into a revelation which the Jews have rejected and for which his own life is now sought. In fact, he is writing these words from a Philippian jail. Paul and Silas were thrown into prison because the accusation was that they taught things contrary to the law. The accusers mistakenly accused Paul of teaching Jewish law just because he was a Jew.

But while in prison Paul goes about teaching the truth about the law verses grace. And in verse seven he says that whatever things were counted gain to him, he counted as loss for Christ. That does not sound like a man who held the law in high esteem as some do today. I mean who today would say “I consider the Old Testament law as excrement compared to knowing Christ”? That would be considered blasphemy in some circles and yet that is exactly what Paul was saying.

But Paul is much more specific as he writes to the church at Galatia.

Gal.4: Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

The law was a governor and a tutor or as we would say today a guardian. But that guardianship was not to be forever. When God sent forth His Son the guardianship was to be eradicated. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of life while the message of the law was the sentence of death. The Holy Spirit now does the conviction not tablets of stone. We are to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and not use the law like a tenderizer for the main course meat. But what are the implications of being set free from the law? Is it just being free from its bondage, or are there spiritual responsibilities that come along with living in the Spirit and not the law?

The law of Moses was put on notice in a manger in Bethlehem that its days were numbered. But God in His eternal wisdom had already equipped the law with a weakness which was to be its greatest strength. The law was ready to be done away with when the Son fulfilled it and cut a new and eternal covenant with His own blood. And in a wonderful miracle, not only were believers set free from the law, but they would be edified in studying the law because the Spirit now illuminated Christ throughout the law. What we could not see before became obvious and evident now.

Not only did the Apostle Paul make it clear that New Testament believers were no longer under the law, but he made it emphatic that should never be any mixing of the law with the grace found in Jesus Christ. None.

Gal.4: And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

Paul identifies some of the bondages that these Galatian believers are carrying over from the law. He does not dismiss them. He confronts them because they are detriments to the spiritual realm. Paul never accepted a melding of law and grace. In fact his life was constantly in danger because he taught men they did not have to obey the law.

But I want to address how the church has succumbed to the observance of holidays or more accurately “holy days”. There are sects of evangelicalism which embrace the Jewish roots to such an extent that they create an amalgam of the Old Testament observances and the New Testament teachings. And they observe the feasts and the holy days laid out under the Old Covenant. I have written about that phenomenon HERE.

But most evangelical churches do not observe such holy days. But they do observe special days which the heathen observe as well. And most if not all these days have pagan roots and are in conflict with the life which should be in the Spirit. Celebrating days like the 4th of July is just spiritual compromise pure and simple, but of course who really cares about spiritual compromise these days. But one holiday which is projected as being a Christian holyday is Christmas and it is probably chief among the pagan holidays. I realize there is little appetite for an honest discussion much less a thirst to sacrifice that which displeases God. The Scriptures have become a written idol on one side and some nebulous guidelines on the other. The love of “Christmas” is stronger than a love for God’s Word. Rationalize it any way you can if it soothes your conscience.

Imagine you were a first century believer. You worshiped Christ and shared His gospel. You knew brothers and sisters who had been murdered for the faith and you lived with the joy of Christ along with a concern over the safety of your family. But even in living in that kind of cauldron you saw sinners come to Christ and manifest a hunger and thirst to abandon their pagan roots and learn the ways of their Master. You met in homes where you praised God and prayed much and broke bread together. It was a time of great danger, great learning, great transformation, great growth, and a spreading of the gospel around the world.

Now imagine that the Lord put you to sleep and woke you up in 2013 in America and He allowed you to retain your memory. Of course at first you were dazzled by all the lights and cars and all the fruits of technology. And December came and you witnessed all the scurrying around and all the buying and all the trees and lights and nativity scenes and pictures of Santa Claus. You inquired as to what was happening and you were told that the community, unbelievers and believers alike, were actually celebrating or at least observing the birth of Jesus on a certain day. You were astounded.

