The One Thing You Need This Year - Scripture Dissection
/
RSS Feed
Share
Link
Embed
If you could choose only one thing you need this year more than anything else – what would you pick? That’s a hard question to answer. Actually, I’m not sure I could do it. Nevertheless, let’s see if God’s Word has any input about the one thing you need this year.
It’s Christmas week! How can you prepare your heartto receive Emmanuel in fresh new ways during busy Christmas week? In this content, we look at simple action steps to focus on Emmanuel: God With You. Preparing your heart is just as important as all the other preparations. Perhaps even more important.
I remember communion from when I was a child. Even as a youngster, I wanted to understand the bread and cup. But honestly, I did wonder why the bread was so “itty-bitty.” And the cup was barely a good swig! Don’t you remember sticking your tongue into that tiny cup and licking every drop out when you were a kid? Nevertheless, it was clear to me as a child, that communion is not a meal – or even a snack. It’s about celebrating a precious sacrament – and remembering. Today, let’s take a fresh look at communion.
As we explore “Little gods,” I’m thinking about a superhero movie – The Avengers. There’s an exchange between the Black Widow and Captain America. Oddly, they are discussing whether to go after Thor and Loki. If you’re familiar with the Marvel superhero movies, you’ll remember the conversation –
Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow):I’d sit this one out, Cap!
Steve Rogers (Captain America):I don’t see how I can!
Natasha Romanoff:These guys come from legend. They’re basically gods.
Steve Rogers: There’s only one God, Ma’am, and I’m pretty sure He doesn’t dress like that!
You know, it’s one thing to talk about make-belief superheroes as “gods.” But to talk about people like you and me being gods? Realistically, that’s a stretch! Interestingly, Scripture does. Consequently, what practical application does “little gods” have for you?
You know the story from Lord of the Rings. Beautiful Arwen loves Aragorn. However, Aragorn left to protect Frodo on his quest. Incidentally, he’ll end up fighting a war. Unfortunately, He may never return. As a result, Arwen is overcome. And she lingers in middle earth rather than join her kin to travel to their forever home. Having remained, she has a conversation with her elf-father. Interestingly, Arwen clings to hope. And she wants to know how to live in hope.
Elrond: “He is not coming back. Why do you linger when there is no hope?”
Arwen: “There is still hope.”
Elrond: “If Aragorn survives this war, You will still be parted.”
Sadly, Arwen’s dad doesn’t sound very hopeful, does he?
Do you remember that funny scene in Shrek? The donkey is behind a group of people in a crowd. Shrek is going to choose a companion. And as Shrek considers his options, all you see is the donkey jumping up – over and over in the background. You don’t see him – and then you do! Over and over. As he jumps high enough to be seen above the group, he’s yelling something – “Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!” Interestingly, all people feel this way at times. Subsequently, it’s noteworthy and meaningful to remember God purposefully picks you.
So what does “Pick me!” really look like? Read More …
The Christmas season is almost here! Many people are getting excited. How about you? Christmas tree, lights, candles, beautiful music, gifts, special foods, and Advent. In fact, Advent starts in just a few days.
Incidentally, have you wondered what Advent is about? What’s the purpose? What value does Advent bring to your modern, extremely busy life – especially during one of the busiest months of the year?
I’ve known a handful of people who know just what to say in any given moment. Their words are refreshing and fitting. Afterall, “The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl.”(Prov. 25:11) But I’ve also known people who definitely do not have that skill. So, it’s reasonable to conclude – your words matter. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to express words of strong gratitude to family, friends, to God, and into your own soul. Today’s content explores how your words matter.
You’ve heard of the song “It Had To Be You,” haven’t you? It’s a popular song composed by Isham Jones, lyrics by Gus Kahn, published on May 9, 1924. So, it’s an “oldie-but-goodie.” It’s been covered by many people, including Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble with Barbra Streisand. Well, I’d like to cover “It Had To Be You” in today’s content.