So you asked some who professed Christ why did they observe such a day? Why, you asked? And you asked where and when did this observance begin since none of the early believers even conceived of such a day. And when you remembered how difficult it was for so many early believers to repent of their own pagan observances, and when you remember how the teachings of Paul about such holy days were spoken throughout the church, you wondered how anyone who professed to follow Jesus and the New Covenant could participate in such idolatry. And aside from the very unscriptural concept of holy days, you saw how believer’s children were lavished with all kinds of trinkets and material goods which taught them to embrace the hedonism of the culture.

And then you were invited to attend a Christmas gathering at a local church. As you sat in such luxury you noticed that no one was concerned about any authorities coming to arrest anyone. But you also noticed that the crowd spoke of everything but Jesus. They greeted each other and smiled and spoke of visiting family and large crowds at stores and travel plans and even football. You looked around and saw almost no one praying as they seemed to be waiting for something to begin. The building was decorated with all kinds of plants and flowers and wreaths and colored ribbons and there was even a tree. A tree, you thought? Did not the pagans do the very same thing in their holidays?

So there you sat among the measured hum of human conversation and inside a glamorized building and now you are seriously concerned about what this is all about. You remember brothers and sisters who literally gave their lives for Jesus and paid a great price because they refused to give their allegiance to any earthly government or observe anything that even hinted at paganism. And yet these modern believers seemed very comfortable infusing pagan observances right into the gatherings. And these gatherings seemed much less like a prayer gathering than they do a community fellowship. And you wondered not only where this thing called “Christmas” came from, but how they came up with the name. (You wouldn’t want to know.)

Ok, back to us. There can be no argument. Celebrating any kind of holiday is pagan at its roots and reduces our commitment to Christ by an open rebellion to His Word. Yes, the Bible we carry and use to pound gays over the head and proclaim that we believe it is inerrant are just words on a printed page which can offer some practical advice for morality but which also contain teachings we can so mangle and manipulate that we can openly disobey them and claim we are observing Christ even while disobeying Him. Think about that. Christmas is a holiday which is pagan in its practice and origin and in direct violation to the teachings of Scripture and yet we can observe it and still proclaim we are honoring Jesus. That, my friends, is some spiritual hubris. In other words it is an open spiritual rebellion accompanied by wonderful music, brightly colored regalia, enthusiastic materialism, and an open disregard for Scripture. It is an adaptation of the pagan holiday HERE known as “Yule”  or “Winter Solstice” which celebrates the birth of a son, Mithra, to a virgin goddess. It was this pagan holiday after which some Christians modeled “Christmas”. In fact it was centuries after the celebration of the birth of the pagan god Mithra that a pope instated what is called Christmas. He arbitrarily chose December 25th because of its vicinity to the Winter Solstice. HERE

Wow, can there be any deeper idolatry and open rebellion to Christ? Can we actually please God by taking a holiday which celebrates the birth of a counterfeit Christ and attaching Jesus’ name to his birthday? What would God think if we took Halloween and said it was when Jesus was baptized and called it Christween and began to celebrate it in the church with orange and black decorations and songs about baptism and exchanged chocolate doves? Absurd, you say? Exactly. You see, even if you can invent some none existent wiggle room about observing holidays you can never make a case for Christmas.

So the next time you open your Bible comforted by the thought you actually believe it is God’s Word try and pretend you have never read this post or seen those words by Paul. That way you can be fully invested in Christmas without being bothered by all those pesky truths. Merry Christmas!

17 comments:

Lorena said...

All you have said here Rick needs to be said.
Thank you for saying it, my brother.

Rick Frueh said...

Thank you, Lorena.
Signed, Scrooge. :)

Anonymous said...

I agree here. However, if more christians were to see this and refrain from participating, wouldn't we have to start cleaning out the whole closet on celebrating anything? What about celebrating birthdays, and anniversaries, where people spend time focusing on the days of their birth, as though they are so special? It might not have a pagan origin, but it has an egotistical origin.

I know, I know, once we start down that road then we start to become legalistic......and I used be part of a very legalistic church. Of course, the pagan elements that are so ingrained in Christ's birthday is nothing compared to the commercialization and greed and partying and materialism.

I think worrying too much about following heathen practices opens up a Pandora's box, where if we really thought through every part of our culture and if even decorating our homes is anti-biblical? Is growing a flower garden wrong? Does it mean we worship flowers? We put wreaths and things on our doors and crafts and images on our walls, and some people paint landscapes or buy things to make their home look appealing, and we never know where the historical source of that practice comes from? Do we unknowingly wear materials or eat food offered to idols? Do we buy things that were made by sweat factories by people who get paid one dollar per day? There are so many things we take for granted and at least every time we participate in consumerism, we may be guilty of contributing to some non-biblical entity.

It's all true what Bro. Rick posted here. But, while I really take the time to decide what I personally should do, I'm taking this in stride and I know that I do not worship my boughs with red ribbons or tree or the pretty lamp or my grandmother's mirror, or my parents dining table, or the artwork on my wall. I don't idolize the trees outside my house, nor the sun, nor anything. Jesus is the only One I worship. I still find it hard to break free from the hold the culture has on us, but one thing I know, that celebrating with friends, and family or even with strangers, and sharing food together was done by our Lord Himself. Lots to think about here.

J.

Rick Frueh said...

Many good thoughts, J.. I do believe that Christmas is by far the greatest offender with Easter second.

Anonymous said...


How can we test if Jesus is the only One we worship? Let's examine our fruit! Are we wholeheartedly forgiving our fellowman? Are we speaking up against Nationalism, Communism, Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism and other false teachings? If you refuse to do this can you claim to be attentive to what Jesus is teaching?

Cherie c. said...

Like telling your kids that drinking and driving, texting and driving and talking on a cell phone and driving is dangerous, you will always find people who will explain away why they celebrate Christmas. I know, I was CHIEF! And the word legalistic is usually thrown in your face, which is someone's fleshly justification for doing that which we ought not. Then they usually put forth other examples that have no context to the subject to make the point. I believe it is called circular reasoning. Example, if we don't celebrate Christmas, then we can't celebrate anything. Not always the case. There are doubtful disputations, but we need to measure them up to Scripture. The Word says to give honor where honor is due. We can associate that to birthdays? I do not know. But a day which has clear, and I mean clear pagan origins; was not mentioned in Scripture, and was brought about from the formation of a state religion should be evidence enough that we should not participate in Christmas. How much more evidence is needed?

When the Spirit opens your eyes, when you see truth, how is it that we can still "explain it away"!?

Answer: Sin, disobedience, fleshly overtures that you simply won't ignore. Compromise. This time of year is dazzling! I would be a liar if I said it wasn't pretty, but can no one see the connection? Pretty lights, angel of light?

Sentimentality was used to try and sway Jesus from the cross. Peter resisted the thought of Him dying. But Jesus REBUKED him! Told satan to get behind Him.

The struggle to keep my heart when I see military commercials with Christmas themes is so difficult to do, but I have too. This deception is so strong. Right is wrong and wrong is right and people treat you like you are a puppy killer, it is so disheartening.

The analogy to use for this deception is like watching people in a burning house, it is a great example. You see the flames, you cry a warning, and they look at you like you have a duck on your shoulder. No one listens.

Your post Pastor Rick hits home. My twin sister is a Sabbath Keeper, my family (husband, sons) are professed Christians (except for the older son, he is atheist, so he says). My sister celebrates Jewish holidays, not all but some and my family celebrates Christmas. I am surrounded. Completely surrounded. All I can do is pray. And endure. And love them anyway. But the lights are pretty, the trees too. And I am horrified by it at the same time.

I see the flames surrounding them, they think I am going through a phase. Great contrast Pastor Rick.

Lorena is right, it needs to be said. May God be Glorified by your boldness for Him.

Just a quick report. I visit many blogs or websites and I am seeing in people's comments that more and more are coming out of the harlot church. They are also recognizing the deception of Christmas. I am seeing more and more of it. Praise God, the Spirit is moving. Feels like we are on the brink of something. I don't know but sometimes I feel sorrow and cannot tell where it comes from.

your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.

Cherie c. said...

I know I will be accused of being cold hearted by my comment, but so be it. I recognize the difference between compassion for someone and sentiment. My son was talking to me tonight about the lights on the house. He says he can't wait until he has his own someday and I am literally trying to be still in my seat, to keep quiet. Then he asks me where the photo of him and his older brother is from our first Christmas in our home and I love that picture. But I know if I give an inch, I will take the mile in compromise. I cannot let sentiment derail my walk. I must sound so cold. It does sound so cold, but I am not. Am I Pastor Rick? How can I expect God to move in this house if I sway? If I give in to my flesh? Can anyone understand the struggle? Anyone? I guess not.

No! It's not just a wreath. A wreath means something in pagan circles. Please go look it up! Even lights on the house has a meaning. Caryl Marciano did a video from the 90's on Christmas. Go watch it! It is really something to see. Yes, even candles have a pagan meaning. Jeremiah 10 talks about what we call today the Christmas Tree. We can find all historical meanings of all we do if you just google it. People used to decorate their homes to keep evil spirits out, but planting a flower garden is not the same thing. Paul also writes about food offered to idols. It is in 1 Corinthians 8. People make more excuses for why they do things then make a good case. It just boils down to accepting the truth. It is hard, but once presented and we ignore it, we will have to account for it too.

your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.

Rick Frueh said...

Just remember, Cherie, when the doctor gives you a prescription you do not take all the pills at once. Sometimes you must allow the Spirit to guide you in these things very carefully and with some patience.

Cherie c. said...

Yes, Pastor Rick, I am learning this, the hard way at times. But while taking it patiently, what if I die? There will be no time to be patient because my time will have run out. Paul wrote to the Galatians a short time after giving them the Gospel for them to mature quickly. Milk vs. Meat. We are now closer than ever to Jesus' return. Do we really have time to be patient? I thank you for your exhortation Pastor Rick.

History of the Wreath:

Ancient Greece and Rome

In the Greco-Roman world, wreaths were used as an adornment that could represent a person’s occupation, rank, their achievements and status. The wreath that was commonly used was the laurel wreath. The use of this wreath comes from the Greek myth involving Apollo, Zeus’ son and the god of life and light, who fell in love with the nymph Daphne. When he pursued her she fled and asked the river god Peneus to help her. Peneus turned her into a laurel tree. From that day, Apollo wore a wreath of laurel on his head. Laurel wreaths became associated with what Apollo embodied; victory, achievement and status and would later become one of the most commonly used symbols to address achievement throughout Greece and Rome. Laurel wreaths were used to crown victorious athletes at the original Olympic Games.[5]

Other types of plants used to make wreath crowns also had symbolic meaning. For example, oak leaves symbolized wisdom, and were associated with Zeus, who according to Greek mythology made his decisions while resting in an oak grove. The Twelve Tables, dating to 450 BC, refer to funeral wreaths as a long-standing tradition.[6]

Modern History of the Wreath:

Harvest wreath
A Scandinavian-style harvest wreath made of woven straw.

Harvest wreaths, a common household decoration today, are a custom with ancient roots in Europe. The creation of harvest wreaths in Europe can be traced back to ancient times, and is associated with animistic spiritual beliefs. In Ancient Greece, the harvest wreath was a sacred amulet, using wheat or other harvested plants, woven together with red and white wool thread. The harvest wreath would be hung by the door year-round.[7]

Harvest wreaths were an important symbol to the community in Ancient Greece, not merely to the farmer and his family. The festivals devoted to Dionysus, the Oschophoria and Anthesteria, included a ritual procession called the eiresîonê. A harvest wreath was carried to Pyanopsia and Thargelia by young boys, who would sing during the journey. The laurel or olive wreath would be hung at the door, and then offerings were made to Helios and the Hours. It was hoped that this ritual would bring protection against crop failure and plagues.[8]

In Poland, the harvest wreath (wieniec) is a central symbol of the Harvest Festival, Dozynki. Wreaths are made of different shapes and sizes, using harvested grain plants, fruit and nuts. The wreath is then brought to a church for a blessing by a priest. The tradition includes a procession to the family home from the church, with a girl or young woman leading the procession and carrying the wreath. The procession is followed with a celebration and feast.[9] Ukraine, Hungary, and other Eastern Europe cultures also have similar rituals that began as part of pre-Christian culture.

The crown of thorns put on Jesus' head in mockery was a wreath of thorns. Still think Christmas decorations are harmless?

Here is where I got the information from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreath

You can find all facts about the items used in this deceptive holiday if you just google it.

Cherie c. said...

The ancient Babylonians use the wreath as a symbol of female futility along with other natural symbols. This is worship of nature.

Like I said, I used every excuse in the book to celebrate this holiday of lies I loved it so much. But then I wasn't ready to put down my flesh like we're supposed to either. And at the Judgment Seat of Christ I will suffer loss for it. This is where we must choose who we serve, ourselves and man or God?

I have faced harsh criticism for not celebrating Christmas, and it hurt. But I can no longer willfully ignore the facts, and the truth.

Jesus said, "let no man deceive you. Many will come in my name."

They have and we, our parents etc fell for it hook, line , and sinker. Now is the time to reverse course and continue the race towards the prize, life with the Lord Jesus Christ!

An Emperor and a Pope in the 4th century propagated one of the biggest frauds (deception)of faith ever and even the Reformists didn't recognize it. If it was truly a time ordained by God, most of the world and Jewish people would not participate in it. It would be in the account of the life of the Apostles (The Book of Acts) But because they singled out two Gospels that describe the birth of the Messiah, people were led to believe this was an event to behold. What a great evil deception. Genius! And because no one could read the Word of God, it became ingrained in the world. The Reformation did nothing to eradicate this deception.

Then the western world (yes, America too) made it part religious and part pagan. Adding insult to injury.

No, we have been duped on a scale larger then we realize, but no one wants to take the step to get out of bondage to this lie. Do you not know that satan knows the Word too? He will use it against you, and twist it to damn you. When are we going to see the true light, not the angel of light?

Now here is a chance to be bold and "step out in faith" (used in the correct context, not the prosperity gospel way), and stand up for the faith, once delivered to the saints and not do something that we know is wrong in celebration of our faith in Christ? He is always faithful to us, when are we going to just endure the slander and be faithful to him.

Luke 18:29

29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

Sad huh? Here we profess our love for Christ, our defense of the Gospel, but fail to notice when we are not in line with His teachings. Jesus said,

Matthew 24:25
25 Behold, I have told you before.

He told us about deception. This is a big one. What I repented of is the years of wasted time with this day. I was blinded to this deception too. Resisted the thought it could be a lie. Why would my parents lie to me? Why would church lie to me? Because they are not saved! The proverbial blind leading the blind.

Let the Holy Spirit teach you all things that pertain to Christ. It will make you ponder things in your heart. Be open to the Holy Spirit of God and see for the first time His truth! Or, give in to the flesh and suffer loss at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The time for excuses is over. The return of Jesus is imminent.

Cherie c. said...

This will be the second year I will not be participating in Christmas. This is the last year I am doing "presents". Next year, God willing, it will be completely over for me as it pertains to Christmas. Yes, I have to pray about it because it will be in direct disobedience to my husband. I will risk it for my Savior. But, then again, I am praying to have this deception eradicated from the lives of my family. May God hear my prayer.

Mark 1:15

15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

I am sorry Pastor if this is long winded. I don't know why I am taking up this mantle against this day. It is just in me to do. I see the horror of brothers and sisters partaking in a time of evil revelry and I am sad. I see the damage I have done with my false worship in Christmas which I believe is why my sons are not in the Lord. It is my fault Pastor Rick. And I will answer for it too. I have dishonored my Savior and I am undone with guilt about it. I have repented, but still have more to repent. Does anyone realize that this one deception could send one to hell?

Exodus 20:3
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Does no one understand that Christmas is worship of another God?

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind, but now I see.

Glory and Honor and Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven for His GREAT Mercy, and His Grace.

your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.

Annette said...

Grateful for another post that challenges my faith in Christ Jesus. There is so much to comprehend here that it will be necessary for me to repeat this post throughout the Roman month of December. I appreciated the post penned last year by Pastor Rick, "Christmas, a Pathetic Idol" and dived into researching many of the celebrated aspects of this season. Needless to say, I was astounded at what I learned, much of it shocking my very being.

I had no idea what I was practicing most of my life; this festival called christmas. I was ignorant and was obedient to what I had been taught by the church/clergy/leadership system. Who would even think to question this practice called christmas, let alone easter. Not I in my youth or early adulthood.

But for now, I am thankful that God, the Holy Spirit revealed His truth to me through studying the Scriptures and listening to those who knew the truth and have proclaimed it in love. God, in His infinite mercy and grace, has been patient with me, of which I do not begin to even deserve.

So, for now, there is so much to be thankful for as we choose to worship our LORD in Spirit and Truth each and every day of our waking year.

continued.....

Annette said...

These Scriptures were precious to me today and a reminder of how short I fall so many times...

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowhsip of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfull my joy by being like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Philipians 2:1-5

And thank-you Cheri for the teachings concerning the wreath, for I have not researched this before. Very interesting and it is always a good day, I feel, when I can learn something new! I praise God for you often...and enjoy your personality too!

May our LORD Jesus Christ be with all of you. Blessings.

Cherie c. said...

Annette, your comment brought tears to my eyes. I am grateful for sisters like you. I often come across as harsh, but I am just crying out in warning.

You are precious in the sight of our Lord for your faith and courage to seek the truth. It is difficult, but with God the Holy Spirit, His Word and godly men we can endure to the end even with joy. When my eyes were opened I was so ashamed and convicted.

I do not deserve your kind words but am thankful for them and your prayers.

God bless you Annette.

your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.

Anonymous said...

I agree with always uplifting Annette. Cherie is being very courageous and compassionate in her "fight" for her family. Praise the LORD that she isn't behaving like a lifeless doormat in her Bible studies and prayer life!

Josef Sefton

Anonymous said...


When any man or woman is blessed by the holy presence of God they are purified, for His presence is pure love. Any keen observer can notice that Merry Christmas is made up of three component parts. Merry, Christ and mas(s).

Why does Christmas dishonor God? At this time of year a false christ called Santa Claus is taught to be the giver of gifts. This is a lie, for the true Christ is the Giver of gifts. This false christ is given or claims to have the attribute of merriment hence his ho ho ho. The true Christ has nothing in common with the make believe fictious Santa Claus. Those who worship the true Christ know that He is holy and that His love heals.


Dear readers, it is a wonderful thing to remember the birth of Chrisr because it reminds us of God's miraculous intervention in human history which culminated in Lord Jesus' atoning sacrifice at Calvary.

Truly loving Lord Jesus is risen!!

Josef Sefton

Anonymous said...

Much truth you presented Rick. We quit celebrating Christmas and Easter several years ago and suffered some from family. It was hard for them to understand and still don't but accept us as "different". After our eyes were opened to the truth of the origins of Christ Mass (Roman Catholic holiday) and Easter we can no longer celebrate either. Most of the goings on during those 2 holidays are pagan. Let's face it, Christmas is an idol to much of the world that even other religions celebrate Christmas along with confessed heathens. If you really face that truth you can no longer participate and pay the price of giving up an idol that most worship. If you can't stand up to the pressure of being "different", how are you going to stand when most are sticking out their right hand and taking the mark. May be time to start now to be "different". If one desires to know the truth about the origins of the 2 holidays, there is much out there on the web.
Randy